How To Plan a Great Fall Staycation

Fall is coming! I know there are a lot of fantastic budget-friendly vacation destinations for Fall, but sometimes that's just not in the cards. We don't always have the extra money to spend on a getaway, even though we desperately need/want one. It's times like these that I recommend a staycation, even if it just means you're a tourist in your city for a day. 

I love to see everything there is around me. Portland and the surrounding cities are so interesting and pretty, plus there's always something going on all year. I bet most of you have similar cities, even if you don't think so. A quick Google search will tell you differently. Here are some of my favorite activities:

Eric of the corn!

Visit a farm

This is one of my favorite ways to spend weekends during September and October when I'm not traveling. I love a corn maze and often hit up a local farm that has a pumpkin patch, maze, cider donuts and animals. I want to eat some fall foods, drink some cider, get lost in the corn. Sometimes we bring the dog to get some exercise and then pig out on whatever food they're serving. 

This last weekend we went to a farm we'd never been to before to take pictures, go on a hayride, and try their corn maze. It was the first maze we'd been to that didn't have some sort of signage, but it was 1 mile and we got lost and got our steps in, so I call that a win. Most farms have a lot of things to do for kids, so it's a relatively cheap way to spend the day and let them jump and run out all that extra energy.

Hint: If it's been raining, be prepared for mud. I always wear boots and bring a change of shoes for after trekking through the dirt/mud/puddles to head home in.

Head to a nearby city you haven't been to before

I'm a fan of just bundling up, packing a bag of snacks, and just driving off somewhere I've never been. Each new town has funky shops and restaurants and scenery. Spend the day exploring to feel like you're traveling and then go back home. It's a fairly cheap way to enjoy a day doing something different and being somewhere unfamiliar. If you bring a lunch, you can even forgo eating out, so you're basically just paying for gas.

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A post shared by Shereen Travels Cheap (@srayle) on Sep 14, 2018 at 8:01pm PDT

Hit up a local festival

Most people only think about festivals during the summer, but when fall rolls around, there are entirely different festivals, like apple tasting, pumpkin carving, harvest fests and more. Look for a calendar on local events and find any of the festivals that sound cool and interesting and then make a plan to go to them. Just some of the things happening around here: Cider Fest, Giant Pumpkin Regatta (yep, people use huge, hollowed out pumpkins as boats), Howloween at the Oregon Zoo, Killer Pumpkin Festival featuring pumpkin beers, and The Spirit of Halloweentown. It's easy to pack a whole weekend with these things, and it's way cheaper than a trip.

Go wine tasting

If you live in an area that has a lot of wines, or even just one really good winery, plan a tour and then try all the wines on offer that sound delicious. If you do this, make sure you have a sober ride home. Also, lots of wineries have great restaurants on-site, so you can make a whole day of it, and make sure you have something in your stomach to keep you from getting way too drunk. Some places, like Portland, have winery tours where a bus will take you winery hopping over the course of a day. It also means you don't have to worry about having a DD. (If you don't like wine, check out some breweries or distilleries.)

Hole up in a hotel somewhere

Sure, you may not be able to afford a full-on vacation, but that doesn't mean you can't book yourself into a nice hotel for a couple of nights, order room service, do things in a part of town you don't hang out in often. Keep your eye out for hotel deals or call one you've always wanted to stay in and see if they'll cut you a deal.

Host a "destination" potluck 

Call some friends, choose a vacation destination, like Italy, and ask them all to bring a dish from that country. You may not be able to go there, but you can spend a little on decor and food to immerse you in that destination. Your friends who also can't afford to go on a vacation will probably be super grateful and excited. Make it easy on them and post a list of regional dishes they can bring if they don't want to research. Then pop a couple bottles of wine, play some games or create a slideshow of tourist spots to scroll through on your TV and really make it feel like you're there!

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Just some of the reasons I love fall 🍁🍁🍁 . . . . #jetsetter #jetset #ilovetravel #tourist #tourism #tblogger #tbloggers #travelblog #travel #travelblogger #travelgirl #travelgram #instatravel #traveler #traveller #budgettravel #budgettraveler #ftblogger #ftb #vacationmode #travelgoals #womenwhotravel #traveladvice #traveltips #leafpeeping #peakfallinportland #discoverportland

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See the leaves turn

Unleash your inner leaf-peeper and take a drive or just walk around a new neighborhood looking at the gorgeous colors. Make a point to take pictures and post them later on Facebook or Instagram to show everyone how pretty your city is dressed in reds, oranges, and yellows. Maybe you'll inspire other people to appreciate what's going on around them.

If you want more ideas on how to plan an awesome staycation, check out my Pinterest board. You can also follow me on Instagram. I often do a ton of local things over the summer, when it's too expensive to travel, and then go on my big trip in fall, because it's cheaper and less crowded.

What's been your favorite staycation or staycation activity?

Exploring Dog-Friendly Travel Options

Exploring the world with your best 4-legged friend can be one of the most fulfilling ways to experience it, but requires careful planning in order to ensure they remain comfortable, safe, and happy during the trip.

From exploring streets of new cities to chilling under the stars or hitting open roads, there are a lot of dog-friendly travel options that cater specifically to four-legged adventurers. Let's look at some of these options, from overseas travel to RV parks.

Flying Full of Fur-tune

Flying with pets might sound overwhelming, but thanks to pet-friendly airlines and considerate travelers it has become more accessible than ever before. Many international carriers provide cabin options for smaller breeds of dog, while larger breeds can travel in temperature-controlled cargo spaces designed to prioritize safety and comfort. Airlines such as Lufthansa or JetBlue are frequently recognized for their pet-friendly policies.

Checking each airline's regulations carefully, especially regarding breed or size restrictions that could impact you is very important. Arriving early will make sure you have ample time to manage check-in logistics. For longer flights, select dog-friendly destinations such as Amsterdam with its relaxed leash laws or Tokyo with its abundance of boutique pet shops and dog cafes.

Keep in mind that passports aren't just limited to humans. Many countries require up-to-date health certificates and proof of vaccinations before going on your travels. So be sure to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian beforehand.

Photo by Egor Gordeev on Unsplash

All Aboard the Pet Express

Train travel can be an exceptionally dog-friendly alternative, particularly in Europe and North America. Some U.S. services allow dogs of up to 20 pounds in carriers onto trains. European railways typically welcome larger breeds on leashes but require them to have their own ticket purchases. The charm of rail travel lies in its ability to provide you and your pet scenic views while making boarding easy with minimal turbulence.

The Call of the Wilderness

Outdoor enthusiasts and their canine companions will find RV parks to be among the most rewarding dog-friendly travel experiences. Many state and national parks in the U.S. welcome canines with open arms. Leash requirements should always be double checked before your travel begins. Trails, lakes, forests provide canines a playground while connecting them with nature.

Trails provide even further opportunity to roam freely amidst nature, while recreational vehicles allow pets to experience adventure without airline flights or hotel accommodations disrupting them. Pet-friendly RV parks often come equipped with amenities such as dog runs and play areas, making them a fantastic choice for long-term travelers.

Luxury Stays for the Well-Pawed Guest

Boutique hotels and Airbnb rentals have taken to offering pet-friendly stays, featuring plush beds, designer water bowls, as well as dedicated dog concierges, making it easier than ever to find luxury stays that welcome wagging tails. Many listings also have pet-friendly filters on them while hosts show their affection by providing fenced yards, toys and treats. Perfect accommodations for the well-pawned guest.

No matter the mode of transport, preparation is important when traveling with your dogs. Important items like a strong leash, travel crate, waste bags and plenty of water make a significant difference when it comes to an enjoyable journey. Research destination rules thoroughly as some areas may impose breed or leash length restrictions. And be sure to bring along some familiar toys to help make your pet feel secure and at home.

Exploring the world with your four-legged bestie adds an unparalleled level of joy and companionship to every journey. From transcontinental flights to relaxing RV trips, there is no shortage of dog-friendly travel opportunities designed to suit the needs of both humans and their adventurous pups.

Top Tips For Visiting Charleston This Year

Visiting Charleston is a great vacation spot and a city that never gets old. There’s a real display of culture and a willingness to show off all of its historical significance, good and bad.

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It’s the best city for those who want to explore the city on foot, particularly when it comes to the wonderful downtown areas. Whatever you’re looking to do or however much time you have available, here are some top tourist tips for visiting Charleston this year.

Walk around as much as possible

Walking around everywhere is going to ensure you get the most out of your experience. Being able to walk everywhere means you get to see it all from a perspective that you’d never really appreciated before.

Try to walk around as much as possible. Not only is it great for your fitness, but it’s also going to help you get the best action shots or experiences when exploring the world around you.

Go on a tour 

A tour is a good way of seeing the city from the perspective of an expert. While it might not be an option for everyone, particularly as some tours that are personal tours can be expensive.

However, it’s definitely worth the money you spend, and you get a lot of information and useful guidance from those who are leading you. Look at what tours you could explore for the benefit of your trip.

There are ghost tours and culinary tours that will cater to all types of tourists, depending on what you’re looking to get up to on your vacation. Some people prefer an active one, whereas others might like to relax with some food tasting.

Spend time trying out local delicacies 

When it comes to local delicacies, Charleston offers a real mix of wonderful Southern food. From shrimp and grits to the lowcountry boil, there’s a lot to choose from that can excite your taste buds. Think about what local delicacies you could try, and make sure you’ve made room for them. 

To help walk off all the food you’ve eaten, see the famous Pineapple Fountain in Charleston SC, and explore the various gardens available in the city too.

Explore the Charleston Market

The Charleston City Market is an iconic part of the city and one that should certainly be experienced, especially if traveling to the city for the first time. The market offers plenty of local crafts that you’re not going to get elsewhere.

You’ll find plenty of locals selling their handcrafted wares, and there are the popular sweetgrass baskets that are worth picking up, too. You could spend a lot of time at the market, so make sure you make plenty of time for it in your itinerary.

Discover Rainbow Row

Rainbow Row might not be something you spend a lot of time at, but it’s certainly worth it to snap a few photos and see a part of history that’s still standing firm.

The Rainbow Row is a street made up of old houses that have been painted in bold and bright colors. The houses themselves have a lot of history to them, so painting them in such a vibrant way helps to make them stand out so that they will forever get the recognition and appreciation they deserve.

Charleston is a wonderful place to have your vacation, so consider visiting here in the near future. Have you been?

How to Make Your Baby Love Travelling as Much as You Do

Traveling with a baby may seem scary at first, with parents worried about tantrums, disrupted routines and restless little ones. Yet cultivating their passion for travel from an early age is achievable and enriching for both the parent and baby. You just need some thoughtful adjustments in the way you plan and approach the trips, and soon you could turn even the most skeptical little traveller into a budding globetrotter.

Photo by Michelle Spollen on Unsplash

Start Small Before Taking Big Leaps    

When you want to start traveling with your baby, you might be a bit scared. So it is better to begin small. Begin by taking short, local trips, whether that means visiting nearby towns or country escapes. Anything will help your little one adjust to new environments without feeling overwhelmed. Short trips also allow the whole family to adjust to travelling with additional luggage, schedules, and any unexpected stops along the way. Something longer journeys won't do until your child becomes accustomed to being on the move.

Establish a Flexible Routine

Babies thrive on routine, but travel presents new rhythms and unpredictable scenarios that may make their travel enjoyable for both of you. To make their experience pleasurable for them, create an adaptable structure into your plans by sticking to familiar naps and feeding times while being open to slight adjustments as needed. Packing familiar items such as their comfort blanket, sleep aid or sippy cup may create a sense of normalcy even in unfamiliar settings. Creating the balance between an adaptable schedule and familiar rituals will ensure they feel secure even while away from home.

Make Travel Interactive

Babies are inquisitive by nature, and travelling provides the ideal platform to satisfy their wanderlust. Engage their senses during trips by exposing them to new sights, sounds and textures. For instance a coastal getaway could include playing in the sand while listening to waves crash on shore and feeling the salty air on their skin. Visiting a farm could involve seeing colorful animals up close or hearing nature's sounds. Engaging all their senses while exploring makes each outing into an exciting journey. 

Finding Baby-Friendly Destinations

Not all destinations offer equal travel experiences when travelling with young children, so choosing baby-friendly destinations is important to having a pleasant journey experience. Look for accommodations suitable for families, accessible transit options and kid-oriented attractions that meet those criteria. Resorts with play areas or restaurants equipped with high chairs are an invaluable asset in making vacation time enjoyable. Cities with stroller-friendly pavements may make all the difference too. While mild climates reduce any discomfort from extreme heat or cold that could prevent both the  parent and child from suffering, keeping everyone feeling at ease when travelling together.

Pack Smart but Don't Overpack

Traveling light may seem like wishful thinking when travelling with a baby, but smart packing can make all the difference. Prioritise important items like nappies, baby food, a compact stroller and weather-appropriate clothing as priorities when packing smartly. Use items with multiple functions, such as a travel baby bassinet that can double as a “playpen”. Be sure to research all available amenities and supplies at your destination so as to avoid overpacking. Many accommodations provide useful items like high chairs and cribs, making packing lighter possible. Simplifying packing not only creates more space but can help ease travel-related anxiety as well. By prioritizing compact yet thoughtful packing lists with versatile products you can enjoy an easier travel experience without feeling overwhelmed.

Make the Journey as Enjoyable as the Destination  

Making the travel pleasant can often be the hardest part, from long car rides to flights. Ensuring your baby remains entertained and content during the transit phase is very important. Bring along toys, books, or videos specifically aimed at babies to keep them engaged and content. Frequent breaks allow little ones to stretch and release pent-up energy. Feeding during take-off and landing may ease the ear pressure discomfort on flights. By creating pleasant journey experiences your baby will start associating travel with fun rather than fuss.

Encourage Social Interaction  

Travel offers incredible opportunities for babies to interact with new people and build social skills. Your trip may see your little one connecting with strangers such as baristas, laughing alongside other children at parks and babble-speaking with fellow train passengers, all wonderful chances for interaction. Such positive social interactions not only enrich your travel experience but also help create an atmosphere of safety and comfort for your baby when experiencing new environments. Your baby needs early experiences of support to adapt well and feel at ease in new surroundings as they develop. Travel provides opportunities for this early socialization to occur and will have lasting results, helping your little one build self-confidence and interest for what lies beyond. By exposing your little one to various interactions during travel, you provide invaluable foundations for emotional and social growth as well as making your travels more joyful for all involved.

Be Patient and Manage Expectations

Instilling a love of travel into your baby doesn't happen overnight as each child's reaction varies, making every trip unique in terms of how they respond. The key is being patient and managing expectations. Some trips might go smoothly while others could present challenges. Celebrate small wins along the way such as when your little one sleeps through their first flight or enjoys trying something new. Over time your effort will create amazing memories, making a little traveller eager for new adventures.

Travel Benefits Go Beyond Childhood

Teaching your baby or toddler how to appreciate traveling provides many lasting advantages that will serve them in adult life. Travel helps nurture creativity, adaptability and cultural awareness, important traits which can only enrich their adult experiences. Early travel experiences provide children with unforgettable memories while sparking their curiosity and developing an appreciation of our world. Travel teaches children flexibility and problem-solving skills that they'll carry throughout their lives. Exposing your baby to different cultures, languages, and environments helps them appreciate diversity and think globally. Building an early interest in travel is more than an immediate pleasure, it's an investment in their future and shaping them into open-minded, adventurous individuals.

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

While travelling with a baby may present unique challenges, the rewards more than compensate. By crafting an engaging travel experience and developing their curiosity for exploration from an early age, you can set them on their journey of discovery for life. Careful planning, patience, and an adventurous spirit will create memories to cherish throughout their lives. After all, life is too beautiful to wait until their grownup years before sharing its beauty.

2025 Summer Travel Trends

It's no secret that travelers are spending less on travel this year. Everything is more expensive and also completely unpredictable. Some of us are still traveling as usual, but doing so on an even stricter budget. I have to get out of here, but I also don't have the same money as I usually do. Let's look at the other travel trends happening right now with summer travel:

Infographic credit

I just went to Las Vegas earlier this month, took an overnight trip 2 hours away for a family reunion, and will be traveling again at the end of September, right as summer, technically, ends and I'll be going out of the country. I know a lot of folks are concerned about leaving the U.S. and trying to return, which is valid, so we'll see how that works out for us. I'm highly aware of my privlege when it comes to that, though. I'm white, I have global entry, and I don't have issues traveling normally. I did get flagged as a "random check" on this last flight I took, but they just tested my phone for whatever they test electronics for, gave it back, and sent me on my way. It took 30 seconds. I often wonder if I have been flagged so often because I have a foreign-sounding name. Unfortunately, there's nothing I can do about that, short of go legally change it to something American sounding. That seems like a lot of effort for something I don't want to do, though.

Anyway, let me know what your travel plans are for the rest of the year or in 2026, or what concerns are weighing you down right now, because I'm sure there are a lot.

My Favorite Road Trip Tips

Are you planning a road trip soon? I've taken so many road trips that I feel like everything is second-nature now, but I realize a lot of people are just dipping their toe into road tripping and probably don't have those same instincts. For you, I bring you some of my favorite tips.

A road trip can be long and boring if you don't plan it right. If you do, it can be a great way to see a lot of interesting stuff, listen to some cool music and podcasts, and give you a whole new way to travel. Whether you're taking a long or short trip doesn't really matter. You pretty much want to do all the same things, just maybe take less food/snacks.

Get your car checked out first

You don't want to get halfway to your destination and then have your car break down over something that could have been prevented. If you can, get AAA, get a tune-up, check your tires, and make sure you have a safety kit in your car for any breakdowns. I also keep a 2-liter bottle of water in my car, a blanket, a travel towel, a larger first aid kit, and a Halo Bolt. All of these things take up not that much space and can be invaluable if you need them.

Hydration

I travel with someone who drinks a lot of liquids, so I have a small cooler bag that I fill with preferred beverages that I keep cool with frozen water bottles and large ice packs I make out of Stasher bags filled with water. They don't leak and can be used for food, snacks, and other small things while on our trip. It's easier than buying ice and lasts much longer, too. Put your drinks on the floor of the backseat, where it is easy to reach for the passenger, so you don't have to keep stopping when you need a new drink.

Snacks & Food

If you're traveling a short distance, then a bag of snacks is great to have on-hand. I either keep it on the floor next to me (on the passenger side) or put it within easy reach near our drinks. If you're traveling a longer distance, then you're going to want to have a separate bag with more substantial foods. Even if I'm traveling alone, I have granola bars, chips, dip, and something sweet. I will then pack a cooler with fruit, cheese, lunch meats, potato salad, fried chicken, and cut up veggies, like carrots, to have a meal when I stop at a rest area or a park. It saves money and gives you a reason to stop and stretch your legs for more than 2 minutes.

Plan Stops

Listen, being in the car for long stretches is booooring, even if you're listening to a great book or playing games. I use Google Maps before I leave to see what's available along my route and pick some things that sound fun to stop and check out. You need to stretch your body and walk around, so make those stops more fun than just walking through the rest area to the bathroom and looking at brochures for places you don't need...though oftentimes they will have coupons for places you're near and you might save some money on somewhere you were planning to go anyway, so don't pass those up either.

Bring Entertainment

Load up your phone with podcasts, books, and music that you love or don't have time to listen to normally. This is your chance to catch up on those things. It also helps when you're in the middle of nowhere and there aren't any radio stations. If you're traveling with kids, bring them books, travel games, video games (this is the time), movies, and whatever else they always want to do, but you don't want them to stare at screens for 12 hours a day. Ask them where they want to stop along the way, too, so they have something to look forward to. These backseat car organizers are great for all their things.

Chargers

Don't get stuck 5 hours from where you're stopping for the day with dead phones and tablets. Remember all your chargers and make sure you have cords that are long enough to reach the backseat if you need them. Back-up batteries are also a great thing to have. This one allows you to charge several things at once and even has attached power cords.

Paper Map & Emergency Numbers

Yes, you have your phone with GPS, but sometimes things don't go as planned. Make sure you have contact numbers and addresses on paper and also a map, just in case. If you don't need them, that's fine, but if you do, you'll be so grateful you were prepared.

Pack Sparingly

Again, I know you have all the space to bring things with you when you road trip, but that doesn't mean you should cram everything you own in there. You should still pack light and only bring things you need. It is nice that you have a place for that extra pair of shoes and your coat, but you don't want to have to drag 5 suitcases into every hotel you stop at, because that's annoying and because you can't leave them in the car where people will see you are traveling and break in and steal all your stuff. Be mindful of what you need and what you don't. It really makes your trip more comfortable and less of a hassle. 

What are some of your favorite tips for a great road trip?

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