Category: Travel and Vacations

Las Vegas is one of the world’s top vacation destinations, bringing in billions of tourists each year. And while Sin City has a bit of a shady reputation, it’s actually a great place for families to visit.

Of course, Vegas, maybe more than any other vacation destination, tends to be a bit pricey.

But that’s no match for a thrifty momma! Here are five great ways to save money on vacation.

1) Buy Groceries

Las Vegas is home to some of the world’s finest dining. Chefs like Buddy Valastro, Emeril Lagasse, and Wolfgang Puck each have well-regarded restaurants in Vegas.

Of course, a meal for one at any of those restaurants can be pricey, not to mention a meal for your entire family.

Buying groceries and preparing a meal or two (in addition to snacks) is a great way to save money on vacation. Simple foods like noodles, sandwiches, and fruit snacks are all easy, quick meals.

When you do go out, try and stick to buffets and food courts, as they offer the most value for their price.

2) Skip The Hotel

Lodging is often one of the biggest financial drains, but modern technology has made it far more affordable.

Sure, you could try and make your way through crowded and overheated hotels, spending hundreds of dollars in the process.

Or you could rent through Airbnb or FlipKey and enjoy your own private space, complete with all the creature comforts of home.

Staying at a rented home is a great way to cut back on costs and line your pockets with more cash for your vacation. And in larger cities like Las Vegas, there are tons of great homes to choose from.

3) Plan Activities Ahead of Time

Spontaneity is one of the best parts of a vacation. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most expensive if you’re not careful.

Fortunately, Las Vegas has no shortage of great activities for the whole family. You can save money on vacation by planning your itinerary ahead of time.

Use sites Las Vegas Jaunt to find great deals on food, lodging, and entertainment. You can still take in Cirque de Soleil without breaking the bank!

4) Set an Entertainment Budget

What’s a trip to Las Vegas without visiting at least one casino? If you plan on gambling, avoid the mistake that many others have made before you: give yourself a budget.

Casinos are designed to distract and entice you to play just one more game of chance. Next thing you know, you’ve lost hundreds of dollars.

Have fun, but be responsible. Set a budget and stick to it by carrying cash only in casinos.

5) Use Public Transportation

Even if you’re bringing your own car to Las Vegas, it’s often easier to make use of the city’s wonderful public transport system.

Vegas offers both a high-speed monorail system and a bus system to get visitors around the city. It’s perfectly safe, and best of all, quite affordable.

Save Money on Vacation And Make Great Memories

Creating memories that will last a lifetime doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With these tips, you can save money on vacation like a pro and still have a great time.

Don’t forget to check back with Thrifty Momma Ramblings for more great tips on how you can save money and raise a wonderful family in the process.

Based on a recent study of when to get the cheapest flights, you should plan to buy your ticket exactly 54 days ahead of time. While this is ideal for the planners among us, it’s not exactly the most fun and spontaneous way to travel.

Whether it’s stress-driven or just the need for excitement, passing up a last-minute vacation can make you feel all sorts of regret.

Even if you get to travel for work, you’re still jetting around in the context of your obligations. To truly relax your mind and body, you need to be able to book a couple of days every few months where you can shake loose your responsibilities.

A little planning could make the experience all the better.

If you’re a serious schedule who is trying to break free of your habits, follow these 10 tips for planning your last-minute vacation.

1. You’ll Have to be Flexible

If you want to save a few hundred dollars, avoid flying on Friday and Sunday. If you have a flexible work schedule, work through a weekend and plan your trip for a Monday through Thursday for better prices.

Several ticketing websites will allow you to see a side-by-side comparison of different prices.

Change the length of your stay by a few days and you could save even more. Places with big tourism industries and daily flights in and out of their airports will have lots of last minute deals. You’ll see more last-minute vacation deals for someplace like Bermuda than for Omaha.

2. Choose Your Flight First

One of the biggest showstoppers for a last-minute vacation is prohibitively expensive airfare. If you happen to live someplace where you can be on a vacation in a couple of hours by tossing your bag into the car, then take advantage of that when you can.

Otherwise, you’ll be at the mercy of the price of a flight.

Lots of deals are found at 14 to 21 days before you plan to leave. Typically flights get more expansive as you get closer to the departure date.

If you’re looking to get to a beach, any beach at all, you could stumble upon a great deal if you keep hitting that refresh button during your lunch break at work.

3. Check Your Passport

Depending on where you’re headed, you might need to bring a passport. If you haven’t updated yours in a while, double check that it’s still valid. You might be surprised to find out that it expired since the last time you traveled with it.

While getting a new passport at the last minute is a serious headache, expedited passport renewal exists for people in that situation. Hopefully, you’re in luck and you don’t have to renew your passport before your last-minute vacation.

You should double check just to be on the safe side. Planning in advance is nice but it’s not always an option.

4. Update Your Medical Details

If you’ve started taking a new medication since the last time you traveled, make sure you’ve got plenty of back-ups before you leave. Even just a few days without your medication could be ruined without it.

Make sure any documentation you need for your meds is handy. Having things confiscated at the airport is no way to start your vacation. Prepare a little bag with just the health and wellness essentials so that you can just toss it into your bag as you’re packing.

If you have a prescription, take a photo of it on your phone so that in the worst case, you might be able to get a small dosage while you’re out of town.

5. Go For The Off Season

If you’re looking to get to a popular vacation spot like Orlando or Martha’s Vineyard over the holidays or on the Fourth of July, you’ll be paying top dollar. You’ll have to book months in advance, pay the highest price for hotels, and struggle to rent a car.

If you go in October instead, you could get a much better deal and end up having no trouble booking any amenities. You’ll also be avoiding all the loud and sweaty crowds of people.

Do something local on the popular end of the season and then enjoy the best vacation spots during the off-season.

6. Ask A Travel Expert

If you’ can’t decide where to go and money really isn’t an issue, contact an agent or a travel expert to help you out.

If you don’t know the difference between the islands of Hawaii or whether you should go to Albany, Georgia over Albany, New York, ask an expert. You’ll get tips on where to stay, places to eat, and things to see. They might even use their personal contacts to get you a good deal or some nice upgrades to your hotel.

7. Non-Refundable Means Non-Refundable

Have you ever tried to get a refund for something that was labeled “non-refundable?” You’re basically up against a brick wall.

While some hotels and flights will give you as much as a 24-hour window to decide last minute you don’t want to stay, others will charge you anyway. Make sure that if there’s a possibility you’ll get a cold before your last-minute vacation that you’ve purchased some kind of insurance or refundable policy.

8. If It’s Too Good to be True, Run

Any deal that seems too good to be true probably is just that. Avoid getting ripped off if you don’t think you’re going to get what you’re being promised. Look for online reviews if possible.

9. Waitlists Work

Getting on a waitlist could get you put on a flight for a super low price. If you can’t afford the going price of a ticket for the Bahamas, make a call to the airline and see if they can offer you a waitlist deal if your schedule is flexibl\e.

10. Pack Today

Don’t save your packing until the last minute. You’ll forget something important like your bathing suit for the beach or your binoculars for a birdwatching tour. Do it with plenty of time so you can think through your baggage carefully.

A Last-Minute Vacation Will Be Memorable

Doing something spontaneously is a great way to make a permanent memory. You’ll have fun doing things you never thought you’d be doing a week before with people you might never see again. Stay loose and let the world show you how to have fun.

If you’re ready to book your next vacation, contact us for more tips on how to save money.

Did you know that New York City boasts an average of 60 million tourists every year?

But while large cities on the east coast are popular, they can also be expensive. Luckily, there is a wide variety of affordable, lesser-known cities on the east coast that are just waiting to be discovered.

If you’re looking for a unique vacation this summer, you can’t go wrong with one of these smaller east coast cities.

Salem, Massachusetts

Just north of the busy city of Boston is the smaller town of Salem, Massachusetts. Of course, Salem is best known for the famous witch trials that took place in colonial days. You can learn more about this stage in American history at the witch trials museum.

The town is right on the water, which makes it a beautiful place to visit in the summer. That said, the fall foliage also makes it an ideal place to visit in autumn. You can also visit haunted attractions in the month of October.

Asheville, North Carolina

If you need to switch things up from the visiting the beach, you can take a trip to the city of Asheville, which is nestled in the mountains of North Carolina. This small town is famous for its arts community. Activities include outdoor music festivals, artisan shops, and locally-sourced farm-to-table restaurants.

While you’re in town, make sure to check out the Biltmore Mansion. This property is the largest privately owned residence in the United States and is open to tours.

Williamsburg, Virginia

If you enjoy the east coast’s rich history, then Williamsburg, Virginia is an ideal place to visit. In Williamsburg, many of the buildings maintain their colonial style of architecture. You can also tour colonial neighborhoods that are still paved with cobblestone and frequented by horse-drawn carriages.

During the day, re-enactors will educate you and your family about the way of life in colonial Williamsburg. In the evening, you can take a walking ghost tour to get more insight into the town’s haunted history.

Portland, Maine

When people think of national parks, they often think of the west side of the country. But while there may not be as many national parks on the east coast, the ones that are there are fantastic.

In Maine, you can appreciate the unique landscape at Acadia National Park. This park is marked by clear skies and blue waves crashing into the craggy, rocky shore.

If you’d like to try something more rustic, you could always go camping in Acadia National Park. Pack some sleeping bags, some Keto frozen meals, and you’ll be good to go!

Not far from Acadia, you’ll find the small coastal town of Portland, Maine. While not as well known as it’s Oregon counterpart, Portland, Maine is a great place to get seafood and explore shops.

Get Ready to Explore East Coast Cities

With a trip to any of these four east coast cities, you’ll be sure to have a fantastic yet affordable summer vacation.

Did we forget to mention your favorite city? Let us know where you love to travel to in the comments!

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!

For most of us, vacations with our family are limited. It’s often difficult to find both the time and the money to organize a well deserved ‘break from it all.’ So, when we go away, we want to get it right.

However, with the average vacation costing $4,580, it’s understandable why you’d want to shop around to find a more affordable holiday.

With that in mind, a dude ranch vacation is ideal. It’s the perfect place to enjoy some uninterrupted family time – and isn’t as expensive as you might think.

Let’s dive into seven dude ranch vacations that are perfect if you want a fabulous vacation on a budget.

Dude Ranch Vacations – Where to Begin?

If you’ve done some research on dude ranch vacations, you’ll know that prices vary massively.

However, you have to understand lots of ranches offer all-inclusive holidays. Whereas, others expect you to pay extra for all the additional activities.

So, don’t be fooled into thinking you’re getting a great deal. Always check precisely what the total price includes.

You should also consider your ranches location. Some are pretty remote. This means you’ll have to spend more money both getting there and traveling around during your stay.

Finally, it’s imperative to find a ranch that offers either a discount or a package for families. This is usually a good indicator that the venue is set up for the kind of vacation you want, without breaking the bank.

With that in mind, here are a few of our specific recommendations.

1. Sundance Trail Ranch, Colorado

This dude ranch is both family-friendly and pet-friendly. Ideally situated, it’s only a two-hour drive from Denver.

During your stay, guests can try their hand at; horseback riding, hiking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting.

Plus, it’s situated close to the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains. So, it’s perfect for nature lovers.

This accommodations ideal if you’re traveling with extended family or friends. It can sleep as many as 24 guests and has wheelchair access.

Most importantly, visitors won’t go hungry. Traditionally Western homemade meals are prepared and served to guests. These dishes always go down a treat!

2. Marble Mountain Ranch, California

The Klamath National Forest surrounds this gorgeous ranch, so there’s plenty of opportunities for guests to explore.

Beautifully situated, the breathtaking Trinity Alps and Russian Wilderness Areas are close by and are definitely worth a visit!

The nice thing about this ranch is that they offer the ‘saddle-paddle’ vacation package. This allows visitors to give both horseback riding a go, alongside; whitewater rafting, fishing, and shooting.

So, rest assured there won’t be any chance of getting bored!

3. New Haven Working Cattle and Guest Ranch, Wyoming

This is a genuine cattle ranch, ran by family – perfect if you’re hoping to have an authentic Western experience.

Located on the outskirts of the Black Hills of Wyoming and near the Devils Tower National Monument, there’s plenty of scenery to take in.

This accommodation can sleep a maximum of 8 travelers.

Vistors have the opportunity to participate in various activities including; moving cattle from pasture to pasture, round-ups, checking reservoirs, etc.

Plus, guest bedrooms are beautifully rustic and have their own bathroom.

4. Southern Cross Guest Ranch, Georgia

This family-owned ranch is also a horse farm – home to more than 200 horses!

This ranch is just one hours drive from Atlanta, and unlike other ranches, experienced riders are permitted to ride their horses unguided. You don’t have to be Noel Fehily to enjoy your ride here.

Plus, the foods said to be amazing – what’s not to love about that?

5. Rowse’s 1+1 Ranch, Nebraska

This is another working ranch, so it’s perfect if you want a taste of genuine Western culture.

Guests have the opportunity to participate in plenty of ranch activities including riding and cattle work.

By cattle work we mean; cattle drives, roundups, brandings, and roping.

6. Sugar and Spice Ranch, Texas

Unlike the other ranches, this one provides specific vacations for mothers and daughters.

Moms pay from $100 per night ($50 non-rider) and daughters $50. This is the perfect place for some mother-daughter bonding if you’re both horse-lovers or just up for trying something new.

You’ll be given your ‘own’ own horse and get to; feed, groom, tack up, clean the tack, and bath him/her- it really is the full horsey package!

The above rates include meals, riding, activities, lodging, tax and evening entertainment.

7. Sweet Grass Ranch, Montana

Finally, we come to the last of our dude ranch vacations.

This is another family-owned working cattle ranch, and it’s absolutely gorgeous.

This accommodation’s situated in the beautiful Crazy Mountains, so it’s perfect if you want to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of daily life and admire natures bounty.

There’s plenty of opportunities for guests to try their hand at riding. With thousands of acres of mountain country, meadows, and plains to explore, you’ll be spoiled for a choice of scenery.

The riding experience is ‘unstructured’ and tailored to what you’re interested in doing. This helps you get the most out of your ranch vacation.

The hosts offer various packages, starting from $225 a night. The all-inclusive riding package allows you to go on all-day rides either moving cattle or to explore the serene alpine lakes.

However, non-riding packages begin at $180 per night. If riding isn’t your thing, don’t worry there’s still plenty to do. Hiking, fishing, row-boating, and golf are all favorite pastimes.

Kids can stay for as little as $160 (including horseback riding and other horse activities). Your little ones are bound to enjoy the ranch’s natural water slide, and the quality time spent around the evening campfire.

Are You Interested in Other Ways to Save Money?

If you’ve enjoyed this piece on affordable dude ranch vacations, we’re sure you’ll love our other content.

We understand family life gets expensive. So our blogs committed to providing information on living a high-quality lifestyle for less.

We cover everything from thrifty DIY hacks to cooking on a budget we’re sure we’ll have a post on something you’re hoping to save money on.

If you have any questions or would like to reach out to us, please feel free to fill out our contact form. One of our friendly team members will get in touch as soon as they can.