Top Six Places to Spend Labor Day on a Budget on the East Coast

The Labor Day holiday is fast approaching. Have you made your plans yet?If you have a budget, you may not be able to fly to Paris for the extended weekend or go to Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, but you can still have fun. There are still some great places to go for this Labor Day holiday that won't cost you an arm and a leg.

I am an avid traveler, always looking for a great deal and keeping the budget in mind. I try to take as many trips as I can each year, so I have learned alot about finding trips that don't cost alot of money. I have been my own travel agent for almost twenty years! I have found ways to save money that even the travel agents themselves haven't found! With my history of traveling during this holiday, I have compiled the six top places to spend Labor Day on a budget on the east coast.......

1. Sea World in Orlando Florida. Spend the weekend at SeaWorld, and fly Southwest Airlines to get there. Right now, Southwest Airlines has some great deals on flights to Florida. If you join the Rapid Rewards program, and you use your Rapid Rewards card when you purchase the tickets to Sea World at the gate, you will save 20% off each ticket you purchase. Inexpensive hotels can be found in nearby Kissimmee, for less than $100 per night for a one bedroom with full kitchen and livingroom.

2. Washington, DC. Washington, DC is an inexpensive place to visit for Labor Day because you really can just hang out on the mall all day and enjoy the scenery, only spending money on food. It is actually free to go to the top of the Washington Monument as well. But, you have to get your tickets first thing in the morning because they go really quick- and you have to be available at whatever time you get on your ticket. To reserve tickets, you pay a $1.50 fee per order. There is no fee to visit the Smithsonian museums either. My favorite is the Museum of Natural History.

3. Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Without spending any money, you can walk around the Inner Harbor and take in the views of the water and the various boats docked there. If you are on a budget, you can eat inside in the food court for under $10 per person, with choices of salads, pizza, burgers and the like. It costs about $20 to get into the National Aquarium for an adult, and $12 for a child 3 to 11. Plan to visit early or late to avoid most of the crowds, and purchase your tickets in advance to guarantee entrance. Or, you could go to the top of the World Trade Center in the Harbor.

4.Busch Gardens near Williamsburg, VA. Just like visiting Sea World, you can get a 20% discount on tickets bought at the gate when you present your Southwest Rapid Rewards card. Busch Gardens offers something for everyone, with incredible roller coasters, reasonably priced food, and hours of entertainment. As for accommodations during your stay, you can stay at the Days Hotel Busch Gardens, less than a mile from the park, for under $100 per night!

5. Shenendoah National Park along Skyline Drive in Virginia. This is a beautifully scenic area. If you're looking for a quiet, nice spot in touch with nature, this is the place for you on Labor Day weekend. It costs around $100 per night to stay in the accommodations here. You can dine at one of three restaurants, or pick up less expensive food at the Waysides located at three locations throughout the park. It costs only $10 for a carload of people to come into the park and drive along Skyline Drive. You'll experience nature at its best, with the option of hiking trails, many of which lead to waterfalls. Horseback riding is available as well. Reserve in advance!

6. Rehoboth Beach, DE. It may be too expensive to stay in Ocean City, MD for Labor Day, with room prices toppling about a $200 per night minimum. However, ou can stay in neighboring Rehoboth Beach for under $100 per night. For instance, the Hampton Inn Rehoboth Beach or the Admiral Hotel are about $80 per night for a room! It is only a thirty minute drive to North Ocean City and about an hour to downtown Ocean City, if you just have to reach the action. There is still al ot to do in Rehoboth, with many more vacation-goers choosing this spot for its prices, and if nothing else you can go to the beach each day for free! An umbrella rental might cost you $15- $20.