A new trip around the sun...where to adventure now? Plus more travel tips!

Planning a new year filled with new adventures is soooo exciting!

With a fresh calendar comes fresh adventures. Exciting new places and treasured old friends. While we have no international plans right now, anything is possible since we live so close to one of the largest airports in the world. Yea Haw O'Hare!
Our current plan is to take one weekend a month and go someplace. Where? We aren't sure yet. This is going to be an epic adventure!!!

Mark and I have both been blessed to have a love for and the frugality to find ways to travel both domestically and internationally. Mark having visited 43 states and me 34. And countries: Mark 25 and me 25 (although not the same 25...23 are together).

First up (maybe) is Denver at the end of the month. I need to catch up on these states!!! Of course going to Denver Mark will get to check off another one so he will still have way more than me, but I am coming for you Iowa and New Hampshire and Maine!!!

This possible quick jaunt to Denver brings me to a few more travel tips... 

• There are several sites to search for low cost airfare.  Some of our favorites are airfarewatchdog.com, exitfares.com, and googleflights.com. Travelzoo.com also has some fun deals on things other than flights such as hotels, cruises, and entire travel packages.
• Don't be afraid to check big airports that may be a few hours away, because the cost savings on the flights could be hundreds of dollars. We have flown from Canada more than once because of the exchange rates and the significant cost savings on the flights themselves.
• Embrace the lowcost airlines such as Spirit and Frontier (domestically) and Ryan Air and Easy Jet (European). These airlines can have fare sales that make trips cheaper than you may have ever thought possible, just be aware of what consists of a carry-on and the dimensions. And know that checked bags can cost more than the flight. 
• Learn to layer.
• Use vacuum storage bags and ziplocks to maximize your packing and learn to roll your clothes tight so you can get more in!
• Packing cube are also a great option.
• Remember you can always pick up forgotten or items you couldn't fit in when you get to your destination.
• UPS, FedEx, or USPS your items that don't fit to your hotel or choice of lodging. 

Have you ever been to Denver or the surrounding areas? Are there any must dos on a short trip in the winter (and no 1/2 of us don't ski nor would outdoor sports be a focus).