Category: Travel and Vacations

Summer is starting to wind down, which means it’s time to enjoy every last ounce of sunshine before the colder months kick in. That means it’s time to grab the family and head out for one last adventure.

One of the best ways to get the most out of your summer is by taking the family on a boating trip. Be it the ocean or just your local lake, there’s something fun and refreshing about an afternoon on the water.

And, before you actually take to the water, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared to have the best time possible.

Here are some awesome tips to help you prepare for your next family boating trip.

5 Tips to Prepare For Your Next Family Boating Trip

1. Inspect Your Boat

Before you use something like IMM Quality Boat Lifts, you’ll want to do a quick inspection before you’re good to go.

Here’s a list of things to check for before bringing your boat down from the lift:

• Make sure there aren’t any cracks.
• Look at any wiring that may have been exposed to water.
• Test your fuel and oil.
• Clean your upholstery and check for mold.

2. Bring Sunscreen and Bug Spray

No day in the sun is complete without a healthy helping of helping of sunscreen. It’s a great way to keep your family burn-free and can even prevent skin cancer later down the road.

If you haven’t already, try and figure out what types of sunscreen work best for your family. Some of your family may have fairer skin than others, so it’s not a bad idea to pack a few different types.

You’ll also want to make sure you’ve got some bug spray on hand. With a growing concern about the Zika virus, it’s important that you keep mosquitoes away.

Once on board, keep a watchful eye out for any unwanted pests near still waters.

3. Safety First

To have the fun day you’ve always wanted, keeping the little ones safe is paramount.

And, unfortunately, without planning and preparation, preventable accidents can happen.

Before you even crank up the boat, make sure there are plenty of life jackets on board. Then, be certain that those life jackets are as safe as possible.

Here’s a quick check list to get you started:

1. Make sure each vest fits.
2. If it’s inflatable, make sure it has plenty of air in it.
3. Make sure there aren’t any leaks.
4. If your boat has been dormant for a while, make sure your life jackets aren’t beginning to deteriorate.

A boating trip is tons of fun, but you’ll want to make sure everyone is as safe as possible.

4. Bring Snacks

No day in the sun is complete without a couple of delicious snacks. Be sure to take a break from swimming, tubing, or just floating and grab a bite to eat.

And, you don’t need to be a Michelin starred chef to prepare before you go.

To save money, pack a cooler full of sandwiches, as well as a few bags of chips.

Cut up some apple slices and pineapple and bring them along for the ride. You can even sip on some watermelon lemonade for a tasty, tropical treat.

5. Stay Hydrated

The longer you’re out in the sun, the more important it is to stay hydrated. Grab a giant pack of water bottles, a cooler of ice, and make sure you’re regularly drinking water.

Dehydration is no joke, and water is absolutely critical for optimal health. Try and drink some water at least once an hour.

Lastly, Have Fun in the Sun!

So, now you’re ready for your day out with the family. We sure hope it’s a fun trip!

Love a boating trip as much as we do? We’d love to hear any tips you have!

Does your wallet scream when you start thinking about traveling and what to do in California? We believe that travel should be fun and having fun doesn’t need to be expensive.

To help you have a great time in the Golden State, we’ve compiled some budget-friendly ideas.

What To Do In California: Visit San Diego

San Diego is an ideal vacation spot. It’s a major city with a lot to offer urban adventurers. It’s on the ocean and has remarkable hiking trails so there are many attractions for nature lovers.

It’s easy to pack for San Diego. It’s warm all year round and there isn’t a major difference between summer and winter temperatures. This means you don’t need a lot of heavy clothing but a rain jacket is a good idea if you’ll be there anytime from October to March.

Beaches

What to do in California? Go the beach!

San Diego is on the Pacific Ocean so there’s no shortage of beaches. Some have small entrance fees but many are free.

La Jolla Cove is the most popular. It attracts snorkelers and scuba divers but is also great for swimming. The water is calm and hosts a beautiful range of aquatic life. The cove is ecologically protected because it is a gem.

La Jolla Shores Park is a mile-long beach that is perfect for family outings. During the summer, there are gentle waves perfect for novice surfers and paddle-board enthusiasts. Rentals often include instruction so there’s good value in learning a new water sport at this beach!

Street Festivals

From chili cook-offs to the lemon festival, there’s a street festival for everyone in San Diego. You can walk around and take in the sights and sounds for free and usually find fresh and affordable snacks at the same time.

Festivals during the winter months are less frequent. Whether you plan your trip last minute or months in advance, check the city’s tourism and event calendar to find out what’s going on.

Scenic Drives

Why not pack a lunch and follow San Diego’s 59-Mile Scenic Drive route? It doesn’t have to cost anything more than gasoline!

The well-marked route includes stops at various beaches, parks, and historical sights. You can do the whole thing in less than 4 hours.

If your plans for what to do in California include visiting Los Angeles, take the scenic route. Interstate 5 is along the Pacific coast for the first 65 miles out of San Diego. If you have enough time and want to continue driving along the coast, switch to Highway 1 near San Clemente.

Neighborhoods

San Diego is a city built on approximately 200 mesas. Canyons and hills between the mesas create natural divides between the populated areas. The result is mesas giving shape to neighborhoods.

Possibly the most popular neighborhood to visit in San Diego is the Gaslamp Quarter, which is considered the historical heart of the city. It covers more than a dozen square blocks of shops, restaurants, and community space. Free or low-priced outdoor events are held throughout the year.

Old Town is a protected state park that preserves and showcases the history of San Diego. It’s free to walk around this well-maintained park.

Parks

What to do in San Diego on a beautiful day? Visit a park!

San Diego has several amazing parks. Most famous is Balboa Park, an urban park that covers 1,200 acres within the city. There are walking trails, playgrounds, fountains, shops, restaurants, museums and the San Diego Zoo — all within Balboa!

For a more natural experience, visit Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. The 68-acre park sits high above the Pacific Ocean. Entrance to the park is free and offers spectacular views of cliffs, coves, and of course, the sunset.

Other Ideas

Do you have additional ideas for what to do in California without spending a lot of money? Share your ideas and help your fellow thrifty mommas have a great vacation!

Camping is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, but not if you get all the way there and realize you forgot vital supplies!

Whether you’ve been camping for years or are planning your first trip, it’s always helpful to have a comprehensive checklist of everything you’ll need.

Make sure you’re covered each and every time with this go-to camping list!

7 Must-Haves For Your Camping List

Getting away from the hustle and bustle for a camping trip can be so relaxing. The downside? You can’t just run to the corner store to pick up supplies!

Always be prepared with these 7 things to never forget!

1. Shelter, Of Course!

Whether you’re a bare minimum camper or would rather “glamp,” everyone needs some form of shelter.

Don’t forget a tent to protect you from the elements, insects, and other critters. You’ll need all the supplies to build the tent, such as stakes, a mallet or something similar, and a waterproof ground tarp (or two).

If you’re a consistent camper, think about investing in an awesome custom teardrop trailer. These bad boys can keep you organized, sheltered, and safe on your camping trips for years to come.

The coolest part? Some models feature a tent mounted to the roof of the trailer!

2. Sleeping Bag

You’ll quickly decide you hate camping if you fail to stay warm at night. Check out this great infographic if you’re camping somewhere especially chilly!

Make sure to bring a sleeping bag and any other slumber accessories you might want, such as a pillow or sleeping pad.

3. Food & Water

Bring plenty of nutritious food and water to sustain yourself during the trip. Make sure you have all the necessary supplies if you plan to cook!

Top tip: bring an ice chest to keep your food cold and locked up. Freeze water bottles instead of bringing ice so that you can have extra H2O on hand!

4. Flashlight or Lantern

One of the best parts of camping is getting to see the stars without the obstruction of city lights.

You’ll definitely want a flashlight or lantern on your camping list for nighttime reading, trips to the bathroom (or lack thereof), and emergencies.

Don’t forget backup batteries!

5. First Aid Kit

Safety first! In the case of bug bites, splinters, scrapes, or just a headache, you’ll want a first aid kit on hand.

This is especially important if you’re camping with kids.

6. Personal Hygiene Supplies

It’s up to you how “natural” you want to smell during your camping trip, but you should probably bring the basics no matter what.

This includes toilet paper, a toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, and sanitary wipes.

7. Sunscreen

Don’t let a bad sunburn ruin your trip.

Keep your skin protected with SPF especially when you’re spending a lot of time outdoors!

That’s It!

You’ll probably want to bring more than just these 7 things, but remembering to pack these essentials will make your camping trip a lot more enjoyable.

Leave a reply with your camping list must-haves!

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Is there anything more exciting than traveling to a new place? Seeing the world is one of the most fulfilling activities one can partake in.

And few countries are as gorgeous and serene as Vietnam. From the lush, green jungles to the busy cities, there’s so much to see!

But your trip to Vietnam doesn’t need to break your budget. On the contrary, in fact. There are tons of ways to tour Vietnam on a budget.

Ready to learn more and get your trip planned? Keep reading for some of the easiest ways you can make your trip more affordable.

Travel Guide: How to Tour Vietnam on a Budget

1. Avoid the Peak Season

Vietnam’s peak season for tourism is a bit different than most thanks to monsoon season. During these months, the country sees fewer tourists than usual due to the poor weather conditions.

Use this to your advantage! Even during monsoon season, Vietnam is such a gorgeous area to explore.

If you want to really tour Vietnam on a budget, know what to avoid.

Specifically, you’ll need to watch out for the months of July and August. The warm, sunny weather attracts crowds to all of Vietnam’s best beaches. November to March also proves to be an extremely busy time for tourism.

Try and schedule your trips around these months. By visiting during the off season, you’ll be able to save tons of money on accommodations.

2. Book Your Hotel or Hostel Online

Speaking of accommodations, one of the easiest ways to save money is by booking your hotel online.

Tons of popular sites and apps like Groupon regularly feature travel deals that can save you hundreds.

If you’re willing to be a bit more adventurous, you may even want to consider booking a hostel.

If you’ve never stayed at one of these awesome places, think of it like a communal hotel. You’ll share space with other tourists for a fraction of the price of a hotel room.

3. Travel in Style

There are a few different ways you can travel around Vietnam, all of which are relatively affordable.

First, you can rent a bike. The cost comes out to be a dollar or so per day, and you’ll get to tour the city at your own pace.

You may also want to look into Vietnam’s public transportation system. Since Vietnam is so densely populated, buses run on a near-constant basis.

You can also hire a taxi driver to take you around the city. Getting a driver isn’t necessarily the most affordable tip on the list, but it’s a great way to really see the city.

4. Know Where to Find the Best Food

To tour Vietnam on a budget is a vacation, after all. And everyone knows that the best part of vacation is the food!

One of the most affordable (and authentic) ways to eat is by checking out street food.

While the words ‘street’ and ‘food’ don’t go together in most countries, but Vietnam is a different story. In fact, street food is how most Vietnamese citizens eat.

You can pick up everything from noodles to a hearty bowl of pho for less than you’d pay back home. Best of all? There’s no need to feel guilty. Vietnamese food is full of good nutrition.

And for the coffee lovers, be sure to get a glass of Vietnamese coffee. It’s got 4x as much caffeine as your standard cup and has a rich, delicious taste.

If you want to see everything Vietnamese cuisine has to offer, be sure to schedule a food tour! That way you won’t have to miss out on anything.

For more great tips on how to get more for less, be sure to keep reading Thrifty Momma Ramblings. And if you have a travel tip of your own, don’t forget to comment below!

Are your days packed with responsibility? Do you feel like you can never get everything done that needs to be done?

Are you dying to get away for a holiday but stressed because you don’t have the finances to swing it?

Ditch the stress and buck up. Because here’s the good news.

Traveling at the last minute can save you big money.

When we say last-minute travel, we’re generally talking about travel that takes place within 14 days of the time of booking. Not so much running to the ticket counter five minutes before a flight and demanding a ticket.

And last minute travel isn’t just about saving on airfare. Deals can be found on hotels, car rentals, cruises, and vacation packages.

Here’s how it works.

1. Grasp the meaning of “short notice”

If your life is crazy busy and you know you’ve only got two weeks to get ready to go, pack a bag ahead of time.

Get a travel bag stocked with a few changes of clothes, a couple of non-perishable snacks, some things to entertain you. Then just before it’s time to go, toss in the toiletries, medications or anything else you might need.

2. Know what you’re getting into

Or more accurately, know that you won’t know what you’re getting into.

With travel on short notice, there’s a certain amount of expecting the unexpected. In other words, be open to what comes along.

Keep in mind that you may not get to go exactly where you wanted to go or stay just in the place you had in mind when you’re traveling on short notice. The more specific the travel deal you’re looking for, the harder it will be to find.

If the whole point is to just get away, then be ready to accept that the four nights in Cancun you were envisioning might end up being five days in a neighboring bed and breakfast. Or a treehouse hotel in Bali.

You might be surprised to find that the unplanned vacation allows you to really relax, enjoy and unwind. No plans, no responsibilities. A true get-away from the stress of your busy life.

3. Build a community of special agents

Travel agents, that is.

The cheapest last-minute travel is going to be with a package tour. That’s mostly because when a cancellation occurs, travel agents are scrambling to fill an empty slot so they don’t have to foot the bill.

If you can, visit a few local agents and give them a heads up on what you want. They’ll be your eyes and ears in the travel community and can help you find those special deals.

It’s a win-win for all involved.

For example, if an agent hears of cancelled holiday deals for sale and you are able to join a group tour to Jamaica on short notice, the money you save will easily allow you to pay the agent’s fee.

4. With airfare, do the detective work

Of course, we’ve all heard that the closer to the time of booking, the more expensive airfare is going to be. This is true. To some extent.

Check Twitter because several airlines post last-minute deals to their accounts.

And sometimes tour operators will sell last-minute deals on charter flights. And typically these flights are heading to sunny locales.

One warning on those bargain charter flights though. The $89 ticket price doesn’t include taxes. And those taxes can be hundreds of dollars. So just be sure you know the details.

Even with the taxes though, you can still score a great deal.

5. Take a mid-week getaway. At an off-time.

When people talk about getting away, they’re often looking for weekend travel. So booking a ticket for Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday can save you a lot of money. Possibly hundred of dollars per ticket.

Beyond the mid-week factor, there’s the off-time factor too. If you don’t like getting up at the crack of dawn or prefer sleeping in your bed rather than on the plane, think about how many others feel the same.

So consider booking a flight at 11:30 p.m. on a Tuesday or at 5:20 a.m. on a Thursday. You’ll get significant savings.

Plus, if you can manage a whole week, there’s something nice about spending an entire weekend on your vacation without it having to be a time to travel to and from your destinations.

6. Be smart about so-called hotel deals.

There are plenty of apps offering secret hotel deals.

You simply type in the locale you want, your preferred hotel star rating, and the desired price range. The app will find you a deal. BUT, you have to wait until the transaction is complete to see where you’ll be staying.

It’s done this way so that hotels can give customers a great deal while quietly moving unbooked rooms. As long as you don’t care which hotel it is, you’re good to go.

One thing to remember though is that you’re unable to avoid certain hotels such as those listed on The Bedbug Registry, so be savvy.

7. Use your credit rewards or miles.

If you still can’t find a flight you can afford, don’t despair. You could consider redeeming credit card rewards or airline miles to cushion the expense a bit.

But does the value of your rewards make it worth your while? Maybe. Maybe not.

Then again, does it matter?

If you’re really wanting to get away and you know you need it for your sanity, then it may not really matter whether it’s worth your while financially. After all, can you really put a price on mental stability?

By doing some footwork, poking around a little and getting friendly with travel agents, we’re hoping you won’t even need to consider using those rewards. Then you can save them for that bigger trip you’re planning in the future.

Whatever the case, there are always ways to get deals on last-minute travel so you can take that well-deserved getaway.

If you have any tips you’d like to share for last-minute travel deals, please feel free to share!