February 22, 2012

Tips for Using Credit Cards Abroad

credit cards

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 [...]

Evacuation 101: How to Get out of Dodge in Twenty Minutes or Less

evacuation

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 [...]

Top Tips for Traveling with Children

traveling with kids

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 [...]

Winter Destination Weddings on a Budget

Winter wedding

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 [...]

Ski Vacations for a Song

ski vacations

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. [...]

Thrifty Tips for Traveling Between Climate Extremes

traveling between climates

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

Segway

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 [...]

Cheap and Free Ways to Check Out the London Olympics

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

Packing for biz and pleasure

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 [...]

How to Save Money on Incidental Vacation Expenses

budget

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 [...]