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Free Things To Do in Honolulu, Hawaii

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free things to do in honolulu

Planning a trip to Hawaii is a dream many people have and it is fairly obtainable. You can get round trip airfare for a few hundred dollars, decent lodgings for around $100 per night, and there are plenty of budget-friendly activities there too. Be sure to add some of these free things to do in Honolulu and the islands while you’re there.

Free Things To Do in Honolulu

Although a trip to Hawaii may seem costly, there are plenty of budget-friendly activities to do on the island. Here is a list of some of the greatest free things to do in Honolulu.

Makapuu Lighthouse Trail

This trail is within the Kawai State Scenic Shoreline. There are some fantastic views along the trail, including Koko Crater. You can also see Makapu‘u Lighthouse, which was built in 1909. It is quite the sight to behold against the blue seascape. Hikers are encouraged to bring along binoculars.

Manoa Falls

Taking a hike to Manoa Falls is another beautiful thing to behold on the island. It is a 150-foot waterfall in Honolulu. While it may be tempting to take a dive, it is discouraged. There is a threat of becoming infected with Leptospirosis, which can last up to two weeks and causes flu-like symptoms. (Certainly not any way you want to be spending your trip in Honolulu.)

Koko Crater Railway Trail

Koko Head Railway itself was once used to transport soldiers and supplies during World War II. In 1966, the area was made into the Koko Head Regional Park, where the trail stands.

Koko Crater Railway Trail is not for beginner hikers. However, if you are up for a challenging hike, this is something you must see while in Honolulu. The hike itself is only 1.4 miles, but it goes up a steep 990-foot incline that shows gorgeous views. There are about 1,048 railroad ties to climb up and then 30-feet to the lookout at the summit. It is uneven and can often be slippery.

US Army Museum of Hawaii

On Waikiki, not far from Honolulu, you can visit the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii. It is within walking distance of a plethora of other activities and attractions as well. The museum is a nonprofit, but donations are welcome. It is open to the public from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

National Memorial Museum of the Pacific

Hawaii is a place rich with war history. The National Museum of the Pacific is a specific homage to individuals who served in the Pacific War. It is spread across six acres of land and has a number of exhibits available for visitors to admire. Admission, of course, is free. The museum hours may vary depending on the time of year.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Yet another war memorial to see while you are visiting Hawaii is the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Admission is free as it is part of the state’s National Park Service. The visitor center features numerous exhibits with information about World War II, Pearl Harbor, and memorial sculpture.

Beach Parks

Almost all of the beaches in Hawaii are also parks that have trails throughout them and other attractions. See what beach parks are near where you are staying and plan to spend a day. All of them are free.

free things to do in honolulu

Duke Kahanamoku Statue

Duke Kahanamoku is one of Waikiki’s most famous native sons. The statue commemorates the four-time Olympic swimmer on his favorite beach. In addition to swimming and surfing, he was also an actor and the sheriff of Honolulu. You can stop by, get a photo with Duke, and see why this beach was his favorite. It is one of the lesser-known free things to do in Honolulu and the surrounding islands.

Ehukai Bunker Hike

Hawaii is not short on hiking opportunities for anyone interested. The Ehukai Bunker Hike is a jungle hiking experience with a beautiful view at the very end that makes all six miles of the trail worth it. Along the trail, you can find World War II bunkers, ocean views, and even cliff drops. The trail is not very difficult, however, it is not recommended you bring any small children that cannot walk.

Cheap Things To Do in Honolulu (Under $20)


Adding some cheaper activities to your itinerary in addition to the free things listed above can help you keep your entire trip on a budget. Each of the attractions below costs less than $20 and makes a great addition to your plans for your trip to Hawaii.

Ala Moana Center

If you’re looking for a souvenir to bring home, Ala Moana Center is a great place to look around. It is an open-air shopping center that is open from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. each day. Stores include some local retailers as well as bigger names. You can also grab a bite to eat there.

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens

Although it isn’t one of the free things to do in Honolulu, you can visit the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden for fairly cheap. For adults, admission is $18. Kids ages six to 16 are $5 and under six are free. The gardens are essentially a tropical rainforest that includes more than 2,000 species of plants from around the world.

Visit Kona Brewing Company

As always, we include a local brewery on the list of cheap things to do. While you’re on the island, visit Kona Brewing Company. It is a father-son duo team that started making local brews several years ago. Now, you can take tours of the facility for $10. The tour includes a gift, four 4 oz. beer samplers, and a guided tour. You will need to book your tour ahead of time.

Visit Waimea Valley

Waimea Valley is something to behold. Admission to the valley is $15 per person, but you will get to see so much while you are there. You can walk trails, see the waterfall, walkthrough gardens, and learn the history of the area. It is also possible to swim in the waterfall (weather permitting). There are lifeguards on duty and life jackets are required.

free things to do in honolulu

Food Trucks at North Shore

Head over to the North Shore to check out the food truck assortment. You can find Hawaiian specialties, such as Hawaiian BBQ, Kahuku Farms, or Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck. There are also fruit stands in the area too, in case you want to grab something fresh to pair with an icee for dessert.

Tour the Chocolate Factory

Speaking of dessert, you can tour the Manoa Chocolate Factory on Oahu. Tours are just $9.95 and will walk you through every step of the chocolate process from cocoa bean to candy bar. There is also a gift shop, which holds a number of locally-made products for sale as well. Reservations are required to get a tour of the factory.

Tour a Farm

Another facility that offers tours in Hawaii is Kahumana Farms. It is a non-profit organization, but admission is $15 per person. During the tour, you will learn about production and what it takes to run a full-function organic farm. You will also get a look at the science behind aquaponics, permaculture, and other things.

free things to do in honolulu

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

If you can wrangle up a carload of people, getting to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park only costs $25 (or $6.25 per person for a group of four). Once you have been admitted to the park, you can visit any of the attractions with the park, including the Jagger Museum, Steam Vents, Holei Sea Arch, the Sulfur Banks, Thurston Lava Tube, and Halema’uma’u Crater. Plan to stay past sunset so that you can see the lava glowing from the crater.

Readers, have you been to Honolulu? What are some things you’d add to the itinerary?

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Free Things To Do in Atlanta, GA

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Free Things To Do in Atlanta

More than 50 million people visit Atlanta each year and over 6 million live in the metro area. Luckily, this means there are a plethora of things to do in the city. This includes cheap and free things to do in Atlanta.

Free Things To Do in Atlanta

Free doesn’t mean boring. There are a number of free events and activities going on in your city at any given time. If you’re visiting Atlanta or looking for something to do, consider adding some of these to your upcoming plans.

Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is located between Buckhead and Midtown in Atlanta. The park has a beautiful view of the city and is located near the city’s botanical gardens. There are plenty of paths to walk like there are at parks normally, but Piedmont Park has a number of other things to do too. You can visit the pool, hit a playground, visit one of the dog parks, or stop by the green market while you’re there.

Centennial Olympic Park

free things to do in atlanta

Centennial Olympic Park is a 22-acre park in downtown Atlanta. It was built in the 1990s as a part of the infrastructure for the 1996 summer Olympics. There are a number of events that occur in the public park. It is also surrounded by entertainment venues, dining options, stores, and places to explore.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

The National Park Service helps provide free tours of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home. It is best to visit earlier in the day to get a timed ticket and secure a spot. Facilities open at 10 a.m. and close at 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.



Little Five Points

Little Five Points is another neighborhood in Atlanta where there is no shortage of things to do. Beyond good entertainment and food though, Little Five Points offers some insight into the city. Murals paint many of the walls and a few times a year the streets erupt with parades. There’s no telling what may be going on over there while you’re in Atlanta.

Castleberry Hill Art Stroll

On the second Friday of each month, you can take a self-guided tour along the Castleberry Hill Art Stroll. You will be able to visit a wide range of galleries free-of-charge. If you get hungry while you are wandering at the gorgeous pieces of art, many studios of complimentary eats. There are also a number of restaurants and eateries along the stroll as well.

free things to do in atlanta

Anne Frank Exhibit

Not many people would think of visiting a Holocaust memorial in Atlanta, however, the Anne Frank Exhibit is something to behold. It is located just outside the city and admission is free of cost. Visitors will not only view exhibits about Anne Frank but also get to see World War II artifacts, among other trinkets from the era.

Living Walls Atlanta

Living Walls Atlanta isn’t a single set place to see while you’re there but a number of places. Explore the city by visiting the three Living Walls nonprofit murals. Each of them depicts a local artists’ work and brings you to a new area of Atlanta you haven’t yet seen. Not to mention, most of them make amazing photo ops.

Chattahoochee River

The Chattahoochee River forms the southern border between Georgia and Alabama. It isn’t too far away from Atlanta either. If you’re visiting (or you live there), the Chattahoochee River is a good thing to plan for a Staurday afternoon. There are plenty of activities you can participate in, including kayaking and canoeing, or you can pack a picnic and just enjoy the outdoors.

Cheap Things To Do in Atlanta


While there are plenty of free things to do in Atlanta, don’t limit yourself to only free activities. There are a ton of other things to do in the city that you can do on a budget too. Each of these activities is under $20 and won’t break the bank!

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Atlanta’s Children’s Museum is a great place to visit if you are in the city with your family. Kids under the age of one get into the museum free. Regular admission is $16.95, however, the museum has value days ($12.95 admission) and peak days ($18.95 admission).

Atlantic Station

Atlantic Station is a neighborhood in Atlanta that has a number of stores and dining options. It is a great place to hang out while you’re in the city. While it doesn’t cost anything to walk around Atlantic Station, you’ll want to bring some money along to shop, enjoy some local eats, and entertainment.

Atlanta Gladiators

The Atlanta Gladiators are the city’s hockey team. You can attend a match and have a fantastic time for less than $20. Believe it or not, the cheapest tickets in the stadium are $17.

Millennium Gate Museum

This museum may look like something from a picturebook of Rome, but it pays tribute to the spirit of Atlanta. Among the many things on exhibit at the museum, you’ll find pages of the Bible on loan from the Vatican and a chair made by Paul Revere. The museum is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is $12 ($10 for seniors, students, and military). Children under the age of six are free.

Laughing Skull Lounge

The Laughing Skull Lounge is another stop you should make while you’re in Atlanta. It is called the “smallest full-time comedy club.” It showcases local comedians and hosts open mic nights twice a week as well. On Sundays, you can catch some of the city’s best standup shows for $15 admission. Not to mention, you can get $4 mimosas there on Sundays too!

free things to do in atlanta

Visit One of the Many Breweries

If the Hemp Company isn’t your speed, maybe you’d like to visit one of the city’s many breweries. There are nearly 70 breweries within a short drive of the city. Some of the more popular spots include Scofflaw Brewery, Atlanta Brewing Company, and Sweetwater Brewing Co.

Trap Music Museum

When you think “trap music,” you think Atlanta. Some of the greatest trap music stars have hailed from the city (T.I., Young Jeezy, Gucci Mane). There are a number of rap-centered exhibits in the museum. You can also participate in a trap-themed escape room. The museum is only open on the weekends but sees thousands of patrons each week. Admission is $10 per person. Hours are 4 p.m. to midnight, noon to midnight, and 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, respectively.

Rugby ATL

Most people don’t know Atlanta has its very own rugby team. Check to see if a game is happening around the time you plan to visit. Tickets can be purchased for as little as $20 and games typically occur on Saturday or Sunday.

Eddie’s Attic Open Mic

Atlanta’s entertainment scene is great. If you’re looking for a good show, you won’t be short on options. Eddie’s Attic Open Mic is one of the most popular country music open mic bars in the United States. Some of the genre’s biggest stars, such as John Mayer and Jennifer Nettles, have performed there. Eddie’s is open each week on Monday at 7 p.m. and admission is between $5 and $6.25 per person.

Georgia Hemp Company

Georgia Hemp Company is located just outside the city but worth the trip if you are a CBD fan. It is a cafe-style shop that has a variety of products available. You can also hang out at the bar and grab a can of Cirrus, sparkling water made in Atlanta. The Georgia Hemp Company is open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. from Monday through Saturday and from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Historic Oakland Cemetery

Stop by and visit the Historic Oakland Cemetery, especially if you’re in Atlanta around Halloween. It is a sight to see! The cemetery is the city’s oldest public park and is also the resting place for many of Atlanta’s most notable public figures. Some of the biggest names include Selena Sloan Butler, Maynard Jackson, James M. Calhoun, and many others. There is a visitor center and museum there as well where you can get access to a map of the cemetery. You can get a private tour of the ground for just $12 ($6 for students and seniors).

SCAD Atlanta Gallery

If art interests you, add the SCAD Atlanta Gallery to your list of things to see in the city too. A family of three or more will pay $20 for admission (total). General admission is $10 per person ($5 for students, $8 for seniors/military). The gallery includes a rolling exhibit of famed artists. You will also be able to view work from SCAD students, both current and alumni.

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Free Things To Do in Tallahassee, Florida

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Free things to do in tallahassee

Around 40 million tourists visit Florida annually. It is safe to assume many of them visit the state to enjoy one of the many theme parks located there. However, there is plenty to see in Florida’s Capitol too. Here are some budget-friendly free things to do in Tallahassee (and some cheap things too).

Free Things To Do in Tallahassee

Believe it or not, state capitols typically have some fun free activities you can do. Tallahassee, the Capitol of Florida, is no different in that regard. Below you’ll find several free things to do in Tallahassee that you won’t regret adding to your itinerary.

Florida State University

There is always something to do at FSU. Check to see if there are any events at the university while you are going to be there. Many of the campus events are free. Additionally, there are plenty of things to see on campus on a regular day too. Visit some of the well-known landmarks of FSU and get your photo with the Gator for no charge at all.

Museum of Florida History

Museums are always a good thing to add to your low-cost itinerary. The Museum of Florida History is one of the free things to do in Tallahassee. Exhibits include information about the state’s first settlers, early tourism, colonialism, and more about Florida history. Best of all, it is free. However, it should be noted it is recommended guests give a $5 donation.

Cascades Park

Cascades Park is located in downtown Tallahassee and provides a beautiful view of the city. There are a number of walking paths as well as places to sit and enjoy Florida’s beautiful weather. Not to mention, Cascades Park is also home to many of the area’s concerts and outdoor events. There is no telling what will be happening there when you visit.



Florida Historic Capitol Museum

Another thing to add to your plans is visiting the historic capitol. They no longer use this building as the government office anymore, but they do have a number of exhibits there, including a short documentary about the state’s history. Admission to the Florida Historic Capitol Museum is free to the public. Donations are welcome.

New Capitol Building

The New Capitol Building is where the government offices moved to when the old establishment was turned into a museum. You can tour the new ground free-of-charge as well.

Railroad Square Art District

This district of Tallahassee is something to behold. It has a very rustic and hipster vibe. That part of town holds some amazing art galleries, theaters, and murals. You can also get some great food. Even if you just pop over to people watch, the Railroad Square Art District is a must-see.

Saint Marks Trail

Saint Marks Trail is a 16-mile trail that lets you see much of Tallahassee. Visitors can hike, walk, jog, run, and bike along the trail. Be sure to soak up some of the histories behind the trail as well. There are a number of plaques and informational points along the trail to inform passerby about the railroad trail.

Free things to do in tallahassee

JR Alford Greenway

If trails interest you, another thing to check out is the JR Alford Greenway. The greenway is a connection of trails and parks that covers 17 miles of Tallahassee. Like the trail mentioned above, you can perform multiple outdoor activities on the trails and there are also places to stop and rest or even eat.

Cheap Things To Do Under $20


Not everything on your vacation can be free, of course. However, it is a good idea to have some go-to cheap activities as well. Here are a few cheap things to do in Tallahassee.

Proof Brewing Company

Proof Brewing Company is a local brewery that has some budget-friendly drinks on tap. Six-packs are about $11 and you can even have them delivered if you’d prefer to stay in for the night. Either way, it is a great way to get a taste of the local beer.

Governor’s Square Mall

If you’re looking to do some shopping in Tallahassee, hit the Governor’s Square Mall. There are a plethora of shops to visit and restaurants to try. If you are a people watcher, it is a great place to be too!

Flea Market Tallahassee

The flea market in Tallahassee is another place you can do a bit of shopping and get a good deal. You may be able to find some unique buys and items to remember your trip by.

Free things to do in tallahassee

Tallahassee Antique Car Museum

Car enthusiasts will want to make a stop at the Tallahassee Antique Car Museum. The collection of vehicles in the museum is constantly being changed, so no one visit is ever the same. General admission for the museum is $17.50 or $15 each with two or more people in your group. Senior/veteran/active duty admission is $15 as well, children ages 10-18 are $11.75, kids ages 4-9 are $8, and children under four are free.

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

Although visiting Alfred B. Maclay park is free, there is a lot to do there that you may want to bring money along for. You can rent kayaks and canoes, visit some of the various buildings on the premises and learn more about Florida as a whole. Not to mention, you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

St Marks Lighthouse

Last, but not least, make time to visit St. Marks Lighthouse while you are in Tallahassee. The lighthouse, which was erected in the 1830s and later automated in the 1960s, is still something to behold today. To enter the area where the structure is located, you’ll need to pay $5 per vehicle. That’s a small price to pay to see such a gorgeous piece fo Florida history.

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Does Costco Offer a Free One-Day Guest Pass?

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Costco guest pass

A lot of people wonder if there is a Costco free one-day guest pass to check out the store before purchasing a membership. The answer? No, Costco doesn’t offer guest passes to their warehouse stores, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go.

Alternatives to a Costco Free One Day Guest Pass

Although Costco doesn’t offer a one-day guest pass, there’s a workaround that basically gives you the same opportunity to shop at Costco for one day. What you need to do is get a hold of a Costco gift card. If you have a Costco gift card, you can shop at their warehouses even if you don’t have a membership (these also work for purchasing gas at Costco gas stations, which is often the least expensive with the same gas quality as top tier gas stations. In this way, it works exactly like a guest pass.

 

How Do You Get a Costco Gift Card?

The only people who can buy Costco gift cards are members. You can’t walk into a warehouse and buy one if you aren’t a member. Since you can’t buy one on your own, there are two main ways people without a membership get them:

1. Ask a friend who has a membership.

Probably the easiest way to get one is to give a friend who has a membership at Costco the money and ask them to pick up a gift card the next time they go. The least expensive card is $25, but you can buy as much as you want at the store as long as you have a card with some money on it (you simply pay anything above the value of the gift card in cash). You could also request one as a gift for a special occasion (birthday, Christmas, etc).



2. Buy it on eBay or Amazon.

Another way to get a gift card is to purchase it on a secondary market such as eBay or Amazon if you don’t have any friends with a membership, or simply don’t want to ask them to buy you one. Again, it doesn’t matter what amount is actually on the gift card (it could only be a few cents, and you’d still be OK), you just need one with money on it to shop at Costco.

When entering Costco, you simply show the gift card and they will let you pass as if it were a membership card. At check out, tell the cashier you only have a gift card. The cashier will need to have a manager give a special code to accept it (there are always managers on the floor and it only takes a few seconds) and you will be good to go. If your items cost more than you have on the gift card, you will need to pay cash.

Another way to shop without getting a gift card is to shop with a friend who has a membership. You can get inside the store with them, but they will have to pay for all the purchases you make. You can pay them back for your purchases once you leave the store.

So while Costco doesn’t have an official one-day guest pass program, there are ways to shop at their warehouses without paying $60 for a membership.

The “Free” Way to Get a Costco Membership

While I don’t recommend this, you can sort of get a Costco membership without paying. The way this works is to use their refund policy. At any point in your membership, you can get your Costco membership refunded. It’s an interesting policy that seems ripe for abuse, but Costco will allow you to cancel for a full refund at any time while it is active. So, if you just want to grab a few things, you could purchase and cancel your membership on the same day. If you want to milk it as much as possible, you can even cancel on the very last day of your membership. Morally, this is a pretty questionable route to go. Nonetheless, it is an alternative to paying full price for a membership. It also works pretty similarly to the way a “Costco free one-day guest pass” might.

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

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How Much Is A Stamp? Current Postage Rates 2020

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current postage rates 2020

There has been so much news about the United States Postal Service recently. However, in the midst of all that, the basics have been overlooked. For example, do you know current postage rates 2020?

If you’re about to send a letter, then that’s something that you need to know. Even if you have a bunch of stamps that you know are still good, you might need to know how much postage to use for alternative mail – such as a postcard or a heavier envelope.

Here, we’ve summed up all of the current postage rates 2020.


How Much Is A Stamp? Basic Current Postage Rates 2020.

First, we’ll look at the cost of stamps. If you’re sending a regular letter through the mail, then you’ll just need a regular first class stamp. But if you’re sending heavy mail, mail in unusual sizes, postcards, or international mail then there are different current postage rates for 2020 to take into consideration.

Cost of a First Class Stamp

A regular stamp is 55 cents.

When most people ask the question, “How much is a stamp?” they are usually wondering what the cost is of a first class stamp. After all, most people mail out basic letters. If you have a standard-sized, rectangular envelope, and you have only put a sheet or two of paper inside (up to one ounce in weight), then you’ll use a single stamp. The current postage rates in 2020 are 55 cents for these letters.

Additional Costs for Mailing Letters

It’s important to note that there are many things that can change the rate to mail your letter. For example, if you have a flat letter that is not the standard rectangular size, then you need to pay a different rate. The current postage rates in 2020 for square, oversized, or unusual letters are 70 cents if it’s one ounce or lighter in weight.

You also pay more for additional weight. The standard letter that takes a 55 cent stamp will cost more if it’s heavier.

  • At two ounces, you pay 70 cents.
  • At three ounces, you pay 85 cents.
  • At 3.5 ounces, you pay $1

Current Postage Rates 2020: Flat Envelopes

Additionally, you’ll pay more money for large flat envelopes. For example, if you stick your letter into a 9″ x 12″ yellow clasp envelope, you’ll pay more than if you fold it up and stick it into a standard sized envelope. 2020 postage rates for flat envelopes start at $1 for one ounce. They increase twenty cents per ounce up to $3.4o for a 13 ounce flat envelope.

How Much is A Postcard Stamp?

A postcard stamp is 35 cents.

It’s fun to send postcards to people. You might do this when you’re on vacation. However, it’s something that you can do to let people know that you’re thinking about them all throughout the year. And postcard stamps are less expensive than regular postage stamps. Therefore, if you send them often, you’ll save money by going this route.

Postcard stamps, assuming that you have a regular-sized postcard, are 35 cents. Note that they haven’t increased since 2015. Remember that if you have unusually large postcards, or postcards that are oddly shaped, then you might have to pay more than 35 cents.

How Much Is An International Stamp?

An international stamp is $1.20.

For those who need to send a letter out of the country, the postage for an international first class letter (up to 1 oz.) is $1.20. It is the same price to send a postcard. Therefore, when shipping short messages internationally, there is no cost savings to using a postcard instead of a regular letter.

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Current Postage Rates 2020: Other Common Prices

Of course, flat letters and postcards aren’t the only things that people send through the mail. If you plan to ship gifts for the holidays, then you’ll want to know about the mailing prices for packages. Anytime that you ship something in a thick envelope or a box, the postage rates differ from the basic stamp prices.

Flat Rate Postage Prices

Usually, your best rate option is to choose a flat rate mailing envelope or box. These are available for free at your local post office. You choose the size that you need, then you pay the rate for that size. It doesn’t matter what weight your mailing. Current postage rates in 2020 for flat rate mail include:

  • 12.5″ x 9.5″ flat rate envelope: $7.75
  • 8 11/16″ x 5 7/16″ x 1 3/4″ small flat rate box: $8.30
  • 14″ x 12″ x 3 1/2″ medium flat rate box: $15.05
  • 12 1/4″ x 12 1/4″ x 6″ large flat rate box: $21.10

Other Postage Prices

There are many other shipping options when you mail things through the post office. You can find all current postage rates in 2020 at the USPS website. A few other common prices include:

  • Express Mail (starts at $26.35) for when you need to ship something quickly
  • Global Express Guaranteed (starts at $67.80) for when you need to ship something internationally quickly
  • Media Mail (starts at $2.80) for when you’re only shipping books

How to Save Money on Stamps

Every penny that you save adds up. Therefore, living frugally means saving money even on the little things, like stamps. Here are some of the most common ways that people save money on stamps:

  • Use Stamps.com. Note that you have to pay for this service. Therefore, the savings is only worth it if you ship a lot of items. If you have a business that ships regularly, though, then this can help you reduce your postage costs. You’ll save five cents on every first class letter that you send, reducing the 2020 postage rate from 55 cents to 50 cents. You’ll save more on bigger shipping costs.
  • Buy stamps using rewards credit cards. If you have a cash back credit card, then you get a percentage back for every dollar that you spend. Therefore, you reduce your postage costs slightly by using that credit card to pay for stamps. Of course, you have to make sure to pay off the card on time so you don’t pay added interest.
  • Shop using a cashback site. Ebates is a popular choice but of course there are many of them out there. This will give you a little bit back on your stamps purchase.
  • Buy Forever Stamps on eBay. Forever Stamps are good at the current postage rates in 2020. Moreover, they’re still good as first class stamps even if rates go up in the future. You can purchase these at a discount on Ebay. Usually, you’ll buy at least one whole roll at a time.
  • Ship smart. Make sure that you always weigh your mail carefully. Only pay what you have to in postage. Moreover, double-check box dimensions to make sure that you aren’t charged for oversized shipping unnecessarily. And make use of those flat rate shipping options, especially for heavy items.

Save Money with VPN

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Free Things to Do in Hartford, Connecticut

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free things to do in hartford

Connecticut’s tourism industry drives $15.5 billion in revenue for the state each year. Much of this stems from people visiting the state’s capitol, Hartford. People wanting to visit there don’t have to spend a ton of money to have fun though. Here are some free things to do in Hartford, plus some really cheap activities too.


Free Things to Do in Hartford

If you are planning a trip to Hartford, there are plenty of budget-friendly activities you can add to your itinerary. Consider some of these freebies…

Ride the Hartford Dash Shuttle

You can ride the Hartford Dash Shuttle free-of-charge while you are visiting the city. It will also bring you to most of the major attractions. See where the shuttle can bring you and what the schedule is while you are in Hartford.

 J. Robert Donnelly Husky Heritage Sports Museum

One great thing to see while you are visiting Hartford is the J. Robert Donnelly Husky Heritage Sports Museum. For fans of the Huskies, this is a must-see. The building is full of memorabilia and history about the University of Connecticut sports teams. Best of all, admission is free.

Cedar Hill Cemetery

Cedar Hill Cemetery is a historical graveyard. It is also the resting place of the infamous actress Katherine Hepburn. You can visit her gravesite as well as many other historic graves in the cemetery. There is no fee to enter.

Ancient Burying Ground

If you are interested in visiting old gravesites, consider adding the First Church of Christ and Ancient Burying Ground to your list of things to do as well. It is one of the oldest known congregations in the U.S. It was founded in 1636 by Reverend Thomas Hooker.

free things to do in hartford

Mortenson Riverfront Plaza

The Riverfront Plaza is a perfect spot to do some shopping and soak in the Hartford riverfront horizon. There are spots to sit and people watch as well as a number of places to walk and bike to. During the summer months, it is also home to a number of events, both free and paid.

Hartford Circus Fire Memorial

One piece of Hartford history very few people know about is the Hartford Circus Fire. In July of 1944, thousands of people gathered to view the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circus. One hundred and sixty-seven people died in the fire. Everyone who was able to escape had horrifying tales of what occurred. The memorial stands at the center of the big top, where the fire is said to have started. It provides information about each of the victims as well as things that happened at different points in the tragic event.

Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch

Located in Bushnell Park, the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch is dedicated to the Battle of Antietam. It serves to honor the 400 Hartford citizens who died in the Civil War as well as the 4,000 Hartford citizens who served in the Union. Arch Guides, a volunteer organization, offers free tours of the arch every Thursday from noon until 1:30 p.m. from May until the end of October. Tours are typically between 20 and 40 minutes long and may be canceled due to weather.

Lincoln Financial Sculpture Walk

Take a scenic walk along the Connecticut River to see sculptures honoring Abraham Lincoln’s life. The walk features 16 original pieces.

Hartford Public Library

As always, the local pubic library is always a good place to stop by when you are visiting some place new. Oftentimes, the libraries have displays of local artists and writers. The Hartford Public Library has a lot to offer in terms of local history and exhibits. You can also visit the Connecticut State Library  and Archives in Hartford as well.

Travel a Little

It is also notable that there are numerous free activities in neighboring cities as well. Stamford and New Haven both have plenty to offer. You can check out events, activities, and historic landmarks at the nearby colleges (UConn and Yale). Both establishments typically have free art exhibits and other events taking place. Connecticut College Arboretum is also a nearby free attraction you can add to your list if you have the time.

Cheap Things to Do (Under $20)


Of course, not everything on your trip can be free, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still be conscious of your budget. Here are a few things to do under $20 in the Hartford area.

Bushnell Park

This is one of the oldest publicly funded parks in the United States. Admission to Bushnell Park is free. However, you’ll want to bring a few bucks to ride the vintage carousel located in the park, which has been around since the 1850s. Rides are $1 per person though, so you won’t break the bank.

Thomas Hooker Brewery at Colt

If you are looking for some afternoon entertainment, consider adding the Thomas Hooker Brewery to your itinerary. Its newest brewery location is at the historic Colt Firearms building in Hartford. It is a great place to get a feel for the local brews and culture.

The Mark Twain House & Museum

Literature fans won’t want to miss a chance to pop in to Mark Twain’s home either. The house, which has been turned into a museum honoring Twain’s life, is a 25-room mansion. You will be given a guided tour of the museum, which gives you a look into what life was like in the home with Twain, his wife, and three daughters.

Tours begin at 10 a.m. and go until 4:30 p.m., with the last tour beginning at 3:30. For the museum only, admission is $6. Tours of the Mark Twain house are $13 for kids ages six and up, $21 for adults, and $19 for seniors. Kids under the age of six are free.

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