Category: Travel and Vacations

In the modern world, travel is easier than ever. People from all backgrounds have experienced the thrill of visiting a new culture in a new land. Still, traveling isn’t a cheap experience for everyone.

It’s understandable if you want to travel more but don’t think you can afford it. Vacation expenses can add up to a pretty penny. If you already live with frugal means, you know that your next vacation needs to be well-planned.

Consider how vast the travel and tourism industry is throughout the world. In the year 2016 alone, it generated over $7 trillion in revenue! It’s obvious a trip will cost you.

If you and your family are ready to go on a vacation sometime soon, you’re in luck. The good news is you’ve come to the right place by reading this article. Detailed below is five ways you can ensure you’re traveling on an affordable budget.

1. Focus on Saving Up Your Money Ahead of Time

It’s no secret that travel can be expensive, no matter how proactive you are about it. You can plan to stay in the cheapest hotel and eat the cheapest food. Still, a vacation is going to cost you extra expenses.

That’s why it’s so crucial that you plan ahead and save up. If you and your family are already on a tight budget, there’s no need to stretch it even more. Instead, cut out some of your current luxuries so that you can put that money towards the upcoming trip.

One good idea is to cancel any subscriptions you have. Even though the costs seem minimal, subscriptions like Netflix, Spotify, or Hulu can start to add up. A temporary break from those services will give up a little financial padding for a few months.

Another thing you can do is sell some of your nonessential valuables you have lying around. Electronics and collectibles can get you a surprising amount of money on sites like eBay and Craigslist.

If you have the means, it’d also be a great option to have a full-blown garage sale. Get the rest of your family on board with a garage sale, too. have everyone contribute donations to the sale and agree that all profits go to the eventual vacation fund.

Saving up for a vacation can seem overwhelming, it’s true. If you’re committed and smart about it, though, it’s possible to have the entire trip funded with plenty of extra spending money.

2. Make Sure You Do Your Research to Find the Best Travel Deals

Of course, there’s no need to settle for the first “deal” on a hotel that you find. It’s good practice to shop around to find the best bargain for your dollar.

Online travel sites like Expedia and Priceline are a great place to start for travel deals. Often, you can get both your transportation and lodging bundled for a lower price. In fact, there are all sorts of travel package deals available online if you’re willing to do the research.

Another great idea is to call the hotel you like directly. This is true, in particular, if you’re booking the room last minute. Hotels don’t always post their room deals online, and they might give you a huge discount if they don’t have all of their rooms filled for the night.

3. Keep a Frugal Mindset for Your Vacation Expenses

The vacation mindset is a dangerous one for those on a limited budget, by the way. It’s easy to let loose with your spending when you’ve got that carefree attitude.

Instead, don’t spend all of your money in one place. Go on your trip with a set limit on extra spending. If you have to, leave your ATM card at home so you won’t be tempted to dip into parts of your finances that you didn’t allocate for the trip.

4. Don’t Be Afraid To Take Out a Personal Loan

You might need a vacation soon but don’t have enough money for one. That’s okay – you deserve to go on a trip for working so hard in the day-to-day.

Perhaps you need to work on your credit score anyway. Well, paying back a loan is a great way to improve that score. Plus, a well-deserved vacation is a great excuse to take out a personal loan in the first place.

Check out One Main Financial Review to see if their loans suit your vacation financing needs. Paying back the loan is worthwhile if it means you get out of the house for a bit!

5. If You’re Flying, Do So in the Middle of the Week

The last tip to travel on a budget is to be smart about your flights. So many people pick the weekend for their travel days. For a better deal on your flight, instead, fly to and from your destination on a Tuesday or Wednesday.

Continue to Maintain an Affordable Budget

At this point in the article, you should have a pretty good idea of what it would take to reduce your overall vacation expenses. Whether you decide to take out a loan or save up, your trip will be worthwhile.

You deserve to have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your travels will be financed. After all, you don’t want to get stuck in a place that’s unfamiliar! That’s why planning ahead and understanding your financial situation is so crucial.

Of course, keeping track of your finances is important throughout the rest of your life, too. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that your vacation is the only time you need to recognize what you can or can’t afford. The fortunate news is that there’s plenty of helpful financial guidance out there – if you know where to look.

Well, that’s where we can help you. We value helping families live their lives to the fullest with frugal means. There’s no need for you to sacrifice a good time just because money is tight.

That’s why we encourage you to browse through the rest of our website. You’ll find other financial practices that suit your needs and desires.

Every year you learn something about RVing that you didn’t know when you first started. This usually includes finding out the hard way which travel trailer accessories you need most. But, every day is a picnic when you’re in your RV and nothing can bring you down.

That’s why this year you’re doing your research. And it landed you right here. Good news for you!

If you’re going to the beach, you’ll need beach towels, umbrellas, sunscreen, snorkeling gear, and, well, you get the point. Likewise, for camping and RVing, you’ll need all the proper gear, too. Of course, you can keep all that beach gear in the RV if you plan to spend a lot of time on the coast this year.

Whether you’ve just purchased your first RV or you’re preparing to stock the trailer for this year’s adventures, we’ve got the list for you. In this article, we’re discussing most of the RV accessories you can’t leave home without. Keep reading to learn more.

Door Mat

A doormat may or may not seem like an obvious item to carry so we’ve listed it here to be on the safe side. You can keep one on the ground in front of the trailer and also at the threshold of the entryway. This will ensure that you’re not tracking in unnecessary debris.

Picnic Table Cover

One of the most common camper accessories that is often forgotten during the first season is the picnic table cover. You’ll probably have a picnic table at your campsite no matter where you land, so having one versatile item like this comes in handy non-stop. Look for one that wipes down easily with a wet cloth or sponge.

Walkie Talkies

One of the best RV accessories, especially for families with children are walkie talkies. You can find them with ranges anywhere from 50 feet to over 5 miles. Use them to keep track of each other while on separate adventures during the day.

Walkie talkies can also come in handy should you get lost in the woods. You can find a radio signal to call for help.

Fold Up Step Stool

There’s always bound to be something just out of reach, just as there is at home. Especially if something goes wrong with the RV at a campsite such as a stuck shade pullout, you’ll be glad you had a step stool on hand. Look for one that folds up so you can tuck it securely away while traveling.

First Aid Kit

Bee stings, slivers, stubbed toes, and more can all occur on an outdoors excursion. Not to mention that you’re often far away from hospital services when hanging out at your RV. It’s always a good idea to have a full first aid kit in your RV at all times.

You can find good first aid kits available at most RV camping stores. A basic home kit will also do the trick as long as you can secure it when traveling.

Tool Set

A list of RV must haves would not be complete without mentioning the ever important toolset. You should make sure to have compatible screwdrivers and drill bits for your camper as well as automotive tools like wrenches and sockets. Again, ask your RV retailer for a recommendation to a good RV toolset specifically designed for the types of repairs you’re most likely to face.

Toilet Brush

Your RV toilet does not hold much water. That could mean some residue is left in your commode, even when you flush. Investing in a toilet brush will help you keep a clean and safe environment for yourself and your family.

Sheets 

Another seeming no-brainer, but you don’t want to get out on the road and realize you’ve forgotten sheets for your bed(s). You’ll have to order them online or shop at an RV store that specializes in camper sized mattress sheets. Don’t forget extra blankets, too!

Lighters and Candles

When you think of RV necessities, you may not immediately think of lighters and candles. You’ll probably need lighters to start the flame on the grill and the campfire, of course. Candles are nice to keep around for ambiance and they keep the mosquitoes away.

Flashlights

Flashlights are a must for any camping excursion. You’ll probably be up after dark most nights and it gets awfully dark out there in the wilderness. It’s a good idea to have at least three or four stocked in the trailer at all times.

And, don’t forget the extra batteries.

Dirty Laundry Hampers

Camping means that you’re probably going to change your clothes a few extra times during your trip. That means you’ll need somewhere, besides your duffel bag, to place your dirty laundry before it starts piling up all over the camper. Consider investing in a laundry hamper or two to keep things organized.

Hand-Held Vacuum Cleaner

Your trailer is a tight space that doesn’t have much room for extra storage. Get a small, hand-held vacuum cleaner to keep all the messes cleaned up. You can even find them with battery power.

Hoses

Of course, you’re going to need at least two hoses. Some first-time RVers don’t realize they need both a freshwater hose and the other for cleaning out your black water tank. Click here for more information about a no freeze water hose for when you’re roughing it in the cold.

Final Thoughts on RV Accessories

The point is that you can never have too many RV accessories. This list should be enough to get you started with your new RV or at very least help you remember what to update from year to year. Of course, you can add your own list of wants and needs so that you’ll always be fully stocked and ready to hit the road.

We hope you found this post helpful. For a little further reading, check out this post about saving money on your next trip to Vegas. We all know it’s on your travel itinerary sooner or later.

Nothing speaks of luxury and durability like an authentic leather duffel bag. A sophisticated accessory, it will enhance any wardrobe while communicating value and timeless style. 

But not all leather duffel bags are created equal. Cheaply made duffel bags can lead to split seams or cracked leather in a matter of a few months.

Or, like one of my good travel buddies, you could end up with a useless carry-on with broken straps in a crowded international airport.

But you don’t have to fall prey to inferior leather. Instead, read on to learn about the best travel duffel bags of 2019. 

Choose the Highest Quality Leather

What should you look for when it comes to finding a high quality, durable leather duffle bag? Start by scrutinizing the leather used to make it. 

Full Grain Leather

Full grain leather is the highest quality leather you can purchase. You’ll get decades of use out of it. What’s more, as the bag weathers, you’ll delight in the attractive patina it acquires.

Age will only continue to enhance its attractive weathered look and sheen, kind of like a fine wine. The story of high-quality leather is one of patience and craft. But as you’ll come to find out, the process proves worth the lovely end product. 

Bonded Leather

The same doesn’t prove true for inferior quality leather such as bonded leather or split leather. Bonded leather refers to the manufacturer’s practice of bonding patches of leather together using plastics and chemicals. 

The result? A product that lacks full grain leather’s durability and beautiful appearance. What’s more, it won’t have the inviting smell of high-quality leather.

Split Leather

Split leather refers to the practice of separating the leather from the grain at the grain junction. This result in a lower quality material that lacks durability. Manufacturers sometimes coat it with a polymer to mimic the look of grain leather.

Evaluate the Hardware

Besides the leather material used to craft the bag, you’ll also want to check out the hardware. Make sure the handles, locks, and buckles demonstrate sturdy craftsmanship. 

And don’t forget about the quality of zippers. They will make or break a good bag. Avoid plastic zippers, which won’t stand up to wear and tear. Instead, go with metal zippers such as YKK.

Scrutinize the Craftsmanship

All of the quality leather and hardware won’t make up for poor craftsmanship. Look closely at the seams and stitching. Quality stitches will appear small, tight, and barely noticeable. 

They should also look consistent. Besides checking the craftsmanship on the exterior of the bag, don’t forget to examine the bag’s interior seams and lining. Look for first-rate material choices and quality stitching.

Select the Best Leather Tanning and Color

The two primary types of leather tanning are:

• Vegetable tanning
• Chrome tanning

Vegetable tanning represents the more eco-friendly approach but one only used in the production of about 10 percent of leather goods. The process yields a thicker, stiffer, more durable product.

You’ll also prove pleasantly surprised by the luxurious leather smell and attractive patina. But you’ll pay for the process. Leather items tanned using natural materials cost more than their chrome tanned counterparts.

Approximately 90 percent of leather products undergo chrome tanning, a process that proves less expensive than vegetable tanning. But it also results in a less desirable product. 

In terms of color, quality leather items will range in hue from tan to dark brown and black. For a polished, professional look, always go darker. Dark brown, in particular, will stay beautiful and elegant looking even after a decade or more of use. 

Here are some more tips to ensure you look polished and professional no matter where you go. 

The Best Travel Duffel Bags of 2019

Now that you have a thorough understanding of what to look for in a high-quality leather carry on bag, let’s dive into the finest pieces on the market. Each of these nine bags boasts quality craftsmanship and the finest materials. 

1. A Made in Tuscany Leather Doctor Bag

When it comes to classic pieces with charming vintage appeal, look no further than the top-notch craftsmanship of a Made in Tuscany Leather Doctor Bag.

Crafted from the finest leather with an eco-friendly vegetable tanned patina, you’ll delight in the dependability and beauty of these leather bags. From their classic linings to antique hardware, they take leather duffel bags to the next level.

And you’re sure to be pleasantly surprised by each bag’s affordability. 

2. Coach Explorer Bag

Made of buttery calf leather, this durable carry on features a variety of zip pockets for convenience, a zip closure, and an interior fabric lining. It meets TSA regulations for size and also comes with a detachable nylon strap, luggage tag, and padlock.

3. Bottega Veneta Nero Intrecciato Medium Duffel

Manufactured for durability and ease of travel, this black beauty will last for decades.

It comes with two interior pockets, a detachable canvas shoulder strap, and a lock. Few travel bags appear so stylish yet perform so durably, which is reflected in the hefty price tag. 

4. Thom Browne Pebbled-Leather Holdall

For a distinctive look that you’ll never lose sight of in the airport, check out this gorgeous bag featuring racing stripes. The three-stripe pattern proves eye-catching and will help you find your carry on in a sea of luggage duffel bags.

It boasts a handy luggage handle and retractable wheels for days when you need to fill it to capacity. 

5. Barneys New York Leather Duffel Bag

Designed by Barneys’ in-house label, this bag comes available in brown or black with goldstone, polished hardware.

It features a black twill lining and plenty of room to stow all of your belongings. It also comes with a detachable shoulder strap. 

6. Leathario Rolling Duffel Bag

This leather bag combines classic appeal with modern convenience. Its bottom compartment allows you to separate items such as toiletries or shoes from the main compartment, and its wheels and retractable handle make it a practical option.

7. Hook & Albert Black Leather Garment Weekender Bag

Few bags prove more convenient when it comes to overnight travel. It offers a garment section capable of stowing up to two suits as well as sleeves for shoes. Belongings remain secure because of the top zip enclosure and zip pockets. 

8. Samsonite Leather Checkpoint Friendly Brief

Do you travel for business? Then, this bag’s for you. This sleek, professional-looking carry on includes lots of room to keep your business items organized and safe. 

You can stow your laptop in the 15-inch padded compartment as well as use the interior pockets for a phone, pens, and business cards. 

9. Grand Voyager 2 Bag

The Grand Voyager 2 holds its shape and boasts clean lines and modern leather styling. It contains handy zippered pockets to organize pens, business cards, your phone, and important travel documents including your passport. 

The Best Travel Duffel Bag

The best travel duffel bags represent an investment. But they’ll last for decades, growing more attractive with age. Just follow the tips above to find a bag that’ll go the distance for you. 

The right travel bag will help you stay organized, stylish, and ready for whatever travel throws your way. Read on for more ways to take the stress out of your next work trip. 

Planning a trip to Vegas? There’s only one reason for that. You’re looking to have lots of fun spending lots of money.

Well, that or it’s a business trip. But we’re willing to bet that you’re willing to bet, see the sites, and raid the buffets.

And with all the price gouging and flashy marketing tactics Vegas is famous for, these all add up very quickly. You could easily spend your entire Vegas vacation budget before the trip’s half over. 

So what can you do? Use the tips below to plan better and stretch your dollar.

Most visitors lose just as much on poor vacation planning as they do on the casino games. But, unlike the slot machines, budgeting your vacation is not a gamble. With careful planning, you can save money on avoidable, unnecessary vacation expenses and do more of the fun things you want.

Follow these tips to learn how to save money on your Vegas vacation.

1. Don’t Use Your Debit Card

For all the expenses of your entire vacation, plan around not using your debit card. One of the surest bets in Vegas is that every ATM machine you find will have outrages fees. Some of these may unexpectedly show up weeks later, causing you to be overdrawn.

Before arriving at your hotel, take out the whole amount of cash you plan to spend on gambling. For all other expenses, use your best rewards-earning credit card.

If you are able, you may consider getting a new credit card that earns the most rewards from your vacation. For example, if you are flying to Vegas, find out which card earns you the most back in airfare. 

Put all non-gambling vacation expenses (hotel, gas, food, etc.) on your card of choice. This puts a significant percentage of the trip expense back into your pocket.

But BEWARE to spend just as carefully as if you were paying from your bank account. That is, you must still set a budget and spend no more than you are able to pay back at the end of the trip.

2. Ride Cheap

Transportation could easily be the most expensive part of this trip. But it doesn’t have to be. Aside from giving up, staying home, and Googling “UK online casinos,” try these money-saving tips.

The most frugal transportation for any trip is driving yourself. If you and your car are in good shape to make long trips, this will cost hundreds to thousands less than flying. If the condition of your car is iffy, you can still put the miles on a rental car for thousands less than flying.

Aside from this, shop around online for the best travel deals. Check deals from the airline directly and on third-party sites. Expedia, Orbitz, and Vegas.com are likely your best bet.

Lastly, booking flights way in advance and in the off-season will get you the best rates. Also, avoid arriving during big events and conventions. Though, you’ll likely already notice significant price hikes around such times so this probably goes without saying.

3. Stay Cheap

That last tip applies to your hotel stay, too. Off-season, mid-week stays, with no big events coinciding, are always cheapest.

It also helps to stay off the Strip. Hotels just off the Strip are ridiculously cheaper and are only a few minutes away by bus or shuttle.

Now, let’s talk about booking.

Third party vacation websites will often get you the best deals on your hotel stay, but not always. Sometimes you save more booking through the hotel directly. Always check both.

Plus, vacation websites often add their own fees and policies that end up costing you more. Most notably, they usually penalize you if you decide to cancel. Booking directly almost always lets you cancel very close to the date without any fees.

Your best option, then, is to find the best deal and ask the hotel to price-match. Hotels are more desperate for business in the off-season, so they’ll gladly oblige.

4. Eat Cheap

First, always stay at a hotel that gives a free continental breakfast. This is the best way to reduce the food budget for any vacation. Alternatively, spend five bucks on milk and cereal at a nearby grocery store and you’ve got breakfast for the whole week.

Otherwise, food courts are usually cheaper than sit-down restaurants. And tourism-based businesses like restaurants are very competitive in Vegas. So you’ll find a lot of local food deals with a quick search online. 

Third-party websites, like Groupon, can also save on your food budget. Check for good deals on food vouchers.

Buffets can often be cheaper than other Vegas restaurants, too. Plus, use the following hack to get a great deal on a dinner buffet.

Here’s how it works. The price for lunch/brunch buffets are usually at least $15 cheaper than the dinner buffet. But if you’re eating brunch when they transition to dinner, they’re not going to kick you out.  

So find out when the dinner buffet starts, show up a half-hour before, and eat slowly. Within the next half-hour, they’ll bring out the delicious dinner buffet for you to enjoy at the brunch buffet price.

5. Drink Cheap (or Free!)

Drink for free-ish with this age-old casino hack. Vegas casinos offer you free drinks as long as you’re playing. So for a cheap buzz: find the penny slots nearest to the bar, play slow, drink fast.

Here’s another universal vacation rule: never wet your whistle from the hotel room mini bar or from room service. These price-gouged drinks will cost more than your room fare.

Instead, bring your own booze from the grocery store. Or take advantage of decently-priced drinks during various Vegas happy hours.

6. Play Carefully

Rule number one of casino gaming is set a budget and stick to it. Allow yourself a certain amount for gambling.

Rule number two is remembering it’s just for fun. Assume you’ll lose it all and never see it again. Going over-budget to try and “win it back” is a sure route to gambling debt.

Better yet, don’t play your winnings; set them aside. Keep track of what you spend gambling regardless of what you win.

Once you’ve spent your whole playing budget, spend the winnings you have left over on food, drink, and whatever you want. That way, instead of spending all your winnings till there’s nothing left, you can spend it on something tangible.

7. Attend Shows and Concerts for Cheap

Even better, see them for free! There are tons of shows in Las Vegas that cost nothing at all. Perhaps the most notable example is the fiery Mirage Volcano.

But if there’s a particular (and expensive) show you really want to see, book a night at the hotel it’s showing at. Often, hotels give you discounted tickets for the shows they host if you book with them.

8. Join ALL the Reward Clubs

For starters, take advantage of any Military or Student discounts that apply to you. These are good for hotels, shows, just about everything in Vegas.

Next, join every applicable rewards club or loyalty program there is, especially with your hotel. Joining your hotel’s loyalty club usually gets you tons of free coupons right off the bat. Then, you can earn additional rewards by gambling or through other activities you already planned on doing.

Join the loyalty program of any casino you plan to game at. Additionally, get AAA rewards on top of these loyalty programs. 

9. Get Free Upgrades

It never hurts to ask, and it often helps! When checking in, ask if there are any free room upgrades available. Especially in the off-season, it’s not that uncommon that they’ll say, “Yes.”

Increase your odds by mentioning any special event you may be celebrating, such as a birthday or anniversary.

10. Get Comped

Similarly, upon checkout, ask if they’ll waive any resort or convenience fees for you. Your resort may be charging you fees up the wazoo for “conveniences” you’re not even using. Discuss these fees with the hotel and see if you can get them removed.

Get the Most from Your Trip to Vegas

Enjoy your trip to Vegas the frugal way. Use these tips to stretch your vacation budget and get the most from your trip.

Want more Thrifty Momma traveling tips? Click here to see Why Visiting China Should Be In Your Future Plans.

Are you about to go traveling with a baby?

If so, chances are you might be a bit worried about taking your little one so far from home. Especially if it’s the child’s first time, they may get a little nervous during the trip!

Plus, taking your child on a trip can get expensive. From remembering baby formula to finding a hotel, it can all be a bit much!

But never fear. Traveling with your baby can be worrisome, but it’s doable if you’re careful.

And lucky for you, this article will tell you everything you need to know about traveling with a baby.

Read on to learn more!

1. Take Your Baby Carrier

If you don’t have a baby carrier, now is the time to get one. With a baby carrier, you’ll be able to keep your hands free while still taking care of your baby. You could even stroll the beach while your child naps!

Plus, baby carriers will help your little one stay relaxed. Because they are secure and close to you, they will know that they are near you at all times.

There are many different types of baby carriers, so make sure to do your research before buying. You may even want to test different materials to see which your baby prefers.

Also, make sure that your baby carrier will fit your child with ease. If it’s too rigid, you might have trouble using it.

How does this help your budgeting? With a baby carrier, you won’t have to deal with paying to transport a stroller or renting one when you arrive.

2. Bring Enough Baby Formula

It can be tempting to save packing space by cutting out some of the baby formula you need for the trip. But doing this may cost you a lot of money.

If your baby has a formula it prefers, then don’t try to find a new one when you arrive at your destination. You might find yourself buying lots of different formulas hoping that it likes the one you get.

Of course, your baby might like a popular brand you can find with ease. But to be safe, it might be better to pack all the formula you need.

3. Wait to Buy Diapers

If you read the last tip, you might be a bit confused about why waiting to buy diapers until you arrive is a good idea.

The reason is that you can buy more diapers when you arrive at your destination. You might be able to pack some diapers, but it will be easier to buy them in bulk if you wait until you arrive. This means fewer trips to the store for diapers for you.

Looking for More Tips For Traveling with a Baby?

Now that you have some helpful tips about traveling with a baby, you should be ready for that next road trip or a long flight. You might even see other parents start asking you for tips!

Did you enjoy reading this article? Looking for more like it? Check out more on the family life section of our site for more helpful tips.