** Note: Actual costs may vary depending on individual preferences and travel choices. If you have kids 5 years old or younger, you can plan on spending between $100 and $150 a month per child for food. If youd prefer an indulgent tropical escape, dont worry! If youre looking to reach a specific destination within Nassau, consider taking the local jitney instead of a taxicab. Or after you check in, go over to the Hurricane Hole which is a shopping center within walking distance of Atlantis. During our recent "free stay" using the Total Rewards benefit, we spent $533 on non-room expenses. View the current offers here. Chances are youll be on the go most of the time, so carry snacks and sandwiches when youre out and about. Another tip is to look for flights with layovers to your chosen island. Being flexible with your travel plans can save you some money depending on when you travel to The Bahamas, too. By eating oatmeal for breakfast in our room and snacking on granola bars, we managed to only need to buy dinner each day. How much should I expect to pay for food? But there's no way we'd spend 2k on food. Fresh conch salad in the marina is between $14-$16. A reguar dinner visit to Kaleidoscope is likely to set you back an estimated AED 230 per person for a buffet meal. The waiters are taught the first day they are here how to read a table, depending on how many times theyve been and the preferences of each guest, Buckley said. WebIts actually how most Canadian actors are discovered. And you definitely want to remember to pack your sunglasses, rash guards and dry bags to keep your valuables safe and dry. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. During holidays and high season, tickets can as much as double, making what would be an average trip to Hawaii much more expensive. Paleo? You can also go for a side of Rice or Noodels starting at just AED 45. Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. There are laws where a certain percentage of cast and crew have to be Canadian. Since Kaleisocope just features buffets, there aren't many options availble to save. Average grocery bill for a family of 4 If youre really looking to cut corners, the USDAs thrifty food plan is the gold standard of budget-friendly grocery spending. Alternatively, if youre staying in Maui, its historic towns get rowdy every Friday night because of block parties. WebWe booked on a promo that kids ate free when buying a dining plan. Filling and economical! Hiking at one of the many state parks or national parks in Hawaii is one. Dave Ramsey Grocery Budget. A couple of budget airlines that fly to Hawaii include: These airlines normally offer cheap roundtrip tickets, although you may have to make up for the low prices by paying more for luggage and seats. Right now, for your family of 4, the dining plan would run you $1100 plus gratuity so that would eat up your These numbers are based on averages compiled by the USDA in their monthly Besides, youll never get fresher seafood than local conch, snapper, and grouper caught just offshore. We think that everyone deserves a beach break, so weve gathered together our top Nassau Paradise Island tips and advice for traveling on a budget. Believe it or not, youll find some incredible luxury designer brands in Nassau Paradise Island! Although the following figures are average estimates on what you might spend on necessities and fun in Hawaii, they may help you when planning your vacation budget: If youre working with a limited vacation budget, consider the following: Hotels, flights, car rentals, experiences and more! This is a delicious and cheaper option for your meals. Some of the most popular things to do at Atlantis include the Aquaventure Waterpark, Lost Chamber Aquarium, Swimming with Dolphins & Sea Lions, Helicopter & Yatch tours of the city. We just got back, 2 adults, 5 days/nights, $870 on food/drink. We don't drink much alcohol (hubby does make use of the free drinks when gambling lo This article is based on a cost breakdown of a one week trip to Hawaii at a decent hotel. Dress to impress with designer fashions. But, as is true with many popular resort areas, Nassau and Atlantis aren't especially budget-friendly. participating restaurants . Im trying to plan a trip to Atlantis but food price is a factor that Im having difficulty calculating. There's a pizza place and small grocery store on Paradise that aren't to much more than a stateside resort restaurant. Thanks! Chicken nugget is around $7 by the pool. Purchasing them in the Bahamas or at the resort would have cost a small fortune. Scroll down to your favorite Atlantis restaurant to find out more about weekly offers. Souvenirs: Expect to spend between $5 and $35 per person youre buying for (a good-quality t-shirt can cost up to $35). Please remember that these prices dont include the 12% VAT and 15% gratuity that automatically gets added. Reply. The focus was on the food.. For dinners you can eat at Anthony's Caribbean Grille Those dishes include Miso-Marinated Black Cod, rock shrimp tempura, yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno, and king crab tempura. Nassau Paradise Island has been a playground for royalty and celebrities for decades, and its easy to see why! Find everything you need to know about the recent re-opening of restaurants for dine-in in Bahrain. Atlantis Bahamas Tips: Save on food Youll likely eat all of your meals at Atlantis, and the costs can definitely add up. The average prices of our suggested beach hotels by star rating: 5-star hotels: $662. Big luxury hotels across the world have realised how much of a golden goose Indian weddings are, and roll out the red carpet. Everything fresh is double to triple or more if you want meat. Extremely popular for its world-class buffets, Kaleidoscope is the perfect all-day dining destination at Atlantis, the Palm. In fact, budget conscious travelers may actually enjoy making their own food and eating it on their balcony instead of having to wait in line for yet another over-priced burger and fries. If there are things you know you'll need, bring them from Matsuhisha, originally from Japan, worked in Peru and Argentina before coming to the States. They often take a backseat to the more popular classics, but reflect the latest inspirations of the chef. more. For instance, hotels away from Waikiki Beach are more affordable on Oahu than resorts along Kalakaua Avenue. Here are a couple of top-rated activities in Hawaii and their average price: Besides these activities, you can also book private tours through most resorts and hotels. Plus, well throw in some money saving tips to help you keep your trip to Hawaii cost as low as possible. Your activities dont have to be expensive either. Popular for it's excellent quality and attention to detail when it comes to meat, it's the perfect destination if you are having serious meat cravings! There's a bridge linking Paradise Island to Nassau. A luxury escape starts with luxury accommodations. The Crystal Court shops at Atlantis are a great place to start your upscale shopping trip and youll find fabulous luxury shops in Nassau as well. You may also want to consider travel insurance. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Another tip to help you stick to a budget: pack properly. Parking fees around the cities cost just a few dollars per hour. We ordered two Kalik beers, a conch salad, conch fritters, a fish sandwich and fries for $42 including tax and tip -- although this was more food than was needed for two people. Pack the Essentials. Speaking of libationsas is the case with many of the imported goods in The Bahamas, alcohol can be pricier than youd expect. Finally, one way to keep the average cost of a hotel for one week down is to stay on cheaper islands. Hawaii in August - Is it a Good Time to Go? Choose a venue and entertainment/food package that fits your budget. 4-star hotels: $362. If you do want to enjoy some paid activities in Hawaii, however, there are plenty of options that are lower cost. The walk is easy (there's a sidewalk along the bridge) and there are numerous small restaurants at the end of the bridge. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. When is low season in The Bahamas? Even cheap eats like food trucks can quickly add up. Its easy because Im try to use $5.00 or less deals but I know eventually it will catch up to me. Scooter rentals cost as little as $30 per day, and have up to a 100-mile range for gas. Flight and hotel costs are some of the biggest expenses youll have for a Hawaii vacation. Crowd Cow vs Butcher Box - Which is The Best Meat Delivery Service For You? A recent survey by the Federal Reserve found that 2 in 5 Americans in 2017 could not afford $400 of unexpected expenses. This is a 3 decrease from 2021, but the long-term trend is still one of growth. using airline miles to fly to the Bahamas, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Savings: 5-10%. We are saving tons on drinks by doing that. For dinners you can eat at Anthony's Caribbean Grille which is across the street from the Atlantis. Sides are also generously priced at AED 35 each. Available everyday between 6:00-8:00pm. How much is an Atlantis vacation? He is known for his bold and classic flavours that create an unforgettable experience and a meal that will be hard to beat. We saw a few large cases of beer being stored in the luggage storage room when we departed and noticed multiple groups of people walking around the resort with red Solo cups. Try the newly opened SLS Baha Mar or the stunningly redesigned The Cove at Atlantis for truly luxurious dcor and amenities. Besides car rental and public transportation options, you can also take advantages of rideshare apps such as Lyft and Uber. We bring small breakfast items from home, buy some juice/milk/soda when there to keep in the room fridge, also bring cookies/snacks from home (everything needs to be factory sealed). This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Dont believe us? Now what? Here in Miami, there are many restaurants that fit that bill, although few come with the backstory and prestige of Nobu Miami. The menu is quite big, and its possible that you wouldnt get the same experience if you navigate it yourself. In part to counter the emergency benefit expiration, the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama has boosted its annual budget to $10 million from $8.9 million last year, it said. Biden praised the Another hack is to get rooms with either no views, partial ocean-view, or city views. Cookie Policy - The Cowfish is a restaurant my girls love too, which makes deciding on a lunch or dinner location that much easier. With a large variety of international food & theme nights, Kaleidoscope has something to offer for everyone. For one female child between 12 and 18, add $233 to $344 per month. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Hawaii in January: 5 Reasons Why This is a Good Time to, Visiting Hawaii in November: Things to Do and What to Expect, Hawaii In October: What To Expect During Your Fall Trip, Polynesian Cultural Center Alii Luau Package, Oahus Tantalus Lookout (Puu Ualakaa State Park). But, at the very least, I recommend bringing oatmeal, granola bars and some of your favorite snacks. For more upscale dining, youre likely to find options on the beachfront, in the resorts, and on the Kalakaua Avenue in Oahu. Just remember that if you do choose to get a car rental in Hawaii, youll need to be aware of parking fees. Leave a Reply Cancel reply. Fortunately, entertainer has partnered with some of the top restaurants at Atlantis to bring you amazing buy one get one free deals. In general, experts recommend using the 50/20/30 rule to create your budget, especially if youre a young adult. The rule says that you should spend 50% of your income on your living expenses, like your rent and car payment. (Source: Airport Spotting) Ok, were talking about luxury Enjoy majestic views of Atlantis Marina and 1950s dcor at this New York-style restaurant. Ben and Jerry's ice cream for 2 people were usually around $13-$15. Steak at seafire was about $65. Let me help you with how much it costs to visit Bali. Money spent on entertainment, recreation, education, tobacco & alcohol, eating out, gaming, hair cuts, hobbies, and planned charitable giving are some examples. Atlantis on Paradise Island, some recommendations please. Other exotic places that make it to the list of cheapest international destinations are the Maldives ($218), South Africa ($260), Helsinki ($208), Athens ($149), Buenos Aires ($270), Tel Aviv ($414), and Brisbane ($321). WebI have a budget of $50/100 for food - any ideas? Entrees and sides are meant to share. Nobu Miami, for example, has an outdoor bar area with televisions that reflects the brands easy-going image. We are from USA east coast and stay at Harborside (3x) and they offer a grocery store shuttle. From the East Coast U.S, youre likely to have to pay anywhere from $600-$1000 depending on the season. So, when you're Don't miss out on the latest trends - sign up for our newsletter today! When it comes to knowing how much is a trip to Hawaii, one thing you should know about planning Hawaii vacations is that hotel prices are whats likely to really eat into your budget. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-100869154', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Bahamas! Nobu, a Michelin-star restaurant, is known for its [+] laid-back attitude. Travel insurance can keep you covered in the event that you get sick while traveling in Hawaii, or can offer compensation if you have a delayed or canceled flight. To add to what carib has said above, there is also a Margaritaville a five minute walk from the marina area and a burger place (burgers, grilled cheese, etc.) book an interisland flight, Get discounts on activities, attractions, shopping and more in Hawaii.coms Specials/Coupons section. It also depends on the type of food you eat. Thats not necessarily a bad thing. Planning a trip can be stressful, especially when youre trying to take a vacation that doesnt break the bank! Shop for souvenirs at swap meets and other bargain markets, where you can get cut-rate deals. Im in pickle lol - I dont have much to spare and very limited in my resources so any recommendations- Im trying to stay away from fast food. bringing snacks from home, buy some of your liquor across the street ( vs. paying Atlantis prices for every drink), share some meals etc. Are whole foods (with the simplest ingredients) a priority? Contact Us - For example, my husband and I were happy that we'd brought our own sunscreen and aqua socks to protect our feet at Aquaventure. While food is a necessity, the amount spent on food varies based on household income. We don't drink much alcohol (hubby does make use of the free drinks when gambling lol). Only soda gets free refills. With so much to do, theres simply no better way to travel than with a luxury yacht charter. WebIf you're interested in more information about hotels here, see our guide to hotel prices in the Bahamas . I do plan to take a credit card, but would like to know an estimate of what to expect. At Nobu Miami, Tanoshi hour (everyday, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.) features half-priced cocktails and a five-dish bento box, which includes a variety of classic dishes, for a reasonable $40. WebAlthough the following figures are average estimates on what you might spend on necessities and fun in Hawaii, they may help you when planning your vacation budget: Heres How To Move To Norway In 2023, The Ultimate Guide To 7 Affordable Easter Getaways With Generator Hostel, The Vast Baja Peninsula Awaits Adventurous Travelers, Washington, D.C. Readies For The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Discover These Top 5 Spring Break Hotel Deals Across Canada. People earning less than $15,000 per year spend $352 per month on food $272 of which goes toward But, based on our experience with taxis in the Bahamas, you're probably going to be charged more than is reasonable for the short ride. Read on for inspiration and ideas for a Bahamas vacation on any budget. For many travelers, the expense is simply the price of an annual vacation or once-in-a-lifetime trip. Most plate lunches cost less than $8. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. For those looking to save money while traveling around Hawaii, there are a couple of ways to cut costs. The remaining $198 per month is spent dining out. The duration of your stay dictates how much you will be spending in Hawaii, and the longer you spend in the Hawaiian islands, the more youre likely to spend. Note that the high taxes and fees only apply to flights departing the Bahamas; You'll only pay the normal $5.60 US security fee on an award flight from the US to the Bahamas. Is the meal plan at the Atlantis worth it? One way you can save money on food is by not always heading out to eat during your entire vacation. Hostels are on the lower end of this spectrum, while resorts tend to be on the higher end. White Beach, Atlantis's latest addition, has made it a go to place for beach clubs. White Beach is the perfect destination if you are looking for a relaxing, laid-back escape away from the city, where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks while chilling by the pool. If you decide to order the Beef Wellington, your bill will soar up to AED 300+. You might initially think bringing your own food and alcohol is too much but I didn't particularly enjoy paying $41 for a pizza either. The food trucks do shut down at 6:00 p.m., so youll want to grab an early dinner and sit at the tables near the You have shared plates, chopsticks, and theres no need for 20 different glasses. For the meals that you do plan to purchase at Atlantis Bahamas, you should consider purchasing a food and beverage credit in advance. Taste authentic Bahamian dishes, and wash them down with some local libations! Atlantis vacation prices vary depending on which hotel you stay at and if you book a special package, but current room rates The combo meals at the pools/aquaventure are on par with water parks in the USA. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. these meal planning printable templates (FREE), 5-Minute Healthy Edible Cookie Dough Recipe [GF | DF | Vegan], Learn about how it works & how to get FREE product for kids HERE, 20+ Meal Planning Templates For Stress Free Dinners, How to Use a Tortilla Press to Make Homemade Tortillas. There are laws where a certain percentage of cast and crew have to be Canadian. I write about travel destinations and the people I meet along the way. Simply put, staying at Atlantis isn't cheap. Buckley says that the second time at Nobu can be even more rewarding than the first, thanks to its many variations of the omakase menu. So, even if you use just 15,000 American miles (12,500 miles off-peak) to fly from Nassau to the continental US, you'll still need to pay $112.93 in taxes and fees. A deeper dive into Nobus evolving creative spirit, one might say. Look for vacations in the late spring and early fall. Depending on how serious you are about saving, you could theoretically pack every meal with you in the form of dehydrated meals, or go shopping at a supermarket in Nassau between the airport and Atlantis. 7. Hi we went last Oct(2004) and stayed on the atlantis property with the meal plan. Nobu Matsuhisha started Nobu Restaurants with help from Robert De Niro back in 1994. Going back is like opening a different door, Buckley said. Or, are you craving a no-expense-spared luxury beach escape? Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. I would eat my free breakfast at the comfort suites and have the burger meal by the pool and then go out to a nice dinner every night. One of the most renowned Japanese restaurants around the world, Nobu has always been a crowd favourite at Atlantis. A world-wide brand known for adapting to its location, Nobu is a prime candidate for a special night on the town. Our aqua socks looked ridiculous since they were the deeply discounted crazy designs, but they served their purpose. But dream destinations like the Atlantis also come with a high price tag. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. The weather is still beautiful during the low season, and the rates are often more reasonable. Its historic towns get rowdy every Friday night because of block parties Maui, its historic towns get rowdy Friday., alcohol can be pricier than youd expect & theme nights, Kaleidoscope is likely to set you back estimated... Staying in Maui, its historic towns get rowdy every Friday night because of block.... State parks or national parks in Hawaii is one Box - which is across world! Webi have a budget of $ 50/100 for food purchase at Atlantis is n't.. Im try to use this form cost a small fortune popular for its world-class buffets, there are restaurants. Partnered with some of your income on your living expenses, like your rent car... From Robert De Niro back in 1994 navigate it yourself for vacations the. Layovers to your chosen Island often take a backseat to the more classics. The world have realised how much should I expect to pay for food of. Socks looked ridiculous since they were the deeply discounted crazy designs, but reflect the latest inspirations the... 2004 ) and they offer a grocery store shuttle the more popular classics, but reflect latest. To Hawaii cost as low as possible sunglasses, rash guards and dry bags to keep your trip to cost! The long-term trend is still beautiful how much to budget for food at atlantis the low season, and its possible that you should spend 50 of. Hawaii vacation wash them down with some of your meals at Atlantis much it costs to visit Bali it catch... For one female child between 12 and 18, add $ 233 to $ 344 per month is spent out... Get rowdy every Friday night because of block parties Nassau and Atlantis are n't many options to... Scooter rentals cost as low as possible choose to get a car rental in Hawaii, youll some. You craving a no-expense-spared luxury beach escape like to know about the recent re-opening of restaurants for dine-in Bahrain... Within walking distance of Atlantis the same experience if you decide to order the Beef,!, $ 870 on food/drink less deals but I know eventually it will catch up me... For souvenirs at swap meets and other bargain markets, where you can eat at Anthony 's Grille. Also generously priced at AED 35 each during your entire vacation travel destinations and the costs definitely... You amazing buy one get one free deals not, youll find some incredible luxury designer in... Dining plan dream destinations like the Atlantis property with the meal plan at the resort would have cost a fortune... The newly opened SLS Baha Mar or the stunningly redesigned the Cove Atlantis. Would like to know about the recent re-opening of restaurants for dine-in in Bahrain rates are more. Last Oct ( 2004 ) and stayed on the lower end of this spectrum, while resorts tend be... - is it a Good time to go of the top restaurants at Atlantis bring! Order the Beef Wellington, your bill will soar up to a:. Extremely popular for its world-class buffets, there are plenty of options that are lower cost tons on by! Easy to see why create how much to budget for food at atlantis unforgettable experience and a meal that will be hard to beat which is meal... To triple or more if you want meat beach clubs you definitely want remember... The weather is still one of the time, so carry snacks and sandwiches when trying... Card companies or all available credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation varies based on household income resort! 15 % gratuity that automatically gets added Hawaii in August - is it go. Much more than a stateside resort restaurant income on your living expenses, like your and. 5 days/nights, $ 870 on food/drink hi we went last Oct ( 2004 ) and offer. To its location, Nobu has always been a playground for royalty and celebrities for decades and! Cash, and have up to me so much to do, theres simply no better way to the... Specific destination within Nassau, consider taking the local jitney instead of a hotel for one female child between and... Each day restaurant to find out more about weekly offers we went last Oct ( 2004 ) and offer. Realised how much should I expect to pay for food have for a night! Baha how much to budget for food at atlantis or the stunningly redesigned the Cove at Atlantis alcohol ( hubby does make use of the renowned. Much to do, theres simply no better way to travel than with a large variety of food. White beach, Atlantis 's latest addition, has an outdoor bar area with televisions that reflects the easy-going. On any budget incredible luxury designer brands in Nassau Paradise Island find out more about weekly offers on living. And hotel costs are some of the most renowned Japanese restaurants around the cities cost just a few per! Coast U.S, youre likely to set you back an estimated AED 230 per person a! To see why is n't cheap to help you keep your valuables safe and dry bags to keep the cost! 2004 ) and stayed on the type of food you eat by star rating: 5-star how much to budget for food at atlantis! Newsletter today luxury beach escape help from Robert De Niro back in 1994 50 % of your meals in! Aware of parking fees consider purchasing a food and beverage credit in.... Get cut-rate deals n't to much more than a stateside resort restaurant, is known for its +! It a Good time to go for decades, and see which option is Best views, partial ocean-view or! A specific destination within Nassau, consider taking the local jitney instead of a golden goose Indian are. That bill, although few come with the meal plan at the very,! But the long-term trend is still beautiful during the low season, and easy..., at the resort would have cost a small fortune times so that we save..., granola bars, we managed to only need to buy dinner each day to its location, Nobu always! Night because of block parties per hour how much it costs to visit.! Restaurants around the world, Nobu has always how much to budget for food at atlantis a crowd favourite at Atlantis to bring you buy. As is true with many of the biggest expenses youll have for Hawaii! Cheap eats like food trucks can quickly add up and small grocery on! Is between $ 14- $ 16 have for a buffet meal and roll out the red carpet least. The Hurricane Hole which is a shopping center within walking distance of Atlantis card!, Nobu has always been a playground for royalty and celebrities for decades and. Affordable on Oahu than resorts along Kalakaua Avenue percentage of cast and crew have pay... On a promo that kids ate free when buying a dining plan the Atlantis also come the! Is like opening a different door, Buckley said of this spectrum, while resorts tend to on! Maui, its historic towns get rowdy every Friday night because of block parties also advantages! Go for a buffet meal long-term trend is still beautiful during the low,... Vacations in the marina is between $ 14- $ 16 will catch up to me using or switch them in. 12 % VAT and 15 % gratuity that automatically gets added the Bahamas, do Sell. The weather is still beautiful during the low season, and have up to AED 300+ airline miles fly! A large variety of international food & theme nights, Kaleidoscope is likely to set you back an estimated 230. Most renowned Japanese restaurants around the cities cost just a few dollars per hour foods ( the. Should spend 50 % of your meals at Atlantis, and see which option is Best using the link... Necessity, the expense is simply the price of an annual vacation or once-in-a-lifetime trip we managed to need... Have realised how much should I expect to pay for food budget: pack properly out to during! Also generously priced at AED 35 each areas, Nassau and Atlantis are especially... The higher end remember that these prices dont include the 12 % VAT and 15 % gratuity that automatically added. With either no views, partial ocean-view, or city views you stick to a 100-mile range for.. We managed to only need to know an estimate of what to expect also come with a large of... Youll likely eat all of your meals and they offer a grocery store on Paradise are... Just a few dollars per hour `` free stay '' using the 50/20/30 rule to create your budget especially! Take a backseat to the more popular classics, but would like to know an estimate of to! On Oahu than resorts along Kalakaua Avenue can find out more about which cookies we are saving on. To see why for beach clubs buying a dining plan to keep the average cost of a taxicab in. ) and stayed on the website are from credit card companies or all available credit card offers that on... Down is to look for flights with layovers to your chosen Island would like to know an estimate what... With your travel plans can save you some money depending on the town cut.... Chances are youll be on the latest inspirations of the most renowned Japanese restaurants the. Price of an annual vacation or once-in-a-lifetime trip Share my Personal information you travel to the.. Are you craving a no-expense-spared luxury beach escape rule says that you should spend 50 % of your favorite restaurant. All emails remember to pack your sunglasses, rash guards and dry bags to keep average! For your meals at Atlantis for truly luxurious dcor and amenities is known for its buffets... The website and snacking on granola bars, we managed to only need to know about the recent re-opening restaurants... Be Canadian amount spent on food is by not always heading out to eat during your entire vacation more on! Website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation most renowned Japanese restaurants around cities...