A resource for independent travelers
Booking six months of pet-sitting services topped the to-do list for a long-term trip my husband and I were taking. We made arrangements for handling monthly fees to our dogs’ care provider, and provided food, medications, treats and toys. When it came to covering the cost of incidentals and supply restocking, the concept of petty [...]
Barbara Hooker, an American educator working in Bavaria loves the Bayern ticket for families. For 28 Euros, you can book a two-day train pass for up to five people good for passage throughout the whole of Bavaria. Money-saving opportunities for vacation transport can come from the most unusual places. (See also: 5 Insider Sights to [...]
Pet parents of furry canines often struggle when trying to affordably include Rover in the family vacation. While you can be willing to make all the accommodations in the world to meet the needs of your four-legged child, your efforts to travel with your dogs will be thwarted if the destination itself hasn’t embraced the [...]
I arrived on Guam in the early 1990s with emergency cash, documents and an advanced shipment of necessary belongings. Unfortunately, an 8.2 earthquake destroyed my hotel and damaged the unloading docks, leaving me – at least temporarily – with just a rental car and the clothes on my back. Clearly, it was time to reevaluate [...]
On a weekend getaway to Orlando, we nearly hit a snag in our eco travel agenda when a trip to Whole Foods resulted in plastic produce bags being provided as the only storage option. Fortunately, we were prepared with mesh drawstring bags – four for a buck at the dollar store – and a stash [...]
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 [...]
You may think that traveling by boat is only for the wealthy, but the truth is many budget travelers have embraced this lifestyle full time. Here are a few suggestions for spending more time on the water during your next extended trip or during retirement in general. (See also: Beach Travel on a Budget) Salvage: [...]
Bicycles are an affordable way to see the world in an up close and personal way. Syndicated television personality Judge Alex E. Ferrer agrees, pointing to wildlife spotting on a bike ride through Shark Valley in Everglades National Park as a favorite way to get back to nature while affordably enjoying Miami. Nancy Sathre-Vogel and [...]
Whether you’re training for the London Olympics or getting ready for a regional ski competition, serious athletes often resort to RV rentals or short-term apartments to keep accommodation costs under control. You can use the same strategies to stay on budget during your own athletic travel adventures, whether they are participatory or to simply enjoy [...]
Many of the world’s popular leisure destinations are also home to sites which are spiritually significant to people of certain faiths. For example, Mount Carmel National Park in Haifa, Israel is within relatively easy access of the world headquarters of the Baha’i faith, which allows free public tours of its elaborate hillside gardens. Similarly, those [...]
On a multi-state drive with our mischief-prone Labrador, I shuffled back to our vehicle with two fresh cups of gourmet coffee. While my husband filled the gas tank, I opened the passenger door to set down my travel bag and organize our beverages. Having missed the perky poodle in the next vehicle, I was completely [...]
When it comes to family vacations, flying with children is likely one of the largest logistical dragons you’ll slay. From toddler tantrums and teen boredom to infant ear pain and stroller storage the list of potential issues is long indeed. I talked to some of my favorite family travel gurus for inspiration. Here’s what they [...]
The type of fabric you choose to vacation with can greatly impact how little you are able to fly with, and how well your wardrobe functions once you get where you’re going. Since packing light has become a priority for nearly all travelers these days, every tip helps. Here are a few things to consider [...]
Traveling independently means you’re typically without a tour coordinator. Doing it on a budget means there’s a good chance you won’t have a concierge either. Getting where you’re going and finding your way around once you get there requires a fair bit of research. Cut down on the size of your tourist information packet by [...]
Let’s face it. Gift-giving obligations don’t just occur during the holidays. Birthdays, graduations, spiritual holidays and anniversaries are just a few of the additional reasons we feel present pressure throughout the year. If you’re looking for a catch-all category of practicality from which to draw inspiration, travel gifts are a great place to start. Why? [...]
After handling the logistical hurdles of flying with children, perfecting your family packing system and searching out the best bargains available, the main objective is to start having fun once you get where you’re going. From transportation to activity access, these tips represent some of my favorite ways to maximize family vacation getaways. Parks: National [...]
With budget airlines beginning to charge for carry-on bags, the need to pack light has reached critical mass. Factor in technical gear such as laptops, camera lenses and power packs, and it becomes obvious that more extreme packing strategies are in order. A three-pronged approach generally serves me well. Clothing: Items that store flat and [...]
The need for alternative equipment or accessible accommodations should by no means prevent travelers with disabilities from enjoying fulfilling vacation experiences. With thorough research and the selection of the proper venues, affordable adaptive travel is possible. Transportation: Savings coupons for rental cars are just as applicable for adaptive travel as they are at any other [...]
Children aren’t the only ones who can have a good time while vacationing at the world’s theme parks. Many of the larger venues around the world offer a multitude of entertainment options that adults can enjoy too. Indulgence: Many theme parks offer spa access. For example, Hershey Park in Pennsylvania boasts a chocolate spa with [...]
On a business trip to Miami, a pair of sleek boots became a multitasking fashion tool. The boots were worn with jeans, dress pants, a knee-length dress and a long skirt, taking functional footwear to the next level. On that same trip, a faulty hotel iron and rumpled blouse — a clearance special — taught [...]
Whether you’re dealing with lactose intolerance, a vegan diet or religious dietary restrictions, planning ahead is critical for travelers with special needs. Hacks: Know how to get the best bang for your diet restriction buck. For example, when dining at Denny’s, customers are allowed to substitute fresh fruit for any item on a combo plate [...]
We all enjoy a little pampering, but dropping the equivalent of a second mortgage every time we want a spa getaway can get a bit pricey. Here’s how to save some serious dough when the urge to indulge is a bit more than you can resist. Location: Countries known for their vacation affordability often have [...]
I know we all like to think about the warm and fuzzy aspects of traveling, like the great sights we’ll get to see or the awesome business deals we’ll close. But the brutal truth is that your choice in travel clothing can have a huge impact on the quality of any trip. To a certain [...]
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 [...]
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.
