How to Plan a Summer Vacation in Saint Paul, Minnesota

Saint Paul, the capitol city of Minnesota, is a lively place for a vacation. Many activities in Saint Paul are geared to families, but there is also a great nightlife for adults. St. Paul is home to many activities, museums, exhibits and attractions, most of which are moderately priced.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Create a budget for your trip. When doing this, keep in mind that you need to include not only transportation to and from the city, but also within the city. Include accommodations, dining, souvenirs, admission to attractions and tips. Also, add an extra 10 to 20 percent to your budget for miscellaneous expenses and emergencies.
2. Be sure to find someone to take care of your house while you are away. Trusted friends and neighbors can take in your mail or newspapers, or you can have your local post office hold your mail there. Be sure to make arrangements for pets and household plants.
3. Pack for your trip. It is best to create a packing list so you do not forget anything. Pack appropriate clothing. If you are staying at a 4- or 5-star hotel, be aware that many have guidelines regarding what you can wear in the lobby and restaurant. Jeans are usually not appropriate for many restaurants or museums.
4. Find accommodations that fit your budget and expectations. Finding a good hotel near the center of town is a great way to reduce transportation costs. However it usually costs more than a hotel on the outskirts of town. Inquire to see if the hotel has any current promotions running.
5. Orient yourself with the St. Paul area. Check out travel guides, online maps, or stop at the visitors center once you reach the city. The staff at your hotel is likely to be able to give you good directions, but you shouldn’t have to rely solely on verbal directions. If possible, gather written directions before you leave.
6. Check out maps or Web sites in order to find the tourist attractions or destinations that you want to visit in Saint Paul. The St. Paul Convention and Visitors Bureau is a great resource for finding special events, as well as favorite attractions. Make a list of every attraction that you want to see, fees involved, hours and attire. It is a good idea to call the office of the attraction to see how much time they recommend you allot for your visit.
7. Decide if you want to tour the city of St. Paul with a guide or without one. Many travelers find it useful to take a quick walking or bus tour of the city when they first arrive, while others want to be adventurous and discover it on their own. Most tours are inexpensive, but some include shows or dining and can be pricey.

Tips & Warnings

• If you will be spending the majority of your time in the downtown area, be aware that St. Paul has skyways, which are elevated, climate-controlled enclosed sidewalks. There are many maps posted in the skyways to help you find your way around. The majority of city travelers walk for most of their trip.
• The Mall of America is about 15 minutes from St. Paul in good traffic.
• The weather in St. Paul is usually warm during the summer, with the average high being around 83 degrees F. However, the weather can change quickly. St. Paul experiences rain, storms and tornadoes in the summer, so bring an umbrella, poncho or windbreaker.