Infants: Social media consultant Linsey Knerl of 1099Mom is frequently on the road with children in tow.  A recent addition to her growing family has resulted in a number of strategies for surviving business travel with an infant. Her top tip? Bring a sling. There are plenty of situations, says Knerl, where a stroller simply falls short. Airport security lines and uneven urban terrain are two such examples. Knerl also favors healthy powdered drinks for older infants as a way to deal with TSA restrictions on liquids. She simply uses the free water offered by the airlines to mix up baby beverages in an empty bottle after her flight takes off. (See also: Pleasant Perks of Priority Pass Lounges)

Toddlers: Single parent and day-tripping telecommuter Debbie Dragon, co-founder of the content development firm Trifecta Strategies, dishes out high praise for dual-screen portable DVD players. On long road trips where she serves as both driver and navigator, Dragon straps one monitor to the back of each front car seat. Her two boys sit in the back and enjoy on-the-road entertainment on their personal viewing screens. According to Dragon, this avoids boundary drama and leaves her free to coordinate travel logistics from the front. She also recommends staying somewhere with separate bedrooms, a living area and kitchen facilities. This helps keep the family schedule on track and avoids the stress of finding restaurants that can deal with food sensitivities night after night.

Teens: When Catrell Cooney and her husband Mike of Cooney World Adventures took their three teenage sons around the world, their agenda was to teach them survival skills and self reliance. To accomplish this, they allowed the boys to solve certain family issues by themselves. When arriving at a new location, Cooney would turn the boys loose to find a place for the family to eat that evening while she and her husband secured accommodations. (See also: 6 Simple Tips for Vegan Travel) They would rendezvous later at an agreed-upon time and location, and move on with the next portion of the evening. To allow for independent activity time, Cooney turned the boys loose to explore desired venues that hadn’t been included on the family schedule whenever she and her husband were busy planning subsequent legs of their adventure.

Related Reading: How to Score Vacation Food at Affordable Prices

Photo Credit: W Silver

Experiences: Dinner guests at Graycliff – an antique Bahamian mansion that’s played host to the likes of Winston Churchill and Aristotle Onassis – enjoy free viewing tours of the on-site cigar factory and the Graycliff’s award-winning wine cellar, which boasts one of the largest private wine collections in the world. Reservations in the cellar’s private dining room ring in at roughly $1,000, but five-star entrée prices at the restaurant begin at less than $50, providing a comparable – if slightly less private – experience. Western Esplanade Beach is free to access, and strolling through Straw Market in Nassau will score you affordable souvenirs. Hiking the 18^th- century limestone steps of the Queen’s Staircase will take you to historic Fort Fincastle, which is accessible for only a buck.

Perks: Many hotels and resorts in the Bahamas offer sweet perks to entice penny-pinching vacationers. For example, the Sandals resort on Great Exuma includes unlimited scuba sessions for certified divers, premium wine and spirit selections and spa facility access with their room rates. Comfort Suites on Paradise Island includes hot American-style breakfasts for guests, and complimentary day passes to the Atlantis water park facilities, where brave souls can experience the massive Mayan-themed water slide. These park passes typically cost $110 per adult! The One and Only Ocean Club includes the water park day passes as well, along with free use of bicycles, complimentary morning beach yoga and a number of day camp adventures for young travelers.

Transportation: Cab costs can be significant in Nassau. Fortunately, a number of cultural attractions are easily accessible on foot. For those that aren’t, public busses – known as jitneys – run from the hotels to downtown Nassau several times per day for a one-way cost of $1.25. Also of note are the ferry boats, which will take you from Nassau to Paradise Island proper. The roughly $6 ride will take approximately 10 minutes, and includes a waterfront view of Nassau’s harbor. Hotels offering free shuttle service are an additional avenue to savings. For example, guests of the Atlantis resorts can access no-cost passenger vans between venues, and travelers staying at Paradise Island’s One and Only Ocean Club receive complimentary transportation via private vehicle to a number of nearby casino and restaurant venues.

Photo Credit: Trek Hound

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.

Activities: By arranging to have your winter destination wedding at a location loaded with amenities and activities options, you’re relieved of the stress related to coordinating entertainment for your wedding party. Guests can enjoy the resort’s hot tubs and snowshoeing trails for free, and other amenities are there to be experienced at their leisure. Samantha Goldberg, a celebrity event designer in New York City agrees, pointing to the Poconos and Vermont as popular choices. Her top pick for winter wedding favors? Ski lift tickets from your event’s venue.

Extras: Many resorts are willing to toss in a few extras if you are booking their venue for your entire event, so it pays to ask the coordinator what they are willing to include. Book your wedding at the Edgewood Tahoe this winter for instance, and your guests will enjoy all house wine, champagne and beer for free during the entire event. Who doesn’t love an open bar? Similarly, the Mountain Magnolia Inn in Hot Springs, North Carolina includes breakfast the next morning for your overnight wedding guests.

Decorations: Most destination resorts splurge on elaborate decorations for the winter holidays. This means a little extra greenery with candlelight on the tables could be all you need, depending on where you hold the ceremony. Scenery is also a serious money saver. By booking a venue overlooking something spectacular, your decorating needs are drastically reduced. For example, at Vail Cascade – a resort in Vail, Colorado – winter wedding guests overlook a serene, partially-frozen creek which makes for dramatic photos and adds to the frozen wonderland theme.

Transportation: The resort also offers package deals which include airline tickets for the bride and groom, and other establishments offer similar perks for couples booking destination weddings. Additionally, by scheduling the rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception all at the same location, you eliminate the expenses of limousines, guest parking and possibly rental cars if the hotel offers a free shuttle service.

Photo Credit: Sarah Elvin Photography

Freebies:

Many ski venues offer no-cost lift tickets to entice travelers. For example, Big White Ski Resort in Kelowna, British Columbia allows children younger than 5 to ski, tube and skate for free all season. Complimentary mountain tours with experienced snow hosts are also offered every morning and afternoon to familiarize skiers with the resort’s trails. Similarly, Mt. Bachelor near Bend, Oregon permits children up to eighteen years of age to ski for free all season with the purchase of one adult multi-day ticket. Big Tupper in the New York Adirondacks lets active duty military members ski for free all season.

Location:

Booking lodging away from the slopes is a huge money-saving strategy. Ski instructor Kathy Bechtel of Italia Outdoors, an adventure tour company, agrees. Bechtel points to the town of Bolzano in Italy’s Trento-Alto Adige region as offering off-mountain accommodation value along with culture and charm. Traveler Leonard Lee uses a similar strategy for ski getaways to Salt Lake City, Utah where affordable urban motels offer significant savings compared to higher-priced resorts in the mountains.

Outerwear:

Vacationer Lori Lenz recently started planning her first ski trip. Her main hurdle? The specialized clothing necessary for a comfortable ski experience. Determined to get the best prices possible, Lenz is using several online savings strategies. For example, she saved $170 on a quality-brand ski jacket by purchasing it in gently-used condition on Ebay. Steepandcheap.com is another must-check resource, according to Lenz. The site offers daily discounts on many ski-specific gear items such as sunglasses, insulated pants and more.

Policies:

Booking months in advance to get the best deal leaves you susceptible to the whims of Mother Nature. When unpredictable snowfall impacts ski conditions, it pays to know your resort’s refund policies. ResortQuest.com for example, has a snow guarantee program which allows travelers to check the projected ski conditions at their chosen venue prior to departure. If it looks iffy, they’ll transfer your lodging reservations to a comparable participating resort, based on availability. Since the program includes several resorts in Colorado, planning your getaway to that state makes it possible to travel between venues with your rental car, skipping air fare change fees altogether.

Photo Credit: Skistar Trysil

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.

Transportation: There’s no driving in Venice, so getting around the city will take some getting used to. While gondola rides and motorized water taxis are certainly available, they tend to be a bit pricey. Walking and taking the public water bus are always my methods of choice. Take the first bridge to your left after exiting the train station, and make your way by foot for free to the Rialto and Basilica di San Marco. Take the time to enjoy the sites and attractions along the way. Hopping an affordable, mid-afternoon vaporetto from St. Mark’s Square back to the train station will provide you with the best photo opportunities of the Grand Canal.

Dining: Coffee for four with a view of the Rialto Bridge can sink you an easy 40 bucks. It’s best to wander a few streets away from all of the major attractions before searching out a local trattoria. Using this strategy, you will spend significantly fewer Euros than you would dining within sight of the city’s more famous attractions. If you don’t mind a more casual meal, there are a number of affordable panini shops near the train station suitable for starting or ending your day in Venice.

Activities: It’s definitely possible to drop a large amount of cash during a day in Venice. However, there are many free and affordable things to do in this historic city, along with a few worth-the-money splurges. St. Mark’s Basilica, one of the most impressive religious structures in the world, is free to enter and explore. For a nominal fee, you can purchase small bag of bird seed to feed the pigeons prevalent in the piazza. Strolling the streets is a free architectural and art tour, and can also result in glass-blowing demonstrations at local shops. Must-see attractions include the exquisite Palazzo Ducale, the Peggy Guggenheim collection and the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, which is sure to take your breath away. If the timing is right, consider checking out the Venice carnival during your visit, which is known around the world for its colorful and elaborate costumes.

Photo Credit: The image in this article was photographed by the Trek Hound team, and has been made available for your linking pleasure through a creative commons agreement with our sister site, Pictures of Travel Places.

From a planning perspective, food and shelter will likely be the most expensive pieces of the trip. Worry not, Cape Town is rife with choices.  While there are luxury resorts in Cape Town, there are also several hostels well situated throughout the city that can run as low as $20 a night. Thus two nights will only set you back about $40, leaving you with plenty for food and sights.

In terms of restaurants, food and drink in Cape Town is an eclectic mix and you can be as daring as you like.  You can try springbok (think antelope), ostrich, or even some crocodile. Check out the Neighbour Goods Market, held Saturdays from 9-2. This market is host to over 100 traders of food, wine, and local produce. Take advantage of the samples, which give you the chance to try wines, cheeses and other delicious local morsels. South Africa is pretty well regarded in terms of wine and many vineyards close to the city offer free tastings for those so inclined.

Don’t forget to take advantage of discounts and deals at restaurants, many of which can be found online, especially in the winter when tourism hits a lull.  There is so much to see in Cape Town, and many things can be experienced for no cost. Upon arrival, one of the first things you’ll notice is Table Mountain- it can be seen from almost anywhere in the city making it hard to miss. Gorgeous views of Cape Town and ocean abound from the upper reaches of Table Mountain.  Plus, it’s easily accessible; you can strap on your sneakers, the no cost alternative, or ride up via cable car.

Another worthwhile and beautiful outdoor adventure is the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.  If you head to Cape Town during the right season, you can catch one of the Sunday night concerts at the gardens. Make sure you bring your picnic basket. Admission is approximately $5 with discounts for students and children.

The Victoria and Albert Waterfront, aka the V&A, is also a hot spot to see.  At the foot of Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront is in Cape Town’s working harbor and lined with shops, entertainment options, and plenty of restaurants. It’s worth the stroll if only for the people watching.

Located at the V&A is the Shimansky diamond and jewelry workshop, which offers free tours of its facilities.  Whatiftheworld Gallery is also part of the free club. The Gallery showcases work from contemporary artists at its Argyle Street location and is a pleasant way to spend a few hours when you need a break from the great outdoors.

If you are traveling with kids, make your way to Boulders Beach in Simonstown. African penguins have set up camp here and prove to be a favorite of the younger crowd who spy on the birds from the safety of the rocks.  All in all a trip to Cape Town offers up a little something for every traveler, whether you want to climb mountains or museum hop. The best part is, it can all be done within a reasonable budget.

M.E. Reidy is a freelance travel writer for My Destination.

On the Road in ’68, by Tom Leech

Essentially a published travel journal accented with historical event lists from both then and now, On the Road in ’68 covers the year-long journey of two friends that took place during a tumultuous time in world history.

The Best Women’s Travel Writing of 2011

Edited by Lavinia Spalding, The Best Women’s Travel Writing of 2011 is a compilation of short, nonfiction travel stories from writers such as Erin Van Rheenan, Bonnie Stewart and Abbie Kozolchyk.

Wild with Child: Adventures of Families in the Great Outdoors

Those enthusiastic about family travel, and the hilarious adventures that can come along with it, should get a kick out of Wild with Child. A collection of travel tales focused specifically on vacation getways involving the whole family, this title includes tales of snow camping with the kids by Mark Jenkins, Grand Canyon exploring with Michael Quinn Patton and bush planning to an Alaskan island courtesy of Leslie Leyland Field.

One Hand Does Not Catch a Buffalo (Volume One: Africa)

If you’ve always wondered about the adventures of serving in the Peace Corps, then chances are you’ll enjoy One Hand Does Not Catch a Buffalo. Volume one of a collection of over 50 years of Peace Corps stories, the titles was edited by Aaron Barlow and includes entries by Robert Klein, Robert E. Gribbin and Sera Arcaro among others. Tales hail from such African destinations as Burkina Faso, Madagascar and Senegal, providing a diverse representation of this exotic continent.

The Best Travel Writing of 2011

With an introduction by Pico Iyer, The Best Travel Writing of 2011 showcases top travel writing works by a variety of authors such as Debra Taffa, Cameron McPherson Smith and Sabine Bergmann. Story settings include Iceland, Idaho, Bolivia and Belarus.

What travel titles made it to your reading shelf this year?

Photo Credit: iStock

Clothing: Tunic dresses worn over leggings can be covered with warm sweaters in colder weather, and fly solo as vacation attire when you arrive at the beach. Separately, the leggings can serve as a base layer under lighter slacks or jeans, and fitness attire at your hotel’s gym, provided laundry facilities are available. Consider a tankini swimsuit for additional fashion functionality. Swimming pools are typically accessible in hotels at both ends of the climate spectrum, so packing a suit is a great way to take full advantage of free amenities. Additionally, the top portion of the suit can serve as a camisole under a sheer blouse when visiting balmy destinations such as the Bermuda, and provide extra warmth if you’re heading out on a cold-weather ski vacation to Aspen.

Footwear: Wear heavier footwear on days you’ll be traveling to or from a warmer climate. This will save luggage room for souvenirs and work-from-the-road gear like digital cameras, laptop computers and tablet devices. Dress boots are my personal go-to form of footwear, while my husband favors casual dress shoes with plenty of tread to handle snowy parking lots with hidden patches of ice.  Beachy flip- flops for the warmer end of the trip pack easily for both men and women, as do a variety of soft adventure sandals.

Health: Changing climates drastically can put you at extra risk for a case of the sniffles. Stay nourished and prepared by using hot water to mix up cups of miso soup, herbal tea, or even a packet of Theraflu if necessary. Hot water is a standard free amenity at hotel hospitality bars, and packets of your favorite beverages and soups take up minimal suitcase space.

Activities: Save luggage space and extra checked baggage fees by renting activity equipment where possible. For example, while packing your own ski boots is recommended for the most comfortable fit, the actual skis and poles are easily rented from the resort. Similarly, bicycles and snorkeling gear are typically available for rent in warmer destinations such as the Bahamas.

Photo Credits: Lorna Watt