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 [...]
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: [...]
Free of automobiles and reachable by Shepler’s Ferry for a mere $22 per round-trip ticket, Michigan’s Mackinac Island is the epitome of time travel on a budget. Horse-drawn carriage taxis and delivery carts, picture-perfect period buildings and bicycle liveries abound, making for a couple’s or multigenerational family getaway you won’t soon forget. Fun: The island’s [...]
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 [...]
A hidden gem of the British Columbia tourism experience lies in a picturesque wonderland known as the Okanagan Valley. A myriad of boutique wineries and charming bed and breakfast establishments, combined with a noteworthy culinary scene make this a travel destination to take seriously. Here are just some of the ways this Canadian travel pearl [...]
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 [...]
Collier County, Florida’s Paradise Coast, including the communities of Naples and Marco Island, has more than 80 percent of its acreage dedicated to parks, preserves and nature sanctuaries. With direct flights available from cities such as Toronto, Chicago, Dallas and Baltimore, it’s a popular getaway for eco travelers looking to enjoy water and wildlife while [...]
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 [...]
After months of shopping for an affordable tow-behind recreational vehicle to use for family camping and North American exploration, a manufacturer of custom cargo trailers caught our eye. When David and I pulled in to see if the cargo trailers could be modified for RV use, the business owner gave us a bargain tour. The [...]
It’s no secret that children love adventure. Including activities with wow factor on your next family getaway is a sure bet against boredom. Here are a handful of tips for doing just that. Flexibility: Mike and Catrell Cooney of Cooney World Adventure took their three teenage boys on a world tour. When the family missed [...]
We’ve all been there. Worried over the possible loss of a critical piece of luggage that just couldn’t meet carry-on requirements, or waiting patiently for the airlines to find it when it didn’t come. Even when things go as smoothly as possible, it is still a chore to run down to baggage claim between flight [...]
While it’s no secret that wandering the world by foot is a great way for travelers to save money, many are unaware of the world-class walking tours available around the globe. Many of them are bucket-list worthy and free of charge. These categories represent some of my favorite ways to select walking tours when I [...]
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 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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Afraid that recent price increases in critical budget areas will cramp your warm-weather travel style? Relax. With these simple saving strategies, your summer fun is in the bag. Weekends: If taking a few weeks off isn’t in your work schedule, cheer up. Chances are you can have a wider range of travel opportunities by taking [...]
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? [...]
While peer-to-peer vacation rentals may provide a rock-bottom price point and the ability to whip up a bargain breakfast, their distance from main attractions and lack of amenities can sometimes result in additional costs such as mid-day restaurant tabs and rental car fees. At sought-after theme parks and world-class adventure destinations, the extra expenses tend [...]
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 [...]
Many beginning excursionists think that in order to embrace their travel dreams full time, they will be required to have all of their money up front. The truth is, with a location-independent career, you can live on the road for as long as you want. Here are a handful of career choices that provide flexibility [...]
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 [...]
Let’s face it. New college students typically live in small spaces with a limited number of belongings. And man bags? They can only hold so much. This makes compact, business and adventure travel gifts perfect for the dads and grads on your gift list. Here are some of my top choices for Father’s Day and [...]
Man on the Lam founder Raymond Walsh was living the Canadian dream. A great paying job, cool car and a hefty mortgage, along with a yearly vacation or two pretty much paints the picture. Walsh began to wonder if there was more to life, however. So in July of 2011, Raymond made the jump. He [...]
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 [...]
While we were itching to try a spa getaway at the world-famous hot springs at the Tabacon resort in Costa Rica, we were not eager to pay hundreds of dollars per night for a hotel room on that property. Instead, for less than $50, we purchased day passes to the exotic landscaped pool and hot [...]
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.
