Paddling Pinellas: Kayaks Provide Affordable Entertainment, Fitness
If rising gas prices and the still-tired economy have you feeling stir crazy with no cash, consider the… [more]
6 Fun Things to Do in Quito, Ecuador
Quito, Ecuador is arguably one of the most impressive cultural capitals in South America. With a complete… [more]
Phenomenally Fun Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida
For those who enjoy a little more than beach combing during their vacation time, it’s nice to know that… [more]
Featured Posts
Thrifty Tips for Traveling Between Climate Extremes
Winter is the time of year when travelers are either searching for the ultimate mountain cabin and ski experience, or scrambling to book the best beach resort package they can find. Packing for a smooth climate transition is no small feat, especially when today’s checked luggage fees place suitcase space at a premium. Here are [...]
Top 11 Tips for a Successful Segway Experience
Looking for green and efficient urban transportation? Hoping for a teen travel activity that won’t have your kids rolling their eyes? Perhaps you just want a fun and unusual alternative to the typical walking tour. For many, the answer lies in exploring the Segway experience. They certainly look simple enough when you see others floating [...]
Photo from the Road: Clown Quilt
This whimsical clown quilt was photographed at the Virginia Quilt Museum, one of many interesting things to do in Harrisonburg, Va.
Cheap and Free Ways to Check Out the London Olympics
With the 2012 London games rapidly approaching, many travelers are wondering how to have the most affordable Olympic experience possible. Fortunately, a number of free and low-cost options are available to visitors of this historic English city. Live Locations: Live Olympic events coverage will be provided on large, outdoor screens in more than 20 urban [...]
How to Combine Business with Pleasure and Still Pack Light
Mixing museum tours with mountain trails, and beach time with business gatherings takes planning, especially when you’re traveling independently. While heading out for an extreme sporting vacation with no checked luggage might not be achievable, it is possible to travel with less luggage while working from the road on a soft adventure getaway. Here are [...]
Photo from the Road: Thai Roof Through the Trees
This elaborately-ornate roof in Bangkok, Thailand was photographed from the platform of a temple across the river. It is typical of traditional Thai architecture.
Family Vacation Experiences for Science Buffs
If you’re looking for something more than your typical community pool excursions to fulfill your family fun goals this summer, consider the celebration of science. Numerous affordable options are available. These are some of my favorites. Freebies: LIGO, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory in Livingston, Louisiana offers free group fieldtrips to their facility and [...]
How to Be a Professional Hobo
When Nora Dunn sold her financial planning practice, along with everything else she owned in 2007 to follow her dream of full-time travel, she knew she wanted to share her adventure. Theprofessionalhobo.com, Dunn’s web site, chronicles how she’s managed to travel full time in a financially-sustainable manner for over four years. In addition to freelance [...]
Photo from the Road: School Books on Bike
Bicycles are a common form of transportation around Angkor Wat, and elsewhere in Cambodia. People use them to transport groceries, farm animals, family members and more.
How to Save Money on Incidental Vacation Expenses
Lost luggage, changes in temperature and misplaced items can all create unexpected travel expenses in the form of replacement costs. Creative shopping strategies and a bit of research can help alleviate the burden. Here are my top tips for handling incidental vacation expenses affordably. Activities: Forgotten beach towels and misplaced shower shoes are replaced for [...]
Speleology on a Shoestring: Budget Travel Tips for Cave Lovers
When my tour of Slovenia’s Postojna Cave started with an underground train ride, I knew it had to be massive. After witnessing the impressive formations, I immediately wanted to see more of the same. For many, experiencing the world’s notable cave systems involves a hefty price tag. However, there are several ways to handle cost [...]
Seattle on a Shoestring
If scenes of the Space Needle and Seattle Aquarium have you dreaming of a getaway to this seaside destination, I’m happy to report you’ll be able to vacation there affordably. Here’s the inside scoop from two Seattle experts. Food: Seattle resident Andrea Karim knows where to go for good grub. Her top picks include the [...]
Frugally Funding Foreign Adoption and the Travel Expenses that Go With It
While foreign adoption fees are significantly higher than the domestic equivalent, many people are finding that adoption outside of the United States is the right choice for their family. In addition to the actual fees, international travel expenses add significantly to the overall cost. This is something Andrea Poe, author of the popular Washington Times [...]
Photo from the Road: Sirmione Street Scene
This simple street scene was photographed on the islet of Sirmione, along the shores of Italy’s Lake Garda. It’s a popular destination for tourists to take a boat ride, go for a swim, tour ancient Roman ruins and catch a romantic Italian dinner.
Top 10 Activities to Make Your South African Trip Complete
Today’s post features Travel Blogger Ben Reed from adventureswithben.com. Ben’s blog takes a light-hearted look at travel as he discovers the most fun destinations around the world. If you could only travel to one country in the world, my pick would be South Africa. The majesty of the animals, striking landscapes and spirit of the [...]
Perfecting the Paper Chase: Keeping It All Together on the Road
Anyone who has to function professionally from the road knows what I’m talking about. The flurry of paper that comes with such a task still needs to be dealt with, even when your extremely limited storage space is literally bursting at the seams. Here are some strategies road warriors can use for perfecting the paper [...]
Photo from the Road: Tour Boat on Lake Titicaca
This tour boat ferries visitors to Peru’s Lake Titicaca, high in the Andes Mountains. A visit to this lake provides a peek into the Uros culture, high-altitude island life and beautiful blue waters to explore.
Stress-Busting Travel Tips
After riding the ferry from Aqaba, Jordan to Nuweiba, Egypt, baggage claim proved stressful. Sifting through bags with fellow travelers on the back of a flatbed truck resulted in a bruised, dust-covered bottom when an enthusiastic tug sent me, quite literally, over the edge. Upon clearing customs and finding the closest beverage merchant, I purchased [...]
Affordable Things to Do in Miami
Known for bling and Beyoncé sightings, Miami isn’t usually celebrated for its affordability. So how do you have a financially-feasible getaway in this city filled with glitz and glamour? Enjoy it like a local. According to the Miami Downtown Development Authority, it’s one of the fastest-growing urban centers in the United States, boasting an 85 [...]
Photo from the Road: Beachfront Cabanas
These beachfront cabanas are located on the island of St. Kitts, and provide a relaxing and shaded way to spend the day near the water with access to rum drinks, seafood and even a day spa.
How to Have an Affordable Golf Getaway
Golf’s lush greens and scenic courses lure wealthy celebrities and world leaders to some of the most expensive vacation destinations in the world. So it isn’t surprising that typical households find the prices prohibitive when it comes to finding the family travel funds. Follow these tips for an affordable golf getaway. Packages: A pretty penny [...]
Affordable Strategies for Family Relocation
Relocating for family or employment is something we all do at some point. While it is tax deductible under certain circumstances, it is also a huge financial burden if tackled without forethought. Having moved across the world and continent more times than I can remember, I have picked up a few tips to help avoid [...]
Photo from the Road: Pisa Picnic Area
The piazza in Pisa, Italy is one of the most beautiful in the world, and a popular place for tourists to picnic while taking in a little sightseeing. There are other things to see in Pisa as well, as the city has been around for generations.
Birding on a Budget
Birding requires minimal equipment and suits a variety of travel budgets. From back yard viewing to international excursions, here are several tips for birding on a budget. Destinations: Choose a place that’s rich in bird life with affordable day-to-day expenses to maximize your money. For example, Uganda is home to half the bird species in [...]
Celebrating Special Occasions from the Road
Anniversaries, birthdays, Christmas holidays and special accomplishments still need to be celebrated regardless of where you are in the world. Particularly if there are children involved. So how do you handle the logistics while still traveling light? Purchase Presents at Your Location: You can pick up warm scarves with matching gloves in Berlin, perfume in [...]
Photo from the Road: Lunar Orbiter
This recreated lunar orbiter is on display at the Kennedy Space Center, in Titusville. It’s part of the exhibit collection at the Saturn V Center, which makes for an excellent stop on a daytrip to KSC. People from all over the world visit this venue when visiting Orlando, as the United States’ space program is [...]
Guest Etiquette 101
We’ve all been there. Staying with friends and family during vacations, for long-distance medical care or even during family reunions can bring about a fair amount of drama, no matter how grateful everyone is to see each other. Space can be tight and agendas will most assuredly differ, resulting in the need for extra care [...]
Affordable Ideas for Family Reunions
While summer is the favored season for family reunions, they can be held successfully at any time of year. While people have always searched for strategies to keep them affordable, current gas prices are making frugality an even greater family travel priority. Follow these money-saving tips to maintain tradition while enjoying affordable family-reunion fun this [...]
Travel Beauty: Trek Hound Tips for Looking Your Best on the Road
Looking good on the road is no small feat. Traffic jams, flight delays and extreme weather patterns can all wreak havoc on a road warrior’s appearance. Lost hair bling, broken nails and spilled sauces bring additional appearance stress, and take you from dreamy to dumpy in a hurry. So how do you look your best [...]
How to Host Travelers Successfully
When visitors arrive to take up residence in your guest room, it pays to know how to be a tourist in your own hometown. Older relations, expat friends, college students and younger couples with toddlers have all made their way to our home at one time or another. As tourists with an address, we’re prepared [...]
One-Bag Travel Tips for Road Warriors
With excess baggage fees spiraling out of control, learning how to pack light is becoming a serious survival skill for perpetual road warriors. Here are several one-bag travel tips to help you keep costs under control. Use them for short excursions, international vacations, train travel and road trips when you want to reduce luggage weight [...]
Rolling with the Punches on Road Trips
After departing the California coast for a several-month stint in East Asia and the Middle East, we were confident our cold weather gear would no longer be needed. Shivering temperatures and shin-deep slush in Amman, Jordan proved us wrong. Fortunately, Amman offers my favorite Middle East problem solving solution – the souk. A quick shopping [...]
Savvy Tips for Scoring Cheaper Airline Tickets
Airline tickets comprise a large portion of the cost for any vacation getaway or business trip. If you want to be able to pay the cost in full when that credit card bill rolls around, you’ll need some strategies for getting the best price possible. Use these savvy shopping tips to score airline tickets at [...]
Stress-Busting Tips for Surviving Holiday Travel
Holiday travel has its share of obstacles, including overstuffed baggage, delicate gifts to transport, family expectations and flight delay drama. It’s enough to sap anybody’s holiday spirit. Factor in missed connections, irritable customs agents and wonky weather and things can get downright stressful. Follow these stress-busting tips to survive holiday travel and enjoy the season. [...]
Entertainment for the Road: Tips for Business Travelers and Digital Nomads
The blocks of downtime that come with business trips, long stretches of independent travel without access to movies and living abroad away from your favorite magazine stand can leave even the most enthusiastic traveler bored beyond belief. When I’m feeling the need for fresh entertainment, these are some of my favorite strategies. Tablet Devices: Tablet [...]
Surprising Sources for Scoring Affordable Travel Supplies
I obtain travel supplies for as little as 20 cents per item for the basics, and at significant discounts for more substantial items. Here are some of my favorite sources for scoring affordable travel supplies. Special Ops Catalogs I covered this somewhat in my travel bag solutions post for Wise Bread a while back. People [...]
Glamping on the Cheap
If the idea of a luxury camping experience – glamping – appeals to you, but the higher end price tag isn’t something you can necessarily afford right now, considering cobbling together a more budget friendly experience with these money-saving strategies. Menus: As long as you have access to a single burner stove and a water [...]
Three Fun Walking Tours in the Tampa Bay Area
As spread out as things are here in the Tampa – St. Pete – Clearwater area, we do have a few foot-friendly areas suitable for exploring at your own pace. Here are three of Trek Hound’s favorites. Tarpon Springs Full of Mediterranean atmosphere with access to great Greek grub, Tarpon Springs is a great place [...]
Tenba Messenger Bag Review
December 21, 2011 By Myscha Theriault Leave a Comment
At roughly $110, Tenba’s large engravable messenger bag might seem a bit steep. Until you compare it to other pro gear bags on the market. There are a number of reasons why I dished out the dough for this particular Tenba bag. What follows is my complete Tenba messenger bag review, along with the several [...]