A resource for independent travelers
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 [...]
Sports enthusiasts, food fans and culture lovers flock to Boston for fun, excitement and fabulous dining. Failing to plan however, can result in serious sticker shock. Follow these thrifty travel tips to experience Beantown on a budget. Fees: Driving in Boston can be tedious to say the least, and relying on taxis can rapidly run [...]
We packed up our snowshoe equipment along with our energetic Labrador, and drove off from our cabin on St. Froid Lake to enjoy the free community trails at the 10th Mountain Ski Club in Fort Kent, Maine. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other ideas and the previous day’s snowfall was still clogging the roads. As it [...]
With the holidays over, vacationers are looking for active getaways to burn off those extra pounds. For those who want to bring their furry family members along, options do exist. Here are a handful of Fido-friendly ways to enjoy a winter getaway with the entire family. Cross-Country Skiing: While following you on a downhill run [...]
Vegas, baby. Two words that inspire many to hop a last-minute plane ride to a world-famous mecca of luxury and decadence and toss their cares to the wind. While there are countless experiences in Las Vegas worth your tourist time. These four represent a few of my favorites. Blue Man Group Performing live at the [...]
This horse is one of several in the riding stables of Shenandoah National Park, where visitors can go horseback riding as well as camping, hiking and stargazing.
Beach vacations are popular with travelers at any time of year, but often come with a prohibitive price tag. Snorkeling, shelling and reading are some of my favorite ways to unwind at the seashore, and I always make sure I’m getting the best rate for my getaway. Enjoy frugal waterfront fun with these simple strategies. [...]
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 [...]
This doorway exemplifies the typical architecture one can expect to see when touring Venice, Italy. Similar photo ops are possible along the various alleyways and canals throughout the city.
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 [...]
Known for its chocolate, waffles and beer as well as its lace and in-season mussels, Belgium brings a wealth of old-world charm to the European tour experience. Those who fear it’s out of financial reach should be pleasantly surprised to learn just how affordable the country can be for the budget traveler. Follow these thrifty [...]
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 [...]
Sights like the ancient city of Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and the floating islands of the Uros tribe are just some of the reasons Peru makes a picture-perfect vacation destination. Other hot attractions include the world-famous Nazca Lines, Lake Titicaca, the ruins at Pachacamac and the Peruvian National Museum in Lima. While it can [...]
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 [...]
When winter sets in and your soul craves sand and surf, booking a trip to the Bahamas might be just what the doctor ordered. These travel tips will help keep budget concerns at bay while still allowing you to enjoy a bit of luxury. Experiences: Dinner guests at Graycliff – an antique Bahamian mansion that’s [...]
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.
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. [...]
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.
History, architecture and some of the most impressive artwork in the world draw visitors to Venice, Italy by the millions. A popular life-list destination, the city is considered prohibitively expensive by many travelers. However, it is possible to pinch a few pennies during your visit. Transportation: There’s no driving in Venice, so getting around the [...]
There are endless reasons why Cape Town appears on lists as Africa’s most popular tourist destination. Cape Town’s landscape, from beaches to mountains, its history, and its cultural vibe make it an unforgettable trip. However, don’t let its looks overwhelm you or your wallet. Working with a budget of $100, one can still have a [...]
So many titles come out in the travel genre each year, it’s difficult to keep up with them all. Here are five interesting options that you may have missed. 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 [...]
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 [...]
This whimsical clown quilt was photographed at the Virginia Quilt Museum, one of many interesting things to do in Harrisonburg, Va.
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 [...]
This elaborately-ornate roof in Bangkok, Thailand was photographed from the platform of a temple across the river. It is typical of traditional Thai architecture.
If you’re looking for something more than your typical community pool excursions to fulfill your family fun goals this summer, consider the celebration of science. Numerous affordable options are available. These are some of my favorites. Freebies: LIGO, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory in Livingston, Louisiana offers free group fieldtrips to their facility and [...]
When Nora Dunn sold her financial planning practice, along with everything else she owned in 2007 to follow her dream of full-time travel, she knew she wanted to share her adventure. Theprofessionalhobo.com, Dunn’s web site, chronicles how she’s managed to travel full time in a financially-sustainable manner for over four years. In addition to freelance [...]
Bicycles are a common form of transportation around Angkor Wat, and elsewhere in Cambodia. People use them to transport groceries, farm animals, family members and more.
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.
