As the cost of travel continues to rise, more people are looking for frugal activities and cheap airline tickets to keep up travel expenses.  After finding a reasonably priced ticket and settling into comfortable accommodations, turning to free – or close to free – attractions and activities can make the frugal trip that much more worthwhile.  Almost every city has its own set of free attractions to discover and explore, and many overlooked destinations continue to be a popular weekend activity for residents.  If you’re committed to keeping up with your budget this travel season, here are some simple ways to find free attractions in any city:
1.  Consult the Visitors Bureau.  Every city has its own tourist outpost set up at the Visitor and Convention Bureau, and many of the organization’s websites list some popular activities – and their costs – for the avid traveler.  You can also call these agencies to inquire about any free events or attractions in the area, and you’ll be surprised at the list of activities that truly are free of charge.
2.  Don’t forget the gardens!  Botanical and sculpture gardens are often overlooked when it comes to finding free things to do, and most cities have at least one that is open to the public free of charge.  Check up on hours and age limitations by visiting the organization’s website and look forward to a unique experience.
3. Look for free museum passes.  Some museums and galleries charge admission fees throughout the week, but many offer free admission on select days.  If you’re heading out on your trip during the week, don’t be surprised to stumble across a few museums and art galleries that offer free admission during the first half of the workweek.
4. Head to an outdoor concert.  Outdoor concerts in the city square or at a city park are great ways to enjoy the great outdoors and take in some free music.  You can find a listing of concerts through the local newspaper, or even by contacting the Visitors Bureau.
5. Go people watching at the park or café.  Cafes, bistros and city parks are fun and free destinations to just sit back and people watch.  You’ll get a taste of local culture and can enjoy the area from a new perspective.

If you’ve been considering taking an exotic vacation this summer, there’s yet another reason to head to the Hawaiian Islands this season – the Aloha Festival.  The Aloha Festivals are a cultural tradition held on the islands at the end of the summer, and attract over a million people for an eight-week celebration.  This year, things will kick off in early September, and events are sponsored by the Hawaii Tourism Authority.  The Aloha Festival tradition began in 1946 as a grassroots cultural celebration organized by a local group of Jaycees.  It was a way to honor Hawaiian heritage and celebrate the spirit of Hawaii throughout the islands; it continues to be the largest statewide festival of the area, and includes several unique parades, pageants, dance performances and arts and crafts showcases.

Travelers are already booking flights to Hawaii this summer, hoping to catch some of the  festivities on each Island throughout September and October. The opening celebration is scheduled for  9:30 a.m. on September 12 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, and ‘block party’ events start at 6:30 p.m. the following night in the Royal Court.  This year promises to offer eight stages of entertainment that open with a hula halau, lei vendors and hula crafters scattered across Kalakaua Avenue, and then special events taking place on each of the islands for the remaining eight weeks.

The colorful ceremonies and traditional rituals offer visitors of all ages a chance to enjoy some of the rich culture and local events that continue to live on throughout the islands. Most of these traditions and rituals are a combination of Pacific, Western and Asian cultures, and include music and dance performances, traditional food, floral parades and sports competitions.  Over 30,000 volunteers are in charge of organizing the festivities to ensure all events run smoothly, and encourage visitors from all backgrounds to take part in this Hawaiian tradition.

Beer is the world’s most popular alcoholic beverage. It is celebrated throughout the year at different festivals. These range from wine-tasting-like events to all out bacchanals with music, dancing, and food. Of the thousands of beer-themed events, 20 festivals stand out either for the quality of their beer or the sheer size of the party.

Let the count down begin:

20. Mondial de la Biere. This Montreal-based festival is all about craft beers and a great atmosphere. Aside from a handful of larger participants, this is an event that is almost exclusively made up of small batch breweries. The Biere gets poured annually, in late spring/early summer.

19. National Winter Ales Festival. This is Great Britain’s second largest festival. It showcases the best winter ales in the U.K. Think thick and flavorful beers like stouts and porters. The NWAF has a big sister, the Great British Beer Festival (#5 on our list). This winter version was initiated in 1997 to give more of the spotlight to these seasonal brews that are often not available during the summer festival season. For fans of darker beers, this is a great bet.

Find  airline flights to the top beer festival cities now using LowFares.

18. Annual Australian Beer Festival. This young festival is held near Sydney’s picturesque harbor. It features boutique-style brews from across the continent. Held in late October (that’s springtime Down Under), the event is only three years old, but one of the biggest draws for beer aficionados from all across New South Wales.

17. Bitter and Twisted International Boutique Beer Festival. This one is purely Australian. Located in the Sydney area, it features the nation’s best microbrews in a fun, extremely laid-back environment. Some food journalists call Bitter and Twisted the quintessential Australian beer drinking experience. Aside from craft beers, there is music and dancing (sometimes at the same time, although that doesn’t seem to be a requirement). The event also boasts a surprisingly wide array of local and international cuisine.

16. Qingdao International Beer Festival. This is one of China’s largest beer festivals. The beer might not compare to other boutique festivals’ offerings, but the energy and atmosphere are second to none. There are ongoing performances, both kitschy and cultural, and plenty of food to accompany the good spirited imbibing. Also, there is a karaoke stage that resembles an arena concert. If you have fantasies of singing in front of thousands, this is your place.

15. World Beer Festival, Durham. Over one hundred breweries participate in this annual summertime event in North Carolina. It’s a great place for micro-brews, as well as for atmosphere. Think Bluegrass music, lots of people (partiers and aficionados alike), and a famed venue. The event is held in the Durham baseball stadium. That’s right, the place where that classic film, Bull Durham, was shot.

14. Cardiff University Real Ale and Cider Festival. This one is unique because it is one of the largest student-run festivals in the world. Over 80 types of ale are on tap, as is plenty of the titular cider. All this occurs in an energetic and historic setting of a storied academic institution. There is live music and no commercial bent whatsoever (the proceeds go to charity). This has to be one of the purest festivals in Europe.

13. Canada Cup of Beer. This Vancouver-based event features hundreds of varieties of beer from specially invited brewers. Arguably the best collection of craft brews north of the border. A jury awards prizes for the best of the best.

12. Singapore’s Beer Festival. This one wins the award for most spectacular. It is part of the festivities surrounding Singapore’s Formula One race. The festival features worldwide brewing companies and is also a who’s who of Singapore, with corporate honchos rubbing shoulder with the public.

11. St. Louis Brewers Heritage Fest. Wow. Who knew that there was more to the beer scene of STL than Budweiser? In fact, there is a glut of craft brewers in the area producing beverages tasty enough to attract world-class aficionados. The event is held outdoors in early May and features food and a decent atmosphere as well as some great suds.

10. Great Irish Beer Festival. This Galway-based fete showcases some of the best microbrews on the Emerald Isle. It is held in late October, and, like one would expect from any event that can be described in one sentence with the words beer and Irish included, the atmosphere is almost sublime.

9. Czech Beer Festival. This massive event is held at the Prague Fairgrounds each June. The best Czech breweries pour their finest brews for all comers. Yes, Czech beers are amongst Europe’s finest, but what really makes this event is all the extras. Aside from brewers, the country’s best butchers, sausage makers, and specialty chefs are there sampling out their products.

8. Great American Beer Festival. Like Portland, Oregon, Denver is a great beer city. Microbrews abound and the populatioshows a keen appreciation for a good mug of suds. The quality of the beer being sampled here is second only to Portland’s beer festival. The atmosphere resembles a kind of mini-Oktoberfest. Denver is, arguably, one of the most beer crazy cities in the U.S. and it shows at GABF. The proceedings can get insanely crowded and noisy. But it’s all part of the atmosphere, and, if you come for the craft beers, you won’t be disappointed.

7. Kerstbierfestival. This Belgian festival has all the right ingredients for a first class event. Things are laid back, not noisy and drunken. It is about the bier here. Seasonal craft beers are on sample. Because of the small batches, the event is more about a passion for brewing than it is a commercial venture.

6. Brewtopia: The Great World Beer Festival. This New York based event is held late in October. Because of the diversity of beers, it has been dubbed the United Nations of Beer. However, it is not the large event that the name might suggest. 20,000 attendees taste some of the world’s finest craft brews. A jury doles out awards to the finest of the participants. Brewtopia is more about craft brews gaining a bit of notoriety than it is about atmosphere. It is, nonetheless, a great event for aficionados.

5. Great British Beer Festival. This late summer festival is HUGE. 400-plus English breweries join 200 from the mainland and overseas to create an event with almost innumerable tasting options. Held in Earl’s Court in London, this festival crowns the Champion Beer of Britain. The best aspect, though, is that GBBF is staffed entirely by volunteers. It takes the commercial edge off the proceedings and makes it a bit more enjoyable.

4. Great Japan Beer Festival. Outside of Germany, no other nation loves their beer as much as Japan. This three-city summertime festival moves from Osaka to Tokyo to Yokohama. It is at these events that Japan shrugs off its “only watery lager” stereotype. There are well over 100 craft brews available for sampling in each city. And, this being Japan, things get crowded. While this might cause some spillage, it makes for an unbeatable atmosphere.

3. Berlin Beer Festival. It’s not quite Oktoberfest, but who can complain when there is a 2 km-long “beer garden” running through downtown Berlin. The vibe is a bit more laid back than one might expect. It is not the overly stimulating atmosphere of Munich’s Oktoberfest. At B.B.F. it’s mostly about the beer, and experiencing summer in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.

2. Oregon Brewer’s Festival. Portland has more microbreweries per capita than any major city in Germany. While the beer-making traditions might not run as deep (O.B.F. is a mere 21 years old in 2008), this is surely the best place to sample beer in the U.S. In 2008, 72 breweries have been invited to take part. The participants do not only constitute Portland’s best, but also the nation’s best. This is THE place to come if you want to try hundreds of microbrews without having to walk more than two city blocks.

1. Oktoberfest. What else could hold the top spot? Sure, Oktoberfest is celebrated everywhere, but the real deal is in Munich. In 2008, it is estimated that 6 million people will travel to Munich for this greatest of all sudsy bacchanals (despite it’s title, Oktoberfest starts in mid-September and ends in early Oktober, I mean, October.). Yes, Oktoberfest is about tasty beers and diverse choices, but it also about food, gigantic beer steins, singing, and good times. Even people who don’t like hops will have a great time.

Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city and crowds doesn’t mean you have to give up the comforts of civilization. There are many Dude Ranches that offer the chance to get away from it all in comfort and style. You can spend the day being rough-n-tumble, like a real cowboy and then spend the nights eating gourmet meals. The variety of ranches that you have to choose from is almost as varied as the people who come to visit.

The Hideout in Shell, Wyoming is one of the oldest and largest working guest ranches you will find. This one of a kind get away was established about 100 years ago and stands on over a quarter million acres. The experience is designed for adults and caters to their needs and expectations. The chefs are well trained and will prepare gourmet meals throughout the day that will stay on your mind long after you have gone. If rounding up cattle is not your idea of the perfect vacation, the Hideout offers plenty of other activities for you to enjoy.

The C Lazy U Ranch in Granby, Colorado is designed to create an atmosphere of enjoyment for the whole family. It offers all the luxuries and amenities that you might want in your vacation and still provides a real cowboy feel. There are programs specifically designed for the kids (complete with counselors), stone fireplaces in the bedrooms, and daily housekeeping (always good for relaxing). The dining is just as impressive, with specialties including Rosemary Rack of Lamb, Rocky Mountain Trout and, of course, Aged Western Beef. Kids dine with peers and counselors and give the grownups time alone.

Hawaii may not be the first place you think of when you consider a vacation at a dude ranch. After just one look at Molokai Ranch you will change your mind. This 65,000 acre refuge offers beach front accommodations, gold, and all the horseback riding you could desire. It is located on Molokai Island between Oahu and Maui and will give you the Hawaiian vacation you have always dreamed of experiencing.

Dude Ranches offer so much more than just a riding experience. Many of them offer gourmet meals, programs (similar to camp) for children, hunting, fishing and even spa services. The great thing about taking a ranch vacation is that you can choose to visit almost any state and almost any country in order to enjoy one. The only limit to your dude ranch vacation is your imagination (and maybe your budget).

Music is said to be the universal language. Listening to music is the perfect way for most people to spend the evening, the weekend, or the week. Music festivals are the perfect way to combine a love for music with a visit to a new town.

City Stages is a World-Class Music Festival held in downtown Birmingham, Alabama in the third weekend in June. There are more than 125 performances on 9 stages and performances areas around the downtown area. It is family friendly, offers arts as well as music and will be an event that you have to return to year after year.

Austin City Limits Music Festival is an incredible weekend of music from almost every genre. It is held in September in Zilker Park, Austin, Texas. There are over 130 performances on 8 different stages set up around the festival. The festival also offers amazing food and drinks and arts exhibits. It is a great time for the whole family.

Big Spring Jam is hosted by the “Rocket City,” Huntsville, Alabama and is located in the heart of the city. Each September the Big Spring Park is transformed into a music Mecca. It is one of the largest music festivals in the Southeastern United States and one of the top ten September events in the region.

Summerfest is considered to be the World’s Largest Music Festival. It is situated on 75 acres along the shores of Lake Michigan in downtown Milwaukee. The festival lasts for 11 days and live shows are performed on 13 stages (including the Marcus Amphitheater).

SummerStage in Central Park, New York, New York offers concerts, dance, theater programs and even kids arts events. The best part about this event is that it is free. It was developed as a way to increase audiences’ appreciation for the contemporary, traditional and emerging arts (and artists) in the area.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival started in 1970. Today it is a 10 day cultural fest with musicians, cooks and craftspeople filling the streets of New Orleans. It features lots of jazz and most music associated with that style (Cajun, blues, gospel, and everything in between). You will enjoy contemporary and traditional music at the festival.

Music festivals are a great way (and reason) to see the country and to enjoy some fine music along the way. The larger venues offer a wide variety of artists and styles that are sure to treat all the members (and tastes) in your family.

It is one thing to study the historic battles that made this country what it is today. It takes the study to a new level when you can walk the battlefields where it all took place. For the ultimate historic experience, you need only attend on of the many battle re-creations that are held all over the United States.

January - Brooksville Raid Festival, Florida is where the battle of Hernando County is recreated. Proceeds from the event go to the Boy Scouts and the Heritage Museum.

February - The Battle of Aiken, South Carolina, includes two full days of activities. It has one the Dr. James Butler national award for the best living history event.

March - The Battle of Roanoke Island, North Carolina, is a full weekend of living history. There are reenactments and demonstrations of period crafts and trades.

April - Corinth Civil War Heritage Day and Confederate Memorial Day, Mississippi, commemorates the sacrifices made by our ancestors. Experience some of the fighting that took place in October 1862.

May - Battle of Port Jefferson, Texas, is the largest reenactment in Texas. It includes battles, a ball, a parade, and a tour of local homes.

June - March to Destiny, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, features re-enactors of Union and Confederate soldiers. It includes a Victorian Ball, a tactical battle, and blaring cannons.

July - Annual Gettysburg Civil War Battle Reenactment, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, commemorates one of the most intense battles of the Civil War. Experience the Pyrotechnics that will make the battle come to life.

August - The Battle of Dry Creek, Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, is two days of skirmishes. You’ll also experience live cannon fire and even a night shoot.

September - Allison Woods Living History & Reenactment, Statesville, North Carolina, is a living history walk and a battle reenactment. There are various displays and plenty of activities.

October - Battle of Pea Ridge, Bentonville, Arkansas, includes 3 battles, a dance, and a symposium by noted authors. It’s a great place to experience all the elements of that time in history.

Finding a battle reenactment is not that difficult. Although the United States is young, the freedom was hard fought for. Almost anytime of the year you can find a place where history comes alive with battle reenactments, period dances, and re-enactors dressed in period outfits ready to guide you through the moments in time. Make history a part of your next vacation.

The northeast corner of the United States is home to many amazing cultural scenes, historic moments, and ethnic diversity. Many of the most unique and significant of these have been marked by fairs and festivals that fill the calendar and offer a small taste of what the region has to offer.

Taste of Chicago started in 1980 and has slowly managed to grow to be one of the world’s largest outdoor food fests. It is held around the 4th of July (2008 dates are June 27 through July 6). Admission is free, but you will have to pay for the food with tickets that are purchased in strips. The festival includes fireworks (held on the 3rd), musical performances, and much more.

While many cities around the globe celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Boston’s celebration dates back over 100 years. The celebration begins on the weekend and carries over to the parade that is one of the largest in the country. The events include special shows, live entertainment and lots of green.

Taste of Buffalo is another amazing food festival held each year in Buffalo, New York on Delaware Avenue and Niagara Square. Some of the area’s best restaurants are represented at the event. The normal dates fall in mid-July (2008 dates are July 12th & July 13th), but the temperatures are usually fairly mild.

“America’s Fair” is held in Hamburg, New York every August. The Erie County Fair and Exposition is the second largest event held in the state. It is one of the largest state fairs held in the United States. What began in 1819 as a place for the Erie County Agricultural Society to show off their wares has evolved into a major event with attractions and entertainment that the whole family will enjoy.

Shakespeare in the Park is a classic festival held every year in Central Park, New York, New York. The plays are performed in an open-air theater through out the summer and are completely free to attend. The past performances have drawn big named actors, but all of the shows are top quality and the atmosphere is unique to the Big Apple.

The northeast is full of diversity and excitement. The many fairs and festivals that are held through out the region offer a small taste of the communities that the represent. Plan your next getaway around one of the major fairs or festivals, or check into the many regional and local fairs that are held. You can find something unique to do almost any month that you are willing to travel.

The interest in the paranormal has always been strong for some people. They read all the books they can find and watch all the movies. Now it’s possible to meld your vacation and your fascination into one experience. Take a haunted tour and see if you can scare up a ghost or two to add to your travel experiences.

The King of Horror stories – the word master Stephen King – was once so affected by his experience at the Stanley Hotel that he penned The Shining. The entire forth floor of the hotel is supposed to be the most active. It was once the home of the servants at the hotel. It is said that the halls will be full of the sounds of children even when no children are present. There have also been reports of the piano in the music room playing (with the keys moving and everything) even when no one was present. There is also a child that has been seen by many - even reportedly by Steven King which might explain a few things about his book.

The entire city of New Orleans is shrouded in mystery, myth and legends. When you mix in the tradition of Voodoo you get the perfect place for hauntings and ghosts. The fact that the dead are not buried in New Orleans Parrish (because the entire area is below city level) and instead are housed in crypts and mausoleums probably adds to the haunted air of the city.

Hollywood hosts one of the most star-studded hauntings of anywhere in the world. The reflection of Marilyn Monroe is said to show up in the full length mirror that was originally located in her suite and some guests have reported seeing her dancing in the ballroom. The music from Montgomery Clift’s trumpet allegedly fills the halls of the ninth floor. With the incredible list of guests that have walked these halls, it’s no surprise that some unusual things go on there still.

Scotland is full of ancient castles, and many of them have ghosts that wander the halls and corridors. Some of the ghosts are said to be friendly with the guests (offering them a peaceful nights sleep or even healing the sick on rare occasions) while others seemed doomed to relieve their tragic moments. Many of the hauntings come from lost love (because of prearranged marriages to others), murder, insanity or a combination of the three. There are enough ghostly apparitions that have been reported in the country to keep you on vacation for quite a while.

There are plenty of opportunities to visited haunted sites through out the world. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, many of these sites will have your hair standing on end and you constantly looking over your shoulder.

Most people are looking for a unique or memorable experience when they choose to travel. Festivals and Expos can offer educational, entertainment, and cultural experiences not available anywhere else. The best thing is that these events can be found all during the year and all around the country.

The South has had a volatile history and some experts say it is still not settled. That hasn’t stopped the region from establishing some of the top festivals in the country.

• The National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee is known around the world as the place to hear tales of every shape, form and fashion. It is three days of amazing stories and lively entertainers.

•  The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is an icon of the city. Even Hurricane Katrina couldn’t stop this amazing event. It is a blend of internationally renowned guests whose music fills two full weekends in the streets of New Orleans.

• The Will Rogers Festival, held in Guntersville, Alabama, may be a new comer to the festival rounds but it is quickly making its mark. There are performances of the “Will Rogers Follies,” hands on activities, and entertainment filling the streets. It has already received honors as one of the top festivals in Alabama.

• The Kentucky Derby Festival has something for everyone - from a marathon run (for people that is) to a spelling be or fashion show. It even has one of the largest firework displays in the country.

• The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE), held in historic Charleston, South Carolina, is the largest wildlife art and nature event in the United States. There are plenty of paintings, carvings and sculptures available for purchase and the many exhibits, presentations and lectures give you plenty of opportunities to learn all you ever wanted to know about wildlife.

• Pick a fruit and there is likely at least one state that holds a festival in honor of that fruit. In Plant City, Florida, it is the Florida Strawberry Festival. Here you will find exhibits of every kind - from crafts to livestock to agriculture to fine arts. There are plenty of social events, entertainment, and contests through out the festival season.

Festivals are a great way to enjoy a slice of American culture while visiting a new part of the land. If you look around, you can find plenty of festivals to keep you busy traveling and enjoying the whole year through.