Among My Souvenirs

Just in time for winter, we have a question about how to do ski vacations on the cheap! Hi Kate! I wanted to ask if you have any advice on affordable ski vacations for twentysomethings. Skiing is the opposite of a frugal travel activity and I was wondering if you have been able to do any skiing during your travels in budget? Thanks! Ski vacations can definitely get expensive, especially when you’re in your twenties and living on an entry-level wage.  But with a few tips, you can bring the cost of a ski vacation significantly down.  Here is what I suggest you do: Choose a nontraditional form of lodging.   Lodging is often the biggest expense of a trip — and it’s also where you can save the most money. Ever thought of home exchange?  What about house sitting?  In both cases, you can stay for free.  Check out Home Exchange and Trusted Housesitters to start.  Keep in mind that the best opportunities tend to go very quickly. For more nontraditional lodging, check out Airbnb, Roomora

If you’re plotting a winter vacation around the US this year, I have some good news and some bad news… Okay, it’s mainly good news. You’re spoiled for choice. The bad news is you need to confront every millennial’s worst nightmare and make an actual decision. From warm winter vacations in the USA to frosty Narnia-esque winter wonderlands, there’s plenty of options to contemplate as you’ll see in this list of American winter vacation ideas. And because my personal US travel experiences are limited to the cringiest of the cringe (think Cheesecake Factory hopping and stalking the cast of the Lord of the Rings), I’ve enlisted the help of some true USA travel experts who are here today to dish out on the best winter vacations in the US! So, below, you’ll find recommendations for the best places to visit in winter in the USA, from top travel bloggers who have made it their business to know this sort of thing. Time to plan the perfect USA winter getaway! Save this f

Alain Ducasse Is Now Serving Versailles – plus Where Else You Should Be Eating This Year Interviewed by Kimberley Lovato Behind the gilded gates of the Château de Versailles, Alain Ducasse recently opened the first full-service restaurant inside the French royal palace. With a name that’s Latin for “mouth” and similar to the French word for “gold,” Ore serves lunch with a sparkle of history and approachable sophistication. In the evening, the space becomes Ducasse at the Château de Versailles, a private event venue for 2 to 124 guests. HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH CHÂTEAU DE VERSAILLES? It’s part of the larger project that began in 1997 to better accommodate visitors through the newly renovated Pavillon Dufour, where the restaurant is located, and the Pavillon Gabriel. The château managers wanted a restaurant, so I created one with two faces: Ore, a contemporary French café open during the day, and Ducasse at the Château de Versailles, for elegant private dinners. At Ore, you ca