Goodbye 2025

You may have noticed I've not really been around the last couple months. I apologize, but the end of this year has not been great. I'm still trying to get back into a normal routine, but early last month, my mom unexpectedly died, so I had to make a very short, exhausting trip back to Burbank to deal with her cremation details, make sure my uncle was okay and got home from the hospital alright, and try not to have a nervous breakdown. 

I spent a lot of time at the hospital, time sorting through my mom's belongings that she took with her, and gave myself a half day off to go to Universal, because if I was going to be sad, I might as well do it on a roller coaster. My mom and I had talked about going to Universal on our previous trip in October, but we never got to go, so I hope she was with me in spirit. 

Once home, I spent much of my free time clearing out her house and also planning for Yule Ball with my nonprofit. 3 of the 5 of us had disastrous year ends. One's grandma got pneumonia and passed away and the other bought a house and got laid off the next day. I'm pretty sure this year has not been great for many of you, so I'm sorry if that's the case. If not, I'm happy for you. Either way, I hope your holidays were relaxing and this new year is a restart and refresh you need.

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So, while there were some really good times in 2025, I will not be sad to see it go. I'm going to hang on to those good memories and try to wrap up what I need to as quickly as possible, so I can go fresh into 2026 by the end of January. that means you may not see regularly scheduled posts from me again until February, but I'll do my best now that they holidays are over and I have more time to dedicate to things I need to do outside of travel blogging. Thanks for understanding.

I'll be back with my look ahead of what 2026 might look like. One of those things will be to find a trusted petsitter for when we travel, but we also might be traveling more with our dog when she is able to go. Remember, you can always follow things I'm doing on Instagram, because it takes a lot less effort for me to post a reel or story while I'm out and about. 

Have a great end of year celebration, if you're into that sort of thing, and let me know in the comments what you loved most (or least) about 2025 and what you are looking forward to in 2026. 

Let's go to some fun places this year!

Buying An RV: What to Look For Before You Hit the Road

Recreational vehicles (RVs) are the ultimate ticket to freedom, providing both comfort and adventure. From touring national parks to waterfront camping trips, investing in an RV requires a lot of research. Not all RVs are the same and finding your ideal match requires understanding your needs, preferences, and features that matter. Let's look at some of the important things to help choosing your RV:

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Size Matters: Choose the Right RV Type

RVs come in various classes and sizes, from compact camper vans to sprawling fifth wheels. To find your ideal vehicle, first assess how much space is necessary based on whether or not you will be travelling alone, with family, or hosting other travelers. Class A motorhomes are luxurious and spacious, perfect for travelers who desire all of the amenities of home while traveling. Class B camper vans provide versatile seating arrangements ideal for couples or solo travelers, while Class C motorhomes provide adequate living space without being excessive. Towing options include travel trailers or fifth wheels, depending on your towing capacity and desired living space needs. RV parks, campsites, and boondocking spots are readily available for all kinds of RVs, making planning your trips easy.

Your Budget

An RV is an expensive financial commitment, so choosing one within your budget is very important for stress-free travels. New RVs that have all the latest features but may come at a high price point while pre-owned options might need additional maintenance costs or repairs down the line. Also keep in mind costs like insurance, fuel, maintenance and campsite fees to make an informed decision that fits with your long-term finances.

The Floor Plan Says It All

Your RV’s floor plan can make or break your camping experience. Take time to assess its layout to make sure that it fits with your lifestyle and daily tasks. Is there enough kitchen space for meal prep? Are the sleeping areas comfortable enough? Where will you store gear and groceries? Look for one with a lot of storage, living space, privacy as well as possibly slide out sections for additional space when parked.

Don't Scrimp on Comfort Features

From weekend getaways to months-long road trips, comfort should always come first. When choosing an RV, get one equipped with quality heating and cooling systems as well as insulation walls suitable for various climates. A reliable bathroom (wet bath), kitchen appliances and amenities as well as features like convertible dining tables, comfortable seating arrangements, adequate lighting can significantly enhance your travel experience.

Tech and Safety Features

RVs nowadays have an assortment of tech features designed to make life on the road more convenient, such as smart controls for lighting and temperature, connectivity features like Wi-Fi boosters, backup cameras, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms and fire extinguishers. Being proactive about safety can save you from serious hassle down the line.

Finding the right RV is less about finding gadgets than it is about meeting your practical needs and travel aspirations. When you plan, pay close attention, and you are patient, you're well on your way to find one that embodies your spirit of adventure.

Traveling Is Supposed To Be Fun, So Make It Fun!

Traveling is supposed to be fun, so if you’re not having fun, what’s the point in going? The short answer is that there isn’t one, and that’s a problem when you’re spending so much money on trips that you’re not enjoying the way that you should be.

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The good news is that we’re going to be taking a look at some of the different ways that you can make travel that little bit more fun for you! So, if you would like to find out more about this, feel free to continue reading.

Watch Out For Your Budget 

Let's kick things off by suggesting that you watch out for your budget. Planning your budget is a key part of making sure that your travel adventures are actually fun - why? - because it determines how much you can do. You need to pay for everything including your travel, accommodation, and then extra such as food, souvenirs, activities, and so much more, none of which is going to be possible if you don’t manage to save enough money for this. 

You're probably eager to get out there, but you’re not going to enjoy yourself if you can’t fund the trip properly. As such, your best bet is to wait and save until you have enough money to be able to do what you want, when you want.

Try Something New 

Second, you should consider trying something new. If you’re bored of doing the same old, same old every time, then there are plenty of options available to you. You don’t have to stick with the same things all of the time, you know?

You could think about renting an RV and hitting the open road. Just make sure that you’re looking for RV parks along the route that you can book into so that you have somewhere safe to park up and rest. Or, if you’re not interested in a road trip, you could think about taking an adventure type of holiday where you go mountain climbing, go to theme parks, or whatever you want to do that sounds enjoyable.

Enjoy Fun Activities 

Speaking of enjoyable, we’re going to be looking at activities for you to have fun with while you’re there. You need to look at if there are special events, festivals, or other things that are on during your trip so that you can book tickets to them if needed. Of course, you just need to make sure that you know what to expect, and if there’s anything that you will be required to do for this.

While it might not always be easy to time it right, if there’s a particular thing you want to do, make sure you’re traveling at the right time. Other than this, we’re sure that there is plenty for you to do no matter when you head off.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you can do to make traveling fun, because it’s supposed to be fun!

How to Take an Affordable Weekend Trip Without Overspending

A weekend getaway doesn't need to be very expensive to feel refreshing and enjoyable at the same time. If you do just a little bit of planning and make some very smart choices, you can explore a lot of new places and enjoy time away from home. 

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You'll also be able to relax in nature without going too far over your budget. It doesn't matter if you're planning to travel solo or with family or friends. There are some simple ways in which you can plan a meaningful and budget-friendly escape.

Choose a Budget-Friendly Destination

Your destination is often one of the biggest factors in how much you are going to spend. Instead of simply heading to the most high cost city and popular tourist areas, you should try to check out quiet nature spots. 

You will find these in small towns or on peaceful campgrounds. Many travelers appreciate staying at places such as an RV Park. When they do so, they will be able to enjoy a calm atmosphere and avoid the high prices of hotels. 

When you choose the right location, it is going to help you to enjoy your trip and keep your expenses very low.

Travel During Off-Peak Weekends

Traveling during off-peak weekends can make a big difference in cost. Campground fees, hotel rates and even gas prices tend to be a lot lower when the demand has fallen. 

You'll be able to enjoy a lot less crowds and easier access to activities as well as more availability. Even shifting your trip by just a week or choosing dates outside of the holiday season can help you to save a lot of money.

Pack Your Own Food to Avoid Restaurant Costs

This tends to add up very quickly, especially when you go on a weekend trip. Packing your own snacks, drinks and your own meals is one of the best ways in which you can stay within any budget that you set. 

Simple meals such as sandwiches or pre-made salads and wraps are all very affordable and easy to carry. When you bring along your own food, you also enjoy flexibility. You can eat whenever you want. It could be at a campsite, a lake or even a park. It's up to you.

Look for Free or Low-Cost Activities

The best weekend experiences won't cost you anything at all. If you do hiking trails, visit waterfront areas and local parks as well as nature parks after hours, you can enjoy all the excitement you want with no extra cost. 

There are many small towns that also have free outdoor markets and museums. You can even join in on their community events because they are usually fun to explore. 

Choosing destinations that have natural beauty will allow you to relax and you will be able to explore without worrying about money.

A Refreshing Trip That Doesn’t Break the Bank

When you create a basic budget, it's going to help you to control your spending on your trip. You don't need to do anything that is too complex. 

All you have to do is just estimate how much you're going to spend on food, lodging, gas, and any other activities that you choose to do. When you have a clear spending plan, you will enjoy your weekend a lot more.

5 Ways to Travel Cheap

Traveling on a budget doesn't mean you have to sleep in questionable hotels, eat crackers for dinner, or convince yourself that RV travel is the only way to save money. Though honestly it can be surprisingly economical and you get to see a lot. Travelling cheap is an art. It's part strategy, part sass and part refusing to pay too much for a bottle of water at the airport. If you want to have adventures without your bank account sobbing quietly in the corner, here's how to do it. 

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Be flexible

If you want to be cheap with your travel then flexibility is the holy grail you need. The more you're willing to wiggle your dates, destinations, and departure times, the more deals will magically appear. Flying on a Tuesday at 6:00 in the morning is painful, yes, but it's also going to be cheap. If spontaneity gives you hives, don't panic. Just plan ahead and keep your options open. You can still pack up the RV and plan a road trip, for example, but cheap travel loves an adaptable king or queen.

Embrace the off season

Everyone loves to travel when the weather is perfect and the insurance. Instagram lighting is flawless, but those dreamy peak season prices are brutal. Traveling in shoulder seasons like spring or autumn for most destinations means fewer crowds. Cheaper stays on a smug sense of superiority when you pay half for the price of the same scenery.

Be careful with your accommodation

Accommodation can devour your budget faster than you can say continental breakfast, so consider your alternatives. Do you need to go to a resort or can you travel in an RV? If you're feeling bold, hostels can be brilliant too, but just invest in good earplugs unless you enjoy listening to the strangest snoring.

Try not to eat out

It sounds like a convoluted thing to do, but trying to eat at every single restaurant you come across is going to drain your budget. Restaurants are fun until the bill arrives and you realize you could have bought a week's worth of groceries for the price of your artisanal truffle omelet. So mix it up. One nice meal, one cheap meal, one picnic cobbled together from supermarket finds. Bonus: Eating local snacks on a park bench is basically a cultural experience.

Transportation should be thought out

If you're traveling in an RV, you don't really need to worry about this one, but it is a sneaky budget buster. Public transport should be your best friend. So one of the best things that you can do is park up at resorts and travel locally on buses or trams. Walking is even better. It's free, scenic, good for justifying more dessert.

Even the entertainment doesn't have to be expensive when you're travelling. The most underrated tip of all is to travel slowly. The faster you hop from place to place, the more you spend. Slow travel means fewer transport costs, better deals on long stays, and deeper experiences. 

What are your favorite ways to save money on travel?

How to Keep a Family Road Trip Fun and Stress-Free

Family road trip adventure with music playing in the background, snacks in the back seat, and open roads ahead. Anybody who has been on one before knows that it can get chaotic extremely fast, between keeping kids entertained and having to manage long hours in the car, as well as finding the ideal places to stop and rest. 

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A little planning can go a long way. Here's how you can make sure that your next trip feels more like a vacation rather than a lot of hard work:

Plan Smart, Not Complicated

You don't need to have a minute-by-minute itinerary, but it's a good idea to have a rough plan in place, especially when you have children with you. Pick your main destination and then figure out what's in between. Long stretches of driving can be very tough, especially on younger children, so plan your stops every few hours. 

Map out where the gas stations, grocery stores, and overnight stays are. For RV fans, if you're traveling by camper, have a look for a clean, family-friendly RV park where you can all get some rest and recharge. Many offer things like laundry areas, playgrounds, and safe spaces for kids to stretch their legs, which is perfect for you getting back on the road. Make sure you plan ahead if you're heading out in the summer or on holidays.

Pack for Convenience

The right supplies can make or break your trip. Make sure you keep plenty of snacks, water, and wipes within reach and not buried or hidden in the trunk of your car. Bring a cooler for fruit, sandwiches, and drinks so that you can avoid too many fast food stops. 

A small trash bag and paper towels will also help to keep your car cleaner on your journey. Let each family member have their own small bag for all their essentials, including headphones, books, or toys. That way, you don't have to dig through big bags of luggage every single time somebody wants something.

Keep Everyone Entertained

Boredom can quickly turn into frustration for children. Before you leave, make sure you load up a few playlists, audiobooks, or podcasts that everybody is going to enjoy.

For younger children, simple car games, even something as simple as Spot the License Plate, can help to keep them focused and engaged. Take breaks at parks or rest stops instead of just gas stations, as this means that everybody can get around and move for 15 minutes to reset the whole mood of the trip.

Enjoy the Ride

At the center, a family road trip is all about spending plenty of time together. You're likely to laugh, argue, and probably spill a few drinks along the way, but that is all part of the experience of your travel together. The miles you cover don't really matter as much as the memories that you make on the journey.

With a little bit of planning, patience, and making sure that you have a good place to rest each night, you will make sure that the journey can be just as rewarding as the destination that you are heading to.

Small Business Travel Gift List 2025

Every year, I do a travel gift list for the travelers on your holiday list. This year, I want to try something different. Instead of giving our money to big corporations, we want to give to small businesses and support real people who are impacted by every single sale. 

Here are some of my favorite small business travel (and related) merchants to purchase from this holiday season that will make your recipient happy and make you feel great about where your money went.

SpectraSpray

This woman-owned business brings convenience to vitamins and makes your travels better from sleeping better, supporting your immune system, and having more energy, even on your last day. You can slip all of these into your day bag, because they are small spray bottles that are easy to take anywhere you are. No water required. I am partial to the Sleep Well bundle, but you can buy several other sets or individual vitamins. (Remember to use code SHEREENTRAVELS)

Serenity Tray Organizer

It's no surprise that the airplane tray is one of the dirtiest things on the plane. It's also super slippery, so if you're trying to use it for anything while there is turbulence, forget about it. The Serenity Tray Organizer is not only anti-microbial, but it also helps you keep everything you need close at hand, so you don't have to contort your body to get stuff out of the bag under your seat. It has one large pocket and three small pockets and when you're done, you can slip it off, close the drawstring, and throw it back in your bag. 

GoDesk

If you're like me and try to do work on a trip or just want a place to put your sandwich and drink while you're at the gate and there's no table in sight, this little desk that attaches to your roller bag handle has a pull-out cup holder and a little flip up phone or tablet holder , so you can watch a movie while you're babysitting your luggage. 

Pang Wangle Essential Wrap

This woman-owned company is making fashion, functional. This wrap can keep you warm on the plane and then it's going to look chic everywhere you go. It that has an odorless bug repellent woven into its sustainable, impossibly soft, recycled cotton and Tencel fabric. It can be used it as a wrap, a sarong, a scarf, a blanket, and more wherever you take it. I take mine everywhere. 

Portland Gear

This local company has been expanding rapidly in the last year, but their product quality has not suffered at all. I owned a Cascade Backpack before I worked with them and now I have two Cascade Backpacks and a Cascade Tote and am patiently awaiting their spinner luggage that has been teased. These are pieces you're going to use for a long, long time, and always get complimented on them. I'm still baffled by how the hidden zip pocket on the backpack can hold so much stuff without displacing things in the main bag. 

Gravel

The guys at Gravel are so passionate about what they do. They love the outdoors and they love products that do exactly what they need to do, that are well-made and rugged. I have yet to use my Layover Travel Blanket on the plane, but I used it as a regular blanket in a hotel and it kept me warm, but not too warm. I also have both the mini and the max Explorer Dopp and I love them for different reasons. Do I need a 3L toiletry bag? No, but it literally holds all my toiletries, my makeup, my travel flat iron, and my pill caddy. It rules. If you're a minimalist, the mini is going to be perfect for you.

Cocoon

You might see Cocoon products everywhere, but they are, literally, a company with the bare minimum of staff and a handful of great products. Whether you love camping, glamping, or just comfortable budget travel in general, they have products you're going to love. The travel blanket can double as a wrap, a picnic blanket, a beach towel, and more. The packing cubes are awesome. The clothes line is a must for those who do laundry on vacation. The travel sheets and mummy liners bring a bit of luxury everywhere you go. 

Blisslets

For those of you, or your loved ones, that get motion sickness, either on a dinghy, cruise ship, car, or a plane, instead of those ugly patches behind your ears (though, you do you, because whatever works), get a set of pretty bracelets that put pressure on your pulse points to keep the nausea at bay. Blisslets come in pairs and are different, but complimentary, so you can turn your sickness solution into fashion. These even work for morning sickness!

Cabeau

No one wants to get a bad sleep, be it on the plane or at the hotel. Cabeau succeeds in having 3-5 products that they do really well. While I am not a fan of a regular neck pillow for travel, they have a range that are exceptional, including the Evolution X. I adore their Midnight Magic Sleep Mask and I was able to drive for 4 full days on a road trip without wanting to cry by using the Evolution Cushion. I've used it on the plane and at a basketball game and I highly recommend it for everyone.

Pursesuitz Pocket Travel Tank

Every woman should have one of these tanks - for travel, for walking, for exercise, for festivals. The pockets stay closed with a Velcro-like suction and keep all your belongings safe. This is where they can put their emergency cash, passport, and any other important thing she wants to keep close to her body, all in an attractive tank. It makes a great layering piece, but you can also wear it alone.

I'll be doing a few more lists closer to the holidays, but I really wanted to showcase some great small businesses for Small Business Saturday/Sunday, which may also be having Black Friday sales, because you basically have to. Your purchases impact small businesses much more than those same dollars going into the pocket of big corporations, because instead of hoarding that money, a small business will use that profit to live and also put it back into their company, putting more into the economy. 

Are you being more mindful this year of where your gift dollars go?

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!

Surviving A Road Trip With Your Family

Are you thinking about taking a road trip with your kids? This can be a great choice because it means that you can explore a lot of different places and also take a new type of adventure with your family. 

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Work Out How Much Time You Need

First, you might want to think about working out much time you’re going to need for your specific trip that you are considering. By exploring the right possibilities, you can guarantee that you don’t feel like you have to rush to get to the right places. Be aware that there are lots of different steps that you can take to ensure that time doesn’t get the better of you. For instance, you might want to think about checking your car before you head off. A problem with your car can slow everything down. 

Pick Your Destinations 

Next, you should make sure that you are picking your destinations. There are lots of different destinations that you can consider. For instance, you could even look at a few different theme parks along the way with rides that are suitable for all your kids. 

Choose Your Means Of Travel

How are you going to get to each of your destinations along the way? This could be through the use of an RV or even your very own car. If you are going to use your car then this should be taken to a garage for a once over before you use it. That way you know it’s safe and roadworthy. 

Accommodation 

There is an important step in planning and executing a road trip, where you are going to stay. Accommodation is vital as this will likely need to be booked before you go, just so you know you will always have somewhere to stay. Check out some of the best family friendly options, this could be motels or more luxurious hotels. Go by the maps and work out how long it will take you to get there from your previous destinations. If you want the best accommodation then be sure to read reviews before you book. 

Activities Along The Way

Finally, if you are on a road trip with your family then you may be traveling through Texas on your way to another destination. If this is the case then you may be looking for somewhere to stop along the way, for some family fun! If you come across Pflugerville then you might assume that there is nothing to do. However, if you check out online what to do in Pflugerville, then you will likely come across Typhoon Texas waterpark. This has 33 awesome water slides and even a lazy river. 

I hope this helps you understand some of the key steps that you should take if you are thinking about taking a road trip with your family. This can be far more stressful than most people imagine, particularly if you are not used to the distractions that can come with a whole car full of kids.