A resource for independent travelers
Rolling luggage and hanging toiletry bags are fairly predictable purchases for frequent travelers, but these five items make my personal short list of must-have gear. What they are just might surprise you. S Hooks: When you travel light, it usually means you end up carrying most of your belongings near or on your person. A [...]
For last-minute emergency road trips, time for restaurant stops is usually limited. In these situations, eating on the road means incorporating a few survival strategies. Swapping out driving sessions in order to grab meals in the passenger’s seat, stopping at rest areas for on-the-fly meal prep and smart packing in advance are all on my [...]
Ecologically-minded travelers hoping to keep it green on the road are often concerned about a potentially out-of-control price tag. Fortunately, it’s getting more affordable than ever to maintain your environmental priorities while on vacation. Here are a few of my favorite frugal tips. Food: Breakfast is one of the most affordable meals to enjoy while [...]
Sporting competitions, weddings and other special-event trips can be challenging to pack for, particularly when items like designer gowns, tuxedos, mountain bikes and kayaks need to come along. The right packing strategies can save you money on everything from shipping to checked baggage and more. Here are my top tips for precision packing. Rent: If [...]
On a girls’ getaway to Beirut, the Arabic highway signs proved challenging. My saving grace however, was the fact that French is also widely spoken throughout Lebanon. Between their bilingual street signage and my vague memories of high school foreign language class, I managed to get where I was going. Years later when my husband [...]
To enjoy as much time as possible traveling in the Middle East, I opted for an international teaching position in Kuwait. With paid utilities, complimentary housing, tax-free compensation and annual roundtrip airfare, it was a job that allowed for regional travel opportunities and additional freelance tutoring gigs for extra cash. It’s possible to make money [...]
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 [...]
It’s no secret that incidental vacation expenses can seriously sink a travel budget. One of the biggest culprits? Parking fees. Whether you drive your own vehicle or rely exclusively on rental cars, they comprise a significant portion of ground transportation costs, and deserve full consideration when it comes to looking for ways to reduce travel [...]
Whether you’re driving the kids to games yourself, or sending them on a bus provided by the school, coordinating sports-related teen travel itineraries can be a logistical exercise requiring military precision. Factor in frugality concerns, and you may find yourself in need of serious assistance. Use these shoestring travel tips to successfully navigate the school [...]
My husband and I made the changing of the guard one of our top things to do in Quito, Ecuador. Afterward, when trying to decide what to do next, we found our guide book lacking in ideas. A stop at the South American city’s convention and visitor’s bureau solved the problem. They provided more detailed [...]
A business trip can be as expensive as it is productive. Read on for tips on how you can control the costs while building your net worth and increasing your bottom line. Make paperwork a priority. Lost opportunities for reimbursement can derail a business trip taken in order to increase commission earnings. The costs you [...]
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 [...]
Travel photography isn’t just big business in its own right, it’s a great way to collect free souvenirs, embrace the travel decorating scheme at home and begin to attract even more visitors to your travel blog. It’s also true that travel pictures can help you sell quite a bit more of your work if you’re [...]
Vegan road trips can be challenging for those new to the lifestyle. Ordering meals with meat-eating friends, avoiding hidden milk products and finding healthy snacks at remote gas stations are just a few of the hurdles you’ll need to handle. Here are a few frugal tips for successfully navigating the experience. Snacks: For car trips, [...]
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 [...]
Trade show travel and industry conferences may be your ticket to networking success, but the behind-the-scenes logistics can mean large expenses and tons of travel stress. Here’s how to come out on top. Planning: Early booking can score savings on everything from airline tickets and ground transportation to hotel accommodation expenses. According to human resources [...]
It’s certainly no secret to scuba diving enthusiasts that seeing the spectacular sights beneath the ocean’s surface isn’t typically considered a shoestring endeavor. If you’re willing to consider some minor tweaks to the typical dive vacation however, spotting more underwater scenery for your money is definitely possible. Try these thrifty travel tips to experience a [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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. [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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.
