Category: Travel and Vacations

Do you want to take the family on a great trip to the outdoors? Did you know that over 40 million Americans go camping every year?

Surely, there’s a reason why so many people opt to spend time with their loved ones outdoors. Here are our favorite reasons to go camping and the best deals you can find on all the camping gear you’ll need for your cheap getaway!

Find the Best Deals on Camping Gear

If you’ve never been camping before, you’ll want to start off with a checklist of all the things you’ll need to bring with you. It can seem overwhelming at first, but don’t worry! We’re going to help you find all the best deals.

Once you have your list, you can start by checking out any local thrift stores in your area. There’s no reason to overpay for the things you can buy for pennies, so don’t shop anywhere else until you know what’s out there!

After you finish your thrifting excursion, browse online outlet stores for more outdoor gear and apparel options. Outlets can be a great source for finding great deals on name brand gear.

Don’t forget to coupon when packing campsite friendly foods. Be sure to bring snacks for the drive up as well! You don’t want your rugrats getting hangry before the tent is set up! Click for more great deals on camping gear.

Bid to Win

The online auction is your friend. Online auction sites have long been a great source for deals and camping gear is so exception! Be sure to watch out for pesky shipping fees. Sellers often mark up the shipping price to offset the bargains they’re giving.

Online auctions are a great source because so often people find themselves holding on to things they don’t use often. Many people who love camping just can’t seem to find the time to go and feel obligated to part with the camping gear that’s taking up space in their garage!

Bringing Fido Along

One of the best reasons to go camping for pet owners is that they can bring any furry family members along with them! This means you won’t have to call in a favor with a friend or pay for an expensive doggy hotel.

Just grab a few bowls, some dog food, and get ready for adventure! Explore all the great bargains for all that you’ll need to bring Fido along! Don’t forget to be a responsible camper and remember to bring clean-up bags!

Get Ready for Adventure

Don’t get too stressed about the details. If you accidentally forget something, you can always run to a nearby discount store to get what you need.

Not everyone has the luxury of going on a family getaway. Remember that this trip is a great opportunity to reconnect with your loved ones and spend time reconnecting.

Be sure to visit our blog for more info on how you can find all the things your family needs. The best part? It’s all within your budget.

Looking for an inexpensive way to give you and your family a break from everyday life?

Look around, North America has 417 state parks waiting for you to explore. Visiting a cool park can change your child’s life by exposing them to the wonders of our country.

Taking the family on a trip to the country’s stunning national parks would make for a cheap summer vacation.

Not sure which cool park is right for your family trip? We’ve listed up five family-friendly parks in America. Add them all to your bucket list and start planning your next family trip today.

1. Great Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was the most-visited national park in 2017 with over 11 million visitors. Visit the Great Smoky Mountains for waterfalls, swimming holes, and horseback rides.

The parents can kick back and relax at Deep Creek. This gorgeous site has creeks and waterfalls. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a local vendor offering tubing packages and rentals.

2. Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon National Park is just that–Grand! If you’ve only seen it in photos, it’s about time you see its glory in person.

Go for a drive along Desert View Drive, where a 25-mile cruise will offer unforgettable views. Stop along the way at one of the picnic areas for a sweet picnic with your family.

Don’t let planning the details keep you from visiting one of these beloved parks. Experience Park Tours can help you plan your next trip.

3. Yosemite National Park

The Yosemite National Park goes the extra mile to accommodate families. They have a Family Adventure experience that starts at $7.50 per participant.

This activity tasks families to navigate three miles of trails in the park with a hand-held GPS. Your family will uncover history and stories (you may even find some secret treasures).

Even if you don’t take part in the adventure, the gushing waterfalls and iconic valleys will be more than enough.

4. Redwood National Park

The trees of Redwood National Park stand as the tallest in the world!

Taking a stroll through the Redwoods will remind your kids of a page from a storybook with the mossy, tall trees. They’ll probably get a kick out of driving underneath the Chandelier Tree!

Many families make a stop to this park during the two-hour round trip from Berry Glenn to Fern Canyon. Fern Canyon offers a small creek for kids to splash around in and a lovely view of fern varieties.

5. Great Sand Dunes

The Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado is a kid favorite.

This national park is home to North America’s highest sand dunes–reaching up to 750 feet.

If you visit in early summer, you will see Medano Creek running through the main access area. Children build sand sculptures and play along the creek before heading to the dunes.

If you plan on visiting during the Summer, beware of scorching temperatures. Surface sand temperatures can rise to 140?F on summer days.

Take plenty of water and wear tennis shoes to protect your feet from burning sands.

Cool Park Trips for the Family

These national parks can be tons of fun while offering some of the country’s natural beauty.

If you can carve out time for your family to enjoy the fine scenery of a national park, you won’t regret it.

Plan a trip to one (or all) of these amazing national parks with your family soon. Do these fun summer activities with your kids, too!

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day craziness of raising your family, but the last thing you want is for those 18 precious years to go by without making valuable memories. A family vacation is a perfect remedy.

Unfortunately, if you don’t play your cards right, that vacation will also leave you with months or years of debt. But it doesn’t have to. If you’re looking for cheap getaways for the whole family, check out these frugal vacations and cheap travel tips.

Cheap Getaways for Families

Not everyone likes the same types of vacations, but there are inexpensive options for every taste.

For the Country Star – Nashville

Nashville has been an increasingly popular destination for the past few years, and it has something for everyone. While the party scene is attractive for young adults, kids (especially country lovers) have plenty to see as well.

On top of music-based attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame and many venues, Nashville has the classic city attractions like zoos and museums.

For the History Buffs – Philadelphia

If your kids love to learn, a historical place like Philadelphia is the perfect destination. Philadelphia’s historic district is full of places to learn about America’s story.

Many of these locations are free or low-cost, and they’re all just a short walk apart, making for easy planning and transportation.

For the Eco-Tourist – Denver

For a family that loves to enjoy the great outdoors, you just can’t beat the views in the Denver area. Whether you and your kids enjoy camping, hiking, or other activities in the fresh air, it’s a beautiful locale.

As an added bonus, you have all the amenities of a city nearby for emergencies and conveniences alike.

For the Beach Bums – Pensacola

For many families, lounging and playing on the beach is the perfect relaxing vacation. The problem is that the accommodations and attractions on the most popular beach towns are pricey.

Pensacola, on the other hand, has stayed lower under the radar than places like Myrtle Beach and much of the west coast. And yet, there are still plenty of relaxing, quiet beaches where your family can have a great time.

Tips for Cheap Getaways for Families

On top of knowing where to go, there are other tricks you can use to make your family vacations affordable.

Look for Package Deals

Once you decide on a location, look for pre-set tour packages and other package deals. These can be great ways to find savings on the same activities you’d do otherwise, so do some research before you book your vacation.

Think Outside the Box for Housing Arrangements

Your hotel is one of the most expensive parts of any vacation. Explore options like AirBnB and VRBO, where you may be able to get more space for a lower cost.

Ask the Locals

Mainstream tourist attractions tend to be expensive. To keep your costs down and get a better feel for the area you’re visiting, talk to anyone you know who lives in the area (or a friend of a friend).

DIY Your Meals

Dining out is a major expense during a family vacation. While it’s great to try some local hotspots, don’t underestimate how much fun you can have cooking on vacation. Try bringing a picnic to the beach or the park, or make a campfire.

Having a Great Vacation While Saving Money

It is 100% possible to have a great family vacation on a budget, no matter what your kids’ ages and interests are. You just have to know how and be willing to do some work.

For more budget-saving tips (to help you save up for that vacation), check out my other frugal living tips.

What’s not to love about taking a Caribbean vacation? You get to take off work, explore a new area, and not have a worry in the world.

Of course, like anything else, a vacation costs money. So how do you save?

The easiest way is to look online for the best Caribbean vacation deals. Once the costs go down, whip out that credit card and book it! It’s easy, and we’re here to show you some quick tips on how you can do it!

Pick the Right Island

Airfare is going to be the most expensive part of the trip, so pick wisely. JetBlue offers low fares to Nassua, Montego Bay, and Barbados, while Spirit offers trips to Aruba and San Juan.

Southwest goes everywhere, but do they offer the lowest fares?

Maybe not. Keep checking airfare calendars to see when the lowest rates are and plan accordingly.

Have you ever been to Aruba? St. Lucia? Barbados? The opportunities are endless.

Consider going on the Galapagos Islands tours. With all that extra money you’ll save on cheap airfare, why not book another tour You won’t regret it!

Ask for Suggestions

Has any of your family or close friends ever been to the Caribbean? Where did they go?

Ask them how they went about planning the trip. They may have some extremely helpful suggestions that you’ve never even thought of!

How did they check for freebies or any kind of package deals? Ask them and find out how!

Book at the Right Time of Year

Of course, the busiest time to travel to the Caribbean is during the winter. Everyone is trying to get away from the cold and celebrate Christmas in their shorts.

Also, keep in mind of spring breakers. If you can handle the hotter weather and hurricane season, it is best to book over the summer and up until the fall.

Consider a Cruise

Did you know that 43% of people went to the Caribbean on a cruise?

The best part about a cruise are the accommodations, transportation, and all-inclusive meals. Some cruises even go to multiple islands! All you have to do is find the nearest port and book.

The Caribbean Vacation Deals Are out There

It’s all about knowing what you want to do. Consider staying at an all-inclusive resort if you want to be surrounded by the beach and pools.

Weigh out the pros and cons of a resort versus a hotel. Is it kid-friendly? Are meals included? Are there activities on the property for guests?

Rent a Villa or Guesthouse

The cost of people eating out has increased at a rate of 2.7%. The best thing to do is rent a guesthouse or a hotel with a kitchenette so you can cook your own meals.

Evaluate your meal plan and consider eating where the locals do. Eating at usual tourist stops will easily rack up your expenses.

How We Can Help

Sometimes it’s not easy to plan a Caribbean vacation, especially if you’ve never been there.

Are you still not sure about which island to pick? We can help you find the best Caribbean vacation deals!

We’ve got information on how you and your family can all pitch in to help each other plan the tropical vacation of your dreams.

Fishing can be a fun and inexpensive way to spend some time together as a family. Even better, if you’re traveling, it’s an easy way to keep the kids (and, let’s be honest, husband) entertained.

The best part is that you don’t have to be near some exotic ocean to see some really cool fish. Many of the best locations are a lot closer than you may think!

From lakes and ponds to rivers and oceans, there are many places to incorporate a fishing trip into your vacation. If it’s time for a get-away, consider these 8 destinations, that are fun for the whole family.

1. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

That’s right, mom. You can send the family off for a day at the pier, while you sit back and enjoy one of the country’s most relaxing islands.

Martha’s Vineyard is recognized as one of the best fishing destinations in the U.S. You can expect to see lots of Striped Bass, Bluefish, Bonito and False Albacore. Medium-sized fish are fairly common throughout the Northeast region.

Its location makes it a premier stop in the migratory season, which happens in June and September. (However, migration routes vary greatly from day-to-day. So, check out the themarinebattery.com for the best fish finder.)

2. Hatteras Island, North Carolina

Hatteras is another destination that’s popular for fishing that will keep you busy. The “blue marlin capital of the world” is also popular for shopping and beach lounging.

Some of the best charter fishing happens off the coast of this Outer Banks island. But, you don’t even have to rent out space on a boat to make this an excellent fishing trip. You can angle away from the stunning beach shore.

Being on the central Atlantic coast, you’ll see plenty of Yellow Fin Tuna and Mahi Mahi. You can even catch your own dinner!

3. Kona, Hawaii

How nice does Hawaii sound my friend? The state’s largest island is home to the top deep sea fishing destination in the world.

You can fish from miles of white-sand beach that’s also surrounded by 5 mountain peaks. Or, if you’ve embraced the aloha spirit, maybe a local will be nice enough to take you out to where the real action is.

Off the shores of Kona, you can catch fish up to 300 pounds, such as the Pacific Blue. After this crazy excursion, relax with a Mai Tai in-hand, while also enjoying your hand-caught supper.

4. Amazon Basin, Brazil

If you’re up for a really adventurous fishing trip, look no further than Brazil. The largest city in the Amazon rainforest, Manaus, is a mecca of freshwater fish.

Holding nearly 3,000 species, the Amazona waters offer a wide range of biodiversity. Although there are endless new faces to see, many travel to Brazil to capture the rare speckled peacock bass.

The Amazon is also great for piranha fishing if your family is up for a real challenge. In Manaus, several companies will take you off-shore so you can catch some of the tiny chompers. Be careful though- their bite can cut through fingers.

5. Cairns, Australia

Along the Great Barrier Reef, about anyone can find a slew of saltwater fish to reel in. But, it takes a real pro to capture the sought-after giant black marlin.

These babies swim up to 80 miles per hour and weigh over 1000 pounds. The 150-mile stretch between Cairns and Lizard Island is the best place to land one of these beasts.

Many come to this Queensland city just for a fishing trip. But, I’m confident you’ll find much more going on in the “gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef”. (It’s also deemed Australia’s most adventurous city.)

6. Betty Lake, Colorado

Betty Lake is truly one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets. To access this small-but-mighty body of water, you have to drive to Nederland and hike nearly 6 miles.

For that reason, this may not be suited for little ones. But, the terrain is fairly easy and you’re surrounded by the Indians Peak Wilderness throughout the entire trail. You’ll be able to take in some stellar views along the way!

This lake is perfect for those who looking for a more serene and intimate fishing experience. It’s easy to get lost in the lush green trees and mountain tops that surround this wilderness park. Also, it’s a popular spout to catch some trout.

7. Montauk, New York

Like Martha’s Vineyard, this is a great destination to fish in the migratory seasons. It’s best to visit Montauk throughout the fall when hundreds of new species are coming in.

You can expect to see lots of smaller fish, so this could be a good spot for little ones. Bluefish, Striped Bass, and Albacore are really popular in this area.

Montauk is located at the eastern tip of Long Island. So, you can spend a relaxing day at the pier after the kids’ first trip in the bustling city.

8. Ascension Bay, Mexico

Nearly 100 miles south of Cancun sits one of the best fly-fishing destinations in the world. Ascension Bay’s saltwater has many exotic fish species, as well as some regular guys, such as Permit and Bonefish.

This destination is great for families looking to travel in the offseason, especially January and February. If your kids get some time off for spring break, book the flight and grab your gear! Mexico is calling!

You can stay at Punta Allen in Quintana. This large village has miles of beach land for you to conquer.

Where are you going for your fishing trip?

The states have some pretty spectacular fishing regions, which is great for us thrifty mommas. But, go beyond our country lines to experience some of the best fishing in all of the world!

If you’re looking to take a trip soon, you’ve got to check out the Travel section. You’ll find tips for vacationing on a budget, traveling with kids, and much more! Also, don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions!