The Maryland Tourism & Travel Summit 2024, which took place from November 6th to 8th, saw the Maryland Tourism Coalition (MTC), like in the last 50 years, unite all segments of the state’s tourism and 300 delegates to develop Maryland tourism.
This event is likely to impact tourism and the state’s economy. We can expect many developments in amenities and infrastructure, with names like American Airlines, United Airlines, Quality Inn, and Holiday Inn Express Easton, an IHG Hotel, participating in the event.
Further, thanks to proximity to airports like the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Maryland remains accessible to tourists across the globe.
Moreover, the free things to do in Maryland, like Exploring the Battle Creek Cypress Swamp or visiting the Salisbury Zoo, make Maryland a tourist’s delight. So, despite being considered one of the more expensive states of the USA, you can plan a budget-friendly itinerary here.
If you are ready to travel like a local and pick budget-friendly activities, the pocket pinch (flight and hotel) will be around $270-350 per person. However, if you are not already aware of the free and cheap things to do in Maryland, this Tour and Travel guide will be of great help.
Free And Cheap Things To Do In Maryland | Traveling On A Shoestring
In this blog, I will tell you about what I have explored in Maryland and what all things can be done in Maryland. We will also discuss the food of Maryland attractions that you must try when you are visiting Maryland. We will cater to you about all the possible information about Mary’s land and tourist attractions in Maryland which you can follow up.
So let’s start to take a glimpse of the famous places in Maryland.
There are a lot of things to do in Maryland but before that, I will tell you tips for first-time New York visitors. Most people whovisit New York, tend to confine themselves to Manhattan only. But the real beauty of New York lies when you leave Manhattan.
I think the best way to convey this to you is to first tell you about the things to do in Maryland. While telling you about that I will also give you some tricky insights about New York.
I would like to start by saying that New York is a secret city in the United States. New York has surprised me quite a little there are so many things to do in new york. All you have to know is when to visit New York to enjoy the most.
There are a lot of things to do in Maryland but before that, I will tell you tips for first-time New York visitors. Most people who visit New York, tend to confine themselves to Manhattan only. But the real beauty of New York lies when you leave Manhattan.
I think the best way to convey to you is to first tell you about the things to do in Maryland. While telling you about that I will also give you some tricky insights about New York.
April to June and late August to October are two ideal seasons to try the free things to do in Maryland. However, during these two seasons, the cost of accommodation shoots up due to a tourist influx.
So, you really need to pick the activities or visit the places that will cost you less when traveling on a shoestring.
Here, we will provide you with all the possible information about Maryland so you can visit these places without hassle.
1. Visiting The Calvert Cliffs State Park
Location: 0540 H G Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD
Contact Number: +1 443-975-4360
Vehicle Fee: $5 for State Residents, $7 for Residents of Other States, $10 for Small Bus, $20 for Large Bus
Hours Open: 7:30 AM to 5 PM
Exploring the fossil-bearing Calvert Cliffs is one of the best things to do in Maryland. I loved the atmosphere and the place.
Here, the large collection of fossiliferous is known as the Chesapeake Group. Further, the cliff contains Miocene fauna.
Fossil Hunting | Know The Things To Do In Maryland Park
At Calvert Cliffs State Park, you can go to the end of the red trail. There, you will find the open beach area for fossil hunting.
Here, you will find fossils from the Miocene era, covering more than 600 species. Some common variations here are Miocene-era oyster shells, shark teeth, and Chesapectens, which you can hunt using shovels and sieves.
The Calvert Cliff in Maryland is mostly forested, with some ponds and wetlands. Moreover, the things to do here are hunting turkey, deer, and bird watching. You can also stroll along the beautiful flora-fauna-rich beach in Calvert.
2. Exploring The Washington County Museum Of Fine Arts
Location: 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown, MD
Contact Number: (301) 739-5727
Hours Open: 10 AM – 5 PM (Tuesday to Sunday), Monday – Free
Admission and Parking: Free
The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, the hub of many exhibitions and events, houses more than 6,500 permanent collectibles. Mr. and Mrs. William Henry Singer, Jr founded the museum, and they donated the initial exhibits.
Currently, the museum has sculptures, decorative arts, drawings, and prints. Further, the collectibles here are cosmopolitan, with a focus on 19th-century European art and American art.
Some of the most prominent collections in the museum are the European Old Masters, The Singer Memorial Gallery, American Narratives: 1700-1920, and The Eight to Abstraction: Modernism & Innovation.
3. Spending A Day At Assateague Island National Seashore
Entry Fee: Standard Pass – $0.00–$25.00, Annual Pass – $45.00, America the Beautiful Pass (includes Senior Passes) – Free–$80.00
Hours Open: 24*7
The United States Park Service and Fish and Wildlife Service manage Assateague Island National Seashore. You will find feral ponies walking and galloping across the island and the surrounding waters.
Further, the Assateague Island National Seashore is for everyone. You can go fishing, catch crabs, take a bike ride, or hike through the barrier island.
Moreover, you can collect a permit and enjoy the most adventurous ride in Over Sand Vehicles or OSVs. Also, for a wonderful outdoor experience, you can camp at the Assateague Island National Seashore.
4. Sightseeing At Ego Alley
Location: 1 Dock St, Annapolis, MD
Hours Open: 24 Hours
Entry: Fee
Ego Alley is a narrow waterway that spills out into Spa Creek. This narrow waterway got its name from the expensive boats parading in the evenings and during the weekend.
A visit to Ego Alley is one of the free things to do in Maryland. Here, you can soak in the Sun while gorging on local delicacies.
Further, people gather in large numbers at Ego Alley for St. Patrick’s Day in March, the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show in April, or the Independence Day Celebration in July.
5. Visiting The Beautiful Sculpture Gardens, Baltimore Museum Of Art
Location: 10 Art Museum Dr, Baltimore, MD
Hours Open: Monday and Wednesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday: Closed
Entry: Free
As you take a walk along the Beautiful Sculpture Gardens, you will discover close to 33 sculptures.
The sculptures here are a good mix of old and new sculptures of the last 100 years.
6. William British Planetarium
Location: 820 Commonwealth Avenue, Hagerstown, MD
Hours Open: Monday-Friday (8 AM to 3:30 PM), Special Shows: Second And Fourth Saturdays (5:30-7 PM)
Entry Fee: $3.75 for Adults, $2.75 for Children and Students
If you love to see the stars, moon, Milky Way, and galaxy, then William British Planetarium is the place you must visit.
Enjoy an immersive planetarium show that looks back at rare classes of eruptions that have marshaled the energy that lurks.
You will also be able to witness the details of the space. I enjoyed this place thoroughly because it took me back to my childhood.
7. National Aquarium
Location: 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD
Hours Open: Monday-Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday – 9 AM-6 PM, Friday: 9 AM to 9 PM
Entry Fee: Free for Children below 4 Years, $24.95 or Half Price on Fridays from 5-9 PM
When you visit Maryland, you cannot miss the National Aquarium, especially its wide variety of sea creatures, such as sharks, dolphins, living reefs, and jellyfish.
It is a non-profit public aquarium known as the Baltimore Aquarium, by the locals.
The aquarium’s water capacity is more than 2.2 million gallons, and it ranks as one of the top three aquariums in the country. It features amphibians, reptiles, fish, mammals, and birds.
8. Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Park
Location: 4068 Golden Hill Road, Church Creek, MD
Hours Open: Tuesday-Sunday (10 AM to 4 PM), Monday Closed
Entry Fee: Free
Another activity that must be included in your list of things to do in Maryland is visiting the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Park!
The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Park commemorates the life of the activist Harriet Tubman, who was formerly enslaved during the American Civil War.
The national park encompasses 480 acres and is managed by the US National Park Service Unit.
The state of Maryland is responsible for the park’s upkeep. Throughout the park, exhibits are dedicated to Tubman, who operated the Underground Railroad after she was free from slavery.
9. Exploring The Battle Creek Cypress Swamp
Location: 2880 Grays Road, Port Republic, MD
Hours Open: Monday-Friday (9 AM to 4:30 PM), Saturday (10 AM to 4:30 PM), Sunday: 1-4:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Battle Creek Cypress Swamp is home to bald cypress trees and is the first preserve of The Nature Conservancy in Maryland.
You will also find pink lady’s slipper and May apple plants here.
Moreover, the Battle Creek Cypress Swamp has Warblers and Kentucky.
10. Visiting The Salisbury Zoo
Location: 755 S Park Dr, Salisbury, MD
Hours Open: 9 AM to 4:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Salisbury Zoo is home to a wide range of animals, including guinea pigs, great horned owls, gopher tortoises, painted turtles, box turtles, and burrowing owls.
Salisbury Zoo is accessible, and it has wheelchair facilities to offer more inclusivity to visitors.
Don’t Miss The Local Food | Best Things To Do In Maryland
My best experience in Maryland was trying local food like Steamed Crabs.
The place is popular in the United States for fishing and its blue crabs. The dish of steamed crabs combines spices, herbs, beer, and blue crabs.
Remember to add butter along with different blends of seasoning so you will get both a spicy and savory taste.
Another great thing I had was the Crab Cake. Also, don’t forget to try the Roasted Pit Beef.
Raising A Toast At Flying Dog Brewery | Best Things To Do In Maryland
The next on my ‘things to do in Maryland’ list is a visit to the Flying Dog Brewery. What can be a better place for a connoisseur than the Flying Dog Brewery as they believe “Beer is Art.”
Flying Dog Brewery has a good mix of year-round gems and some seasonal attractions. The Double Dog Juicy Double IPA is my favorite among the year-round attractions.
Again, the Deep Fake Non-Alcoholic is the best seasonal offering here.
The Flying Dog Brewery’s tasting room is open from Thursday to Sunday. I had a great time tasting different seasonal beers there.
However, don’t forget to carry your ID, as they only serve beer to 21+ visitors.
Sagnika Sinha is a content writer who is passionate about writing travel vlogs, entertainment and celebrity articles and literature-based pieces. With a 4 years experience in teaching, she loves reading books. A procrastinator by nature, she loves travelling, listening to music, planting and gardening.
No frequent traveler will argue that the airport parking cost is the biggest problem they face while planning a trip. The parking price, along with the airfares and other associated expenses, can add up considerably with cheap parking.
Depending on the airport and the duration of the journey, travelers can end up paying hundreds of dollars just to park their car. This can be especially difficult for those who are on a budget or have to travel frequently.
Actually, any US airport won't be an exception. Traveling from Chicago, Illinois, people are hungry for the answer to the following question: is it possible to find cheap parking near O'Hare Airport? Let's deal with it and take a closer look at the solution we've found for you.
How Much Does It Cost To Leave Your Vehicle At The Chicago O'Hare International Airport?
First of all, we'd like to confirm the fact – cheap parking at O'Hare Airport is really expensive. Here's the table with prices the airport offers travelers:
Parking Type
Daily Rate
O'Hare Parking Garage Fees (For daily)
42$
Fees O'Hare Daily Parking (Lot B & C)
42$
5 O'Hare Terminal Parking Fees
77$
Economy Parking O'Hare Ticket Fees Of Economy Lot F
22$
Economy Parking O'Hare Fees Economy Lot G & F
15$
*The rates are valid at the moment of publishing
You can see that even the budget option will cost you at least $15.00. In other cases, you would be charged daily fees ranging from $42.00 to $77.00, depending on the lot you choose. Also, there is one more difficulty – since on-site airport parking has limited availability, it'll be complicated to find a free spot among a bunch of cars.
So how can we solve such a problem?
Here's your best solution – O'Hare off-site parking provided by ParkingNearAirports.io!
We decided to do our own research and find the best solution for every traveler. And we're happy to say that we've done it – ParkingNearAirports.io is a smart booking platform that provides you with an off-site parking facility that is only a few miles away from the airport you're departing from.
What Are The Best Alternative Ways To Save Money By Using Cheap Parking Near O'Hare Airport?
The service offers several options for O'Hare long-term cheap parking, as well as multiple amenities, which will make your departure absolutely convenient, including high-quality service, convenient locations, a free speedy shuttle to and from airport terminals, valet service, and free luggage assistance.
Use Online Parking Reservation Platforms
Online platforms like SpotHero, ParkWhiz, and AirportParkingReservations.com allow you to compare prices and reserve cheap parking spots in advance at a discounted rate.
Consider Off-Airport Parking
Parking lots located outside the airport may offer cheaper rates than on-site airport parking. Look for options that offer shuttle services to the airport terminals.
Look For Discount Codes And Coupons
Check the parking lot's website or search cheap parking options online for discount codes and coupons that can help you save money on parking fees.
Choose Economy Parking
O'Hare airport offers an economy cheap parking lot option that is cheaper than other on-site parking options. The economy lot is located farther from the airport terminals, but a shuttle service is provided to transport passengers to and from the lot.
Take Advantage Of Hotel Parking Packages
Some hotels near O'Hare airport offer parking packages that include a night's stay and parking for a certain number of days. This can be a cost-effective option if you need to park for several days.
Consider Car-Sharing Or Ride-Hailing Services
If you live close to the airport, using car-sharing or ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft can be a cost-effective alternative to parking your car at the airport.
Conclusion
Be clever and only spend part of your fortune on cheap airport parking! Better take a closer look at PNA's cheap parking rates by following this link and make sure that parking might cost you up to 70% less. So use the discount airport parking services from ParkingNearAirports.io and afford your following journey to go smoothly!
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Israel is not only a destination for fun, history, and cultural vibrancy. It is a place with a wide array of captivating places. With many options to choose from, your next family vacation in Israel can be overwhelming.
From visiting the extraordinary city of Tel Aviv to seeing the World Heritage sites like Jerusalem, Israel has an abundance of attractive places.
In order to make your vacations a pact to remember forever, you need to include the best of what Israel offers.
This guide will make sure your next family vacation in Israel is all about enjoyment, making memories, and living up to the fullest. Read out to find more.
Exploring the Best Places in Israel
Before you start your family trip, make sure to jolt down all the important and famous attractions. Get started with:
Tel Aviv
You can enjoy the beaches, which are the perfect spot for family outings. Tel Aviv is home to some famous beaches, where you can enjoy the clean sands, calm water, and nearby cafes.
A one-day trip isn’t enough for a big city like Tel Aviv. There are too many things to explore. You can start with the Camel Market. The bustling atmosphere of the city and the colorful market is attractive.
Rothschild Boulevard, one of the main thoroughfares of Tel Aviv, attracts tourists who want to walk alongside the beautifully lined Bauhaus buildings. Plus, there is the Independence Hall and, more importantly, the beach promenade.
The ancient city of Jaffa, the flea market, and the port area of Jaffa are great places for tourists to walk around. Aviv Museum of Art is a place harboring artworks from artists from around the world. You will absolutely love the classic Israeli artworks that are on display.
Jerusalem
Witness the history unfolding with your family by visiting Jerusalem. You can explore the Old City, Museum, and Yad Vashem with your children.
The city of Jerusalem holds great significance in the history of the world, its culture, and religion. You can start by visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. You will see the place for the crucifixion, resurrection, and the tomb of Jesus Christ.
There are also other biblical places like Mount Olive or Temple Mount, which is a great place for a family vacation in Israel. The Israel Museum is a must-visit place if you are taking a tour of Jerusalem. The Old City of Jerusalem, which has been announced as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a place of devotion for Christians, Jews, and Muslims.
Dead Sea
Make sure to traverse the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea with your family. The ancient fortress of Masada is an attraction in the Dead Sea. The ruins of King Herod’s palace are one of the most attractive sights to see in the Dead Sea.
Situated on the edge of the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi is the largest oasis of the Judean Desert. Plus, there are places like Kalia Beach and Ein Bokek, a resort town, which are the best, according to the opinions of many.
The nature reserve, called Nachal David Stream, is also a sight for special attraction in the Dead Sea. It’s a great place for hiking, and the natural waters of this place are also attractive. There are too many places and resorts for you to relax and spend your time.
Desert Adventure
If your family is enthusiastic about adventures, The Negev desert is your go-to place. You can enjoy family-friendly hikes and stargazing.
We would definitely recommend taking your time for a jeep tour with the Bedouins in the desert. They are open for these tours every day. Plus, you can do sandboarding in the desert.
The Negev dessert is the best for star gazing and night tours. Plus, there are desert buggies if you are in for some rough race.
Looking for Family-Friendly Hotels or Accommodations
Finding the right place for your family is the first thing you do once you reach Israel. It is a place where you can get all types of accommodations based on your family's size and needs.
While your vacations in Israel largely depend on your budget, you can find the right place in the bustling city. You can easily find youth hostels, mansions, vacation rentals, and remote campsites.
In Jerusalem, you can get to choose from a large number of hotels suitable for families. They are equipped with family rooms and kids' clubs. Tel Aviv hotels offer beach-front views, along with innate boutique facilities.
Similarly, accommodations in the Dead Sea are mostly spa-style hotels and resorts. You can easily get luxury space with popular small beds. If your family size is quite large, try renting a vacation home or apartment for comfort and flexibility.
Pro Tips for a Family Vacation
Planning and Preparing Ahead: Planning is the first step towards successive outcomes. When you are traveling with your family, plan beforehand about the places you will visit, along with budget requirements.
Consider Safety: Israel is generally a safe and peaceful space for tourists. But stay updated with the situation of any place you are visiting with your family.
Transportation: You can easily access the public transport system in Israel, which is quite excellent. However, you can also rent a car to ensure flexibility with your family.
Food Availability and Other Amenities: You can easily find family-friendly cuisines in Israel. You can also try to look for places with free Wi-Fi connections and other activities.
Conclusion
You can create everlasting memories with your family the next time you visit Israel. With diverse places and adventurous offers, you can make your next family vacation in Israel a rich and unforgettable experience.
There is too much to explore in Israel. The culture of southern Israel and the Negev food and wine leave all sorts of imprints in your senses. A red canyon shuttle from Eilat is just as memorable as the stargazing night safaris in the desert. Read more of our articles to find such amazing places to visit and build memories out of your tours. Thanks.
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In India, I have seen the Godavari Arch Bridge in Andhra Pradesh and the Coronation Bridge on the Teesta River in West Bengal.
In Sri Lanka, I found their equivalent in the Nine Arch Bridge.
This colonial-era bridge stands across a massive green gorge. Also, the tea plantations and a dense jungle flank this stone bridge.
So, it’s beautiful, and it is located in the iconic Colombo-Kandy-Ella-Badulla railway between the Ella and Demodara railway stations.
From Lonely Planet to the BBC, everyone has hailed this route, also known as the Ella Odyssey, for its unmatched scenic appeal.
Also, on a misty day, when the clouds kiss the valley and the blue trains arrive, tearing the veils of the mist, it feels surreal and like a painting by Dali or a movie scene by Andrei Tarkovsky.
So naturally, a visit to the Nine Arch Bridge will be the most beautiful frame from my Sri Lanka trip.
How To Visit The Nine Arch Bridge?
After a visit to Kandy, I took a train to Ella. The journey was beautiful, as expected.
From Ella Town, I took a Tuk-Tuk to the Nine Arch Bridge. Then, I walked for around 5-10 minutes to the bridge.
The Tuk-Tuk cost me around LKR 300.
However, if you want some more adventure, you can take a walk along the Ella-Passara Road and turn left near the Sri Kanaser Temple to reach the beach.
I found many local food stalls near the temple.
Moreover, if you want to go back to your childhood days, you can follow the train tracks to reach the bridge from Ella Town.
What Is The History Of The Nine Arch Bridge?
The Nine Arch Bridge is a prominent example of colonial-era construction, and it shows architectural excellence.
The British built this bridge in 1921, and it played an important role in the war efforts of the British during World War I.
Even today, this stone and concrete bridge stands strong without any steel structure. It is 91 meters in length and 24 meters in height.
What Is The Best Time To Visit The Nine Arch Bridge?
Sunrise on the Nine Arch Bridge is the best time you can think of. Also, if you want a picture-perfect frame, wait for the trains to arrive.
You will love the quiet ambiance if you make it really early. The crowd starts gathering here as early as 7 AM, and by 10 AM, you will hardly find a place for yourself.
Also, trains usually pass through this at the following hours.
9:30 AM
11:30 AM
3:30 PM
4:30 PM
5:30 PM
The Best Months To Visit The Nine-Arch Bridge
January to May is the best time to visit the Nine-Arch Bridge. Modest temperatures and fewer chances of rainfall make these months great for enjoying a clear view of the bridge and the train.
It is also the peak tourist season in the Western Region of Sri Lanka.
However, if you want to experience mysticism, you can plan a trip in July. Having said that, the wet season, from September to December, is not suitable for a visit to this bridge.
What Are The Best Viewpoints Of The Nine Arch Bridge?
The misty slopes on both sides of the bridge or the hills offer amazing views of the Nine Arch Bridge.
However, you can explore the following viewpoints to get the most amazing perspectives of the bridge.
1. The Nine-Arch Bridge Itself
The Nine-Arch Bridge offers an amazing view of the railway track. However, you have to be careful while taking photographs from the bridge.
Keep the train timings in mind.
2. The Tea Plantations Toward Demodara
My Jaffna food tour was about spicy Tamil food. However, in the Western region, especially in areas such as Demodara, tea reigned supreme.
I walked toward the northern side of the bridge. There, I found some tea plantations below the bridge, a little far away from the tunnel.
You will get amazing views of the bridge from these plantations.
However, these are usually muddy, and there can be leech attacks. Also, as they are private lands. So, seek permission before entering the tea plantation.
3. The Beautiful Hills Toward Ella Station
As you get down from the Tuk-Tuk or walk from Ella Town to the bridge, you will find the tunnel.
Now, take the left and follow the winding path to the verdant hills.
These offer the best viewpoints, especially if you want to take photographs of the bridge.
4. The Viewpoint From Asanka Cafe
Asanka Cafe is at the northern end of the Nine Arch Bridge.
As the cafe is perched above, it offers amazing views of the entire track and a clear view whenever a train visits.
Also, if you are visiting the bridge in the wet season or there is a sudden rainfall, this cafe will be your refuge.
Spend some hours there. They make amazing sweet tea.
Things To Keep In Mind For Visiting The Nine Arch Bridge
As mentioned before, you have to be very alert when you are on the bridge. Furthermore, you have to be a responsible traveler.
You cannot litter or leave waste on the railway track or bridge.
Moreover, the bridge does not have safety barriers. So, you have to be very careful while taking photographs.
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