Category: Travel and Vacations

When you travel with kids, you could be setting yourself in for a stressful time. 6% of parents in one survey confessed to returning home early from a family holiday because it was just too much for them.

A road trip with kids should be simple right? Wrong. They’re tired, they’re fidgety, they start fighting in the back – we love our kids, but sometimes they can be little terrors!

Here’s how to keep your sanity on a long-haul road trip.

1. Distract Them with a Map

When you travel with kids, give them a map and let them trace a finger along to your destination.

This can help to keep them occupied, as well as manage their expectations of when you might arrive.

Plus, they might learn the names of a few states or cities – parents can live in the hope we’re providing a bit of education for the little ones!

2. Plan Regular Breaks

On a long drive, there’s no doubt all that pent up energy in the back seat is going to cause a fuss sooner or later. And you’ll need the bathroom.

Scope out gas stations along your route before you leave, and plan where to stop.

Find places where you can park up a while and head to a nearby play area. Let them run around until they’re tired – and hopefully, they’ll be a bit quieter when you continue driving.

While you’re pulled into a gas station, you might be interested to know about how to get free gas and keep the cost of your trip low. You might also want to check for coupons to grab free or discounted food.

If exercise doesn’t work, how about trying to teach them a ‘calm breathing routine‘? Turn it into a game if you must.

Anything that stops them asking “Are we there yet?” one more time.

3. Bring Some Entertainment and Food

Bring books or audio books along for the drive. If you have an iPad, consider giving them that to play with if they’re old enough. Or even DVDs if you’re lucky enough to have televisions in your car seats.

If you have more than one child, handing them a travel set of a game like checkers, with a magnetic board and pieces can work wonders to keep them quiet for a few hours. So long as it doesn’t cause a fight.

Snacks can help to keep them quiet too – but don’t overdo it on the sugar. The last thing you want is a five-year-old at the height of a sugar high in the car with you.

If it’s a long journey, don’t forget to bring a packed lunch for the family – or make use of those gas station stops to refuel yourselves too.

Travel with Kids – Are You Still Sane?

Hopefully, these tips help you to survive your road trip with your mental health completely intact.

We hope your trip goes well – and if you want to save some money while you’re out of town, be sure to check out these hot deals – you never know when your luck will be in!

Summer is starting to wind down, which means it’s time to enjoy every last ounce of sunshine before the colder months kick in. That means it’s time to grab the family and head out for one last adventure.

One of the best ways to get the most out of your summer is by taking the family on a boating trip. Be it the ocean or just your local lake, there’s something fun and refreshing about an afternoon on the water.

And, before you actually take to the water, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared to have the best time possible.

Here are some awesome tips to help you prepare for your next family boating trip.

5 Tips to Prepare For Your Next Family Boating Trip

1. Inspect Your Boat

Before you use something like IMM Quality Boat Lifts, you’ll want to do a quick inspection before you’re good to go.

Here’s a list of things to check for before bringing your boat down from the lift:

• Make sure there aren’t any cracks.
• Look at any wiring that may have been exposed to water.
• Test your fuel and oil.
• Clean your upholstery and check for mold.

2. Bring Sunscreen and Bug Spray

No day in the sun is complete without a healthy helping of helping of sunscreen. It’s a great way to keep your family burn-free and can even prevent skin cancer later down the road.

If you haven’t already, try and figure out what types of sunscreen work best for your family. Some of your family may have fairer skin than others, so it’s not a bad idea to pack a few different types.

You’ll also want to make sure you’ve got some bug spray on hand. With a growing concern about the Zika virus, it’s important that you keep mosquitoes away.

Once on board, keep a watchful eye out for any unwanted pests near still waters.

3. Safety First

To have the fun day you’ve always wanted, keeping the little ones safe is paramount.

And, unfortunately, without planning and preparation, preventable accidents can happen.

Before you even crank up the boat, make sure there are plenty of life jackets on board. Then, be certain that those life jackets are as safe as possible.

Here’s a quick check list to get you started:

1. Make sure each vest fits.
2. If it’s inflatable, make sure it has plenty of air in it.
3. Make sure there aren’t any leaks.
4. If your boat has been dormant for a while, make sure your life jackets aren’t beginning to deteriorate.

A boating trip is tons of fun, but you’ll want to make sure everyone is as safe as possible.

4. Bring Snacks

No day in the sun is complete without a couple of delicious snacks. Be sure to take a break from swimming, tubing, or just floating and grab a bite to eat.

And, you don’t need to be a Michelin starred chef to prepare before you go.

To save money, pack a cooler full of sandwiches, as well as a few bags of chips.

Cut up some apple slices and pineapple and bring them along for the ride. You can even sip on some watermelon lemonade for a tasty, tropical treat.

5. Stay Hydrated

The longer you’re out in the sun, the more important it is to stay hydrated. Grab a giant pack of water bottles, a cooler of ice, and make sure you’re regularly drinking water.

Dehydration is no joke, and water is absolutely critical for optimal health. Try and drink some water at least once an hour.

Lastly, Have Fun in the Sun!

So, now you’re ready for your day out with the family. We sure hope it’s a fun trip!

Love a boating trip as much as we do? We’d love to hear any tips you have!

Can you remember the last time you had a girls night out? If the memory is pretty faint, now’s the time to start planning!

On a budget? Got a jam-packed schedule that doesn’t leave much much free time?

Stop making excuses! Don’t you deserve a weekend that is all about you and enjoying your friendships?

Life is demanding, but you have to make time to be with your best friends.

There are endless reasons to take a weekend off with your girls. Here are three reasons that are sure to convince you.

1. A Weekend of Pure Relaxation

Life can be stressful. From work to family life, you focus on everyone else but yourself. But, we all need days where it’s all about us.

Girls weekend getaways give you the time you need to relax and rejuvenate. There’s nothing better than drinks and laughter, all while surrounded by your closest lady friends.

Spend a weekend on the beach. Or take a road trip and try some retail therapy. Check out some unique bucks party ideas.

2. Zero Judgment Zone

While years have passed, you’re all still the same girls. You can do and say whatever you want. And no one will judge you!

Time for a night of endless wine drinking while watching romantic movies? Want to walk around in your bikini without any cares in the world?

You can get away with anything during a girls weekend.

3. Rebuild Connections

As adults, it’s likely that you and your best girl friends have grown apart.

As we get older it’s easier to put close friendships aside. While you and your girls will be friends to the end, it helps to rekindle those old connections.

Sit around with wine and talk about boys. Talk about your sex life! Vent about those pesky five pounds that you can’t seem to shake.

Any and all topics are on the table. Your girls will listen!

Laugh and build new memories. Remember why you’re such great friends, even after all these years!

Fun Girls Weekend Getaways Ideas

There is no wrong or right way to spend a girls weekend. We’ve come up with a few ideas that may get your party planner’s imagination stirring.

• Check out a local B&B. Nothing completes a girls weekend like good breakfast and mimosas.
• Spend a weekend in the city. Cities are the perfect outlet. Go shopping. Enjoy being a tourist!
• Hit up the local beach. Soak up the sun and get your toes in the sand. The beach is the ideal location for a relaxing girls weekend.

Your Frugal Living Lifestyle Blog

Looking to learn about living frugally? Want to know about the latest deals and giveaways?

If so, Thrifty Momma Ramblings is the site for you!

Our blog focuses on various ways to save money. From clothing to baby items, we share money saving tips that will keep you financially sound.

Check out our website today to learn how you can save money!

Camping is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, but not if you get all the way there and realize you forgot vital supplies!

Whether you’ve been camping for years or are planning your first trip, it’s always helpful to have a comprehensive checklist of everything you’ll need.

Make sure you’re covered each and every time with this go-to camping list!

7 Must-Haves For Your Camping List

Getting away from the hustle and bustle for a camping trip can be so relaxing. The downside? You can’t just run to the corner store to pick up supplies!

Always be prepared with these 7 things to never forget!

1. Shelter, Of Course!

Whether you’re a bare minimum camper or would rather “glamp,” everyone needs some form of shelter.

Don’t forget a tent to protect you from the elements, insects, and other critters. You’ll need all the supplies to build the tent, such as stakes, a mallet or something similar, and a waterproof ground tarp (or two).

If you’re a consistent camper, think about investing in an awesome custom teardrop trailer. These bad boys can keep you organized, sheltered, and safe on your camping trips for years to come.

The coolest part? Some models feature a tent mounted to the roof of the trailer!

2. Sleeping Bag

You’ll quickly decide you hate camping if you fail to stay warm at night. Check out this great infographic if you’re camping somewhere especially chilly!

Make sure to bring a sleeping bag and any other slumber accessories you might want, such as a pillow or sleeping pad.

3. Food & Water

Bring plenty of nutritious food and water to sustain yourself during the trip. Make sure you have all the necessary supplies if you plan to cook!

Top tip: bring an ice chest to keep your food cold and locked up. Freeze water bottles instead of bringing ice so that you can have extra H2O on hand!

4. Flashlight or Lantern

One of the best parts of camping is getting to see the stars without the obstruction of city lights.

You’ll definitely want a flashlight or lantern on your camping list for nighttime reading, trips to the bathroom (or lack thereof), and emergencies.

Don’t forget backup batteries!

5. First Aid Kit

Safety first! In the case of bug bites, splinters, scrapes, or just a headache, you’ll want a first aid kit on hand.

This is especially important if you’re camping with kids.

6. Personal Hygiene Supplies

It’s up to you how “natural” you want to smell during your camping trip, but you should probably bring the basics no matter what.

This includes toilet paper, a toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, and sanitary wipes.

7. Sunscreen

Don’t let a bad sunburn ruin your trip.

Keep your skin protected with SPF especially when you’re spending a lot of time outdoors!

That’s It!

You’ll probably want to bring more than just these 7 things, but remembering to pack these essentials will make your camping trip a lot more enjoyable.

Leave a reply with your camping list must-haves!

Like free stuff? Follow us on Thrifty Momma Ramblings Facebook to never miss one of our great freebies!

One of the best ways to make memories with your family is through travel. However,  it can be very expensive if you don’t plan right.

Italy is an ideal place for family travel: great weather,  history, and pizza!

It is possible to take a trip to Rome on a budget. Here are 5 tips which will help you enjoy this amazing city without breaking the bank.

1. Shop around for airfare

There are many ways to find deals for international travel to Rome.

Obviously, you should explore using your travel points if you belong to a frequent flyer program.

Many airlines fly to Rome, so do some comparison shopping.

You might find deals on some low-cost airlines like Ryanair or Easy Jet.

You can also fly into neighboring cities like Milan, and take a train to Rome.

2. Stay in the suburbs

Hotels in the center of Rome can be very expensive, especially if you are traveling with kids and need more than one room.

AirBnB and other home sharing apps have changed the way families can travel. Consider renting an apartment or small house on the outskirts of the city.

You can easily take public transportation to see the sights. You will also have a kitchen, giving you the option of preparing your own meals and avoiding the high prices at restaurants.

3. Plan meals carefully

If you are taking a trip to Rome on a budget, you need to consider the high costs of eating out.

Italian food is some of the best in the world,  but it can cost a lot for a family to go to restaurants in cities like Rome.

If you are renting a house or apartment,  take a trip to the local grocery store and pick up provisions. It will give you and your children a chance to sample the local bread, produce and pasta.

Shopping locally and cooking fresh food during your trip to Rome on a budget will give your family an authentic Italian experience.

If you choose local street food like pizza (delicious!) while you are out and about, you might be able to splurge once on dinner at a real Italian trattoria during your visit.

4. Use public transportation-  or walk

Many of Rome’s biggest attractions are accessible by foot.

Make sure everyone in your party has comfortable shoes and a good map.

You can plan out efficient walking tours to give you a glimpse of some of Europe’s most iconic sights: the Colosseum, the Forum, the Vatican.

The Metro is Rome’s subway system, and it offers a convenient, cheaper way to get around than taxis.

5. Look for deals on tours

Part of planning a trip to Rome on a budget includes knowing when you want to spend a little money in order to get the best experience possible.

Sometimes it’s worth it to purchase a guided tour of major attractions. Prebooking an excursion like the Colosseum Area Floor tour ensures that you and your kids will learn everything you can about this historic locale.

Search for deals online before you go so you can maximize your savings.

Arrivederci!

With some forethought and planning, a family trip to Rome on a budget can be a joyous experience.

Do your research for deals before you go for both travel, accommodation, and attractions,  and you and your family will be able to enjoy the trip of a lifetime without too much damage to your pocketbook.