travel guide – Jellybeans in the City

8 ways to explore the Bay Area without breaking the bank

The Bay Area is one of the most iconic and culturally rich regions in the United States, with a unique blend of natural beauty, diversity, and history. From the stunning vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge to the vibrant cultural scene of San Francisco, there are countless reasons to explore this dynamic region.

Exploring the Bay Area can be a dream come true for many, but it can also be expensive. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to experience the Bay Area’s beauty and culture without breaking the bank.

Here are some tips for exploring the Bay Area on a budget:

Take advantage of public transportation

The Bay Area has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trains, and ferries. Use the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) to travel to and from major cities like San Francisco and Oakland, and take the bus or ferry to explore nearby destinations like Sausalito and Alameda.

Visit the Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Bay Area, and it’s completely free to walk or bike across the bridge. Bring a picnic and enjoy the stunning views of the city and the bay.

Be sure to check out Point Bonita Lighthouse while you’re there. Explore the rugged coastal landscape, walk across a suspension bridge, and visit the historic lighthouse for a glimpse into the area’s maritime history.

Explore the Presidio

The Presidio is a national park that offers hiking trails, beaches, and picnic areas. Admission to the park is free, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore the park’s natural beauty and historical sites.

Visit free museums and cheap attractions

There are several museums in the Bay Area that offer free admission on certain days or at specific times. Check out the Contemporary Jewish Museum, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the Asian Art Museum for free or discounted admission.

Explore iconic landmarks

The Bay Area is also known for its iconic landmarks that showcase the region’s rich history and breathtaking views. Make sure to landmarks such as include Coit Tower and Lombard Street in your itinerary:

Located atop Telegraph Hill in San Francisco, Coit Tower offers panoramic views of the city and the bay. Climb to the top of this Art Deco tower and take in the stunning vistas while admiring the beautiful murals inside.

Known as the “crookedest street in the world,” Lombard Street in San Francisco is a must-visit attraction. Marvel at the tight turns and beautiful flowerbeds as you drive or walk down this iconic street.

Go to the beach

The Bay Area has several beautiful beaches, including Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Half Moon Bay. Pack a picnic, bring a book, and spend a day relaxing on the beach.

Take a hike

The Bay Area is known for its beautiful hiking trails, and many of them are free. Check out the Muir Woods National Monument, Mount Tamalpais State Park, and Point Reyes National Seashore for stunning views and memorable hikes.

Check out Silicon Valley

While it may not be the first destination that comes to mind for many tourists, it is a fascinating and unique place to visit for anyone interested in science, engineering, and entrepreneurship. The area is home to numerous tech giants, including Google, Apple, and Facebook, as well as the NASA Gift Shop. Aside from being a hub for venture capital and start-up companies, Silicon Valley is also known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities.

Book Your Lodging at Airbnb.

Booking your lodging at Airbnb can be an affordable and comfortable way to explore the Bay Area. You can find options that are much cheaper than hotels, and you can often get access to a full kitchen to cook your own meals. Your hosts may also point out local areas of interest such as affordable dining spots and shopping centers.

Exploring the Bay Area on a budget is easy when you take advantage of these tips and resources. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s plenty to see and do without spending a fortune.

Pictures were taken during a family trip to the US in 2019.

Seattle on a Shoestring: 7 Ways to Save Money While Seeing the Sights

Seattle, with its breathtaking views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains, and its rich cultural and culinary scene, is a must-visit destination.

Seattle is a city that offers something for everyone, making it a great destination for travelers. The city boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and music venues. Seattle is also known for its natural beauty, with stunning views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The city is also famous for its coffee culture and innovative culinary scene, which offers a range of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. Additionally, Seattle is a hub for technology and innovation, with several major tech companies headquartered in the city. Exploring Seattle is not only a great way to experience all of these highlights, but it’s also an opportunity to immerse oneself in the city’s unique vibe and laid-back Pacific Northwest lifestyle.

While Seattle is known for its high cost of living, it is possible to explore the city on a budget. Here are some tips for exploring Seattle without breaking the bank:

Visit free attractions

Seattle has several free attractions, including the Olympic Sculpture Park, the Seattle Central Public Library, and the Frye Art Museum. The Seattle Art Museum also offers free admission on the first Thursday of every month.

Take a stroll around the city

Seattle has many beautiful neighborhoods, such as Capitol Hill, Fremont, and Ballard, that are perfect for exploring on foot. Pike Place Market is also a great place to stroll, people-watch and window-shop.

Go on a hike

Seattle is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. There are several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the city, such as the Discovery Park Loop Trail and the West Tiger Mountain Trail.

Enjoy the outdoors

Seattle has several parks and green spaces that are perfect for a picnic or a day out with family and friends. Volunteer Park, Gas Works Park, Kerry Park and Green Lake Park are some popular options.

Visit the waterfront

The Seattle Waterfront is a popular destination with several attractions, including the Seattle Aquarium, the Great Wheel, and the Ye Olde Curiosity Shop. While some of these attractions can be expensive, simply strolling along the waterfront and enjoying the views is free.

Take advantage of happy hours

Seattle is known for its craft beer and cocktail scene, and many bars and restaurants offer happy hour specials. This is a great way to sample some of Seattle’s culinary offerings without breaking the bank.

Experience its coffee culture

Many coffee shops offer affordable drip coffee, which is often just as delicious as the more expensive artisanal drinks. Look for coffee shops that offer happy hour specials, such as Caffe Vita in Capitol Hill, which offers half-priced drip coffee during certain hours. Some cafes, like Cherry Street Coffee House, even offer free coffee refills. Additionally, many coffee shops offer discounts if you bring your own reusable cup. Visiting the original Starbucks in Pike Place Market is also a must-do for coffee lovers, and while the prices may be a bit higher than other coffee shops, it’s still possible to enjoy an iconic Seattle latte or cappuccino without overspending.

Take a self-guided walking tour of Microsoft’s Redmond Campus

The Microsoft campus is large and sprawling, and it is primarily a working campus and not designed for tourism or public access, but you can still get a good sense of its size and layout by taking a self-guided walking tour. There are several public paths and trails around the campus that offer great views of the buildings and the surrounding area. You can also visit the Microsoft Visitor Center, which has interactive exhibits that showcase Microsoft’s products and history.

Use public transportation

Seattle has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, light rail, and ferries. Using public transportation is an affordable and eco-friendly way to get around the city.

Seattle offers many budget-friendly options for exploring the city. By taking advantage of free attractions, enjoying the outdoors, and using public transportation, frugal travelers can experience the best of Seattle without overspending.

Visiting Seattle anytime soon? Book your car rental or your accommodations here.

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Three things to know for your snowy adventure at Mount Rainier, WA

Having lived all my life in a tropical country, I have never experienced snow. Actually, I’m very sensitive to cold weather and prone to feeling the chills when the temperature drops so I have accepted that experiencing snow will never be a reality.

That changed when my bro decided to take Hubby, the kids and myself to Mount Rainier in Washington State during the fam’s US trip.

Famed Scottish-American naturalist John Muir once said, “Of all the fire mountains which like beacons, once blazed along the Pacific Coast, Mount Rainier is the noblest.”

Mount Rainier truly offers a lot of awesome sights to behold. And if you’re planning a similar trip to this famous attraction, here are some things you might like to know:

1. It was formed by volcanic activity and is, in fact, an active volcano.

At 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier stands at the center of the country’s fifth national park and is the most glaciated peak in the continental United States. It is a product of many prehistoric volcanic activities as evidenced by basalt columns and other remnants of early eruptions and lava flows.

Active steam vents, intermittent earth tremors and its previous eruptions indicate that Mount Rainier is sleeping, not dead. Set your mind at ease, though: there are seismic monitoring stations throughout the place that should be able to provide warning of impending eruptions days in advance. You should still watch out for other geologic activities that occur with little warning such as rock falls and debris flows. If you happen to be near a river and notice a rapid rise in water level or prolonged ground tremors and rumbling noise, the park advises to head on to higher ground, 200 feet above river level should be safe.

2. Its landscape is ever-changing.

From a distance, Mount Rainier may seem solid and permanent but, up close, it constantly changes. This spring, melting snow reveal subalpine meadows with flowers that rapidly bloom for pollinating insects, and foraging animals ensure the continuity of life despite the summer that lasts for only two months.

As a wanderer, you also need to be prepared for the changing conditions on the mountain such as retracing hiking routes, snow avalanches, rushing streams and changing weather. Gear up for potential difficulties you may encounter when you decide to go hiking, snow boarding or climbing.

Our group, for example, was initially planning to enjoy the views at Sunrise, the highest point in the park reachable by car but closed roads going to the area made us change our plans to go to visit Longmire, the Narada Falls and the Paradise Visitors Center instead.

Factoring in some flexibility in your sightseeing will ensure that everyone still has a good time despite changes in plans. Be sure to note road closure signs and other safety notices on the way. You can dial 9-1-1 from any phone located within the park for emergency assistance.

3. Its wilderness is home to diverse fauna.

Beyond the roads, parking lots and visitor centers is sprawling wild land: over 97 percent of the Mount Rainier National Park is protected by the 1964 Wilderness Act that keeps it free from development. Here, animals such as black bears, beavers, mountain goats, spotted owls and the recently reintroduced Pacific fishers, can roam and live freely in the thick forests, lush meadows, rushing rivers and sparkling lakes.

While exploring Mount Rainier, you can take the opportunity to enjoy all the relaxing green spaces to recharge and reinvigorate yourself away from the stresses of city living. You can also take in the wonders of nature that are in abundance in the area, thanks to the conservation efforts of the National Parks Service.

Mount Rainier National Park is located in East Ashford, Washington, 90 miles (about 2 hours drive) from Seattle. The park charges USD30 (Php1,565) for every passenger vehicle, or USD25 (Php1,304) for every motorcycle. Walk-ins and bicyclists are charged USD15 (Php783).

For more details about the Mount Rainier National Park, visit its website.

Check out the other attractions the fam and I visited during our US trip: