Category: Travel and Vacations

Families that vacation together, stay together! The only question is where will you travel next! If you’re looking for your next vacation spot choose between England vs. Ireland.

Not only are both of these locations stunning but they also many fun, interactive sites that everyone in the family can enjoy. Learn about what makes these two countries special, and find out which one is the perfect destination for your next trip.

England Vacations

Nearly 36 million people visit England every year on vacation. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and it’s no secret why.

Whether your family likes to visit historical sites, eat delicious food, or spend a relaxing say in the countryside, England has it all.

Spend a day at the Natural History Museum in London. It contains some of the most amazing artifacts and fossils in the world. Did we mention it has delicious food as well?

You can also visit some of the more popular sites. These include Harry Potter World, the Ironbridge Gorge, Blackpool, Warwick Castle and more. England is home to dozens of famous locations. Which one will your family visit first?

If you’d rather avoid the crowds, just head to the Lake District instead! Lakeland Holidays outlines dozens of activities that will take your family vacation from bland to grand. Here you can go boating on the lake, shopping in the center, or hiking.

These are just a few of the best attractions that England has to offer. If you’re looking for a well-rounded trip, England’s your place!

Ireland Sites

However, if you’re looking for a relaxed and beautiful trip, Ireland is the place to go. With its rolling hills and stunning cliffsides, your family will be entertained for days.

It’s even better when you bring your dog as well. Here are our 8 tips for traveling with pets. Ireland is the perfect trip to bring your family pets. The wide-open ranges will give them room to run around, and fewer crowds.

Want to get out of the countryside for a day? Ireland also has some stunning towns and villages as well. Spend the day in Dublin and Killarney. There you’ll be able to interact with locals and get the true authentic Irish lifestyle.

If you’re lucky you might even be able to see some Irish dancing.

However, Ireland is very large, so just keep in mind that you might not be able to see everything. Here are our tips for traveling safely when you’re on vacation.

While you’re there don’t forget to visit authentic Irish pubs and castles!

Time to Choose between England vs. Ireland

Whether you’re traveling to England or Ireland, your family vacation is going to be great! Both sites are extremely popular for their own unique reasons.

When choosing between an England vs. Ireland vacation, find the site that best suits your family and their needs. You can’t go wrong with either of them.

Planning a trip? Let us know! Comment below with some of your travel tips!

Planning to visit San Diego?

If you’re worried you’ll only find sunny beaches and the usual high rise of skyscrapers, think again. Home to over 1.4 million people and 34.9 million annual visitors, there’s a lot to see and do in the city.

It’s home to historical architecture dating back to the Spanish conquest. The weather down there is the most comfortable you’ll experience in the whole country too.

Don’t waste your time and money wandering around with no direction. To help you craft the perfect itinerary, here are 9 awesome things to do in downtown San Diego.

The Spanish Village

Visiting the Spanish Village is among the best things to do in downtown San Diego. You’ll find it in Balboa Park, right between the Natural History Museum and the Zoo. It’s home to the works of over 200 artists and 37 studios and galleries.

It started back in 1935. Back then it was an artist colony and haven for the California Pacific International Exposition. Since then the US military used it during World War II and afterward went back into the hands of native artists.

USS Midway Museum

This aircraft carrier has the honor of being the longest-serving ship of its kind in history, serving the US Navy for over 50 years. When it first launched in 1945, it was also the largest ship in the world.

The ship has gone through a long history of war until its decommissioning in 1992. It is now a permanent resident of downtown San Diego.

Visitors can go on self-guided tours through the living quarters, flight control towers, the flight control deck, and more. The ship is popular enough that it made its way into popular shows like The Bachelor and American Idol.

Little Italy

If you want a luxury vacation then you have to go to Italy. If you want a similar experience while exploring other things to do in downtown San Diego, you can do so in Little Italy.

Little Italy was once an Italian neighborhood and fishing village. This is the best place to eat because of the numerous Italian restaurants and it’s also home to several art galleries.

San Diego Zoo

YouTube co-founder Jawed Karim and his companion Yakov Lapitsky filmed the media site’s first video here. It’s also the zoo where the animals from the Madagascar films came from before they went on their wild adventures.

The zoo is popular for being one of the first establishments of its kind to feature cage-less and open-air exhibits. This emulates the natural habitat the animals came from.

If you’re looking for a Giant Panda, this is the zoo to go to. This zoo is one of the few places where they managed to breed and maintain healthy members of the species.

The Gaslamp Quarter

This is right in the center of downtown San Diego and is a historical site that goes on for 16 and a half blocks. If you’re looking for fun nightlife activities and metropolitan hot spots, this is where you need to go first.

It is home to 94 historic buildings. Many of these originated during the Victorian Era and are still open to this day. These historic sites now find new functions as restaurants, art galleries, and boutique shops.

People looking for San Diego homes for sale often do so because they want to live close to this particular corner. San Diego can be one fun place to relocate to and the Gaslamp Quarter is a great example why.

Balboa Park

You can’t say you tried all the things to do in downtown San Diego until you explored every nook and cranny of Balboa Park.

This massive place covers 1,200 acres of land and is home to 15 attractions and popular venues, 16 museums, and 17 gardens. Of the numerous museums, the highlights include the Museum of Photographic Arts, the San Diego Museum of Man, and the San Diego Air & Space Museum.

Some of the places included here, such as the zoo and Spanish Village, are within the park’s perimeter.

California Candle Gallery

A rare and unique store, the California Candle Gallery can craft fresh and colorful candles right before your eyes.

The company uses a special, patented process that helps them cut through several layers of colored candle wax. This lets them cut and mold candles into any image.

If you’re looking for a great souvenir, then this is the shop to look for. You can find it in the heart of the next highlight, Seaport Village.

Seaport Village

Are you looking for live music and fine dining with a grand view of the Pacific Ocean?

With over 14 acres of top-of-the-line establishments, the Seaport Village is the place to go for fine dining and a weekend of shopping. You’ll also get to walk down the waterfront boardwalk and visit a hand-painted carousel dating from 1895.

This is also the recommended spot to visit for romantic dinners and relaxing evenings. If the Gaslamp Quarter is too noisy for your tastes, this can be the best alternative for a soothing vacation.

Whale Watching

Do you want to enjoy the different things to do in downtown San Diego but also aim to stay thrifty during your travels? One affordable but nevertheless enjoyable experience is to go whale watching.

This activity lets you and others ride out to the open ocean for three and a half hours. The trip alone is enough to let you relax and enjoy the coastline view.

During the excursion, you may catch a close-up view of sea lions, dolphins, and the majestic grey whales. They often appear during the winter season, which is when they migrate from Alaska down to Baja California.

Stay Thrifty Enjoying the Things to Do in Downtown San Diego

Looking for something a little more casual, perhaps? Do you want to find the best camping grounds or do you need tips to save money while exploring San Diego?

We can help you with all those details and more. Our goal is to help you enjoy life while staying thrifty.

Have further questions about the main tourist spots in San Diego? Looking for other thrifty tips and tricks? Feel free to contact us now and we’ll do our best to answer any and all your inquiries.

Are you about to make your kid’s dreams come true with a trip to Disney World?

Disney World is a place your child will always remember. It is deemed the “most magical place on earth”, and we know you want your child’s trip to be memorable.

Since Disney World is such a big place, it can be difficult to sift through it all and pick the best attractions and restaurants to go to.

This article will give you valuable Disney World tips so you’re family will have the vacation of a lifetime.

1) Dress Your Cutie Up

Disney is a place for dreaming, dancing, and dress up!

Ask your child which princess, prince, or character they want to be for the day. Buy them the costume on Amazon and let them parade around in it all day.

They’ll feel so special posing for pictures in front of Cinderella’s castle while dressed like Cinderella.

Looking for Disney lanyards to keep your hotel key on? Try custom lanyards for you and your family.

2) Go to Epcot

Epcot is one of the 4 theme parks at Walt Disney World and it is as much educational as it is fun.

In this day and age, society is becoming more and more globalized. As technology increases our ability to communicate and travel, we have access to the whole world.

Epcot is a great place for your child to learn about other cultures. Epcot also has amazing food, fun rides, and adult beverages to make your day that much better.

3) Take Animal Lovers to Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom is another one of the four Disney World theme parks.

Animal Kingdom is home to more than 1,700 animals from 250 species. Your child can see and interact with animals they would never normally get to experience all while having fun at Disney.

4) Check For Special Magic Hours

If you’re staying at a Disney Resort, you can take advantage of Disney’s extra “Magic Hours”.

Resort guests can get access to one of the theme parks either an hour early or an hour late. This could save you a lot of time waiting for the best rides.

Be sure to head directly to Space Mountain during your extra magic hour. This way, the line won’t be long and you’ll get to enjoy a more open park.

5) Take Tons of Pictures

Your kids are only little once. Everyone says it goes by in a blink of an eye and it’s true.

Don’t get so stressed out planning the day that you forget to take pictures of your children enjoying the magic. Take candid pictures of their reactions when they see their favorite Disney characters. There’s nothing like capturing your child’s joy on film.

Enjoy These Disney World Tips

Before you head to the land of Mickey Mouse, take these Disney World tips into account.

Bringing your furry friend? Disney has a doggy daycare that you can keep him in while you enjoy the park.

If you enjoyed this article, have questions, or want to contact me for any reason, please do so here.

Camping is a great budget-friendly activity for people of all ages. But if you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s easy for a supposedly inexpensive trip to turn into a major expense.

That’s why we’re breaking down what you need to know to keep your next camping trip affordable. Keep reading to learn 8 great ways to save money camping this year!

1. Research Camp Sites

One of the most expensive parts of any camping trip is renting a site for the night. But a little research can make it one of the easiest ways to save money camping.

While fancy private campgrounds can run as much as a hundred dollars or more a night, there are also plenty of cheap sites available, if you know where to look. In fact, in some areas, you may even be lucky enough to find a free campsite.

To save money on your campsite, start by considering what type of site you need.

For instance, many campgrounds charge extra for sites that offer electricity and water and sewage hookups. If you’re staying in a tent, you won’t need the hookups, unless you need to bring an electric fan or heater.

Choosing a primitive site without these amenities will likely land you a cheaper rate.

You can also save money camping by looking for campgrounds in national or state parks. They may not be as fancy as some private campgrounds. But staying in a park is a great way to get even closer to nature, and to save a few bucks on your nightly stay!

2. Simplify Your Meals

Another great way to save money camping is by simplifying your meals.

While it can be tempting to try out the latest recipe you find online, consider all of the things you’ll need to whip up that complicated recipe while camping.

Besides just ingredients, you’ll also need stoves, pans, utensils, cooking spray, and more.

If you don’t have a lot of experience with camp cooking, it can be easy to get overwhelmed.

Choosing simple meals, like hot dogs roasted over a fire or foil dinners, will not only save you money and stress but is also a fun camping activity.

Don’t just limit yourself to camping recipes. Simple recipes that you would make at home, like these chicken sliders, work great for camp cooking too!

3. Shop Around for Gear

Camping gear can be expensive.

From tents and stoves to sleeping bags, lanterns, and more, the costs add up quickly.

To save money camping, it’s essential to shop around before you buy.

If you’re starting from scratch, with no gear, start by finding the right basics. While name brand gear may offer additional features, there are plenty of areas that you can save money on.

For instance, a cheap flashlight and matches will work just as well as an expensive lantern and a fancy lighter.

You could also save money camping by looking into renting gear or borrowing it from friends rather than buying. If you’re camping for the first time, this is a great way to try it out before you start investing in your own gear.

When it comes to buying gear, an important tip to help you save money is to research each item before you buy.

Reading online reviews and doing your research to learn more before you buy will help ensure that you’re choosing gear that won’t give you trouble or wear out right away.

4. Invite Your Friends

Going camping on your own can be a liberating experience. But it can also be expensive.

Going it alone means buying all of your own gear and paying for a campsite, food, and gas on your own.

Inviting along some friends and splitting the costs is a great way to save money on your next trip.

5. Try a Few Camping Hacks

A quick internet search will reveal countless counting hacks.

Some of these help keep you safe, such as hacks for identifying poisonous plants or avoiding attracting bear and other wildlife. Other hacks help keep you comfortable and happy, like using foam tiles on the floor of your tent.

But other hacks are great for saving money camping.

For instance, a light stick dropped in a gallon of water can be a great alternative to a lantern. A straw cut into sections, filled with toothpaste, and sealed off is much cheaper than buying travel-sized toothpaste tubes.

6. Repurpose Throw-Away Items

To avoid paying for expensive camping gear, look for ways repurpose items that you would normally throw away instead.

A plastic coffee container makes a great waterproof can for storing toilet paper while camping. Empty tick-tack containers are an easy way to bring along spices without paying for small bottles.

You can even use dryer lint to start fires, rather than store-bought starters!

7. Skip the Tech

Outdoors stores offer all kinds of tech that they promise will improve your next camping trip.

But you don’t need GPS watches, action cameras, or other devices to enjoy your trip. In fact, skipping out on this gear is a great way to avoid distractions while camping, leaving you to enjoy nature, your friends, and an escape from the hustle and bustle.

8. Go Natural

If critters and crawlers aren’t your favorite things, you likely drop a lot of money keeping them away each time you go camping.

But there are plenty of natural alternatives that are both effective and inexpensive.

A small bit of sage added to your campfire is a great way to keep mosquitoes away. A bar of Irish Spring soap in your tent will keep mice and other small rodents away.

Save Money Camping With These Simple Tips

Camping trips don’t have to break the bank.

Use these simple tips to help you save money on your next camping trip.

Are you still struggling to pay for all of the trips you’re dreaming of? Check out this guide to learn about some part-time jobs that can allow you to earn extra income in your free-time!

No one makes ’em bigger–or better–than Texas! And that goes double for the Lone Star state’s delicious cuisine. When traveling through or camping in the large state, there are a number of Texas destinations you’ll want to stop by to sample everything it has to offer.

Such notable Texas destinations for great food range from the urban cities to the rural southeast part of the state.

Central Texas

Central Texas is the home of the “Texas Trinity”: ribs, sausage, and brisket. Ribs come in either full-size spare ribs (which come from pork) or big beef ribs. Texas sausage is usually made of beef, but sometimes you’ll find it made of pork.

The Texas Trinity formed way back in the 19th century when Czech and German immigrants made their way to the center of the state. Both Czech and German cultures are noted for their love of meat, so it’s only natural that their mingling would lead to new meat creations.

Specifically, the Texas Trinity is the result of the two cultures finding new ways to preserve and recycle leftover meat. Some immigrants smoked it inside enclosed brick smokers while others ground it up to produce new sausage.

East Texas

Hot links, an east Texas delicacy, came to be in 1897 in Pittsburg, TX. That year, butcher Charlie Hasselbach sought a way to efficiently recycle scrap pieces of meat such as cheeks and tongue. He ended up grinding them into a paste which he then molded into raw hot links.

The original hot links took a hit of water and binder as well as some spice to mask any “outdated” flavor. Today, Texas hot links are made with fresh meat and sold at a myriad of different restaurants, stands, and food trucks.

In addition to hot links, you’ll find a great deal of Cajun food in east Texas (specifically southeast Texas). That area of the state’s close proximity to Louisiana has caused it to adopt some of the Pelican state’s cuisine.

The most noteworthy Louisiana-Texas crossover food is crawfish. Crawfish is a staple at mud festivals and other popular Texas events.

The Gulf Area

Without a doubt, the most popular food found along the Gulf coast in Texas is oysters.

While not as popular as east or west coast oysters, a true Texan appreciates oysters from the Gulf. They’re best eaten in-season when they’re plumper and sweeter.

South Texas

Much like southeast Texas has adopted some of its neighbor Louisiana’s delicacies, Mexico has influenced its neighbor south Texas’s cuisine.

Mexican staples such as tacos, fajitas, and the like first became popular in the Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio. Their popularity has since spread north to Austin and beyond, though, so you don’t need to learn how to make migas or any other ingredient to enjoy them!

Other Texas Destinations For Delicious Food

Texas is a huge state, and the number of amazing delicacies that it offers is endless. If you know of any other great Texas destinations for excellent cuisine, feel free to comment below or shoot me a line!