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It’s snowing in Nanaimo. That’s on Vancouver Island, for those that don’t know. If you follow me on twitter, you know that my family has been in British Columbia for a week now. Like much of the Pacific Northwestern states below us, snow, ice, and arctic-blast winds have been our frequent companions for the past […]

Win a Stay in the San Juan Islands

Why do you travel? For some people, travel is a way of life.  I know people who’ve ditched their jobs, hoisted on a backpack, and traveled the world on a shoestring, forever changed. For others, travel is an escape, like the young couple I know who are  saving up all their vacation time to swap […]

La Conner B&B Giveaway

Lucky, lucky you. The owners of Queen of the Valley Inn Bed and Breakfast, a charming historic farmhouse B&B in La Conner, Washington, are generously giving away a night’s stay to a lucky Northwest Cheapsleeps reader. To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment below. In the comment, tell us what you […]

Oregon turns 150 Years Old

If you live in Oregon, you’ve probably heard that your state is having a big birthday this year. The actual big day to mark the sesquicentennial was this past Saturday, February 14, but this state knows how to party, so the celebrations last all year long. One of the coolest sesquicentennial celebrations I’ve seen so […]

February Giveaways

There is no cheaper sleep than the free kind. Travel Oregon is giving away a free trip to Ashland, Oregon to the Shakespeare Festival. The prize package, themed “Escape to Ashland,” includes accommodations for two at the Ashland Springs Hotel as well as play tickets. I admit it – I entered! So by posting it […]

New Website for Washington Tourism

Remember “Say WA,” the Washington state tourism slogan unveiled a few years back? I know, I know… who could forget? Those two jazzy words strung together were going to drive vacationers by the tens of thousands to visit the state. Brilliant, wasn’t it? Actually, it was a big FAIL. So, what’s the latest marketing move […]

Yurts and Cabins are All the Rage

I just finished perusing Northwest newspapers and travel blogs for early fall destinations and travel ideas. It seems that everyone is talking about yurts and cabins! The Seattle P-I this week ran a story from the Medford Mail Tribune on Oregon yurts: Yurts prove to be a boon for campers at Oregon state parks, highlighting […]

Portland Monthly: a bit out of touch?

The September issue of Portland Monthly magazine has an intriguing cover story featuring fall weekend getaways – 14 destinations on just one tank of gas. With gas prices hovering around $4 a gallon, this seems like a pretty smart feature for folks like us who love to travel regionally –on a budget. I flipped through […]

Vacationing Close to Home – Officially a Trend

Is your family staying in the Pacific Northwest for vacation this summer? You are not alone. In fact, nationwide, you are now officially part of a growing travel trend. The New York Times’ travel section writes that summer’s best deals are close to home. The American family’s summer vacation to Europe, which in recent years […]

Destinations and Distractions – British Columbia June Jazz

Now is the time to plan your June getaway in British Columbia – and there are so many fine reasons to do so. Jazz, blues, and fusion, just to name a few! Enjoy plenty of free or low-cost performances while soaking up some Northwest culture. The neatest part is – you can easily take one […]