Category: Travel and Vacations

Every year you learn something about RVing that you didn’t know when you first started. This usually includes finding out the hard way which travel trailer accessories you need most. But, every day is a picnic when you’re in your RV and nothing can bring you down.

That’s why this year you’re doing your research. And it landed you right here. Good news for you!

If you’re going to the beach, you’ll need beach towels, umbrellas, sunscreen, snorkeling gear, and, well, you get the point. Likewise, for camping and RVing, you’ll need all the proper gear, too. Of course, you can keep all that beach gear in the RV if you plan to spend a lot of time on the coast this year.

Whether you’ve just purchased your first RV or you’re preparing to stock the trailer for this year’s adventures, we’ve got the list for you. In this article, we’re discussing most of the RV accessories you can’t leave home without. Keep reading to learn more.

Door Mat

A doormat may or may not seem like an obvious item to carry so we’ve listed it here to be on the safe side. You can keep one on the ground in front of the trailer and also at the threshold of the entryway. This will ensure that you’re not tracking in unnecessary debris.

Picnic Table Cover

One of the most common camper accessories that is often forgotten during the first season is the picnic table cover. You’ll probably have a picnic table at your campsite no matter where you land, so having one versatile item like this comes in handy non-stop. Look for one that wipes down easily with a wet cloth or sponge.

Walkie Talkies

One of the best RV accessories, especially for families with children are walkie talkies. You can find them with ranges anywhere from 50 feet to over 5 miles. Use them to keep track of each other while on separate adventures during the day.

Walkie talkies can also come in handy should you get lost in the woods. You can find a radio signal to call for help.

Fold Up Step Stool

There’s always bound to be something just out of reach, just as there is at home. Especially if something goes wrong with the RV at a campsite such as a stuck shade pullout, you’ll be glad you had a step stool on hand. Look for one that folds up so you can tuck it securely away while traveling.

First Aid Kit

Bee stings, slivers, stubbed toes, and more can all occur on an outdoors excursion. Not to mention that you’re often far away from hospital services when hanging out at your RV. It’s always a good idea to have a full first aid kit in your RV at all times.

You can find good first aid kits available at most RV camping stores. A basic home kit will also do the trick as long as you can secure it when traveling.

Tool Set

A list of RV must haves would not be complete without mentioning the ever important toolset. You should make sure to have compatible screwdrivers and drill bits for your camper as well as automotive tools like wrenches and sockets. Again, ask your RV retailer for a recommendation to a good RV toolset specifically designed for the types of repairs you’re most likely to face.

Toilet Brush

Your RV toilet does not hold much water. That could mean some residue is left in your commode, even when you flush. Investing in a toilet brush will help you keep a clean and safe environment for yourself and your family.

Sheets 

Another seeming no-brainer, but you don’t want to get out on the road and realize you’ve forgotten sheets for your bed(s). You’ll have to order them online or shop at an RV store that specializes in camper sized mattress sheets. Don’t forget extra blankets, too!

Lighters and Candles

When you think of RV necessities, you may not immediately think of lighters and candles. You’ll probably need lighters to start the flame on the grill and the campfire, of course. Candles are nice to keep around for ambiance and they keep the mosquitoes away.

Flashlights

Flashlights are a must for any camping excursion. You’ll probably be up after dark most nights and it gets awfully dark out there in the wilderness. It’s a good idea to have at least three or four stocked in the trailer at all times.

And, don’t forget the extra batteries.

Dirty Laundry Hampers

Camping means that you’re probably going to change your clothes a few extra times during your trip. That means you’ll need somewhere, besides your duffel bag, to place your dirty laundry before it starts piling up all over the camper. Consider investing in a laundry hamper or two to keep things organized.

Hand-Held Vacuum Cleaner

Your trailer is a tight space that doesn’t have much room for extra storage. Get a small, hand-held vacuum cleaner to keep all the messes cleaned up. You can even find them with battery power.

Hoses

Of course, you’re going to need at least two hoses. Some first-time RVers don’t realize they need both a freshwater hose and the other for cleaning out your black water tank. Click here for more information about a no freeze water hose for when you’re roughing it in the cold.

Final Thoughts on RV Accessories

The point is that you can never have too many RV accessories. This list should be enough to get you started with your new RV or at very least help you remember what to update from year to year. Of course, you can add your own list of wants and needs so that you’ll always be fully stocked and ready to hit the road.

We hope you found this post helpful. For a little further reading, check out this post about saving money on your next trip to Vegas. We all know it’s on your travel itinerary sooner or later.

In 2017, over 4.1 billion people traveled by plane, this is roughly half of the number of people on the planet!

Are you ready to become a part of the statistics for this year?

Can you only afford to fly coach but want to get access to the best airport lounges? On long trips being able to stay in a nice lounge can make the difference between a layover filled with frustration and one that is pleasurable.

If you have been wondering how you can fly at cheaper rates and still get into the best lounges then you should read on because you are about to find out how to get cheap airport lounge access.

1. Get a Day Pass

You can get a Day pass for airport lounges. The amount you will have to pay is dependent on the airline that you choose. If you buy a day pass from an American airline company it will usually only be valid for American lounges.

If you are traveling internationally you can use the internet to find websites that offer passes to lounges worldwide. However, you should read the fine print carefully when purchasing these passes. Many will have specific time restrictions.

2. Get the Right Credit Card for Cheap Airport Lounge Access

One of the best and easiest ways to ensure that you do not get stuck in a dingy lounge is to get a credit card that gives lounge privileges.

However, most of these cards have an annual membership fee attached. If you are a frequent flyer then it goes without saying that the annual fee is worth it because it works out cheaper in the long run.

This may not be the case if you are not a frequent flyer. Some none frequent flyers don’t mind the fee though because they know that when they do travel, they can access the best lounges.

It’s a matter of personal choice.

3. Get Connected to the Right People

This may sound a bit presumptuous but it actually works from time to time. Many people have gotten lounge passes simply by asking someone who is going in if they can be their guest.  This is the cheapest way to become an airport VIP instantly.

However, if this idea makes you balk you can go on eBay and Craigslist. You will usually find a deal that will allow you to save money on guest passes. If you ever need to exchange the guest passes you have purchased then search the internet there are sites where you can exchange guest passes with others.

Final Thoughts

If you are ready to get cheap airport lounge access then you now know exactly how to do it. The key to getting the best deals on airport lounge passes is to know exactly what you want so that you don’t make mistakes when buying passes.

You also want to take advantage of what credit cards can offer since they provide a secure and guaranteed way to access the best lounges worldwide. Finally, you should try to connect with the right people so that you can take advantage of the association to get guest passes.

If you would like more travel tips, please visit our blog. 

Planning a trip to Vegas? There’s only one reason for that. You’re looking to have lots of fun spending lots of money.

Well, that or it’s a business trip. But we’re willing to bet that you’re willing to bet, see the sites, and raid the buffets.

And with all the price gouging and flashy marketing tactics Vegas is famous for, these all add up very quickly. You could easily spend your entire Vegas vacation budget before the trip’s half over. 

So what can you do? Use the tips below to plan better and stretch your dollar.

Most visitors lose just as much on poor vacation planning as they do on the casino games. But, unlike the slot machines, budgeting your vacation is not a gamble. With careful planning, you can save money on avoidable, unnecessary vacation expenses and do more of the fun things you want.

Follow these tips to learn how to save money on your Vegas vacation.

1. Don’t Use Your Debit Card

For all the expenses of your entire vacation, plan around not using your debit card. One of the surest bets in Vegas is that every ATM machine you find will have outrages fees. Some of these may unexpectedly show up weeks later, causing you to be overdrawn.

Before arriving at your hotel, take out the whole amount of cash you plan to spend on gambling. For all other expenses, use your best rewards-earning credit card.

If you are able, you may consider getting a new credit card that earns the most rewards from your vacation. For example, if you are flying to Vegas, find out which card earns you the most back in airfare. 

Put all non-gambling vacation expenses (hotel, gas, food, etc.) on your card of choice. This puts a significant percentage of the trip expense back into your pocket.

But BEWARE to spend just as carefully as if you were paying from your bank account. That is, you must still set a budget and spend no more than you are able to pay back at the end of the trip.

2. Ride Cheap

Transportation could easily be the most expensive part of this trip. But it doesn’t have to be. Aside from giving up, staying home, and Googling “UK online casinos,” try these money-saving tips.

The most frugal transportation for any trip is driving yourself. If you and your car are in good shape to make long trips, this will cost hundreds to thousands less than flying. If the condition of your car is iffy, you can still put the miles on a rental car for thousands less than flying.

Aside from this, shop around online for the best travel deals. Check deals from the airline directly and on third-party sites. Expedia, Orbitz, and Vegas.com are likely your best bet.

Lastly, booking flights way in advance and in the off-season will get you the best rates. Also, avoid arriving during big events and conventions. Though, you’ll likely already notice significant price hikes around such times so this probably goes without saying.

3. Stay Cheap

That last tip applies to your hotel stay, too. Off-season, mid-week stays, with no big events coinciding, are always cheapest.

It also helps to stay off the Strip. Hotels just off the Strip are ridiculously cheaper and are only a few minutes away by bus or shuttle.

Now, let’s talk about booking.

Third party vacation websites will often get you the best deals on your hotel stay, but not always. Sometimes you save more booking through the hotel directly. Always check both.

Plus, vacation websites often add their own fees and policies that end up costing you more. Most notably, they usually penalize you if you decide to cancel. Booking directly almost always lets you cancel very close to the date without any fees.

Your best option, then, is to find the best deal and ask the hotel to price-match. Hotels are more desperate for business in the off-season, so they’ll gladly oblige.

4. Eat Cheap

First, always stay at a hotel that gives a free continental breakfast. This is the best way to reduce the food budget for any vacation. Alternatively, spend five bucks on milk and cereal at a nearby grocery store and you’ve got breakfast for the whole week.

Otherwise, food courts are usually cheaper than sit-down restaurants. And tourism-based businesses like restaurants are very competitive in Vegas. So you’ll find a lot of local food deals with a quick search online. 

Third-party websites, like Groupon, can also save on your food budget. Check for good deals on food vouchers.

Buffets can often be cheaper than other Vegas restaurants, too. Plus, use the following hack to get a great deal on a dinner buffet.

Here’s how it works. The price for lunch/brunch buffets are usually at least $15 cheaper than the dinner buffet. But if you’re eating brunch when they transition to dinner, they’re not going to kick you out.  

So find out when the dinner buffet starts, show up a half-hour before, and eat slowly. Within the next half-hour, they’ll bring out the delicious dinner buffet for you to enjoy at the brunch buffet price.

5. Drink Cheap (or Free!)

Drink for free-ish with this age-old casino hack. Vegas casinos offer you free drinks as long as you’re playing. So for a cheap buzz: find the penny slots nearest to the bar, play slow, drink fast.

Here’s another universal vacation rule: never wet your whistle from the hotel room mini bar or from room service. These price-gouged drinks will cost more than your room fare.

Instead, bring your own booze from the grocery store. Or take advantage of decently-priced drinks during various Vegas happy hours.

6. Play Carefully

Rule number one of casino gaming is set a budget and stick to it. Allow yourself a certain amount for gambling.

Rule number two is remembering it’s just for fun. Assume you’ll lose it all and never see it again. Going over-budget to try and “win it back” is a sure route to gambling debt.

Better yet, don’t play your winnings; set them aside. Keep track of what you spend gambling regardless of what you win.

Once you’ve spent your whole playing budget, spend the winnings you have left over on food, drink, and whatever you want. That way, instead of spending all your winnings till there’s nothing left, you can spend it on something tangible.

7. Attend Shows and Concerts for Cheap

Even better, see them for free! There are tons of shows in Las Vegas that cost nothing at all. Perhaps the most notable example is the fiery Mirage Volcano.

But if there’s a particular (and expensive) show you really want to see, book a night at the hotel it’s showing at. Often, hotels give you discounted tickets for the shows they host if you book with them.

8. Join ALL the Reward Clubs

For starters, take advantage of any Military or Student discounts that apply to you. These are good for hotels, shows, just about everything in Vegas.

Next, join every applicable rewards club or loyalty program there is, especially with your hotel. Joining your hotel’s loyalty club usually gets you tons of free coupons right off the bat. Then, you can earn additional rewards by gambling or through other activities you already planned on doing.

Join the loyalty program of any casino you plan to game at. Additionally, get AAA rewards on top of these loyalty programs. 

9. Get Free Upgrades

It never hurts to ask, and it often helps! When checking in, ask if there are any free room upgrades available. Especially in the off-season, it’s not that uncommon that they’ll say, “Yes.”

Increase your odds by mentioning any special event you may be celebrating, such as a birthday or anniversary.

10. Get Comped

Similarly, upon checkout, ask if they’ll waive any resort or convenience fees for you. Your resort may be charging you fees up the wazoo for “conveniences” you’re not even using. Discuss these fees with the hotel and see if you can get them removed.

Get the Most from Your Trip to Vegas

Enjoy your trip to Vegas the frugal way. Use these tips to stretch your vacation budget and get the most from your trip.

Want more Thrifty Momma traveling tips? Click here to see Why Visiting China Should Be In Your Future Plans.

Would you like to see more street art?

Maybe you regularly walk past a cool mural in your neighborhood, or you’ve seen some amazing graffiti on vacation and would like to see more.

If you want to enjoy this brilliant urban art form, why not combine it with exploring a new city?

There are examples of incredible street art around the world. But if you have trouble thinking of where to go, or feel limited by your budget, this handy guide can help point you in the right direction.

Here are five places where you can enjoy street art on a budget.

Montreal, Canada

The city of Montreal loves street art so much that it hosts an annual mural festival every summer.

Artists worldwide come to Montreal to leave their mark on the city’s buildings, creating a vibrant and multicultural street art scene.

There are reasonably priced direct flights to Montreal from all over the U.S., so a trip to this cool urban art scene doesn’t have to break the bank.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Sao Paulo, Brazil is the street art capital of South America.

in Sao Paulo, the local laws permit any building to be used for street art, with the consent of the owner. This has resulted in the city becoming a giant canvas for famous street artists.

The Vila Madalena, Nicknamed Batman’s Alley, is home to countless artists’ work from all over the world. The 100-meter long alley is effectively an open-air art gallery that’s constantly changing.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Yes, good old Philly!

Philadelphia is home to the Mural Arts program, which is the largest public arts program in the country.

Subsequently, Philadelphia has developed a real culture of street art. And being right here in the US can make for a really affordable and accessible city break, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

New art pops up all the time in Philly, so every time you visit, you’ll definitely see something new.

If you want to find out more about famous street artists, such as Banksy or Mr. Brain Wash, then sites like hamiltonselway.com are a great place to do research.

Mexico City

Mexico city has a long tradition of mural art. Many of the mural artists in Mexico draw on the imagery of thousands of years of culture and history for their art.

This place is a wonderful showcase of the history of street art, incorporating the art of religion, politics, and resistance.

Berlin, Germany

If you do want to push the boat out a bit further, then traveling to Europe can reward you with some incredible street art.

If you visit the East side of Berlin, you can see more than 100 murals covering a mile-long portion of the Berlin Wall. A lot of the street art in Berlin documents the resistance to the Communist era division of the city, and makes for poignant viewing.

Street Art around the World

These are just a few of the cities you can visit to view some street art around the world.

The great thing about virtually all street art is that it’s free to view. Any trips you do, whether in the US or abroad, won’t have to blow your budget.

You can also check out loads of more traveling tips on the Travel and Vacations section of our site.

Did you know that recent estimates say that a Disneyland vacation costs upwards of $200 per person per day!

With those kinds of expenses, a family vacation with kids seems out of reach.

But it doesn’t have to be!

Read on for our list of the best places to travel with kids!

Places to Travel with Kids in the United States

1. Yellowstone

Yellowstone is a national park that stretches across parts of Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. Because of the active volcano underneath it, visitors can enjoy over 10,000 geysers, mud pots, and hot springs.

Not only is Yellowstone an amazing educational experience, but it has a lot of wildlife to enjoy as well.

There are over 200 species of animals living in Yellowstone like bison, wolves, mountain lions, bears, deer, antelope, moose, and more!

Since there’s a lot of driving involved, it’s a perfect opportunity to pack snacks, games, and some good music for a trip full of memories.

2. Pacific Northwest

Pack the kids in the car and head out for a breathtaking view along Highway 1 as you travel up the Oregon and Washington coastlines.

A few of our favorite activities along the way include:

• Stopping at all the lighthouses along your route. If they’re open to the public and accessible, take a photo of the view from the top.
• Stop in Tillamook, OR for a tour of the cheese factory. Sample some old favorites and some experimental flavors!
• Walk out to Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, OR at low tide.
• See the locks and fish ladder in Seattle during salmon season.
• Visit Pike’s place for an authentic market experience.
• Stroll through one of the pacific northwest’s 100s of botanical gardens.
• Take a ferry to Victoria and back

3. Las Vegas

You read that right! We already know there’s plenty for mom and dad to do in Vegas, but did you know that it also features some amazing activities for kids too?

The pinball museum features enough machines to keep the kids occupied for days!

And the Ethel M. Chocolate’s factory is just a short drive away in Henderson. Kids can watch chocolate being made and then tour the neighboring cactus garden.

Need a little outdoor fun? Visit Red Rock Canyon to the west for a spectacular view of southern red rock and a few short hikes. Visitors can even see a waterfall during the late winter and early spring by walking the Children’s Discovery Trail in Lost Creek Canyon.

4. Spend Time at the Farm!

There are hundreds of farms to visit throughout the United States.

Let the kids enjoy a horseback ride, feed the animals, ride the tractor, etc.

If you’re traveling in the spring be sure to visit a flower farm to enjoy the blossoms in all their glory!

But remember, you can enjoy the flowers back at home to. After you’ve enjoyed a day visiting a flower farm, order some blooms to be delivered to your home the day after your return so you can extend the vacation even more!

You can read more on that here!

Best Places to Travel with Kids Internationally

1. Canada

Canada is an attractive option to those who want to travel internationally and on a budget.

But it’s also home to some amazing and family-friendly attractions.

Canada features some of the worlds best whale watching, especially for Orcas. Brittish Columbia has some of the highest sightings for killer whales during the months of April-October. You might also catch a glimpse of a gray whale or humpback.

If you’re traveling during the winter, you’re sure to catch a view of the northern lights or aurora borealis. Kids will never forget the nature’s fireworks they saw on your vacation up north.

2. Indonesia

Indonesia was listed as one of the safest countries to travel to in 2018. And if that’s not enough to persuade you to add it to the list, then read on!

Indonesia is home to world-class snorkeling, historic Buddhist landmarks, and beautiful naturally occurring sites.

• The Ubud hot springs and waterfall near the Batur volcano
• The ancient Mount Kawi ruins surrounded by functioning rice farms
• The Borobudur Temple (the world’s largest Buddhist temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Bali and it’s famous beaches and water activities

No matter what your interests, there’s something for every member of your family in Indonesia.

3. Norway

Norway is home to a series of world famous fjords or steep canyons that open up to the sea. Many families enjoy cruises through the unbelievable scenery.

Once you’ve finished taking the family through the unforgettable fjord regions, take a scenic train ride to Oslo where the whole family can enjoy a beautiful city with extensive bike trails, over 50 museums, and world-class hiking.

Our favorite kid-friendly museums in Oslo include:

• Norwegian Museum of Science & Technology: this museum has over 100 interactive exhibits so it’s a perfect attraction for kids and the young at heart.
• International Museum of Children’s Art: this quaint museum hosts a collection of children’s art from over 180 countries.
• The Viking Ship Museum: this museum has the world’s best collection of preserved Viking ships and artifacts.
• The Oslo Reptile Park: the name is deceiving because this is actually an indoor zoo that is home to over 100 different types of animals.

If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to experience the 19 hours of daylight. Winter visitors must go skiing.

Remember This!

Now that you’ve got a start on your list of places to travel with kids, it’s time to pick one and plan the vacation you’ve been waiting for!

Now go make some memories!

Contact me to comment or suggest more thrifty travel tips!

Read Next: 5 Essential Tips for Safe Travels with Family