BCS National Championship -- Miami
Courtesy BCS National Championship Game
Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009 at 8 p.m. EST
Oklahoma vs. Florida
Cities to search for hotel rooms:
Miami
Hollywood
Ft. Lauderdale
Money-Saving Tips
The Art Deco district is well worth a walking tour. But you shouldn't stop there--go to the beach! South Florida offers a variety of beaches. Some are more secluded while others are places to see and be seen. Another place not to be missed is Little Havana. Its restaurants, language and ambiance make for an international budget escape. Further afield, you'll find Everglades National Park, a truly unique national treasure that is well worth a visit. A $10 USD permit allows your private vehicle inside all entrances of the park for seven consecutive days.
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl -- Phoenix
Courtesy Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Monday, Jan. 5, 2009 at 8 p.m. EST
Texas vs. Ohio State
Cities to search for hotel rooms:
Glendale
Peoria
Phoenix
Money-Saving Tips
There are a number of fairly new hotels in Glendale, the location of University of Phoenix Stadium. Looking for other activities in the Phoenix area? White Tank Mountain Regional Park is a good place to spend a day hiking. Admission is only $6/car. Another interesting place to visit without spending a lot of money is Heard Museum in Phoenix, one of the nation's best places to see Native American artifacts. Admission for adults is $10 ($9 for seniors).
Federal Express Orange Bowl -- Miami
Courtesy Fed Ex Orange Bowl
Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009 at 8:30 p.m. EST
Virginia Tech vs. Cincinnati
Cities to search for hotel rooms:
Miami
Hollywood
Ft. Lauderdale
Money-Saving Tips
The Art Deco district is well worth a walking tour. But you shouldn't stop there--go to the beach! South Florida offers a variety of beaches. Some are more secluded while others are places to see and be seen. Another place not to be missed is Little Havana. Its restaurants, language and ambiance make for an international budget escape. Further afield, you'll find Everglades National Park, a truly unique national treasure that is well worth a visit. A $10 USD permit allows your private vehicle inside all entrances of the park for seven consecutive days.
Citi Rose Bowl -- Pasadena
Courtesy Citi Rose Bowl
Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. EST
Penn State vs. Southern California
Find a Cheap Airfare Money-Saving Tips
Pasadena
Glendale
Los Angeles
It really pays to shop prior to your trip. In addition to the chains, some of America's most popular hostels are here, too: Orbit Hotel (formerly Banana Bungalow) is on Melrose Avenue in Hollywood. On weekends, El Segundo hotels (south of LAX) catering to business travelers during the week frequently make deals to fill rooms. Important: Weigh price and location carefully in Los Angeles. Travel times are lengthy here, and a remote bargain is no bargain at all.
Allstate Sugar Bowl -- New Orleans
Courtesy Allstate Sugar Bowl
Friday, Jan. 2, 2009 at 8 p.m. EST
Alabama vs. Utah
Cities to search for hotel rooms:
Baton Rouge
Metarie
New Orleans
Money-Saving Tips
Many visitors choose to combine sightseeing with voluntourism efforts designed to aid in the region's recovery. There are plenty of agencies in the area who will give you an assignment, even if you only have a few hours available. There are also bus tours of the ravaged areas. Be aware that these have been the source of much controversy, and some people here find the concept offensive. Others say it is important to understand the remaining devastation, and that the companies conducting the tours are donating some of the proceeds to reconstruction.
Capital One Bowl -- Orlando
Courtesy Capital One Bowl
Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009 at 1 p.m. EST
Michigan State vs. Georgia
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 admission will cost. Check Web sites and find discounts before you go.
Be Skeptical of the word "Discount." There is no shortage of offers for "deep discounts" and "cheap rooms." 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.
AT&T Cotton Bowl -- Dallas
Courtesy AT&T Cotton Bowl
Friday, Jan. 2, 2009 at 2 p.m. EST
Texas Tech vs. Mississippi
Cities to search for hotel rooms:
Arlington
Dallas
Ft. Worth
Money-Saving Tips
This is a great place to eat Mexican food, and in many places it is very affordable. Texas Barbecue is also widely known around the world and worth sampling. Again, there are many basic restaurants and chain offerings where you can sample authentic Texas BBQ at reasonable prices. A recent search at GuideLive.com reveals addresses and even hyperlinks to more than 1400 area restaurants with entries priced under $20. For example, Who's Who Burgers in Highland Park offers Kobe steak burgers for under $10 USD in no-frills surroundings.
Outback Bowl -- Tampa
Courtesy Outback Bowl
Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009 at 11 a.m. EST
South Carolina vs. Iowa
Cities to search for hotel rooms:
Tampa
Clearwater
St. Petersburg
Money-Saving Tips
Tampa is the leading city of a larger area known as Tampa Bay. Along with St. Petersburg and Clearwater, this urban area surrounding a bay of the same name is home to white sandy beaches and plenty of cultural and recreational activities. Close to Tampa is Ybor City, a National Historic Landmark District. This Cuban settlement became known for its cigar industry, and you can still watch the masters at work, sample some Cuban cuisine and take a nice $4 walking tour.
Chick-Fil-A Bowl -- Atlanta
Courtesy Chick-Fil-A Bowl
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. EST
Louisiana State vs. Georgia Tech
Cities to search for hotel rooms:
Marietta
Atlanta
Decatur
Money-Saving Tips
Major chains such as Sheraton and Marriott offer travelers the needed amenities at multiple locations (Marriott alone has 70 properties in greater Atlanta). There are less expensive alternatives, too. Priceline can turn up some good deals. I recently paid $58/night on a Priceline bid to stay in a Midtown business-class hotel where rack rates were running nearly $200/night. Just remember that during bowl season, the Priceline opportunities might involve driving to a distant suburb.
Konica Minolta Gator Bowl -- Jacksonville
Courtesy Konica Minolta Gator Bowl
Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009 at 1 p.m. EST
Clemson vs. Nebraska
Cities to search for hotel rooms:
St. Augustine
Fernandina Beach
Jacksonville
Money-Saving Tips
If you've never been to this part of the country, consider taking a short day-trip to St. Augustine, the first permanent settlement in America. That's right. St. Augustine was around prior to both Jamestown and Plymouth. The historical preservation work here is excellent. Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach are north of Jacksonville but still close enough to the game site to serve as a home base. Here you'll find excellent golf facilities, nice shopping and some budget offerings mixed in with expensive resorts.
