Category: Travel and Vacations

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.

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.

Pristine and world ranked beaches, wildlife, adventurous family-friendly theme parks, and hundreds of museums and entertainment locations, Florida has so much to offer.

How do you choose where to visit for your next Florida trip?

Here is a guide to help! Keep reading to learn what makes these cities the best places to visit in Florida.

1. St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is ranked #1 best places to visit in Florida by U.S. News and World Report for lots of reasons.

To start, St. Petersburg neighbors Clearwater beach, which is ranked one of the world’s best beaches for its white sand and beautiful clear water.

St. Pete has it’s own beautiful top-ranked beaches, too, where you can find vacation spots for every type of traveler. Whether you want lively spring break-style fun, water adventure, or a more quiet and relaxing vacation, you can find it in St. Petersburg.

St. Petersburg downtown hosts an array of entertainment, shopping, art, and exceptional food. It is an artistic and hip place with something for everyone.

If you like craft beer, then you’ll definitely enjoy St. Pete’s beer scene. And did I mention the food? Well, it’s amazing featuring everything from Latin, Cuban, Cajun, American, Italian, and more.

Downtown is also home to historical architecture and museums including the world famous Dali museum.

And if you’re a baseball fan, you can catch a game at the Tampa Bay Rays stadium in downtown St. Pete.

St. Petersburg is a great place to vacation for the adventurers out there. It is home to many historical sites, including archeological ones like Fort De Soto. St. Pete also features tons of parks and preserves where you can see beautiful nature and wildlife.

Last but not least, if you are a dog owner then St. Pete is the place for you. The town of St. Petersburg was ranked the most pet-friendly city in the country last year!

2. St. Augustine

This one is for the history buffs out there!

St. Augustine, Florida is the country’s oldest city, founded by Spain in 1565. Visiting this beautiful city is like stepping back in time and into a whole new country.

The Spanish architecture and culture is vast and gorgeous. There are tons of historical sites to visits including forts, museums, and the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.

The city sits on the Atlantic ocean and features harbors and nearby beaches. You can experience the typical beach vacation while exploring our nations oldest history.

And if you’re into Spanish food, there’s lots of it to be had in St. Augustine!

3. Orlando

While you won’t find white-sand beaches, Orlando has tons of fun to offer. It is ranked #1 in best places to visit in Florida for family vacations.

Orlando is home to the happiest place on earth–Disney World. Disney provides a world of theme parks, shopping, shows, delicious treats, and more. There is something for everyone, not just children.

Check out my tips for planning a Disney trip with children.

Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure provide additional fun and entertainment. They offer movie-themed rides and shows from our favorite films including a real-life adventure through the world of Harry Potter.

We highly recommend doing the Universal VIP tours for a personalized experience without the waits!

Orlando has more than just theme parks, though. There are renowned outlet malls for exceptional shopping, tons of restaurants featuring top-ranked chefs, and exciting nightlife downtown.

4. Siesta Key, Sarasota

Siesta Key beach in Sarasota, Florida, was ranked the country’s #1 beach in 2017 and for good reason. The beach features shiny white sand, clear waters, cleanliness, and preserved nature. It truly is the perfect place to get away to and relax.

Plus, it is one of the larger beaches in Florida. So, you can wander the shoreline for hours and find different things to do in different areas. Whether you want to play sand volleyball or get lost in nature, you can!

Sarasota itself has a lot to offer, too. The shopping, great food, boutiques, Ringley museum, fishing, and more make Sarasota one of the best places to visit in Florida.

These are just some reasons why celebrities choose Siesta Key and Sarasota for their home.

5. Miami

Welcome to Miami! The home of celebrities, famous pristine beaches, the country’s best Cuban food, and more shopping than you can handle.

Miami is full of life, culture, and fun. It is one of the best places to visit in Florida if you’re looking for nightlife, dancing, and vibrancy. It is also a place to find trendy restaurants featuring world-renowned chefs.

And don’t forget about the beaches. Miami’s South Beach is ranked #4 for U.S. best beaches. Fort Lauderdale, another ranked beach, is nearby as well.

Both beaches and surrounding areas feature fun-in-the-sun such as parasailing, watersports, and deep sea fishing.

6. Key West

The southernmost point of the United States can be found in the Florida Keys. Surrounded by clear water, the island of Key West is a place everyone should visit.

Key West features adventure and relaxation. There are beaches everywhere you turn with teal waters and exotic corals. You can find spas, retreats, and resorts, too.

For the adventurer, Key West offers some of the best sea fishing in the country. In addition, there’s snorkeling and scuba diving, watersports, and lots of cute walks or bike ride to be had.

If you’re into history and reading, you can’t pass up seeing Earnest Hemmingway’s home!

7. Crystal River

Crystal River is an underrated vacation spot where local Floridians escape to for their own vacations. It is perfect for the nature-lovers out there who want to escape into wildlife and peacefulness.

Crystal River sits on Kings Bay, which is a spring-fed bay. There are natural fresh-water springs that you can swim in where the water stays cool and crystal clear all year. You can literally see the bottom.

Crystal River also features kayaking, canoeing, scalloping, fishing, and manatee watching. There are wildlife refuges surrounding the town and an early Native American archeological site on the northwest side.

Best Places to Visit in Florida–Where Will You Go?

Whichever place you choose to visit in Florida, you won’t regret it.

Once you’ve decided, check out our tips on vacation planning, packing, deals, and more.

If you’re looking to start saving for that vacation, we can help with that too. We have tons of unique ways that you can earn extra money.

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.

A cruise with your loved ones is a once in a lifetime experience for many that they will cherish forever. But if you’ve traveled with your family before, you know how hectic that experience can be.

It’s important to have a plan in place so your family cruise sails as smoothly as possible. Here are some tips that you should keep in mind when planning your cruise.

Have a Discussion

Even if you are the primary vacation planner in your family, it’s important to involve everyone in your cruise decision. You don’t want anyone to be unhappy while you’re trying to have the time of your lives.

Talk to your family about where you want to set sail. Do you want to cruise around the Caribbean or Central America? Maybe you prefer a cruise through the Mediterranean? Or perhaps you want an Alaskan adventure.

You might even want to take a river or lake cruise, like what Wayzata Bay Charters offer.

Keep in mind that the destination you are cruising to will heavily influence the duration of your cruise. Make sure that everyone is available for the dates that you end up choosing.

Choose When and Where Wisely

Deciding on where to cruise can be relatively easy, because a lot of people have dream destinations in mind. But figuring out when to go might be more tricky.

It may make sense for you and your family to set sail in the summertime when the kids are off at school and things may be relatively slow at your job. But this is when cruise costs are at their highest.

Depending on the cruise line you book, you may end up saving half the cost if you decide to go in the offseason. But this offseason does depend on where your destination is.

If you’re sailing to a place like Alaska, you may not be able to book a cruise for certain times of the year. Make sure you do your research so you’re not paying an exorbitant amount of money unnecessarily.

Watch Out For Deals

There are always deals and discounts available through cruise lines and travel agents, especially for a family cruise. If you’re traveling with children, you may be able to receive a hefty discount or possibly free travel on certain dates.

You will likely be able to save a lot of money if you’re able to book the cruise far ahead of time. Your flight to the port you will be leaving from will also probably be much cheaper.

This is not always possible, especially for large families, but the earlier you plan your trip, the less it will cost you in the long run. This is a great way to ensure that your vacation stays under budget.

Focus on a Family-Friendly Atmosphere

The important thing to take note of is not all cruise lines are exclusively family-friendly. The reality is that if you attempt to book a lower cost cruise line during Spring Break season, you’re going to run into some partiers.

Do some research into cruise lines that tout a family-friendly atmosphere so everyone in your family feels comfortable. Some of these lines will have special themes or experiences that will keep kids and adults entertained.

The idea behind a family-friendly cruise experience is that everyone has something to do. If your kids get bored while on the boat or at port, it’s going to be hard for anybody to have a good time.

Plan Your Excursions

Excursions are an essential part of the cruise experience, and one that not enough families plan for ahead of time. Did you know that in most cases, you can start booking excursions as soon as your reserve your cruise?

This way you will be able to choose from the wide range of options that your cruise line offers. If you wait until the last minute, you won’t have that luxury.

Common excursion offerings include snorkeling, scuba diving, tours, and more. Choose an excursion that highlights the unique appeal of the locale you will be visiting.

If your cruise line allows it, you may be able to book excursions through a third-party service. This can be a great way to save money. Just make sure that you research the company ahead of time to make sure they are reputable.

Furthermore, you’ll likely need to keep track of time yourself while on a third-party excursion, so make sure you get back to your boat in time. You don’t want to be stuck in port!

Spend Time Together and Apart

The best thing about a cruise is that you’ll have ample time to spend quality time with your loved ones. You should take advantage of that time as much as possible. But being together in close quarters can start to get trying after a couple days.

That’s why most cruise lines offer kid-friendly and adults-only areas of the ship, so every member of your family can get some time to do things for themselves. Give your kids some time to socialize while you relax at a private pool.

Then, meet up later for dinner and catch an evening show. You can be as flexible with your schedule as you want!

Talk About Safety

Cruises are generally very safe, but it’s still important to have a conversation with your family about making smart decisions. Pay attention to the safety debriefing before you set sail.

You may not have cell phone access, so make sure you designate a meeting spot on the boat in case one of you gets lost. Keep track of your family and your belongings when you’re at port.

In some area, tourists are targeted for petty crimes, so you should make sure you stick together when you’re off the boat.

Stay Organized on Your Family Cruise

The key to having a fantastic family cruise is to stay as organized as possible. It’s okay to be flexible, but make sure you have a plan in place so you don’t waste any time!

Do you have any stories about your family cruise? Share it with us in the comments! And don’t forget to check out the rest of our blog for more money-saving tips.