
This doorway exemplifies the typical architecture one can expect to see when touring Venice, Italy. Similar photo ops are possible along the various alleyways and canals throughout the city.
A resource for independent travelers

This doorway exemplifies the typical architecture one can expect to see when touring Venice, Italy. Similar photo ops are possible along the various alleyways and canals throughout the city.

Public transportation is certainly a money saver when it’s available, but there are times when your preferred destination requires an actual automobile. Follow these savvy rental tips to get the best deal possible. Taxes: International taxes on rental cars can be steep. Do your homework to determine the best rental car deals for your destination. [...]

Loretta Henderson, founder of the Skalatitude travel blog, has been biking to Africa to raise money and awareness of the need for bicycle ambulances – bikes attached to towable stretcher carts – to help combat infant mortality in rural Africa. After traveling through 16 countries, she’s learned the perks and quirks of bicycle touring, along [...]

Using credit cards abroad to balance the risk of carrying cash is a popular strategy. It isn’t an issue-free solution however, so having a few travel tricks up your sleeve is a good idea. Consider these spending tips for international credit card use during your next vacation. Location: If you haven’t used an American credit [...]

Known for its chocolate, waffles and beer as well as its lace and in-season mussels, Belgium brings a wealth of old-world charm to the European tour experience. Those who fear it’s out of financial reach should be pleasantly surprised to learn just how affordable the country can be for the budget traveler. Follow these thrifty [...]

Remaining ready for potential evacuation during a teaching assignment in the Middle East meant wearing liquid cash – along with a passport and international visa photos – around my neck, and keeping “go bags” packed in both my apartment and classroom. It’s a skill set that has served me well since, including during an emergency [...]

Sights like the ancient city of Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and the floating islands of the Uros tribe are just some of the reasons Peru makes a picture-perfect vacation destination. Other hot attractions include the world-famous Nazca Lines, Lake Titicaca, the ruins at Pachacamac and the Peruvian National Museum in Lima. While it can [...]

From pre-teen power meltdowns to hungry toddlers, being on the road with children requires additional planning and flexibility. Throw in a food allergy or two, and having your parental ducks in a row becomes critical. I asked three road warrior moms for their top family travel tips. They had plenty of advice. Infants: Social media [...]

When winter sets in and your soul craves sand and surf, booking a trip to the Bahamas might be just what the doctor ordered. These travel tips will help keep budget concerns at bay while still allowing you to enjoy a bit of luxury. Experiences: Dinner guests at Graycliff – an antique Bahamian mansion that’s [...]

This man in Petra, Jordan takes a break with his donkey after taking tourists for a ride along the Siq. Petra is known around the world as the ancient rose red city in the rocks.

Dreaming of a snow-draped destination wedding this winter, but fear it’s out of financial reach? With proper planning and savvy shopping, it can be more affordable than you might think. Follow these tips to save without skimping on your magical day. Activities: By arranging to have your winter destination wedding at a location loaded with [...]

Fireside views of snow-draped slopes and dreams of brisk trail runs tempt many travelers to hit the slopes during the winter season. The price tag doesn’t have to be prohibitive, however. Here are four savvy strategies to have a stylish ski getaway for less. Freebies: Many ski venues offer no-cost lift tickets to entice travelers. [...]

This antique clock tower was photographed in the seaside town of Jaffa, Israel, which has been in existence since around the time of Noah. The town is a pleasant stroll from the city of Tel Aviv, and home to several great seafood restaurants and artists’ shops.

History, architecture and some of the most impressive artwork in the world draw visitors to Venice, Italy by the millions. A popular life-list destination, the city is considered prohibitively expensive by many travelers. However, it is possible to pinch a few pennies during your visit. Transportation: There’s no driving in Venice, so getting around the [...]

There are endless reasons why Cape Town appears on lists as Africa’s most popular tourist destination. Cape Town’s landscape, from beaches to mountains, its history, and its cultural vibe make it an unforgettable trip. However, don’t let its looks overwhelm you or your wallet. Working with a budget of $100, one can still have a [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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.

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 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 [...]

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 [...]
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.
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.
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