Valero Alamo Bowl -- San Antonio
Courtesy Valero Alamo Bowl
Monday, Dec. 29, 2008 at 8 p.m. EST
Northwestern vs. Missouri
Cities to search for hotel rooms:
San Marcos
New Braunfels
San Antonio
Money-Saving Tips
The Alamo is the best-known mission, but there are more missions with colorful histories to explore, free of charge.
There are good budget restaurants near the Riverwalk. One example is Schilo's German Deli at 424 E. Commerce, where you can order their renowned split-pea soup and a sandwich for under $7. Lines can be long. Good budget dining can be found at Mi Tierra, a famous Mexican restaurant at Santa Rosa and Commerce. They serve breakfast all day and are open 24 hours. It's a bit of a hike in warm weather from the Riverwalk, so take the Trolley for $1.
Champs Sports Bowl -- Orlando
Courtesy Champs Sports Bowl
Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. EST
Florida State vs. Wisconsin
Cities to search for hotel rooms:
Winter Park
Kissimmee
Orlando
Money-Saving Tips
Prepare Yourself for Admission Prices. People who don't do their homework experience "sticker shock" when they find out how much theme park tickets will cost. Check Web sites and find discounts before you go.
Be Skeptical of the word "Discount." Sometimes the offers will save you money, but many have strings attached. Don't be duped.
Cape Canaveral's Kennedy Space Center is unique and should not be missed. Orlando's trendy, upscale Winter Park area is a nice alternative to a day at the theme parks.
Pacific Life Holiday Bowl -- San Diego
Courtesy Pacific Life Holiday Bowl
Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008 at 8 p.m. EST
Oregon vs. Oklahoma State
Cities to search for hotel rooms:
Escondido
Laguna Beach
San Diego
Money-Saving Tips
Laguna Beach is about 80 miles up the coast from San Diego and offers excellent value for your stay in the area. If you want to stay closer to the game site, San Diego hotels also offer good values, whether you stay on the beach or in a budget accommodation. Because San Diego has one of the mildest climates in the nation, you might want to consider camping options in San Diego County.
Brut Sun Bowl -- El Paso
Courtesy Brut Sun Bowl
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2008 at 2 p.m. EST
Oregon State vs. Pittsburgh
Cities to search for hotel rooms:
Las Cruses, N.M.
El Paso
Money-Saving Tips
El Paso is situated about where Texas, Mexico and New Mexico come together. It makes for an interesting visit. Among the best things to do in El Paso are rock climbing, championship golf and Sunland Park a track with live racing and simulcast just across the border in New Mexico. If you have trouble finding lodging in El Paso, Las Cruses, N.M. is about 45 miles to the north on I-10.
Auto Zone Liberty Bowl -- Memphis
Courtesy Auto Zone Liberty Bowl
Friday, Jan. 2, 2009 at 5 p.m. EST
East Carolina vs. Kentucky
Cities to search for hotel rooms:
Cordova
Horn Lake-Southaven, Miss.
Memphis
Money-Saving Tips
Graceland is one of Memphis' top attractions, but so is the local food. A few places to sample it without breaking the budget: Rendezvous, downtown on Second Street, is well-known but a bit touristy; Corky's, with multiple locations in Memphis and elsewhere, also gets good marks. Lesser-known but also very good is The Commissary in suburban Germantown. Looking for something other than barbecue? Check out additional links for food and drink in Memphis.
