Category: Travel and Vacations

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

RV owners spend approximately 3 to 4 weeks out of the year in their RV.

These vehicles offer travelers a way to explore places while taking advantages of many comforts.

However, maintaining an RV does not come cheap. Replacing the tires alone can cost up to $2,500. And you still have to account for sales taxes, insurance, and other expenses.

In this article, we’ll share some RV maintenance tips that can help you save thousands of dollars.

1. Change the Oil

The best way to save some money, in the long run, is by taking care of your RV to avoid any problems.

Cars tend to need an oil change about every 3,000 or so miles, well, a similar process applies to RVs. Since RVs tend to sit a lot more than a car, you will be fine performing seasonal oil changes on your RV.

Seasonal oil changes will ensure everything under the hood remains lubricated and works as it should. An oil change every 3,000 to 4,000 miles will prevent expensive engine service.

2. Take Care of the Tires

Tires are very important in every vehicle but unlike a family car, RV tires are subject to more wear and tear.

In the event your RV tires give out, you’re looking at an expensive replacement.

Although you will eventually have to buy new tires, there’s no reason why you can’t extend the life of your current tires.

To ensure RV tire always observe the following:

Pressure Check

If the pressure of the tires is not right, it can lead to dangerous conditions. You will have to check the tire pressure every season to accommodate for the changes in temperature.

Wear check

Ensure your RV’s tires are wearing out evenly, this will keep them in good condition for a long time. Perform regular tire rotations.

Wheel alignment

Proper tire alignment can help prevent a number of accidents.

3. Inspect the Roof For Leaks

The roof of an RV is vulnerable to leaks. If you want to prevent leaks from happening and causing costly damages to your RV, you should inspect the roof for leaks at least every three months.

Start by checking the seems of the RV located around skylights, vents, AC unit, and roof edges.

To prevent water damage, you can use sealants if you spot a leak in any of the RV’s vents. For example, this product can help stop the damage done by water.

4. Check the Battery

The last thing you want while on the road is for the battery of your RV to die. Most RV batteries last about 3 to 5 years before they begin to lose their capacity.

If your RV’s battery is getting up there in age, you’ll want to ensure it’s charged at all time with the right voltage.

It doesn’t hurt to get a multimeter battery tester to ensure you have the right voltage.

5. Maintain the Waste Water System

Not paying attention to the wastewater system of your RV could end up costing you thousands of dollars in repairs.

Ensuring you use the proper chemicals is key for keeping these running smoothly. Gray and black water systems require different types of chemicals.

During long trips, it becomes more important to have the right amount of fluid. Also, make sure you flush the system on a regular basis to prevent clogs and damage to the system.

6. Replace the Filters

An RV has many different sets of filter systems, similar to a car. To keep your RV in top shape make sure once every season you replace the coolant, fuel, air, and hydraulic filters.

You can take care of replacing these filters whenever you take your car in for an oil change.

Failure to do so will cause extra wear and tear in each system and you might find yourself spending thousands in repairs.

7. Perform Regular Break Maintenance

As with every vehicle, you want to make sure you pay attention to the breaks. Before you get ready to go on a long trip, make sure you inspect the breaks in your RV.

The wheel bearings are an important component of the breaks system in an RV. Keeping these well lubricated will prevent improper wear an tear of the RV breaks.

Remember, replacing the breaks system in an RV can cost a lot of money. But maintaining the breaks can extend their life by a few years.

8. Don’t Forget about the Slideouts

If your RV has slide outs, you can’t forget to maintain these. Neglecting the slide outs can cause damage to the sealant and lead to leaks.

Start by cleaning the slide outs on a regular basis to clear them off the dust and debris that can cause damage.

Make sure you maintain it well lubricated to prevent the motors from overworking.

Also, inspect the slide out for leaks. If you spot one, you should take care of it right away to prevent the problem from escalating.

9. Electrical Connections

Your RV is your home away from home while you’re on the road. Therefore, you rely on the electrical system working properly more than you might think.

What would you do if the electric system becomes faulty and you can no longer run your appliances? Aside from being able to plug in a moving toaster, the electrical system also keeps the RV safe while on the road.

The electrical system ensures all the lights work and keeps you safe in case your RV breaks down.

Have a professional inspect the electrical system to extend the life and prevent problems.

10. Clean the Awning

The awning might not seem like a big deal, but if left unattended for long periods of time it can wear out.

Mildew and mold can grow in the awning if it’s not properly cleaned right away. Dirt and debris can also cause wear and tear in the long run.

The build-up can also become a nest for bees and other creatures, especially while going camping.

Regular RV Maintenance: The Bottom Line

Keeping up with your RV maintenance can save you thousands of dollars a year.

Start by performing regular oil changes, taking care of the breaks, rotate the tires, and check the sealing.

If you want to read more tips on how to save money while on vacation, check out our travel section.

Do you have young explorers at home who want nothing more than to swim with Nemo or say “hi” to a sea turtle? If you do, your next vacation is the perfect time to introduce them to snorkeling and scuba diving.

All around the world, resorts and dive shops have special programs for families and kids so they can lean their love for their water-breathing buddies and the deep blue sea.

If you or your children aren’t ready to learn to scuba yet, snorkeling would be a great alternative!

Here are 5 of the best places to take your kids snorkeling.

1. Cottrell Key, Florida

Cottrell Key is only five miles west of Key West and it’s filled to bursting with shallow reefs, coral formations, and sponges. If you’re looking to spot some parrotfish, stingrays, group and sea turtles, this is a great spot to take your kids.

2. Playa del Carmen, Mexico

If you’re interested in a resort setting where you don’t even have to leave in order to enjoy the fun, strap on your full face mask and head to Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

This resort and the area surrounding it is full of ancient Mayan history and ruins. Guests at Sandos Caracol Eco Resort can dive into the unique location by snorkeling in a crystal clear cenote. These are naturally occurring underground springs. You’ll be surrounded by over 60 species of animals and 25 species of trees.

3. Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin

Snorkeling probably isn’t the first thing you think of when you think about Wisconsin, but Lake Michigan has some incredible spots to explore. Bailey’s Harbor is only 2 hours north of Green Bay and it offers a shipwreck snorkeling trip.

4. Kankakee, Illinois

Illinois is another strange place to consider snorkeling, but Haigh Quarry in Kankakee is a great place for divers and snorkelers alike. The quarry isn’t used anymore and for several years after its closure in the 1970s, it sat unused. Someone purchased the land in the late 70s and unplugged some of the pumps the mining company left behind.

In three years, the quarry was filled with spring-fed water and is now a great place to take kids snorkeling.

5. La Jolla, California

If your kids are determined to swim with sharks, this is the snorkeling spot for you. Here, snorkelers can see plenty of leopard sharks during their outing. There’s also no shortage of bottom feeders and rays alike.

How to Teach Kids Snorkeling

No matter where you take your kids snorkeling, you need to make sure they’re prepared. Five or six is the best age to start and the pool or a bathtub is the ideal training ground.

Breathing only through your mouth is a skill kids need to practice, so don’t put them anywhere they’re not familiar with right off the bat.

Start your child with the face mask before you ad the snorkel and make sure it fits well. Let them take it at their own pace and follow their lead, never push if they seem to want to stop.

When you try real life snorkeling in the sea, start off with a calm spot so as to not unnerve them.

Snorkel On!

Kids snorkeling is a great first step to get your little ones familiar with the water, it’s many life forms, and the possibility of scuba diving. There’s nothing quite as magical as interacting with your environment, especially as a child.

For more fun family ideas and tricks to save some extra cash for that snorkeling vacation, visit the rest of my blog today!

Are you the person who goes to the beach with all kinds of sunscreen? Maybe you have one bottle for your body, one for your face, and another for your kids. Most parents think that’s all they need to keep their skin safe from the sun.

While it’s a good start, there is much more to consider when it comes to sun safety and using sunscreen properly. To get a better understanding of this, check out the following facts about sunscreen.

1. You Can Get a Sunburn on a Cloudy Day

We’ve all been there – it’s a cloudy day and all your kid wants to do is go to the pool or take a walk on the beach. If it’s not that cloudy, go ahead and indulge them, but don’t forget the sunscreen!

The sun’s rays are powerful enough to break through the clouds. If you aren’t careful, you and your little one can get a sunburn even if the sun isn’t technically out.

2. Keep Your Sunscreen Away from Direct Heat

Some people make it a habit to keep sunscreen in the car during the summer. While this may sound smart at first, it’s actually a bad idea.

The car gets incredibly hot, causing ingredients in the sunscreen to separate. Once the bottle cools down, everything won’t mix together in the way it’s been made to do. Keep in mind the heat rule also applies to sunscreen that’s sitting in direct heat when you’re at the beach, by the pool, or playing an outdoor sport.

3. Always Put Your Sunscreen on at Home

Whatever kind of fun you’re up to this summer, always apply sunscreen on at home. This gives your skin plenty of time to soak in the protection it needs.

If you wait to get to where you’re going, you’re actually exposing yourself. A half an hour here or there may not seem like much, but it adds up when you think about all your beach days and other outdoor plans all summer long.

4. Reapply Even When Under an Umbrella

A lot of people apply at home and think they’re fine for the rest of the day. This is even true for adults who spend hours under an umbrella in their bathing suit.

While an umbrella provides a cozy space out of direct sunlight, it doesn’t protect your skin. You can still get a sunburn under there, so reapply as needed.

5. Low SPF Doesn’t Really Work

What if you’re trying to get a tan? Should you just use an SPF of 5 or 10?

Honestly, save your money if that’s the level of SPF you’re going for. These won’t do much to help you out. Always reach for an SPF of 30 and above – your skin will thank you later.

6. Broad Spectrum Is Your Best Bet

Another thing to pay attention to when comparing sunscreen labels is whether or not it’s broad spectrum. This is the best way to go. Anything else won’t give you the extent of protection you need to best prevent a sunburn.

7. There Is an Average Amount to Apply

No matter how tall or short you are, or how curvy or slender, there’s an average amount of sunscreen for everyone to apply.

The face requires about a marble-size of sunscreen for full coverage. Additionally, all the bare skin on your body needs no less than a shot glass size, which looks something like a golf ball. Always apply at least this much, then more as needed.

8. Don’t Forget to Coat Sensitive Areas

Speaking of applying sunscreen, remember your sensitive areas. Apply directly on the back of the ears, the neck, and the top of the feet. Do the lining of your bathing suit or your clothes, too, as their exact placement can move while you move your body.

9. Scars and Tattoos Also Need Sunscreen

Some people think their scars or tattoos don’t need sunscreen. If anything, these areas of the body need more!

Scars are still a part of your skin. Even if a certain part of your skin doesn’t look like it used to, it’s vulnerable to the rays of the sun and needs protection. If you have scars you want to treat, you can contact the American Skin Institute.

When it comes to tattoos, exposure to the sun can affect the coloring of your skin’s art and do damage to the skin itself, too.

10. Sunscreen Alone Doesn’t Fight Skin Cancer

Unfortunately, putting on sunscreen isn’t enough to fight skin cancer. There are many other ways your risk for this condition increases. Not to mention, cancer can honestly happen to anyone.

11. You May Need a Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin

Maybe you’re hesitant to use sunscreen in the first place because of a reaction you’ve had to it before. Don’t automatically assume you’re “allergic to sunscreen.” There’s no such thing.

It is possible, though, that you’re allergic to an ingredient in the sunscreen you’ve been using. Look for all-natural options to keep your skin safe from the sun and to protect your body as a whole from unwanted reactions.

12. Not All Sunscreens Are Made Alike

There’s the matter of all-natural sunscreens versus traditional over the counter options, then there are plenty more details to look into. Not all sunscreens are made with the same regulations and requirements.

This is something to keep in mind if you’re traveling overseas this summer. You may want to bring your favorite brand with you instead of buying it there. Or, you could discover someplace with better sunscreen regulations after a bit of research!

13. Animal Sunscreen Is a Real Thing

Here’s something you may have never considered before: sunscreen for your pup. Many people love to take their dog to the beach or at least on a long summer walk.

What most owners don’t realize, though, is that dogs can get melanoma, too. Better your pet’s odds of not getting this skin disease by finding dog sunscreen for them.

14. It’s Never Too Late to Start Wearing Sunscreen

At the end of the day, sunscreen is a necessity. There’s no way around it. No matter if you always wore it as a child or if you’re just discovering the benefits of it now at 30 years old, you need to wear it.

It’s never too late to start, and there’s no better time than now.

15. You Need Sunscreen in the Winter, Too

Last but not least, remember sunscreen is a year-round necessity. Find a brand you love and put it on your face and body every day for the best results. Think of it as something that goes after your moisturizer, but before your everyday makeup.

Most importantly, don’t forget sunscreen when playing winter sports. If you love skiing, snowboarding, tubing, or even just a little bit of fishing, you need to show your skin some care. The more of an effort you make now, the better your skin will be for years to come.

Educating Your Children on Facts About Sunscreen

Many mothers deal with fussy children who hate putting on sunscreen or have to watch the clock closely to make sure their child’s sensitive skin doesn’t burn.

Wherever you are on the parenting spectrum, make the effort to share the facts about sunscreen with your children. Such an effort empowers them from an early age to make the right choice when it comes to protecting their skin.

For more ways to keep your children happy and healthy this summer, click here!

Do you dream of watching wild giraffes stroll across the savanna? Would you love to see a pride of lions lounging in the shade or a stampede of migrating wildebeest?

Let’s face it: Most African safari packages are not cheap. So regardless of what your heart yearns for, your bank account might be holding you back.

If this sounds like you, don’t despair. The truth is that you can take an affordable African safari–you just have to know how to budget and where to look.

In this post, we’ll give you some expert tips on planning an African safari that won’t break the bank. Read on!

1. Choose the Right Destination

The best places to take a cheap safari are countries that are easily accessible and offer a lot of options.

You may dream of a safari in Tanzania or Kenya, but these areas are known for luxury accommodations and high park entrance fees. Many reserves in Botswana and Zambia are very remote and can only be accessed by private plane–which means bigs bucks for you.

For an affordable African safari, consider South Africa, Zimbabwe, or Namibia. These countries are much more accessible to the budget traveler while still offering excellent reserves.

2. Book Through a Local Operator

Major international tour companies may have flashy websites, but don’t be fooled. You’ll almost always get a better deal–and better experience–by going local.

Locally based safari operators offer local guides and better safari deals than the big-name companies. You may even be lucky enough to snag a great last-minute deal on your dream safari.

Cape Town-based companies such as African Budget Safaris offer terrific packages at very reasonable prices.

3. Travel During the Off-Season

Another helpful hint when planning an African safari? Book your visit during the off-season.

Although this usually coincides with the rainy season, it’s unlikely to rain all day, every day. Instead, you’ll enjoy far fewer crowds and better chances of seeing newborn babies and migrating birds.

Best of all, prices drop significantly during the off-season. If you want to take a cheap safari, this is the time of year to do it.

4. Save on Accommodation

A huge portion of most African safari packages is the accommodation. While five-star lodges and gourmet chefs certainly sound appealing, they can make a serious dent in your savings account.

To save money, select a budget option for accommodation. A 2- or 3-star hotel will still be very comfortable at a fraction of the price of its five-star counterparts.

Looking to save even further? Pick up some camping gear and take advantage of the cheap campsites scattered around most major game reserves. It’s also possible to rent a 4WD vehicle with a rooftop tent and all necessary supplies.

Why pay for a luxury hotel when you can sleep beneath the stars in the open savanna?

Book Your Affordable African Safari Today

So, what are you waiting for? Now that you know how to find an affordable African safari, all that’s left to do is pack!

Feeling inspired? Looking for more helpful tips on where and how to travel frugally?

Check out our latest travel posts for more information.