A resource for independent travelers
A cooking class taken with a friend while traveling in Chiang Mai, Thailand took place in a serene nature setting. Slowly grinding spices for curry under the instruction of a well-known local chef was a nice break from the traditional tourist scene. It’s possible to embark on a global food tour without spending a fortune [...]
It may be getting a bit cold in northern climes, but camping is still a comfortable option in many parts of the world. When paired with bargain air fares, it can make an extremely affordable accommodation option for independent travelers. As with most vacation options, organization and infrastructure can each play a critical role. Here [...]
Camping ranks high on the list of low-cost vacations. With smart planning, camping becomes even more cost-effective. Here are a few favored money-saving strategies. Cost-sharing: Workingtolive.com’s Julie Rains, a professional blogger with two kids, partners with other families to share costs on meals, supplies and site rentals. This is a strategy my family has used [...]
With food costs playing a large role in vacation budgets, it pays to know where you can get great grub for less. Portugal for example, is currently the cheapest place to eat out in Europe, according to a recent price survey. Specifically, in the Algarve region, a succulent seafood soup can ring in at only [...]
On a recent business trip, an early-morning power outage kicked my wakeup call to the curb. With a looming flight departure and several colleagues in the same boat, prompt problem solving was a must. While showering in the dark proved challenging to say the least, other hurdles proved equally interesting. After navigating to the front [...]
Staying fit and trim while traveling is no small feat. With fast food options being the first thing you see on many street corners, it takes a fair amount of strategic discipline to navigate the food scene of virtually any destination. A few things however, are under your control. Here are my favorite ways to [...]
If you’d rather not worry about coupons and restaurant specials, these elegant food and beverage choices are almost always a safe money-saving bet. Sushi: Chic, sophisticated and downright sexy, sushi bars represent a remarkably affordable culinary indulgence. One example? The Buddha Sky Bar in Delray Beach, Florida. The hip urban atmosphere makes a fabulous backdrop [...]
We left the hotel room with plans for an affordable romantic dinner for two. Unfortunately, our spastic, but lovable Labrador had another agenda. When affection, toys and treats failed to stop her barking, we knew it was time to regroup. Our solution? Even more affordable in-room dining. But pet travel isn’t the only reason hotel [...]
When trying to get the best bang for your vacation buck, it may pay to bear in mind that the biggest value may not come with the lowest bargain-basement price. If the lowest room rate available will still require you to dish out an additional $350 per day to cover meals, cocktails, activity fees and [...]
It’s a common scene for those traveling with children. Parents trying to tempt their kids away from the perfectly-picturesque pool at their chosen family resort with tickets to an over-priced theme park just down the street. A theme park that may offer only slightly more in the way of water-based fun. Toss in a toddler [...]
We all know that developing a list of fun picnic lunch ideas is the key to using this travel food strategy to save money on the road. The problem is it can be difficult to come up with a list of picnic or tailgating menus that will be suitable for any given situation. Varying grocery [...]
Let’s face it. One of the most expensive line items in any vacation budget – after air fare – is nightly accommodation. Finding easy and trusted ways to reduce costs in this area is literally the ticket to being able to afford long term travel. Here are seven of my personal favorites. Home Exchanges Got [...]
More than 100 years old and located in the cigar capital of the world, the Columbia restaurant’s historic Ybor City location is the original restaurant from which the other Florida locations were born. The restaurant has also been awarded the national prize for best Cubano sandwich for a number of years.
If you’re trying to stay on the road for a long time, learning how to make nutritious cheap food is going to be critical to your extended travel budget. This means you’re going to have to develop a list of ramen recipes you trust.
On our journey to El Oriente in Ecuador, we stayed in small, developing town known as Misahualli. While the selection of places to rest your head was somewhat slim, we did manage to secure lodging at a small eco lodge called France-Amazonia.
Termas de Papallacta Spa & Resort in the mountains of Ecuador is an amazing escape from the typical tourist rush.
My first thought upon walking into Union Station?
Hotels near Disney World Orlando can run the gamut when it comes to affordability and quality. So when I discovered a three-bedroom, two-bath villa available for roughly $80 per night during a recent travel blogging media event, I sat up and paid attention.
My sister Regina and I always spend a day together for our birthdays. Since mine is in July, the options are better for play. Hers is in January, and the best options — those involving sun and warmth — also involve substantial planning and cost. So, this year, she decided she wanted just to go [...]
A trip to Boston, for me, necessarily includes a trip to the North End. It’s a flashback both to my childhood and my college years in Cleveland, Ohio. Listening to the residents interacting, walking through the close streets, smelling the amazing aromas that abound in the North End all bring me back to very happy [...]
Tahoe’s early snowfall has blanketed South Lake Tahoe with nearly 4 feet of snow at lake level, and 5-6 feet on the mountains. The winter season is looking good. Snow enthusiasts anxious to visit Tahoe and book their winter trips should take a look at Zephyr Cove Resort. Unlike the hectic and almost urban ski [...]
Olympic National Park and surroundings set the stage for a relaxing winter getaway. This year, that getaway is more affordable than ever. For November or December travel with the End 2010 with $20.10 Deal, visitors to the area can stay one night at Lake Quinault Lodge (pictured above) or Kalaloch Lodge for $99 and get [...]
I had never heard of this restaurant ’til a recent visit to Phoenix. I had been hearing from a friend about an amazing salmon dish included on their menu. He couldn’t use enough positive words to describe it. So, when I was in Phoenix, we included dinner at Charleston’s, and being a big fan of [...]
It’s been awhile since I’ve been to Phoenix. When it comes to food, first thoughts lean toward Tex-Mex or Mexican. Decisions are not easy. However, having a local help with the picking makes all the difference. My first meal in Phoenix was at Manuel’s on Cave Creek. Manuel’s is a mid-priced restaurant, has 7 locations [...]
Living on the island of Oahu afforded me the time to discover the hidden treasures of the island. I enjoyed three years of exploring the island and made time to discover some favorite places.
What I love is when a recommended restaurant lives up to the recommendation. I’ve been hearing about P.F. Chang’s China Bistro for a while now…in t.v. shows, from friends, from family. The nearest location to home is well over two hours away. So, on a recent trip to Phoenix, I was happy to finally have [...]
As a rule, I don’t tout chain restaurants. There’s too much room for inconsistency from store to store. I believe I’ve found an exception. I recently had the opportunity to dine at Texas Roadhouse in two different states. The quality was consistent. It was fun…unlimited peanuts in the shell and an invite to drop those [...]
We all love dining out on vacation, but who has an unlimited budget? Here’s how to spend less on your full-flavored vacation fare.
Recently, my sister and I went to Florida to celebrate her birthday. We have a 92-year-old uncle who lives there, and any trip to Florida includes a visit to Uncle Frank. Similarly, any visit with Uncle Frank includes a meal out. This time was no different. I did not know there was a robust Amish [...]
Krongut Bornstedt in Potsdam, Germany is one of those destinations that leaves you feeling like you stepped away from every day life. The grounds of Krongut Bornstedt are filled with beautiful flowers and plants and there’s a rose garden where weddings can be held. Krongut Bornstedt has a wonderful old world restaurant which serves good [...]
I grew up in the northeast corner of Ohio, and Sunday drives were part and parcel of that growing up. Several times a year, we’d end up in Amish country. Our sole purpose was to pick up fudge made with goat’s milk, a remarkable treat if you’ve never had it. Anyway, I’ve never forgotten the [...]
Where you can you find a heavy dose of rustic, old-world elegance with a shining view of a snow-capped volcano, complete with practically perfect weather all year round?
On a recent trip to Ecuador, we took a day trip to the world-famous Otavalo market. When the subject arose as to where to have lunch, a friend told us this place was a must to try. Want to know how we made out? Read on.
Just outside of Quito, Ecuador in the suburb of Cumbaya is a quaint and welcoming restaurant called the Cactus Café. We had a chance to try out the menu on recent trip there. Read on to find out about our experience and reactions.
This view was photographed from a castle wall near Bolzano, Italy. There are many castles in the area, as well as wineries, farm stays, ecological experiences and cultural performances. The area is also a popular destination for ski holidays in the winter.
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This Andean woman takes a break from selling her wares to socialize with tourists in Peru's Sacred Valley.
The ancient Nabatean city of Petra, Jordan provides a peek into ancient civilization and also into the local Bedouin culture, which values the social experience of drinking tea highly.
This stand of palm trees against a blue sky is located in Florida's Longboat Key, one of the islands of Sarasota. It's a popular getaway with tourists and Florida residents alike, when one wants a taste of forgotten Florida.
Exploring the world-famous archeological site of Machu Picchu takes some time. In order to make the most of your visit, it's best to arrive at Aguas Calientes an afternoon ahead of schedule and head up the mountain first thing the next morning.
This command module is part of the Saturn V rocket display at the Kennedy Space Center, which is a must-see exhibit if you only have one day at the KSC. The entire venue is right down the road from the Astronaut Hall of Fame, another fun family attraction on Florida's space coast.
This abandoned mosque in Israel lies along the shores of Lake Tiberius, otherwise known as the sea of Galilea. The view of the ancient stones and overgrown plants struck me as sort of an Indiana Jones image with a bit of Middle Eastern flair.
This resort cottage photograph was taken at the thermal hot springs resort of Papallacta, located in the mountains of Ecuador. The mist rising off of the thermal pools brings a bit of a mystical quality to the image.
