Is Your Summer Vacation Planned?

I'm asking you this because it's already May and if you haven't planned your summer trip yet, you definitely need to get on that. The longer you wait, the more expensive things will be. Right now, I'm still seeing airfare deals and you probably will still be able to get an okay deal on a hotel (and still get a room before they all fill up). 

If you're still hoping to go somewhere when the kids get out of school, and not spend every dollar you have, then I've got some great tips for you:

Book ASAP

Make sure you're getting on booking things you need as soon as you can, because you don't want to end up spending twice as much as you have to. Look to book your airfare Tuesday, Wednesday, or even Sunday. These are when the sales are out, but definitely sign up for emails for your preferred home airport to destination airport. This way, you'll be the first to know when there are deals. It's generally cheaper to fly on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday, so I always try to fit my trip in between some combo of those days. 

Go Sooner Or Later

Mid-June through mid-August is peak summer travel times. If you can go at the beginning of June or the end of August, you might be able to get a deal and beat some of the worst crowds. And if you can go before before Memorial Day, not only will you save a lot more, you'll also need to book everything, like, yesterday. 

Book a Ride-Share Car

Need a rental car? Then skip the traditional rental companies if you can. They are still charging vast amounts of money for their shrunken fleets. I have almost exclusively used Turo for the last 5-6 years, but you can also rent through Uber now, too. These are basically Airbnb, but for cars. I've saved half off traditional rental rates this way. If you're looking for a less expensive, but more convenient rental experience from a more traditional company, check out Kyte, where they will bring the car to you.

Get Online Discounts

If you're looking to do a bunch of stuff on your trip, then see if you can get a discount by booking ahead online before you go. You can easily find promo codes for things as you're booking them, especially if you're using Chrome extensions like Honey or Rakuten, which will try all available codes at checkout. Not only that, but you'll get cashback on your purchases where these are available and save twice.

Go somewhere different

Your kids are always going to want to go to theme parks or the beach during the summer, but by changing up your destination, you can actually save a little or a lot of money. If they insist on going to the beach, look for lakeside resorts near where you live. Most still have a beach and everything that goes along with it, unless surfing is on the agenda. Other ideas are to visit cold-weather destinations or South America. The Southern Hemisphere experiences winter during our summer, making it a less desirable place to vacation. Less desirable equals more affordable. South America is close, but there are so many different places to choose from that are amazing, tropical and super budget-friendly.

Some great budget-friendly destinations for the summer broken down by month:

June: Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Las Vegas, Mexico, New York City, Portugal, San Diego, Toronto, Vietnam, Washington (State)

July: Argentina, Cambodia, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Georgia (State), Montreal, Myrtle Beach, New Orleans, Thailand

August: Bali, Bulgaria, Cuba, Curaçao, Ecuador, Gatlinburg, Portugal, Las Vegas, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Turkey (Turkiye)

If you need a lot more summer travel tips, don't forget to check out my summer travel ebook and look for more ideas on where to go, how/what to pack, and other ways to save on all your trips. I also send out other travel tips that you won't find on the blog through my newsletter. 

I'll be spending some time in Sacramento in July. Where will your summer travels take you this year? Tell me in the comments!

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!

Exploring AAPI History Through Travel

May is officially Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Although I think we should learn the entirety of American history any way we can all throughout the year, I wanted to put some focus on some of the best places to really engross yourself in art and food and artifacts, so you can gain more perspective on non-Europeans who helped shape our country by sharing their culture.

As someone with Japanese heritage, I am often especially interested in learning about those that emigrated to this country in hopes of a better life, only to face tremendous racism for decades after being welcomed at the start. I find that my history education was woefully lacking in many immigration stories, so it feels like we should all try to fill in those gaps as much as possible to get a bigger and better view of how our country was formed and molded into what it is today. (For more info on some of these destinations, see below for links.) 

Do you have a favorite historical destination to add for AAPI Heritage Month?

More info:

Houston

Los Angeles: Little Tokyo | more Little Tokyo | Chinatown

Seattle: Panama Hotel

Mother's Day Gift List 2024

Mother's Day kind of snuck up on me this year, but I still have a gift list for you, full of plenty of things you can get in time for your the amazing woman/women in your life. If those awesome maternal influencer(s) in your life are anything like my mom, they love traveling and gadgets. While you could go with candy or flowers, I bet they would enjoy something a little more personalized and long-lasting. 

Mom's often do all the work and get almost no recognition or thanks. Get her something she really wants this  year. 

Non-tangible Splurge  gifts - Sometimes you have some extra money and can treat that special person. If you do and you can, here are some things I know they would absolutely adore and can be slipped inside a card:

A night (or more) at a hotel

If they still have children at home, give them an actual way to get some alone time and book a hotel room and maybe add something for added luxury, like a silk eye mask or some bath bombs. 

City cards

If they'll be traveling to a destination that is popular, chances are you will be able to find either a Go Card or a CityPASS for it. The more she does, the more you've saved, but it allows her to skip the lines and she won't have to purchase individual admissions for everything she wants to do. We've also found really cool activities this way that we would not have done otherwise.

For the Airport and Beyond

There are always things that are going to make someone's life easier when traveling. I have a lot of them and each trip is a bit different and will require some or all of those things. Here are some ideas for that mom in your life:

Hydaway Collapsible Bottle

When you're spending a ton of time outside, exercising more, getting more sun, you really need to be hydrating throughout the day. If carrying a thermos with you seems annoying, the Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is one of my favorites, because it can be used for hot, cold, or frozen beverages, which means you can fill it partially and freeze it overnight, then fill the rest with water before you head out, so you have cold water for hours. Once you're empty, you can collapse it down and hang it on your bag or put it in your pocket. It's there for you when you need a refill. It's nice, because even almost empty, it still keeps its shape. Use MAMA25 for 25% off through May 12. $29.95 for 17oz or $34.95 for 25oz

Hydaway Collapsible Bowl

As someone who likes to bring their own food and snacks on the plane, it's nice to have more options than granola bars and apples. When you're on a long flight, having a variety of snacks is nice and makes your trip a lot more enjoyable. I love to bring cheese and crackers as well as grapes, hummus, and carrots. These things don't last very long in a carry-on or at room temp,  but now with a Hydaway collapsible insulated bowl, I can bring those things, then collapse it when it's empty. I've also used food containers on the way home to pack fragile items I've bought, like ornaments. They're also wonderful for camping and road trips. Use MAMA25 for 25% through May 12. $24.95 for 1.5 cup or $34.95 for 1 quart

Zensah Compression Socks

I have poor circulation in my feet and walking all day or sitting on the plane for hours can cause my feet and ankles to swell and then make wearing shoes and using my feet for anything to be the worst. As we get older, we have different needs, and compression socks are a nice way to take care of your lower extremities and prevent swelling or blood clots and misery. I love Zensah, because you can get both long socks or just leg sleeves (for when you wear sandals with your pants or long skirts). $49.95

GoTubb Containers

Sometimes having your pills for the day is handy, or just having a few aspirin, allergy pills, or your favorite eye serum on your at all times is smart. GoTubbs can do all that and more. They come in multiple sizes and can be used in your carry-on for random things (nuts, candy, CBD gummies, spices) or in your toiletry bag to downsize cosmetics. They are spill-proof, but also easy to open and close, even with one hand, so you don't have to be strong or a genius to figure them out. Pack of 3: $8.99 for small or $11.99 for medium, Pack of 2: large $11.99

Swell Insulated Bottle

Does your mom always have a hot beverage or need ice everywhere she goes? I feel that. I don't enjoy carrying around a lukewarm drink usually. When on the plane, I fill up my bottle with coffee or a sparkling water and it stays the right temperature my whole flight. It's also Earth-friendly, if you're trying to cut down on plastic waste. There are a lot of insulated bottles out there, but I feel like Swell always look pretty and they will last forever (even if you've dropped yours 12,000 times like I have). From $24 17oz+

Travelon Water Bottle Tote

If you're walking around with a water bottle, then you might as well have something to carry it in. I know a lot of people hate carrying around a purse, so a water bottle tote is actually the best of both worlds. This one from Travelon is insulated, so if you use it for other things that might sweat, it's not going to leak through your bag, has an adjustable locking strap, is lovely to look at, and also has an RFID zipper pocket to keep the essentials in and then keep extra safe with a locking zipper. $20 with the 50% off sale, or use code SHEREENTRAVELS20% for 20% off other regular price items

Travelon Personalized Air Cleaner

With Covid and all the other gross things going around airplanes and other crowded spaces, keep your mom extra safe with her own personalized ionizer. It wears like a necklace and keeps the air around you (up to 6 feet) clean of impurities, bacteria, and allergens. So, whether or not you're concerned about Covid, this is great for allergy sufferers, people who can't abide smoke, or just to block all the germs that dude with the hacking cough is putting into the air. $21 on Amazon

16" Mini Carry-On

Smaller carry-ons are not only easier to maneuver, but they are lighter and may even fit under the airplane seat. For those with mobility issues or those that can't pick up a heavier/bigger bag, ones that don't have to go in the overhead are a lifesaver. Some of my favorite ones right now are Calpak Hue $165, Travelhouse $89.99, Kroser $68 with a $10 coupon, Hanke $106.99, Bagsmart Tote $35.99

Nomatic Toiletry Bag

There are a lot of toiletry bags out there, but this one is a top contender. It is waterproof and has a lot of spill-proof pockets, so not only will it keep anything inside contained, nothing can get into it either, and you can have it with you in the shower or next to the sink with no worries. It's expensive, but I believe it might be the last toiletry bag anyone ever needs. $74.99 for large version or $54.99 for small version

Coach Seat Luxury Upgrades

Airplane seats and legroom keep shrinking, but that doesn't mean that it has to be torture. In fact, there are ways to upgrade your seat without spending more money to sit in business or first class. 

Airplane Bluetooth Adapter

By now, basically everyone has wireless headphones and I'm not willing to buy some cheapo ones with low quality just to take on the plane. Watch all the shows you want on the seatback screen with a bluetooth adapter. It plugs into the outlet for the earphones and then the screen becomes bluetooth-enabled. You can use it other places, too, so it's multifunctional. $26.99 

FaceCradle Travel Pillow

You need a good travel pillow if you're going to be flying long distances (or even if you're taking a longer train trip or even a passenger in the back of a car. I will never stop touting the awesomeness of FaceCradle. I get such good sleep with this. Eric, who is a very light sleeper, also has gotten some of his best travel sleep with it. It allows you to stretch your neck and back, so you don't wake up needing a massage. $69.99

Dr. Lipp Moisturizer

I swear by Dr. Lipp lip balm, which is often called nipple balm, because it can be used everywhere. Get her a luxurious set to keep in her bag that includes both lip balm and body balm. The dry air in the plane will be no match for this duo. It's also carry-on friendly sized. $20.50

Pang Wangle Essential Wrap

Your mom can keep warm on the plane and then is going to look chic everywhere she goes with this wrap that has an odorless bug repellent woven into its sustainable, impossibly soft, recycled cotton and Tencel fabric. She can use it as a wrap, a sarong, a scarf, a blanket, and more wherever she goes. I take mine everywhere. $58

Perilogics Phone Holder

Holding your phone for an extended amount of time while you watch a video or play a game is annoying. Use this Airplane phone holder to keep your phone at eye level and save your neck, while also keeping your tray table up when you don't need it. It can even be used off the airplane. Attach it to a suitcase handle, table, or whatever. $13

Airplane Pockets

The seatback pocket on planes can be pretty gross and dirty and the tray table is one of the most touched surfaces on plane. Airplane Pockets are antibacterial and slip over your tray, so you have a clean surface to eat and play on. The other part of the pockets is the actual pockets. There is one big pocket and three smaller ones, to hold all your necessities and keep them organized. $29.99

Serenity Tray Organizer

For those with longer legs or people who don't like things touching their knees while they're traveling, this Serenity Organizer keeps everything on the back of the tray table. Like Airplane Pockets, they are antibacterial, but unlike AP, they are stretchy and turn into a drawstring pouch. $45

Living Well Upon Arrival

Silk Eye Mask

Getting a good night's sleep is very important, so if you need to sleep in the dark, a great sleep mask is a must and a luxury. A soft silk sleep mask helps to avoid excess wrinkles and you don't wake up with pillow creases on your face. $19.99

Travel Espresso Maker

If your mom is a lover of coffee, then it's possible she has the the same problem I have and that's that most in-room makers are terrible, or the coffee provided is weak. If I'm bringing my own coffee anyway, so I don't entirely rely on coffeeshops and go broke, then I might as well bring my own machine. Aeropress is highly rated and the entirety of the contraption fits inside it's own mug. Wacaco uses Nespresso pods, making it easier to use, but it's also heavier. Aeropress Go $49.95  Wacaco $47

SpectraSpray 

Keep her healthy and feeling great. There are natural sprays for everything, including those to make your travels way better. Purchase sprays individually, or ones that go together in a kit. They all have a very light flavor. Most are minty and the flavor dissipates pretty quickly. Personal faves include the Sleep Well Kit, Daily Defense Kit, and I've been testing the Ageless Beauty Collagen (review coming soon) $19.95+ use code SHEREENTRAVELS for an extra 5% off

Travelon Convertible Crossbody

I carried this bag all over Las Vegas. It's small and carries just the essentials. It can be worn as a belt bag, a shoulder bag, a crossbody, or a sling. It comes in a floral print, in case you still want to buy your mom flowers. If you don't, it comes in black, teal, or gray. $54 (on sale for $27) on Amazon or $49.50 on Travelon - use code SHEREENTRAVELS20% to get 20% off

Travelon Anti-Theft Addison Backpack

If your mom likes to carry a little bit more, this backpack is not too big and not too small and can hold quite a bit. It's got locking zippers and RFID pockets. It looks pretty and is functional. If she picks up some little things on her day out traveling, she can fit it right in here, along with her snacks and glasses and whatever else she needs. $80 (on sale for $33.70) on Amazon or $85 on Travelon - use code SHEREENTRAVELS20% to get 20% off

Lighted Makeup Mirror

A portable Lighted Makeup Mirror is a must for those dark hotel rooms or when someone else is in the bathroom and you're trying to get ready. It has 3 light settings and can mimic natural light, so when you go outside, you look normal and not like a pumpkin or a streaky mess, because you looked fine before you left. This one is rechargeable with a USB and is super slim, so you can fit it anywhere in your bag. $20.99

Pursesuitz Pocket Travel Tank

If you missed my review on this, you're missing out, because everybody 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 she can put her emergency cash, passport, and any other important thing she wants to keep close to her body, all in an attractive tank. $59

I hope you find a great gift here and the mother(s) in your life have a fabulous day and extra great travels. What other gifts would you add to this list?

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!