Category: Travel and Vacations

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.

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.

So, you’ve booked your next vacation and you’re pretty eager for the day to come. While you’re incredibly excited, you know you’ve also picked a destination where you’re more likely to get pickpocketed.

Safety is your primary concern, of course, but let’s be honest — you also want a travel bag that helps you to look stylish.

So, how can you look ultra-chic while on vacation while also ensuring that you’re not a target for thieves?

You’ll need to read this post to find out.

In it, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the best types of travel bags that will prevent thieves from going after you.

1. Go For A Wristlet Or Clutch

One of the best travel bag options for those who are concerned about being pickpocketed while on vacation?

In general, the less you’re able to carry, the better.

First of all, going with a smaller option makes you less attractive to thieves. They likely won’t consider you because they don’t think you’re carrying much more than a little bit of cash and a credit card that you can cancel in a few minutes. When you’re rocking a wristlet or a clutch, there really isn’t too much for the expensive electronics that so often attract criminals.

Plus, a wristlet allows you to get a great grip on your bag. Thieves will know that they’ll have a difficult time quickly unzipping it without you noticing, or even ripping it out of your hands.

The same goes for a clutch bag.

Because you’re able to hold the purse completely closed, with your hand over the flap?

Thieves will move on to the bigger fish that they can fry.

Plus, clutches and wristlets have small bag bottoms — meaning that they’ll be next to impossible for pickpockets to slash through.

So, when you’re getting ready to leave your hotel, think about the essentials that you really need for the day. Always make an effort to leave behind everything you can to avoid becoming a target for pickpockets and other dangerous criminals.

2. Try A Fanny Pack

It’s official: fanny packs aren’t just an amazing and pickpocket-proof travel bag option: they’re also seriously back in fashion.

So, if you’re looking for a bag that combines both form and function, look no further than an ultra-sleek fanny pack.

But what makes them so effective at stopping pickpockets?

First of all, any bag that you can wear in front you automatically makes you far less likely to be robbed. You’ll be able to see where your bag is at all times — and whether or not someone is trying to get their hands inside of it.

Plus, especially if you’re planning on taking public transit throughout the course of your travels? It will be pretty difficult for a thief to quickly slip your cash or credit card out of a fanny pack. Instead, they’ll gravitate towards those with shoulder or tote bags.

Finally, fanny packs usually have zipper enclosures in the front of them, which are an awesome way to deter pesky thieves. Plus, the sound of the zipper being opened will certainly tip you off if you suspect something is going wrong!

Looking for the perfect fanny pack? If so, then be sure to check out the Fanatique website for a list of the top snygg midjev?ska i skinn bag trends.

3. Wear A Pull-Close Backpack

Especially if you’re going to be gone for a long journey, or need to carry heavier objects in your purse?

We understand that sometimes, you just need to use a backpack as your travel bag.

The good news?

There are backpack options that are not only pickpocket-proof but also won’t force you to wear them in front of your body — a dead giveaway that you’re a tourist.

So, which model should you go for?

Look for a drawstring/pull-close backpack, which works to keep your bag sealed completely shut. Thieves won’t be able to reach their hands down inside of your bag, because the straps you’re wearing on your shoulders will always keep it closed.

Plus, these bags are usually made of lightweight canvas. This means that, not only will they be effective at preventing theft, they’re also incredibly comfortable!

4. Purchase A Cross Body With A Lock

The final anti-theft travel bag on our list?

If you need to wear a cross body or even a shoulder purse, look for one that comes complete with a lock or, at the very least, a snap or buckle enclosure.

As with the other bags on this list, anything with a lock will first and foremost act as a deterrent against thieves. If your bag isn’t easy to access or open, then you likely won’t become a target.

Plus, a lock helps to make sure that your items don’t fall out while you’re on vacation.

You can even turn the key into a stylish necklace, which will compliment your outfit and ensure that you never misplace it!

Need More Travel Bag Advice?

We hope that this post has helped you to understand which kinds of bags pickpockets and thieves are the most likely to avoid.

Invest in a purse with a lock, a pull-close bag, a fanny pack, or just a smaller wristlet or clutch.

Above all, be sure that you keep your wits about you when you’re in an unfamiliar location.

Looking for more advice about how to save money on suitcases and travel purses? Want to know how you can save on hotels and food while you’re on vacation?

We’ve got you covered.

Check out our website and blog to get access to unbelievable deals and giveaways — so your vacation fund can grow faster than ever.

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.

With the cold weather finally behind us, the school year is just about over. And as every parent knows, finding something fun to do with the kids is easier said than done, especially a few weeks into the break.

While video games and coloring books are fine for a temporary distraction, summer gives you the chance to spend some much-needed mommy time with your kids.

Want some tips on great activities you and your kids will both love? Here are four fun summer activities that will keep the kids busy and help you create long-lasting memories.

1) Go Swimming

Swimming is practically synonymous with summer, so grab some sunblock, towels, water, and beat the heat at your local pool.

If your neighborhood doesn’t have a local pool, check your city’s website. Most municipal areas have at least one public pool.

While splashing and playing Marco Polo can be fun, don’t forget to use pool time as a learning experience. If your kids don’t know how to swim, sign them up for swimming lessons.

It’s important that kids understand the basics of pool safety, and swimming is one of the best forms of exercise out there.

For your truly little ones, start off slow and don’t forget to check out the best life jacket for toddlers.

2) Pack a Picnic

If there are two things kids love, it’s snacking and playing outside. Why not combine the two by packing a cooler of drinks and snacks and going on a picnic?

Sitting with your kids and enjoying tasty treats is a great way to pass the time and keep your kids entertained. You can even have them help you prepare the food to make it an extra fun experience for all involved.

Head to your local playground or park and let the kids eat and play. You’ll get a few quiet moments to yourself while they’re playing and your kids get to burn off energy. It’s a win-win!

3) See a Movie

Of course, there are days where it’s just too hot to be outside. Sometimes all you want to do is sit in a dark theater enjoying the air conditioning.

While the movies can be an expensive outing, theater chains like AMC and Regal Cinemas tend to offer fun, family-friendly film festivals during the summer.

4) Camp Out in The Backyard

Camping is a great experience for people of all ages. But it isn’t always easy to find the time or money to head to the local campground.

Instead, get thrifty and host a staycation camping experience in your own backyard.

All you need is a tent, a flashlight, some healthy treats, and sleeping bags or blankets. Soon you’ll be all set for your evening under the stars!

Fun Summer Activities Don’t Have to Cost a Fortune

These four fun summer activities should keep your kids busy for weeks to come! And best of all, they’re fun for mom and dad, as well.

What are your favorite fun summer activities? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!

And don’t forget to check out our Family Life section for more great tips on how to save money while raising a family.