Ideas for a budget friendly family outing

The weekends are time the whole family can spend together, but everything is so expensive and there just doesn't seem to be any money left over after the necessities are paid. And, yet with nothing to do on the weekend, life can get pretty frazzled in a household.

Of course there are always movies. But, just to bring the family, plan on it costing at least $10 per person.

Finding less expensive outings may take more effort, expending more creativity and planning, but in the end, those efforts will most likely pay off by providing true quality outings with less money out of your pocket.

Here are some inexpensive suggestions that the family might enjoy.

· The library has something for everyone in the family. They even carry movies and cd(s). 

· While you are at the library, look up fun craft projects for the children. 

· Rent a couple movies and make some popcorn and have a movie night with the family. 

· There's always plenty to do at the park. Pack a lunch for everyone, bring a frisbee or ball, and go have some fun. 

· Check out your local community theatre. There's usually something interesting playing there. And it would be a different experience the whole family would enjoy. 

· See if there are any local carnivals or circuses in town. Just make sure you get funnel cakes at the carnival! Yummy! 

· Most towns have museums which are usually either free or just a few dollars. It's educational and fun. 

· Find any local nature trails around town and take a little hike. It's a good workout and the kids seem to love being in the woods. 

· See if there are any local frisbee-golf ranges. They are usually found in community parks or woods and are mostly free. It's a game the whole family will have fun playing, and going through the course can be a bit of adventure, too! This is a great game for kids to play. 

· Find a local pool or beach. Kids can always find ways to have fun in the water. 

· There are plenty of different things the family can find to do when camping. Anywhere from hikes, s'mores, telling ghost stories, fishing and swimming. There are usually some state parks that only charge around 10 dollars for a spot overnight, and the whole family will have a blast. Usually camping grounds have pre-planned kids' activities that you should check into. 

· Mini-golfing is always fun, and you don't even need to go to a real range. If you want, you can have fun making your own obstacles in the backyard or at the park. You might even have more fun making the course than you will playing the real game. 

· Nothing gets children more excited than when you mention the zoo! Lions, tigers and bears, oh my! 

· A local bowling alley offers plenty of fun. It's a very stress-free game everyone can play while socializing and having fun.

There's always something to do on the weekends where the whole family can have fun! Just make sure you plan it a few days in advance and let everyone know that's what they're doing for the day, make your lunches and grab the sunscreen or any other supplies you need, and go have a fun day!a

article source: Chris Lowrey

Travelers tips for Hawaii on a budget

Hawaii is an island paradise that everyone should experience at least once. Unfortunately, because of the small size of the islands and the booming tourism, it can certainly be one of the pricier vacation destinations.

If your vacation budget is a little tight, don't worry. You can still afford an incredible Hawaiian adventure without breaking the bank. Here are seven tips for visiting Hawaii on a budget.

1. When to Go. The first part of your money-saving Hawaiian vacation plan to tackle is the time of the year. There are definitely peak seasons to Hawaiian travel. If you choose to travel during off-peak time, you'll avoid the crowds and can also save on airfare and other travel related expenses. Mid-April to mid-June and mid-September to mid-November are the best seasons pricewise.

Ironically, travel dips during these times even though the weather is best on the islands. This is because most people travel to Hawaii when the weather in their hometown is bad. Winter is a popular season for Hawaii travel, so if you go just winter in the fall or just after in the spring you'll get a better deal.

2. Where to Go. You'll also need to make a choice of the island you want to visit. Although many people make their way for Oahu or Maui, you should know that these islands generally come with the largest price tags. The Big Island of Hawaii is somewhat more commercialized than the others, but the prices are often lower. Plus, the Big Island offers all of the highlights you want to see on your Hawaiian vacation including the rain forests, deserts, volcanoes and lots of beaches.

3. Find a Discount Flight. Your Hawaiian vacation's price tag will be largely composed of your airfare. Once you've decided on a time of year when you'll go, start keeping tabs on airfare immediately. You should sign up with one or more online airline ticket sellers to be notified when there is a good price for your tickets. The earlier you book the tickets, the better.

4. Shop Hawaii Package Deals. Try to find a package deal that includes your airfare, car rental (if you need it) and your hotel. And be on the lookout for coupon codes that will take a dollar amount off your total package price, which are sometimes offered by Travelocity and other travel websites . Often these packages give you amazing savings, especially during the off-peak season. Business owners are trying to make up for the slow down in tourism during these parts of the year so they are more inclined to offer you a deal to keep their establishments booked.

5. Think outside the hotel. There may be other options that can save you from breaking your budget on a high-priced hotel. Many people have vacation homes in Hawaii that they rent out during the time when they aren't using it. See if you can find vacation rentals by owner on Craigslist or other similar websites. If you're flexible on where you stay, you may be able to find homes for rent for as little as $50 a night.

6. Save on attractions by purchasing a discount pass or coupon book before you go. A Go Maui card, for example, is a discount attractions pass that you can purchase beforehand and that gives you general admission to a variety of Maui attractions: from ocean adventures and tours to culture and history to beach and water fun. Or consider purchasing a Hawaii Entertainment Book. Depending on the time of year, you can get these for as little as $10. At the time of this writing, the Hawaii book offers coupons for all the islands, including restaurant coupons and hotel and travel discounts , including attractions.

7. Set up a google alert with the keywords "Hawaii Discount" and "Hawaii Coupons" If you've never done this before, it's a cinch. Just go to Google.com/alerts and enter your search terms and email address. Google will send you an email update of the latest Google results based on your keywords at the frequency that you specify. This is a really handy way to make sure you stay up-to-date on the latest travel offers, some of which expire very quickly.

With a little planning and preparation you can make your Hawaiian vacation enjoyable no matter what your budget. And if you focus on saving money on your accommodations and your airfare, you'll have plenty left over to see lots of Hawaii attractions.

article source: Jamie Jefferson

Travelers tips for a budget friendly road trip

Budget travel has become a necessity for most people with the cost of gasoline and other consumer products on the rise. But when we start considering when, where, how and what type of vacation to undertake, we sometimes get caught up in the anticipation and excitement of the upcoming trip and let the more important financial side of things slip a little. After all, for most of us, taking a vacation may only happen once a year and for some, even more infrequently, so we tend to indulge and forget about our pocket book a little.

There are many ways to save money, avoid unnecessary cost and ensure you take care of the small things to end up a smart and perceptive traveler. Travel planning is easier than you might think and here are eight great budget travel tips for making your travel dollar go further!

1. Cushion your budget - When considering a trip or planning budget travel, it is important to plan for the unexpected and consider the financial side of things early on. This ensures affordability, liquidity and having the resources to enjoy it to the fullest! Plan for the worst-case financial scenario and prepare for things to cost a little more than you expected. Allow up to 20% increase in cost to be on the safe side of things.

2. Emergency money: Carrying some spare cash somewhere can also be a lifesaver. The rule of thumb seems to be around $50-$100 in small bills. This can be used for incidentals, ground-transportation like cab fare and/or your return home, tips and more.

3. Set your priorities: Set some budget travel spending priorities and criteria in advance, like eating at a special restaurant or attending a concert, even if this means sacrificing a bit on lodgings or visa versa, depending on what is more important to you.

4. Keep an eye on your credit cards: It is extremely easy these days to have access to your financial resources through ATM's and credit cards. Just remember that it is just as easy to overspend because of it being so readily available. A little discipline will go a long way to protect your financial interest and help you stick to your travel budget.

5. Maximize gas mileage and efficiency: If you're planning a road trip, make sure that your car has been serviced at least a week before your trip. A well-maintained vehicle will go a long way to ensure carefree driving. If your budget allows, you may consider renting a vehicle to save wear and tear on your own. Small economy cars are better on gas and are much more comfortable than they used to be. Minivans and sport utility vehicles are practical only if you have to transport a large family with a lot of equipment or luggage .

6. Gas fill-ups: For filling up your car en route, avoid pushing to the limit until the gas runs out. Gas will obviously be more expensive when filling up in remote locations. If you miscalculated and the light on the dashboard indicates that you are really in need, opt for filling just half a tank until you reach the next more densely or major populated destination, where gas might be a little cheaper.

7. Pack-a-snack: Bring your own refreshments and snacks. Gas station prices on drinks and snack food are high. Avoid these during a pit stop, if you are counting your budget travel dollars. A cooler packed with lots of cool drinks, water and ice and/or a thermos of coffee or hot water for tea, some fruit, granola bars, or a sandwich, goes a long way to still the hunger and save you money by avoiding all high priced stops en route.

8. Travel necessities: It is advisable to travel with basic necessities, like a cell phone and a first aid kit, since both can prove to be essential in emergencies. Most people have cell phones at their disposal, but in the event that you are not one of them, a prepaid cell phone may be the answer for your trip. The peace of mind it offers is worth the small investment. Cell phones can also save on hefty surcharges and higher long distance rates that hotels and resorts often charge.


article source: Kelley Falgout

Travelers Affordable World Travel Destinations

So you want to travel the world but you have a tight budget? Are you tired of reading about everyone else's exotic adventures and ready to have some of your own? Have you always wanted to take an international vacation but thought you couldn't afford it? There are numerous travel destinations across the world that are both exciting and affordable. Five of them are described here to give you ideas and get you started planning your own getaway.

There are two ways to approach affordable vacations to distant destinations. Either you will save money getting there or the savings will occur once you arrive at your selected spot. If you want the trip there to be affordable, many travel consolidators recommend choosing well-known destinations that are served by numerous airlines and receive millions of travelers each year. The competition for customers usually drives costs down for everything from lodging to tour packages. Airfares between major hubs tend to be more affordable and there are often plenty of discounts and last minute travel deals.

London

In Europe, London is a top pick for affordable vacation destinations, for these exact reasons. Not only do you have more flights to choose from, they are cheaper than if you flew to a more remote location. On average, staying in London may be a bit more expensive than other European destinations, but the seemingly endless choices in hotels, restaurants, transportation, tours, and other travel essentials gives travels opportunities to mold their vacation to fit their budgets. And you can use London as your home base to set out on day trips to other more exotic locations or buy a Eurorail pass and see those more remote countries without the expense of flying there.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

This theory also works well for traveling in the Caribbean. Belize is an appealing destination, with wonderful Caribbean beaches and a lush tropic setting, but since it has only recently emerged as a popular travel destination, it is more expensive than Cancun, Jamaica or other well-traveled locations along the Mayan Riviera. With fewer flights, getting there is more expensive, and there are few moderate lodging options. Development of larger luxury resorts have begun to boom, but the only real alternative for those on a budget is staying in local facilities that may be hard to locate from home and may be more rustic than most travelers are willing to try.

Although there are many options for affordable vacations in the Caribbean, an excellent pick is Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Accessible via flights to Cancun, which are often some of the cheapest in the region, Playa is just a half hour away. It is filled with a multitude of lodging choices, from expansive luxury resorts on the ocean to quaint but clean hotels downtown. From Playa, travelers can branch out and visit Tulum and other locations on the Mayan Riviera or take the ferry across to the island of Cozumel where snorkeling is prime and the attractions are many.

For Asian destinations, travelers often do better to focus on saving money once they get to their destination. Depending on your country of origin, getting to just about any spot in Asia is going to be a sizable chunk of your travel budget. The difference will come from the cost of lodging, food, entertainment and other travel expenditures once you arrive. By choosing destinations where you get the most for your money, you can save a great deal on your international vacation. A drink or dinner in Tokyo will costs you many times more than what it would in Saigon. The key here is to go where you dollars buy you more and where the local cost of living is low.

Tioman Island

An affordable yet exotic choice for Asia is Malaysia and specifically Tioman Island, knows as the mythical 'Bali Hai' from the film 'South Pacific.' Tioman Island is located at the southern end of the east coast of Malaysia on the South China Sea. It's sandy beaches, bordered by lush jungles and stunning mountains make it a relaxing yet intriguing destination, ideal for sun lovers, snorkelers and divers. The island also has many villages for exploring and shopping. English is widely spoken and the rates are amazingly affordable, with a two night lodging package for a suite at a lovely oceanside resort averaging around 100 U.S. dollars. Typically visitors reach the island via the speed ferry from the mainland. Although the trip can take over two hours, it is enjoyable and provides opportunities for dolphin watching along the way.

Buenos Aires

South American also has many destinations that are affordable because of the savings once you arrive. Locales like Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, the areas top destination, are coming down in price but are still more expensive than cities such as Buenos Aires in Argentina, where the rates are lower and the U.S. dollar goes further.

A huge metropolis that is more European than South American, the city has much to offer including cultural events, thriving nightlife, shopping, local sports, and a host of tours and excursions. La Boca, with its street performers, shops, and unique architecture is a big tourist draw. The large number of choices for lodging, restaurants, and activities provides opportunities for budget travel and savings. Airfare to the city is relatively reasonable for an international destination, with discount fares from the U.S. averaging around $500 round trip. Buenos Aires might not be one of the most exotic or inspiring destinations in South America, but it is a city that everyone should see at least once, and with some of the most affordable rates and fares around, it makes the list as a top South American destination.

Las Vegas

The list would not be complete without a North American destination, and the champ of all affordable locales is Las Vegas. It too is a city that should be seen at least once, and many world travelers return again and again for the gaming, art, shows and people watching that just can't be found anywhere else. Close enough to other top U.S. attractions like the Grand Canyon, Vegas provides other options for those who have had their fill of casinos.

The city has long been known for its cheap vacation packages with hotels and resorts that offer discount rates for rooms, meals and entertainment in hopes of attracting people to their gaming tables. Airfare rates into Vegas are some of the most reasonable in the United States, no matter the origination destination. And with more than 100,000 hotel rooms to choose from, there is sure to be a lodging choice that fits your budget.

The world provides hundreds of affordable travel destinations. With all the options available, there is no excuse to put off that life-long desire to travel to exotic places at the far ends of the earth. Destinations can be researched on the Internet or your travel consolidator can make recommendations and help with locating discount flights and hotel deals that fit your budget. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore the world.

Article Source: C.J Gustafson

Budget Traveler Advice- 1. Cheap Airlines

Finding cheap air travel can mean the difference between spending too much on a trip, and going on a trip for much less than you ever imagined. It is important for you to be able to save as much money as you can when you travel. In today's economy, it is vital for you to save money any way that you can. Many people might think that this means they need to stop traveling in order to save money. And, this is definitely something that will work. However, there are ways for you to still travel and spend less money than you are spending now - so it is important for you to focus on the ways that you can, indeed, save money.

The first thing to focus on when you are looking for cheap air travel is to know exactly what you are looking for. Many people go into finding tickets without really thinking about what they need or what they want, so when the time comes, they simply book the first flight that they find, and don't stop to do any research. While this can mean that you have your flight booked faster, and your trip arranged sooner, it can also mean that you are dealing with a lot of hassle and needing to pay more than you ever thought that you would. If you truly want to be able to find affordable flights - or even cheaper flights, you need to take your time and do your research, and the first step is laying out exactly what you want.

Once you know what it is that you are going to be searching for, you can begin to do your research to find cheap air travel. Remember, this is what is going to take awhile, and it might be a good idea to start looking months before you have to travel. Take your time, and find as many different scenarios as you can. It might seem like too much work, but if you are able to do research, you can save up to 70% on the price of airline tickets. In fact, you can save that much on your whole trip, if you are able to do the research.

One of the keys things is to be flexible with your travel dates. Can you depart on a Tuesday instead of a Sunday? Can you return on a Thursday instead of a Friday? Check the surrounding dates because sometimes prices on "non preferred" days of the week can mean a savings of as much as 40% or even more for the same route.

In the end, finding cheap air travel is going to be worth it. With every penny that you save on travel, you can buy something else - or save that money for when you really need it. You shouldn't let being short of cash prevent you from traveling.

Today's economy is tough - so don't make it any tougher on you than it has to be. Do your research, take your time, and find cheap air travel that makes traveling worth it for you!

Article Source: Jon Arnold

Traveler Tip: I always search for the best ticket prices before I fly. These sites have greatly helped me find super cheap flights all over the U.S. They're simple and they offer up to date ticketing and compare searches so you can be sure your getting the best deal.

WWW.KAYAK.COM

WWW.MOBISSIMO.COM

Great gear advice

Planning a trip? Consider these travel gear basics tips to help you pack wisely and experience a safer, healthier and more comfortable trip.

Luggage

A good set of luggage should be easy to carry and pull behind you. Ideally, it should have handles at the top and bottom and the side which opens up. Also, luggage should be easy to identify as your own, so consider colorful luggage or at least placing some easily recognizable yet not easily torn off ribbon, sticker, belt or tag on it. When choosing luggage, consider expandable options. Some duffle bags and rolling suitcases have different sections that can be expanded by several inches by simply unzipping a zipper, which makes it very handy when you are going home. You don't need to leave any good stuff behind or pay a fortune in shipping costs to have items shipped home. Depending on your destination and amount of vacation time, you may also want to bring along a backpack, duffle bag, overnight case or bag or additional smaller suitcases.

Health

Basic travel health gear should include a basic first aid kit that is compact, a water purification bottle and your prescription medications in clearly marked bottles. Also, bring along any common over the counter remedies you may need such as antacids, pain relievers, diarrhea medication, jet lag medication, sleep aids etc.

Comfort

For some people, helpful comfort gear may include a travel pillow for the airplane, a bed insert that you can slip into and not be exposed to hotel bed sheets, your own pillowcases, shoe inserts for those long walks, eyeshades for better sleeping and earplugs for noisy airports or hotels.

Safety

For safety from thieves, consider a money belt or concealed wallet that hides under your clothing. Don't forget the sun protection, including sunglasses and sunscreen. Also, consider an all-in-one safety tool that includes a compass, mirror, alarm, flasher, flashlight and radio.

Camera

Whether you choose to bring along a digital camera for still photos or a camcorder for digital movies, don't forget the necessary gear you'll need for them. Bring along enough media for the camera. Never rely on being able to buy that particular media while you are traveling. While you may luck out and have a store right next to your hotel that carries the right media you need, more likely you will waste hours trying to find a store that carries just the right media. Don't forget the batteries and/or charger for the camera. Depending on the country you are in, you may also need an adapter just to plug in the charger for your camera. These adapters are only a few dollars and will save you from needing to borrow one from the hotel or having to buy one while you are traveling.

Extras

If you're traveling to a rainy country, consider bringing a compact umbrella. There are many countries and situations where binoculars will come in handy, so consider a set of compact binoculars for your trip.

Books and Maps

You'll find your visit enhanced by buying a good, recent guidebook and map for your area and carry them with you at all times.

Article Source: Lydia Quinn

Great tips

In the contemporary world, life has become very hectic and tiresome; and everybody is in need of some sort of vacation that will take him or her out of the daily chores of life. These vacations should be properly planned and accordingly implemented, however, to make sure that they are going to be worthwhile. To start, you can search for the best deal travel packages.
Travel or vacation packages are offered by numerous online travel companies, which is definitely convenient since you do not need to go anywhere else just to book yourself to a vacation. This will also speed up the process of looking for the best one, a travel package that gives you everything you need all throughout the trip.



Here are some tips that you can use:

1. Choose a trustworthy and dependable online travel agency. This should form the important point in your check list. You should look for a travel agency that is reliable and, at the same time, offers you an all inclusive travel packages to your place of liking. A certified travel website would not only offer you the best deal travel packages but would also not compromise on the quality of the services provided to you. Make sure that the hotels, cruises, flights, cars rentals, and other services provided to you do not fall into the poor category. If possible, check out the reputation of the travel agency with other travelers.

2. Ensure that you can properly select the inclusions in your travel package. The travel website should contain options for extensive searches to numerous travel-related issues like pricing, destination, and schedule, to name a few. This is important as you would definitely like to make the most out of your meager budget.

3. It should have an excellent customer support. There can be potential problems and issues that you want to be addressed immediately, or perhaps you have some inquiries. Most of all, you may need the help of the travel agency even when you are already in your destination. Thus, ensure that it has a 24-hour support, complete with a hotline that you can call anytime and anywhere you are.

4. Determine the inclusions in your travel packages. The best deal travel packages are those that offer more than just an accommodation and an air fare. If you can just be persistent enough, you will discover that there are actually some of them that may also give you a tour around the different attractions in your point of destination or perhaps free dinner or breakfast.

5. Always listen to an advice. Before you even decide to select a travel package, you may want to conduct a background check first. You can read forums, groups, and message boards. You can check out blogs and perhaps articles about the travel agency. If they say that the travel package you are thinking about is not that affordable, then most likely it is not; thus, you are still not getting the best deal travel packages.

Article Source: Jenny Janice

HOWDY

Hello fellow travelers. Welcome to the my travelers gear blog. I'm an avid traveler and enjoy every bit of the journey down to the last piece of luggage. Here I hope to bring you up to date with the latest and greatest gear, advice and travel tips.

Peace to all and happy travels.