Last-Minute Travel Gifts for Mom

I know, I know, Mother's Day is next weekend. This has been a hard year for me, because I actually lost my mom in November, so getting the motivation to post a whole list like I usually do has been rough. I still have moms in my life though, and they deserve the world. So, if you're in the same boat, I'm sorry, because it's not easy, especially this time of year. 

My mom and I loved to travel, and I'm so glad we got to travel together as much as we did after I got married and my dad died, because we had fun and I think it's important to enjoy your parents while they're with you. 

Some of my favorite travel items right now that your mom might love for her special day, that you can still get before next Sunday, are all less than $40, and most under $20:

Good Molecules Yerba Mate Eye Cream

I adore this stuff. It helps depuff and make you feel more awake. I use it both in the morning and in the evening, especially when I travel. It's affordable and feels good, plus it comes in a very travel-friendly size. You have coffee in the morning, so why not treat your eyes to some caffeine as well? Under $6! I'm also a big fan of their hyalauronic acid for extra moisturizing and their niacinimide serum for plumping up your skin and hiding those fine lines. You could treat your mom to a whole skin system that won't break your budget, or heres when she goes to replace them.

Portable Neck Fan

Summer temps are coming and also hot flashes are no joke. Sometimes, you just need a fan to keep cool (or to waft smells away from you in enclosed spaces, because nobody wants to sit next to someone who bathed in perfume or cologne, Brad!). This little powerhouse fan is rechargable and can be used in several different ways. I love that you can clip it to your waist and have it blow air into your shirt. It comes in a bunch of fun colors and is less than $15!

Tiny, but Mighty Power Bank

I just bought one of these for myself, because I am headed to both Universal Fan Fest Nights and the Travel Goods Show where I don't want to waste bag space with my usual larger power bank and extra cords. This one has an attached cord and while it has half the battery as my larger one, it's great for a day out, even when taking a ton of pictures and putting together reels for Instagram. It's also almost 30% off right now. It comes is colors other than black, can fit in a pocket, and keeps your mom connected.

Travel Jewelry Case

Your mom is probably a stylish lady who likes to look good on vacation, so get her a portable jewelry box to take some of her favorite pieces with her, so she can upgrade her look for nights out. I love this one, because it's rigid and still has lots of room for whatever she wants to take, but still small enough to hide in her carry-on. Plus, if you were thinking of getting her a new piece of jewelry, this is the perfect way to gift it to her. These also come in a bunch of different colors, in case your mom isn't a pink girlie, and most of them are under $10, but look like they cost more.

The Littlest Travel Adapter

Anker makes amazing products, and if your mom likes to cruise or travel internationally, she absolutely needs a travel adapter, but not one of those big bulky ones that take up a bunch of room in her carry-on. This small wall adapter works in 200 countries and is super easy to use. Plus, it's only about $26. A steal, if you ask me. It has a 2-prong outlet, 2 USB-C outlets, and 2 USB outlets. Perfect for charging everything she takes with her. Of course, if she needs a 3-prong outlet, because she brings things like her laptop, this one works in 150 countries, runs a bit less, has a USB outlet and 2 USB-C outlets. (Also, if your mom is a cruiser and needs a little help with her planning, you can download and print or email her my cruise planning guide.

Water Socks

In the last few years, my mom had issue with slippery surfaces, including the shower. She was taking baths in order to not fall down, so I bought her some of these water socks and she said they were the best thing she had, because they were so grippy and she wasn't worried about falling in the bathroom anymore. If your mom also has this problem or spends a lot of time at the beach, pool, or gym, these are a must for gripping surfaces and protecting the bottom of her feet from sharp rocks/shells and burning sand/cement. All styles are less than $15, so you can get her more than one pair, so when one pair is in the wash, she has another pair.

Cube, Wide-Mouth MakeUp Bag

We love a cute and convenient toiletry kit. I have quite a few and most of them are hanging ones, but the best feeling is when you can plot your bag down on the bathroom counter, unzip it, and see everything at once. I know a lot of hotels don't have much counterspace, but this bag doesn't take up much, and can easily be zipped up when you're finished for the morning and stashed underneath the sink, in a drawer, or back in your suitcase. Right now, all colors are just $20 and some change.

Portable, Adjustable Lighted MakeUp Mirror

I love my makeup mirror. It's great on trips when someone is in the bathroom, but you still need to get ready, or the lighting is trash (like, WHY is this such a universal problem?) and you want to actually see your face. This great mirror is a great size, but still folds down flat, and even has a magnifying mirror, because us ladies with old-people eyes need to see what we're doing without glasses in the way. It lights up with 3 different color settings, so we can make sure when we go outside, we don't look like a clown. It's also rechargable. No batteries, no cords. This is the most expensive item on this list, at $36. That's not even on sale! Comes in pink and purple.

I hope you and your mom (or the moms in your life) have the best Mother's Day. Moms are amazing and work so hard, they deserve some time away to relax and enjoy someone waiting on them for a change.

What are some of your favorite travel gifts you've gotten or given?

Disclaimer: Support Shereen Travels Cheap by using the links in my posts to shop. I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so I can continue to create helpful free content. I earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you. I appreciate your support!

How to Get the Most Out Of Your Hotel Room

I'm headed to the Travel Goods Show again this year. Usually, I stay at one of our timeshare locations in Las Vegas, but they have moved it to Salt Lake City this year. I could still stay at a timeshare location, but it would be 30 miles away and I would have to rent a car, so instead, I used points to stay next to the convention center, saving me money for not having to get a rental car or pay for gas or parking. I'll have to pay for an Uber to/from the airport, but that's still much cheaper.

So, now I'm staying in a hotel, which is a bit less convenient than staying in a vacation rental, because I won't have a kitchen or a separate bedroom. That's okay though. Most of us need to stay in hotels. They're everywhere you want to go, and usually cheaper than a vacation rental, especially if there is only one or two of you.

There are some ways to make the most out of a hotel room and the room rate:

Use the Extras

When you stay at a hotel, you're paying for everything that's available, from the gym to the parking. If you are looking for a deal, either look for a more budget hotel, or pick one that has extras that you'll use and will save you money. My favorites are free breakfast, complimentary WiFi, laundry facilities, and free coffee in the lobby. 

Not only is my hotel in Salt Lake right across the street from the convention center, but it has free buffet breakfast, 24/7 coffee in the lobby, and close to a ton of restaurants. One example: If you like using a gym, having one in your building can save you time and money, so weigh the amount you're paying against the value you're actually getting. 

Staying Closer to the City Center

A lot of vacation rentals aren't close to many things. You either have to take public transportation or rent a car to geet everywhere you want to go. On the other hand, you can find a hotel in your price range in whatever part of town you want to stay in or you'll be doing most of your sightseeing in.

Enjoy More Security

As a solo traveler, I am a fan of feeling safe wherever I plan to stay. I never know what I'm going to get with a vacation rental (though most of our timeshare locations are either gated or need a room key to go anywhere in the elevator). Most hotels have cameras in the halls and the elevators and the lobby, plus the front desk clerk, generally, remembers you and keeps an eye out. You can even ask them to contact you and/or someone else if you don't come back at a designated time. 

While rare, room break-ins happen, and if this is something you worry about, there are precautions you can take.

• Ask for a room above the ground floor, where the majority of break-ins happen.
• Use the dead bolt.
• Make sure you don't have an adjoining room, therefore, eliminating a second point of entry.
• Bring your own security alarm. The Birdie door alarm is a great one, the doorstop alarm is very popular, the deadbolt lock doesn't require a battery, and this baricade security bar can work in several different ways.

Choose a Room with More Amenities

The more things your room has, the more value you're getting, especially if you use it. A mini-fridge saves you money, because you can go to the grocery store and pick up drinks and snacks (it's mostly a cooler, not something to keep things cold enough to keep them from spoiling, like milk). I like that I can also bring back leftovers and save money that way. It helps if your room also has microwave to reheat those leftovers, but if not, it's great for sandwiches and cold items.

You know I love coffee, and that means I will drink it at any time. Generally, I have a cup in the morning and then a cup around 8:30pm to wind down with a snack. Most places you can't actually get an okay coffee in the evening, but if you can make your own, that saves you money and lets you chill out in your room longer. 

I also like to have separate seating areas, so a desk or an armchair are great to have. Complimentary toiletries can save you from packing shampoo, conditioner, and soap/body wash. I'm a big fan of the freebie makeup remover wipes, but I'll except the special makeup towel. 

Ask for a Corner Room 

You may not be able to spring for a suite
over a standard room, but if you can swing a corner room, they have more square footage and usually more windows, so they feel even bigger and brighter. I have been lucky to get a corner room without asking specificially if one is available. Some even have a balcony that other rooms don't have the luxury of, extending your room just a bit more.

How do you get the most value out of your hotel rooms?

Disclaimer: Support Shereen Travels Cheap by using the links in my posts to shop. I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so I can continue to create helpful free content. I earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you. I appreciate your support!

Packing The Perfect Summer Travel Bag

Lst post we talked about ways to travel more eco-consciously for Earth Month (but also all year long), and one of the easiest ways to change your travel to help the Earth, your back, and your wallet is to pack light. Summer is the best time to start packing light, because warm weather clothes are smaller and easier to pack, giving you a great foundation for when you pack for other seasons.

If, like me, you're going on a summer trip (or trips) and are looking to pack a perfect bag and not spend all your money on baggage fees, then I'm here for you. It's all about the capsule wardrobe. Most travel sites will suggest the 5-4-3-2-1 strategy, and I also love the 3-3-3 strategy, but I'm going with 3-3-1-2, unless you're going on a long trip. 

What the heck am I talking about? Quick catch-up: 

The 5-4-3-2-1 packing method is 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 dresses/shoes, 2 bags/swimsuits, and 1 bag/sunglasses. I will agree with 5 tops for most trips, but the rest is just too much. The 3-3-3 method is 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes. It's pretty minimal, and I like that, but it also limits you pretty hard, especially when you are going to hot destination and will need to rewear things. No one wants to do laundry every other day.

No, we go with the 3-3-1-2 packing method, which allows you to bring everything you need, but also can fit in a small carry-on, and gives you a good variety. Let's look at what those numbers mean: 

• 3 tops, which actually ends up being 4, because you're going to wear one on the plane or in the car, if you're road-tripping
• 3 bottoms, 2 of which you pack and 1 of which you wear on the way there (this is usually how I bring a pair of pants or a long skirt with me)
• 1 dress that can be worn for sightseeing, but can also be dressed up for a nice dinner or a show
• 2 pairs of shoes that go with everything. I always choose a pair of sandals that I can walk in all day and wear to the pool/beach and then a pair of nicer shoes that you can also walk in all day, like some cute ballet flats

You're going to need some wildcard pieces. In addition to your normal all-day clothing, you want to include a wrap (this one is insect-repellant, can be used as a beach towel, a sarong, and even a wrap shirt in a pinch), sunglasses, a swimsuit, a lightweight, packable rain jacket, and comfy pajamas that are good for lounging, too. 

When you pick a color palette to pack, everything should go with everything else. I chose a pink base here as a way to show how you can go with a brighter color and still maximize your small wardrobe. Not everything has to be boring neutrals. Choose your own fave color and work around that. 

First up, I chose these berry-colored water shorts from Columbia. You can wear them to the pool and you can wear them shopping and sightseeing, so they are a great multi-use item. Depending on what you're doing, here are some ways to wear them:

• With a cute white (or black) linen tank and matching sandals. I'm a fan of Clarks shoes. They are always classic and they are comfortable to wear all day long, no matter what you're doing. I love the fun lace details on these.
• Cover up a bit in the A/C by throwing this button-up from Columbia on over the top.
• Pair a complimentary pink tee from Columbia with these berry shorts. You will be cool, since the whole outfit is moisture-wicking.
• Add that button-up back for a different layered look.
• Wear the button-up alone for a easy casual look.

Next up, a longer neutral short from Prana in "mud" color: 

• With a cute white (or black) linen tank and matching sandals or some nude/cream ballet flats. I wore these Cleo Skechers all over Las Vegas and they were both cute and super comfy.
• Hide your shoulders with the button-up from Columbia on over the tank.
• Give a Neapolitan vibe pink tee from Columbia. Brown and pink always reminds me of ice cream.
• Add that button-up back for a different layered look.
• Wear the button-up alone for a easy casual look.

If you're going to be inside where it's cooler or the temps drop a bit at night, we're going with these lightweight Prana joggers in gray that I would have worn on the plane with a cropped tee or another comfortable top to sit in for hours in fluctuating temps:

• With a cute white (or black) linen tank and matching sandals or some nude/cream ballet flats. 
• Add a little flair with this button-up over your tank.
• Get a little sporty by wearing with the pink tee.
• Throw on your button-up over it for a casual patio dinner.
• Wear the button-up alone with your flats for just a wander through a museum. 

Lastly, let's check out this sporty travel-friendly dress from Prana. I have several dresses from them and they are so comfortable and flattering, plus they all have pockets! 

• Wear it alone with sandals while out and about. 
• Add your wrap and ballet flats for going out somewhere a bit dressy.
• Layer your pink tee over the top of it to give it a skirt feel.
• Toss on the button-up for a little extra sun protection or to cover up the open back if you're inside somewhere that needs a bit of modesty.

So, there you go. You can make almost 20 outfits with just 8 pieces and you have shoes that go with everything you've brought. Save even more space by wearing your flats on the plane, though if you don't have PreCheck, then you might not want to take them off and go barefoot through security. Of course, you can always pack a pair of slipper socks for that. I like to wear those while lounging around my room, too. 

Now you can spend your vacation budget on awesome foods and activities. Don't forget your sunscreen! See how I put together my own mix-and-match wardrobe on my Instagram.

Where are your summer travels taking you?

Disclaimer: Support Shereen Travels Cheap by using the links in my posts to shop. I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so I can continue to create helpful free content. I earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you. I appreciate your support!