Category: Travel and Vacations

Nestled on The Black Sea, this unsung country of the Caucasus region is an interesting mix of European and Asian cultures. It is also known for having some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the area. However, if you plan on visiting Georgia there a few things you should be aware of before you pack your bags.

Here are seven things to know before you head to Georgia.

1. Learn Some Georgian or Russian

Yes, in the larger cities you will find quite a few people who speak English. But if you plan on traveling out into the country, which we highly recommend, then you should learn at least a few phrases in Georgian. If that seems too hard, then try to pick up a little Russian, since most people will speak that too. 

2. Know When To Go

Knowing when to travel can help make your trip more enjoyable. Thankfully the climate is pretty diverse. The winters can get cold and snow, the summers warm verging on hot, and spring and autumn are lovely and temperate; so, it really just depends on your personal preference. 

3. Transportation Can Be Interesting

Getting to and from the major cities shouldn’t be too much of a problem after all the train system is pretty good. But if you want to venture into the country, you will need to take a minibus and the stations can be disorganized and chaotic. This is where your Russian or Georgian will come in handy.

4. Churches and Monasteries

Georgia is a deeply religious country, following Orthodox Christianity. So, if you are a fan of architecture, you are going to love all the different styles of religious buildings from different eras, since the religion was first introduced to the country in the 4th century. Be warned though, in the more remote areas, churches tend to be on hills; so be prepared for a bit of a hike to get to them. 

5. It Is a Foodie’s Dream

Thanks to the fact that Georgia straddles both Europe and Asia the food is diverse with a variety of tastes to please any palate. Though it does tend to be more about meat and pastries, there are plenty of vegetarian options as well.

6. Carry Cash

In the larger cities, like the capital Tbilisi, you will be able to use your card a bit more often. However, much of the country is still cash only. So, to make sure you don’t run into any hassles keep a little money with you at all times. 

7. Museums Are Cheap

Compared to other major European cities, Tbilisi’s museums’ entrance prices are beyond reasonable. In fact, the average price of a ticket is about 1.25. So, if you are interested in seeing amazing works of art for next to nothing, you are going to be over the moon.

Visiting Georgia

While it might not get as much press as Russia or Ukraine, this small but diverse former Soviet State is well worth a visit. 

For more tips on inexpensive countries to visit, check out the rest of our blog.

In 2018 alone, Italy attracted over 94 million tourists. 

With its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and out-of-this-world cuisine, it’s no wonder that so many people from across the globe flock to Italy each year. 

But, because so many people travel here, you need to make sure you take some time planning your trip. Otherwise, you’ll spend half your time waiting in long lines overflowing with tourists. 

So, what do you need to know when planning a trip to Italy?

Check out this guide to learn the top tips for traveling Italia. 

1. Choose the Right Time to Travel 

First things first, you need to make sure you choose the right time of year to plan your Italian vacation. 

The peak period of travel in Italy is from May to September. This is not only when tourists from all over the world flock to Italy, but it’s also when Europeans and Italians take their vacations. 

Because of this, you can expect the coastal areas to be particularly busy during this time of year, especially during the month of August. Also, keep in mind that the weather is also going to be very hot during these months. 

Another important thing to keep in mind is that because a lot of Italians take the month of August off, a lot of local shops and stores may be closed. 

Italy is a predominantly Catholic country, so there’s also a large influx of travel during Easter and Christmas, meaning prices go up during this time as well. 

If you choose to travel in the winter, you’ll definitely experience fewer tourists. However, it’s important to keep in mind that Italy does get quite cold during the winter months. Unless you’re a skier, you may not enjoy coming here during the winter. 

In our opinion, the best time to travel to Italy is either in March or April or September and October. The weather is moderate during these months and tourism is not at its peak. 

2. Don’t Just Visit the Big Cities 

Obviously, when you travel to Italy, you’re going to want to spend time in its most-famed cities- Rome, Milan, Naples, Florence and Venice. 

While these big cities are great and certainly worth your while, make sure to leave some time for smaller towns and cities in Italy. It’s in these smaller towns that you’ll get to experience the authentic, local side of Italy that’s away from the hustle and bustle of tourists. 

Here are some smaller cities and towns to check out while you’re in Italy:

• Modena 
• Bologna
• Alberobello
• Lake Iseo
• Vernazza
• Taormina
• Assisi
• Positano
• Vieste
• Castelluccio
• Sorrento

We suggest doing your research on each of these towns and adding a couple of them to your travel itinerary. 

3. Immerse Yourself in Italy’s Natural Beauty 

In addition to making time for smaller towns, we also suggest that you make time to visit Italy’s natural landscape. 

Here are some areas that you should check out:

• Tuscany: This is one of the main wine regions that is filled with beautiful countrysides and picturesque hilltop towns
• Cinque Terre: Cinque Terrae is composed of five colorful villages that hug the cliffsides along the Italian Riviera. Chances are, you’d recognize Cinque Terre from postcards
• Amalfi Coast: This is a beautiful coastal region in Naples that’s popular with tourists, locals, and even celebrities
• Northern Italy: In Northern Italy, you’ll find beautiful pristine lakes, like Lake Como, as well as plenty of hiking and skiing opportunities in the Alps 

You’re probably not going to have enough time to explore all of Italy, so we suggest sticking to the South if you’re a beach person and sticking to the North if you’re a mountain person. 

4. Getting Around Italy 

When you plan your trip to Italy, you also need to figure out how you’re going to get around within the country. 

Luckily, traveling within Italy is quite easy, as the country has a very developed (although sometimes late) train system that can easily get you from city to city. 

The train system in Italy is extremely modern, and you’ll likely find that train travel is much more comfortable and convenient than air travel. 

If you’re traveling in the off-season, you don’t really need to worry about booking train tickets in advance. However, if you plan to travel in the peak travel season, we suggest booking your train tickets a few weeks in advance. 

And, make sure you get to the train station early, especially if you’re traveling in a large city. In large cities, the train stations are massive, and it can take you a while to get to your platform. 

You can use either Google Maps or Rome2Rio to look up train tickets. 

5. Consider Staying at an Agriturismo 

Italy has every type of accommodation you could imagine- from budget hostels to cozy bed and breakfasts to luxury five-star hotels. 

But, if you’re planning to travel in the countryside, then we definitely recommend staying in an agriturismo for a unique experience. 

An agriturismo is basically a farm stay that’s offered by Italian farmers. Farmers who do this can earn additional income by providing lodging and meals to traveling guests. 

This is a unique experience gives you an opportunity to interact with locals and fully immerse yourself in the Italian countryside. Plus, there are agriturismos available for every budget. 

6. Consider Renting a Car 

Many tourists take one look at the narrow, cobblestone streets in Italy and immediately write off renting a car. 

However, Italy is a great country to take a road trip in, and car rental here is super easy. 

You can use the site autoeurope.com to find a great car rental deal. This is an aggregate site that pools together the best car rental deals in all of Italy. 

Of course, public transportation in Italy is great, so don’t feel like you have to do this. However, if you’re itching to take a long drive in the countryside, renting a car is definitely a must. 

Planning a Trip to Italy: Are You Ready to Explore? 

With this guide for planning a trip to Italy handy, you’re well on your way to planning your dream vacation. 

Just remember, Italy has a lot to see, so don’t get flustered if you can’t fit everything in- you can always come back!

And, be sure to check back in with our blog for more travel-related tips and tricks. 

 

Despite being the largest continent in the world and home to very expensive countries like Japan and Singapore. Asia is still one of the favorite destinations for those who are on a tight budget. 

But, with 48 countries in Asia, how do you know which ones you should travel to if you’re looking for the most bang for your buck?

Check out this guide to learn about the cheapest Asian countries to visit. 

1. India

We all know India as the home of the Taj Mahal. But, India has a lot more to offer than just this famous palace. 

With 1652 languages (22 official), over 2,000 ethnic groups, and representation from every major religion, India is undoubtedly a cultural hub. Not to mention, it’s incredibly affordable. 

The main way to travel India is by train, and you can find 20-hour train rides that take you practically cross-country for as low as $9. 

You can buy a meal off the street for as little as $2, and wash it down with a fresh glass of juice for just a few more cents. 

Accommodation is also incredibly cheap in India, with dorm rooms in hostels costing about $5 per night. 

Budget travelers could easily survive on about $15 per day while traveling in India. 

Also, if you don’t have a lot of time, traveling by train may not be the best option in this massive country. Luckily, domestic flights through AirAsia are pretty cheap. You can check out this site to learn more about AirAsia. 

2. Nepal

With its beautiful mountain ranges and friendly people, Nepal is becoming more and more popular for budget travelers, and not just those who want to climb Mount Everest. 

For those who would like to do some hiking in this beautiful country but don’t have the money (or the guts) to climb Mount Everest, there are a bunch of other treks to choose from. One of the most popular treks is the Anna Purna Circuit. 

This is a 131-mile trek that takes between 16 to 21 days, depending on what route you take and how many rest days you take. You can hire a sherpa for the trek who will guide you one the right route and carry your bags for you (highly recommended), or you can tackle the trek yourself. 

Along the trek, you’ll stay in teahouses, which go for as little as a few dollars per night. Then, there’s the food. While Nepal has a lot of delicious options to choose from, for those who want to get the most bang for their buck, we suggest dal bhat. 

Dal bhat is a traditional Nepalese meal that consists of steamed rice, cooked lentil soup, meat, vegetables, and roti. And, the great thing is that pretty much wherever you order this meal in Nepal, you get unlimited helpings at no extra cost. 

In Nepal, you can easily survive on a $15-$30 per day as a budget traveler. 

3. Sri Lanka

If you don’t feel like the mountains of Nepal are calling your name, then head to the beaches of Sri Lanka. 

Sri Lanka is another country that’s growing rapidly on the international tourist radar. 

Although the national parks and other attractions can be costly, you can eat, sleep, and travel here for fairly cheap. You can get a cheap, but flavorful meal for as low as $1.50, and, you can explore the sandy beaches and cultural cities without spending a dime.

Guesthouse and hostels are around $7 to $11 per night, and you can expect to pay about $40 per day traveling around this beautiful island nation. 

4. Vietnam

You can’t talk about affordable Asian countries without talking about Vietnam. Vietnam has quickly climbed the ladder as one of the most popular destinations for budget travelers, and for good reason. 

From dining and drinking to accommodation and transportation, pretty much everything is affordable here. 

In the capital city of Hanoi, there’s plenty to see for free, such as the Perfume Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Old Quarter. 

In Vietnam, you can find private rooms for under $10, meals for under $4, and pints of Bia Hoi (basically, Vietnamese beer) for as little as 30 cents. It’s also highly recommended that you rent a motorbike to see this country, which will cost you just about $13 per day. 

In total, you can expect to spend about $10 to $25 per day in Vietnam. 

5. Myanmar

While this country was once inaccessible, Myanmar has slowly but surely been opening its doors to tourists since 2011. 

However, prices have been slowly rising here from year to year, as rumor has it that the government is trying to make Myanmar a luxury tourist destination. So, you better hurry up and go while it’s still affordable!

The trains in Myanmar are incredibly affordable, and it’s still quite easy to find cheap food. 

In Myanmar, you can expect to spend between $20 to $35 per day. 

6. Cambodia

If you’re looking to explore several countries in Asia, Cambodia is the perfect place to start, as it’s very centrally located. 

Cambodia is infamously affordable. In fact, the capital city, Siem Reap, is known as the “backpacker capital of the world”. 

In addition to the famous Angkor Temples, Cambodia is also known for its white sandy beaches and lush rice fields that you can walk or ride a bike through. Many people say that Cambodia is a lot like Thailand, but cheaper and with fewer tourists. 

You can easily find a guest house or hostel here fr as little as $3 per night. Street food meals are as cheap as $1, and if you’re not a fan of street food, you can find a meal at a traditional restaurant for as little as $5. 

For Cambodia, you should budget between $10 to $20 per day. 

Cheapest Asian Countries: Are You Ready to Explore Asia? 

As you can see, there are a lot of beautiful and budget-friendly countries to explore in Asia. 

If you like this list of the cheapest Asian countries, be sure to check back in with our blog for more travel-related tips and tricks. 

Did you know traveling can help you de-stress and feel happier? Time to plan and budget your next trip.

Do you want to learn how to save on hotels? Not to worry! In this guide, we’ll go over tips on how to find inexpensive hotels.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out.

Call a Hotel

To avoid paying commission to Expedia, hotels offer a cheaper rate on their website. If you find a lower price someplace else, consider calling and asking if they will match the rate.

Sometimes, hotels will throw in extra amenities or a free upgrade.

Think About the Days of the Week

Did you know that business hotels might have a cheaper rate on the weekend when their guests leave? If you want to stay at a quaint bed and breakfast, consider having a romantic getaway during the week.

Bring Breakfast Items

Some hotels don’t provide free breakfast. Consider packing some instant oatmeal instead. If you have a microwave in your room, you’re all set. If not, you can always boil water in a coffee maker or tea kettle for your oatmeal.

Avoid the Hotel Bar

Instead of paying for overpriced drinks, pick up beer or wine beforehand. You can keep your beverages cold with ice from the ice machine. Relax in your room with a drink of your choice.

Join a Loyalty Program

You can join different hotel programs. These programs are free, but the perks can add up. Some hotels will provide you with free breakfast, room upgrades, and early check-ins.

Do You Have Other Memberships?

Some hotels will offer discounts for guests with AAA, AARP, or who are in the military. The discounts will vary, but you can get up to 15 % off a typical rate. Ask the hotel agent if they have any discounts available for your memberships.

Research for Promotions and Save on Hotels

If you don’t have a specific hotel membership, consider looking for a coupon code online. Follow your favorite hotels on Twitter and Instagram. They might announce a special flash sale on their social media platforms.

Stick to a Budget

When you’re traveling, it’s easy to overspend. Create a budget to help help you stay on track. If you plan to eat out while traveling, make sure you save in other ways. Don’t book an executive room or order room service every night.

What’s Included at Your Hotel?

When looking for hotels abroad or at home, you’ll want to check out their amenities. For example, a free shuttle service to the airport will save you an expensive taxi fare.

Some hotels will offer free breakfast. Your hotel might even offer discounts to local restaurants or spas.

Want to Learn More?

We hope this guide on how to save on hotels was helpful. Consider joining a loyalty program.

Don’t forget to bookmark our site. This way, you won’t miss out on any of our resources.

What if you were trapped on a boat with uncontrollable monsters?

We’re not talking about the latest Hollywood horror movie. Instead, we’re talking about taking a cruise with your kids.

A cruise can be a magical experience for your entire family. Or it can be a trip from hell that leaves you longing for home (which is one reason why many cruises entirely forbid kids).

Wondering how to make cruising with kids easy and fun? Keep reading to discover our best tips!

1. Do Your Homework

When adults plan a cruise for themselves, they usually focus on exotic destinations and not the cruise itself. When you’re taking kids on a cruise, you need to have a different set of priorities.

For example, you’ll want to see what kinds of childcare options are available. This helps to determine whether you and your spouse can actually enjoy any one-on-one time during the cruise.

You’ll also want to research meal options and times. If your kids are picky eaters, it’s important to know that they’ll have food to look forward to.

Other factors include the cost of the cruise, the time of the cruise, and the size of the room (more on that later). Your goal is to not have any unwanted surprises once the cruise begins.

2. Child Activities and Clubs

The good news is that most cruises have special activities and clubs for kids. The bad news is that some of these activities and clubs are better than others.

Before your trip, check out what age level the cruise club is designed for. And really explore the potential activities to see if they are something your children will enjoy.

If your children are in different age groups, check to see if multiple clubs are available. The last thing you want is a surly teenager stuck doing basic kiddie activities.

3. Test Voyage

Obviously, there are many cruise options, with some being longer than others. Take it from us: you should try a shorter cruise first to see how the kids handle it.

No matter how much research you do, a shorter trip is your best way of finding out how kids react to the cruise experience. You’ll want to know if it stresses them out, if they get seasickness, and so on.

And you can still make a short trip feel very special. Pick one designed for a holiday to make some very special memories. If you’re lucky, you may just kick off a new family tradition!

4. Saving Money

Let’s face it: cruises are always going to be an expensive vacation. However, it’s important to try to save money, both before and during your vacation.

If the destination isn’t too important, you can afford to be selective about the cruise. This lets you find a trip that is suitable for your budget.

One area where it makes sense to “splurge” a little bit is the cabin itself. You typically get what you pay for, and trying to cram your entire family into a tiny cabin is a decision you will regret almost right away.

Pay special attention to cruises that offer free or reduced rates for children. This alone can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars!

5. The Day Before

What do you think causes the most anxiety during a family vacation? The surprising answer is “time management.” It can be stressful to herd slow children from one place to another when you are on a strict schedule.

That’s why we recommend arriving at least one day before the cruise begins. This helps you settle in and avoid the stress of last-minute packing and racing down the road to arrive on time.

And the extra day can also help children physically and mentally adjust to their vacation. That means they are likelier to have a positive frame of mind once you set sail (harder to do if they are still shrugging off jet lag)

6. Trips to Shore

Taking a trip to shore with your family can be a pricey proposition. If you can afford it, though, this can make for an unforgettable experience.

These excursions can let you visit cool destinations in exotic cities all around the world. Alternatively, they can let you enjoy some “fun in the sun” on a faraway beach.

To really win some points with your children, make them part of the process. Kids are usually very excited to plan some aspect of your family vacation.

Such an excursion also gives them something to look forward to and makes for a nice change of pace and environment during the cruise.

7. Cabin Fever

Many couples bring their children on a cruise because they want to recreate their fun experience on the ocean. However, what works for a couple doesn’t always work for a family, especially when it comes to the cabin.

A typical cabin is very small. This is usually fine for a young couple, but a family (even a small family) may be way too cramped inside this space.

It’s worth trying to get a stateroom that has features such as dividing curtains and a balcony. These, along with separate seating areas, can give everyone a bit more room and privacy.

8. Safety Gear

As you know, being on a cruise is like being in a small city. It’s important to bring the right safety gear to keep track of your family and keep them all coordinated.

Walkie-talkies are a great way to quickly communicate with your family. They are more effective in certain areas than cellphones and are especially good for children who do not have a phone of their own.

You’ll also want dry-erase boards or post-it notes so you can leave messages for each other back in the cabin. This helps reduce the panic of wondering “where is everyone?”

Don’t forget to see if the cruise has a special app. This can provide yet another way for your family to keep in touch.

Cruising With Kids: Making Magic Memories

Now you have our top tips for cruising with kids. But do you know who can help get you on the ocean quicker?

We understand cruises are expensive. To see how we can help you save money for your family cruise, check out our tips for working parents to earn extra money!