Spring Break Is Road Trip Season

Can you believe Spring Break is right around the corner? This year is going by very fast, but also at a snail's pace. It's weird how that happens. Before you know it, the kids will be out of school and either driving you crazy, because "I'm booooorrreed" or you'll be on a trip and everyone is excited. 

Spring Break has always called for a road trip in my family. It may be because we didn't have that much money, so we opted for the least expensive option, where we could pack a cooler and a bag and jump in the car and go. While it's not always the cheapest mode of travel now, it depends on how many of you are going and what your destination is. We often drove all night from Tucson and met the sun in Los Angeles to go to Disneyland. 

Sure, we could have flown there, but instead of paying a couple hundred dollars per person, we spent a little more time getting there, but only paying for snacks and gas. Even if we had done it during the day, it would have been much cheaper than flying, though we probably would have gotten stuck in a lot more traffic.

Things over the next month are going to be a little more expensive and airfare may be outrageous right now, what with the war in Iran and oil doubling in price. So, yes, your gas for your car will be more, but still not anywhere near what you'd pay for a flight. This might be the time to stick a little closer to home, but that just limits you to staying on the same coast or going to the next big city or the next state over. 

So, here are some budget-friendly places to spend your Spring Break, that also won't be overrun by college kids daring each other to drink as much as possible:

Photo by Christopher Alvarenga on Unsplash

Chicago, Illinois - Chicago has been on my list for a long time. It's not a "driving destination" for me, but maybe it is for you and you can explore everything the Windy City has to offer as either a family, a couple, or even a solo traveler. It's as far from a desirable destination for the usual Spring Breakers as you can get, so you won't even know there are young adults getting wasted somewhere beachy. 

Recommendations: Navy Pier, Field Museum, the Bean! and Buckingham Fountain in Millennium Park, Skydeck Chicago, Lincoln Park Zoo, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, Garfield Park Conservatory, and Chicago Riverwalk.

Tip: Get a CityPASS for your visit and save a lot of money on many of the things you see here.

Denver, Colorado - I love Colorado. A few years ago we finally made it to Denver and it was absolutely a city for me. There's tons to do, the food is delicious, it's beautiful, and the people were all lovely, except for that one Uber driver, but that was 100% not his fault. I gave him a big tip once I made it to the airport. Even though Denver is known for being outdoorsy, we found tons of stuff to do that was indoor, but we also walked a lot, so keep in mind that it's possible to do without a car. Their public transportation kind of sucks though, which is mostly why we ended up walking so much.

Recommendations: Meow Wolf Convergence Station, Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Art Museum, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver Zoo, Union Station, Downtown Aquarium, and go on an art walk (you can do this on your own if you want, but our tour guide was amazing).

Tip: Get a CityPASS for your visit and save a lot of money on many of the things you see here.

Photo by Susi Kleiman on Unsplash

Ft. Myers, Florida - I haven't been to Florida in a long time, but I do know that Fort Meyers is not a popular destination with the college kids, so you can experience a nice relaxing trip. If you want a crazy experience, head to Fort Lauderdale or Miami. Orlando will also be packed full of travelers. Fort Myers has a whole different feel, and though it may not be everyone's cup of tea, it has an eclectic mix of attractions/activities.

Recommendations: Manatee Park, IMAG History and Science Center, Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Centennial Park, Raptor Aviary, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary, Brightwood Lagoon, Railroad Museum of South Florida, and Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve.

Portland, Oregon - I'll tell you what, I know I'm biased, but I love Portland. There's so much to see and do here and it also feels very small and quaint. We have a great downtown, but the city is spread out over many neighborhoods, so you have your pick of vibe. There's also a wonderful array of things to do on any budget, so it's perfect for Spring Break, whether you want to wander our great zoo or a rose garden or stroll around a museum or even set up a picnic at the waterfront. 

Recommendations: OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry), Portland Aquarium (which is not a traditional aquarium at all), Portland Art Museum, Oregon Zoo, Hoyt Arboretum, Portland Saturday Market, Portland Japanese Garden and/or Chinese Gardens. 

Photo by Robert Ritchie on Unsplash

Seattle, Washington - As a Portlander, I have mixed feelings about Seattle, but only because they have much of the same things as we do, so it's easier (and cheaper) to stay home and be a tourist here. Seattle has a lot to offer families though, and some amazing food, so if it's closer to you or you've already done Portland, it's a great alternative. Seattle feels less outdoorsy to me though, so if you are more of an indoors person, like me, you may bump them to the top of your list.

Recommendations: Space Needle (yes, it's touristy, but that's absolutely for a reason), Pike Place Market, Museum of Pop Culture, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle Art Museum, The Museum of Flight, Woodland Park Zoo.

Tip: Get a CityPASS for your visit and save a lot of money on many of the things you see here.

St. George, Utah - If you love the outdoors and enjoy hiking, biking, and all that jazz, then St. George has it in spades. You can visit both Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, but you can also hang out in a chill city that has a little bit of everything for you, from spas to museums to great eateries. We met some friends in St. George years ago and it was perfect for the adults and the children.

Recommendations: Red Hills Desert Garden, Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, St. George Children's Museum, St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm, Rosenbruch World Wildlife Museum, Ancestor Square, and St. George Art Museum.

I hope this gives you a great idea for your Spring Break or even for an upcoming summer trip. Next we'll look at some cool products for your family travels. 

Where will you be headed over the next month?

Get my ultimate travel planner, so you can plan everything all in one place and feel like a pro! And you can get my road trip planner for FREE if you sign up for my newsletter.

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3 Ways You're Packing Your Suitcase Wrong

Packing is probably a lot of people's least exciting part of travel. I know plenty of people who straight-up say they hate packing, which is funny, because I love packing and hate unpacking. You can't just not pack for a trip, unless you have someone who will do it for you. Believe me, if I could figure out how to make a living from packing strangers' suitcases, I would totally do it. For now, I have to settle for telling people how to do it instead.

There are a lot of ways to become adept at packing, but most people don't have the patience for it and also don't want to do any of the things I explain help to pack lighter and save money. I'm not going to spend $30+ each way for my clothes to go on the plane and maybe arrive at my same destination. I like knowing where all my things are and not having to wait around at the carousel for it to *hopefully* come off the plane. I want to take my stuff and get right to my vacation. No stress.

I'm a small person, so I am not bringing a bag that I could ride in and definitely not one I can't pick up. If I travel alone, I usually only bring along a bag that fits under the seat, because I'm short and have anxiety about getting my bag in the overhead. You don't have to be like me, but you can pack better by avoiding these 3 things:

1. You didn't make a packing list

When you don't make a packing list, you have no clear vision of what your travel wardrobe is going to look like. It leaves you open to overpacking and taking too many things, most of which won't go together, and then you end up either struggling with a heavy bag or paying to check it. Worst case, you have to do both. Make a packing list and make sure every top you bring goes with every bottom. I promise this works even for business trips. Black pants go a long way on almost every trip, unless you're going to the beach.

2. You brought too many shoes 

I love shoes. I have a whole closet full of them. Do they all go on vacation with me? They do not. I bring one pair of walking shoes, like sneakers, and a nicer pair of walking shoes to go to dinner or somewhere dressy, like a pair of ballet flats, mary janes, sandals, or a short packable boot. 

If you're going to the beach or the pool, throw in a pair of flip flops, but that's it. I wear my sneakers on the plane and pack the others and I have never been upset to only have 2 options, even when it rained so hard I had to go back to my room and change into my second pair and leave the first to dry out. 

3. You took the wrong bag

The right bag is essential. If you know that you're an overpacker, choose a smaller bag and pack for that one. Don't just assume you'll pack less in a larger bag, because you won't. I need to downsize to pack less and I bet you do, too. For a long time I either packed in a full-size roller bag or a backpack or both. I still take a backpack, because I like it for my laptop and snacks, but I've now gone to a smaller roller bag for when I travel alone or we are going on a short trip.

The more you practice packing, the easier it gets to take fewer things and choose the right bag for you. I have a lot of bags, because I'm a firm believer that certain trips call for certain bags, but even if you just invest in one good main bag and a personal item size bag, that's perfect. Figure out what you want from a bag (organization, pockets, 4 wheels, convertibility) and choose one based on those criteria. It's better than if you just buy one randomly based on price or because it looks good on the outside.

Now you have a good foundation for your packing and can start becoming more of a packing pro that can focus on downsizing your wardrobe and toiletry bag and using packing cubes (or not). Spending the time to really research how you want to travel and with what, you'll be happier to start packing for every trip.

What are your favorite travel brands for bags or clothes or shoes?

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!

Why It's So Hard To Pack Less

I hear from a lot of people that they always check a bag and they're always shocked when they find out I rarely check a bag. If I do, it's only on my way home from a trip and nothing I've purchased there gets checked. Why? Because if my clothes go missing, that's one thing, but if things I just bought go missing, I'm going to be really upset.

When I ask why people don't just do carry-on, I get a lot of responses, but here are some of the most popular reasons they decide that they'd rather check a bag:

• They don't want to drag their bag through the airport
• They need too many things
• They want to bring 6 pair of shoes
• They won't carry their coat on

People are more than free to their opinions and travel styles, but when they complain about baggage fees and want me to give them tips, but then hate every suggestion I have, then the problem is definitely them. If you don't want to pay baggage fees, then you need to take fewer things and downsize your suitcase. You don't need to check a bag that is also oversize and/or overweight, unless you are packing to move across the country, need a bunch of camera equipment, or have medical items that take up a lot of space, but you can't live without.

So, why is it so hard to pack less? As a former overpacker, I get it. I had no strategy and just took a bunch of things and figured I'd decide what went with things when I got there. I wanted options. I love shoes. I never knew what I needed and often still brought things I didn't need and didn't wear or use. 

My whole outlook changed in October 2006. We were on our honeymoon and we arrived in London with two big bags, but because also didn't know where we were going or how to get there until we showed up, we spent hours riding the Underground, going up and down escalators and stairs, and walking over cobblestones. My ankles were swollen from the long plane ride (because did we really know about compression socks in 2006?) and I was tired and hungry. 

My bags weighed too much and I could barely even pick up my larger bag, which was horrible going up and down stairs when stations didn't have escalators, and I cursed myself for bringing anything at all. When we were near our hotel, I said if we weren't there soon, I was going to toss my bag into the street and just live without it. I didn't. We got to our hotel, where we were given the smallest room I had ever seen, and we dumped our bags, changed our clothes, and went around the corner to eat, at probably the worst restaurant I'd eaten at on a vacation. It was food though, so I didn't die of starvation.

I learned a lot on that trip. I wore the same pair of shoes the entire 2 weeks we were gone, because my legs were so swollen from the plane and I couldn't get them into the boots I packed. That's when I realized I didn't need a bunch of different shoes, just two very good pair of shoes. 

I packed too many heavy items of clothing. Not only did I end up having to lug those around, but I also didn't wear most of them, because the weather wasn't as cold as I expected. 

I started changing the way I traveled after that trip. I didn't always get it right, but I tried, and the more I tried, the better I got at it. We've gone from two big suitcases and carry-ons to two large carry-ons and personal items, to one large carry-on and personal items, and sometimes 1 small carry-on and personal items. 

I stopped packing things just because I might wear them. We joked about the "fear-based lifestyle" making you overpack because:

• What if I want woolly socks?
• What if I want to wear a Hawaiian shirt?
• What if I need extra boots?
• What if I need more pajamas?
• What if I'm asked to a gala and I don't have a tuxedo?
• What if I go sailing and don't have the proper shoes?
• What if I want to go spelunking and I don't have ropes?
• Will people know where I'm from? Better pack four or five more Oregon shirts!

You get scared you won't have everything you need, but you need way less than you think and you can always buy things if you do need them (we had to buy jackets one year when we went to Disney and it was much colder than expected, when a few years before that we were wearing t-shirts and shorts at the same time of year).

If you need everything from home when you travel, then you're not really traveling that well. You might as well stay home where all your things already live. You want options, but don't realize you're leaving yourself open to too many options when you have too many things and it makes it harder to make a decision each day to get to the point that you can leave the room.

What you need is to make a packing list before you go, but a good packing list that gives you mix-and-match options and not too many of them. You can make a ton of outfits from just 8-10 pieces of clothing, and even that is sometimes too many pieces.

Use your energy and decision-making before you go to plan your actual trip, not every outfit you plan to wear each day, because you're going to get there and then realize that it's impractical or uncomfortable or something you don't actually like now that you brought it with you. Plan your trip, watch the weather, make a layering plan, and go have fun. 

What are some of your biggest struggles when packing less?

In Which I Bring Back An Old Series

When I first started blogging, I used to do a Live and Learn segment, where I would tell you about things I learned on vacation, so you wouldn't make the same mistake, or at least try not to. I started just incorporating my lessons learned into my regular writing, but realized it might be fun to bring it back, not only because it helps me remember what went wrong and how we dealt with it, but also makes it clear that we are always learning from travel, even if we don't think we are.

What's something I recently learned on a trip? 

On a trip to San Francisco, we had a lot of things go wrong in the very short time we were there. One of those things was that our rental car got broken into and both of our backpacks were stolen out of the trunk (there wasn't anything in the car that was visible when we parked it on the street). We were, literally, 20 feet away in a tea shop having afternoon tea, and when we came out, one of the back windows was smashed, the seat was pulled down to be able to reach stuff in the trunk.

What I learned:

Thieves now have bluetooth/RFID detectors to find electronics in cars, so they broke into the car to steal my laptop, even though it was in the trunk and not visible.

What we did:

• I went onto my phone and signed out of Google for my laptop and deleted any personal info that they might have had access to to sign into websites.
• We made a report to our insurance to cover our luggage and everything inside. 
• We also had to call the rental car company and make a claim through them for our insurance.
• We took as many pictures of the damage as possible for ourselves and insurance.
• Eric tried to make a police report, but they said there are so many break-ins that they almost never follow up, so that's...discouraging.
• Once I got home and ordered a new laptop, the next thing I ordered was a set of Faraday bags, so no signal could get in or out and detect my laptop. So far, in the 2 1/2 years I've been using them, I've had zero problems. I put my laptop in a large one and put it in my bag. Eric puts all his electronics and key fob in a smaller one, which also keeps it all together in his bag and then at our destination, too. Once I left my laptop in it in the car for the entire day we were at Universal Studios and had no issues.

So, don't leave your belongings in the car where people can see them, and if you leave them in the trunk, either take your electronics with you or get protection for them like I did. Things happen on vacation that you can't always prepare for, but when you can and it's an easy fix, you should do it before it becomes a problem. Did I freak out at the time? Yes. But did everything work out? Also yes. Did I also say I was never going back to San Francisco? Yes, but I didn't mean that. I just probably won't drive if I don't have to.

I'm hoping to make this its own series instead of an addition to regular content, but it's going to be much shorter, so let me know if this is also content that you enjoy and/or tell me in the comments what are some of your travel live and learn moments. 

Having The Best Time in Thailand Without Breaking the Bank

Thailand has a reputation for being affordable. That doesn’t mean that a trip to Thailand is going to be inexpensive, but you can make it more budget-friendly while still having a fantastic time. With a little strategy, you can stretch your budget while still enjoying comfort, culture, and a few well-earned luxuries along the way. Whether you’re planning a two-week escape or a longer stay, living your best life in Thailand is all about balance.

Unsplash - CC0 License

Master the Accommodation Combo

If you're traveling on a budget, short-term apartment rentals can be a smart move. Platforms like Airbnb often offer better value for one- or two-week stays compared to nightly hotel rates, especially if you want a kitchen and extra space. Condos in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai frequently include amenities like pools and gyms.

That said, timing can be tricky. The best value rentals aren't always available for the exact dates you need. One simple solution? Start your trip with a few nights at a comfortable hotel to recover from jet lag and get your bearings. Booking a stay at a luxury property https://thesalilriverside.com/ allows you to relax in the best possible environment.

Get to Know the Locals

Thailand becomes far more affordable when you tap into local knowledge.

If you’ve connected with people online through shared interests, language exchanges, or travel communities, reaching out for recommendations can lead you to incredible hidden gems.

Locals know which restaurants serve authentic dishes at fair prices and which attractions are genuinely worth your time. They can also steer you away from overpriced tourist traps.

The key is building real connections first. Nurturing genuine online friendships or community ties can open doors to experiences you’d never find in a guidebook.

Transportation: Spend Smart, Travel Easy

Getting around Thailand through public transport is cost-friendly, as per autourasia.com. In Bangkok, public buses cost just a few baht, and the BTS Skytrain offers an affordable and efficient way to cross the city.

Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Bolt are widely used and often cheaper than traditional taxis.

In northern cities like Chiang Mai, shared songthaews (converted pickup trucks) provide low-cost transport within town.

For longer distances, trains and intercity buses are budget-friendly options, and overnight sleeper trains can double as accommodation savings.

If you are feeling brave, renting a motorbike is common in smaller towns and islands, but it’s only advisable if you’re experienced and properly insured.

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See the Sights Without the Crowds

Thailand’s biggest attractions are popular for a reason, but there’s magic beyond the most photographed temples and beaches. Consider exploring Sukhothai Historical Park instead of only visiting Ayutthaya, or head to Khao Sok National Park for dramatic landscapes without Phuket-level crowds.

In the south, provinces like Chumphon and Khanom offer quieter coastal experiences. Up north, towns like Nan and Pai provide cultural charm without the bustle of major hubs. Traveling slightly off the main tourist trail often means lower prices, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed pace.

So, if Thailand is on your bucket list, you can plan an unforgettable trip without breaking the bank. It’s about spending intentionally. Thailand is already an affordable country for most Western tourists, but that is the key challenge. When everything seems cheaper than at home, you can easily overspend! So, with thoughtful planning, Thailand lets you experience richness in culture and comfort without draining your wallet.

What are your favorite budget-friendly things to do in Thailand?

Why I Make Plans with Strangers On Trips

Travel can get us out of our comfort zone, teach us about ourselves, and allow us to learn new cultures. I want to broaden my horizons and meet new people and that's why I make plans with strangers and make friends while on vacation.

Okay, so they aren't entirely strangers, but they are people I've never met before. When I plan trips, I want to go where locals go. I want them recommendations for their favorite places. I use Facebook groups and pages I'm a part of to reach out to people in destinations I'm headed to and I'll ask them to give me their must-do restaurants, because I love eating great food. 

An awesome coffee shop we met a new friend at in Vancouver

This gives you a great opening to ask them more questions about why they like the places they picked and if they're close to anything else you want to do. It's this point that I ask if they'd like to come out and have coffee or dinner with us, because they obviously have good taste and we get a chance to spend time with others in a relaxed environment. 

You already have something to talk to them about, because you're on their territory - eating at their favorite establishment in their city. I've made real life friends this way. In fact, I met a new friend in Vancouver, BC, and then was able to meet up with her again in Vegas and also here in Portland. We give each other recommendations for our respective cities or ask the other to go check out places we've heard about to see if it's cool and worth time on our next trip. She also tells people that we are fun and worth meeting up with when she sees me post for other destination requests. 

Our dinner was as good as this photo is bad :)

Maybe you don't use Facebook, but you can use Instagram or Threads to find new friends that will happily give you there reccs and want to meet up with people to show off their city. While it doesn't always work out, it's still a wonderful way to learn about restaurants, coffee shops, and even attractions for your trip, plus it saves you time scouring the internet for strangers to tell you what they liked and didn't, which may or many not align with your own likes/dislikes. 

People are always eager to tell you about what they love and why, but they can also give you ideas based on what they know about you, or can ask you questions to better help you. Yes, I love a good sit-down restaurant, but tell me about your favorite food truck or independently-owned coffee shop. Tell me what you order all the time, because it's so good. 

Send me to the best hole-in-the-wall bar, boutique shop, or attraction that flies under the radar. I want it all. And while our schedules may not line up while I'm in town, I'm absolutely going to tell you how much I loved it after I've been there and thank you profusely for it. I also may just ask you to make reservations, too, because I made reservations for the wrong day that one time and felt like an idiot, but we went somewhere nearby that they also enjoyed and I think it was better and less stuffy. 

So, yeah. Meet strangers and go to their favorite places with them, if you can. It gives you a local's insight into your destination and helps you make friends, too. 

Have you ever done this? 

Stay On Budget By Rewearing Travel Clothes

Your travel budget encompasses a lot of things, but adding a new travel wardrobe for each trip shouldn't be one of them. Do I purchase new things when I go on a trip? Of course I do, but most of the time it's a new pair of walking shoes, because my old ones have worn out. When I do buy new clothes, I rewear them over multiple trips, and sometimes they are still in rotation years later. 

Now, you may have seen me post about your "travel nightmare" on Instagram, which features a top I have brought on almost every trip I've taken in the last 10 years years, because I love it, but that's not the only one that I have reworn and taken photos with in the past, and will again in the future. I am a big believer in bringing pieces you love, that are comfortable, that go with everything, and never look dingy. Oddly, this mostly white shirt has stood the test of time, when any other white shirt would, immediately, look like a crime scene after just one meal. 

This athletic cropped top is lightweight, dries fast, and works great for a day out or as a pj top.

I have a few shirts like this. They are great for layering or wearing by themselves, making them perfect for almost any kind of weather. I feel good in them, which is important, and they don't make me stand out as a tourist. 

A good t-shirt can work in a lot of different ways and this green feels like a neutral.

Other items I'll include in my travel bag that I rewear often are a good pair of lightweight joggers and/or a pair of black pants that work just as well for a day out sightseeing as they do . 

This short-sleeve asymmetrical light pink shirt from Splendid is an absolute fave that goes
just about everywhere with me.

A boring black shirt is a good addition to your bag. I have several that I choose from every time I travel. You can't see sweat stains if you're going somewhere really warm. You can't see spills. It goes with, literally, everything. You can layer a great necklace to jazz it up. If you want to bring along bolder outer pieces, like a bright cardigan, it is the perfect compliment to that.

A plain, lightweight t-shirt is always something I throw in a bag or wear on the plane. Not only is it a good layering piece, but it's great when the weather is warm to be able to just look like a regular person wherever you are. I bought this t-shirt above at Columbia on sale and it went everywhere with me for several years. The picture of me and my mom in the bottom right was actually right after we had breakfast and I was heading to the Travel Goods Show. 10 minutes before this picture, I spilled food on me and was mad at myself, but I went into the bathroom and scrubbed it off, and it dried quickly and showed no stain at all, so I didn't have to go back and change.

When you're headed somewhere cool/cold, you should have some good long sleeve options. This lightweight shirt from Prana goes with most of the things I bring with me and is thin, but doesn't look or feel it. You can wear it alone or under a sweater or over a tank top. Should I get it in another color? I absolutely should, because it's one of my favorite pieces that doesn't weigh me down, but keeps me not too warm. 

Another great travel brand, Pact, has well-made pieces that are perfect for camping, hiking, or hanging by the lake, while also looking not at all like clothing made for those things. This light purple shirt is my go-to warm weather top that isn't a tank. It's another top that goes with everything and keeps me cool, but is super lightweight, so it works for layering multiple pieces if needed. 

The point is, you don't have to go broke packing your travel bag with new pieces on each trip you take. You can be like me and take the same core pieces, with one or two new items, like a fun top to wear to dinner and a better pair of walking shoes. When you do go to purchase a new item for your travels, I highly suggest pieces that are multipurpose, that can be layered, that aren't too heavy. Look for good fabrics and don't be afraid to pay a little more for higher quality pieces. If you can't afford good brands, even on sale, go check out Poshmark and pick up gently used (and sometimes still brand new) items for much less.  

My infamous striped shirt

I almost always do laundry while on a trip and rewear items anyway, so a lot of my pictures look like they could be from the same day. I'm never going to see most of those people again anyway, so I don't actually care if they remember that I wore the same shirt 3 days in 8 days. I'll tell you what though, I've almost never remembered what a person was wearing after I don't see them anymore. I suspect I'm in the majority. 

So, unless you want to get a perfect and unique shot of you somewhere specific, where yes, you should remember to wear something that isn't in 80% of your travel photos already, be comfortable, wear items you love, and don't stress too much about getting a new travel wardrobe for every trip, or even every new travel year. 

Do you have favorite pieces that you always take with you when you travel?

Get my ultimate travel planner, so you can plan everything all in one place and feel like a pro!

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!

Download the Last Travel Planner You'll Ever Need!

I've been working hard behind the scenes to give you folks things that can help you travel better and more affordably. While I can't lower the cost of airfare or make destinations cheaper, I can give you a place to organize all your plans and give you tips on how to save and when to book and what to pack. I created an easy-to-follow travel planner for you that has everything you need to make the most of your trips. 

Use this to organize your dream trips, your current trips, and make notes on past trips. You can purchase it from my Patreon storefront for just $8, but if you sign up for my newsletter (if you aren't already!), not only do you get extra great travel tips each month*, but you'll also get a 25% off promo code for your planner download! 

That's right! 🩷My love language is travel, so Happy Valentine's Day🩷 (Newsletters go out on the 1st and 15th. If you sign up today, you'll be just in time.) This promo is good through Feb 21st, so if you sign up anytime before then, but after newsletters have gone out, I'll shoot a copy out to you.

If you don't want to sign up for my newsletter, you're missing out, but I understand. You can just purchase and download a copy whenever.

Thanks so much for continuing to support me and this blog. Is there something I forgot in this planner? Let me know and I'll add it to the next update.

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Valentine's Travel Round-Up

I'm a person who firmly believes that Valentine's Day can be any day and you shouldn't have to pay twice as much for dinner, flowers, candy, or a hotel room to show that you love someone. In fact, if you spend less money taking me on a trip and making memories than you would taking a weekend getaway over the holiday, I think you're smart. If you looking to add a little more romance to your next getaway, I've rounded up all of my daily Valentine travel posts I made each day on Facebook.

February 1: Do you enjoy a good road trip? If so, make it dreamy by planning one of these most romantic road trips across the country.

February 2: Americans have decided the new most romantic destination is no longer Paris, but a city in the United States instead. See which city came out on top.

February 3: You may think that Rome is romantic all on its own, but if you're someone who likes the macabre and less traditional aspects of Valentine's Day, head to Basilica di Santa Maria to view the skull of Saint Valentine, the patron saint of lovers.

February 4: Looking to take your special someone to an equally special dinner? OpenTable has compiled their list of most romantic restaurants in the US. 

February 5: Do you believe in fate? If you do, you might want to book a flight to Amsterdam with your other half in order to kiss on the Magere Burg (Skinny Bridge), where it's believed you will then be in love forever. 

February 6: I love the UK and I aspire to eventually go back and explore cities outside of London and Edinburgh. Maybe one of these romantic escapes will be on my list. 

February 7: Pink is the official color of Valentine's Day. Okay, it's probably red, but pink is a close second. Make memories with you sweetheart while taking some gorgeous insta-worthy pictures at one of these pink sand beaches.

February 8: You've heard of Lover's Lane, but Love Lane in Brooklyn is actually a very popular destination for couples to take photos and short, romantic strolls.

February 9: Love doesn't always have to be romantic. You can love friends, pets, beautiful things in life. Maybe you believe Paris is still the City of Love and you want to plan a trip there, then stop by the I Love You Wall. 

February 10: Flowers are the fall back gift for Valentine's Day, but they don't last. Give them the gift of all the flowers with a trip to a botanical garden. There are plenty of free ones or other gorgeous gardens near where you live that you can visit, but here are 15 of the most beautiful botanical gardens. 

February 11: America isn't the only place that celebrates Valentine's Day. It actually is a holiday around the world. Learn about the traditions of 15 other countries for this day.

February 12: Looking to propose this year? Whether you decide to do it on Valentine's Day or any other day, here are 5 ideal places to get down on one knee.

February 13: On the pink trend, take your special person to somewhere pink and beautiful and possibly get them some pink accessories for your travels. 

February 14: There are a ton of traditional places where people want to kiss their significant other - Top of the Eiffel Tower, an overwater bungalow, a gondola in Venice - so why not visit some of these lesser known kissing spots.

What are some of your favorite romantic memories from your travels?