Easy Ways to Save Big Bucks On Trips

Vacations are expensive. I mean, next to your house and car, it's probably one of the tings in life that you spend the most money on. You've seen the ways I've showed you how to save money for your trips, but how exactly do you save money on your trips. I travel a lot, and I save a lot, because if I didn't, I couldn't afford to go most places.

Just because you don't have tons of disposable income, doesn't mean you have to resort to a trip close to home, because often those trips can end up costing the same as a trip where you go far away. There are a few ways to save big when you travel and here they are:

Get a vacation rental

I use Airbnb quite a lot. I love feeling like I have a real home to go back to on my vacations. I look for places that have a full kitchen and WiFi and laundry facilities, so I can save money by making some of my own meals (or even having a way to eat leftovers) and packing less and washing clothes. You may end up spending the same as you would on a hotel room, but you get all these extras, plus more privacy, and often more room. Just think how much a daily breakfast would cost you. Now imagine you spent just the amount of money on one to buy staples for a whole week of breakfasts. Here's more about why I opt for vacation rentals.

Use Daily Deals

When I am planning, I subscribe to the daily deals for the city I'll be traveling in. I start looking  2-3 months out and use it to save 50% or more on dining out, attractions and activities. You can change your city subscriptions at any time. Groupon has the most variety in destinations, but don't forget to look at Travelzoo local deals as well as any specifically for where you're traveling, like nCrowd, which focuses on UK.

Get a City Card

If you have a list of must-dos on your list, check the ones offered on the city card of that destination to see how many are offered on that card. You can save up to 55% on a list of attractions and activities when you use GoCards or CityPASS. If they aren't available for either of these cards, because you're going out of the country or just because they aren't, just Google "city card [destination city]" and often you'll find something that works.

Skip the Car Rental

If you're in a big city, chances are it'll be easy to take public transportation and/or walk wherever you need to go. A car rental can be expensive, especially when you factor in parking and gas. Look at the costs of both to see if it's considerably cheaper. If you do need a car, but not for everything, is it possible to just rent it for a day or two? We did this when we went to New Orleans, just so we could go on a day trip to a plantation and the Tabasco Factory. Worth it, but also a big chunk of money saved by doing it that way.

Find the Free Stuff

I like to see all sorts of things in a city, but I know that sometimes the free stuff can be the best stuff, so I definitely research those when I'm planning. It can help your dollars go further when you mix in free and cheap attractions (like museums and parks and squares) to your itinerary, plus you might see some things that regular tourists overlook. Some of those things have been more memorable to me than other things we've shelled out big bucks for. I suggest also asking friends on social media for suggestions.

Frequent Flyer Miles 

If you're using your credit cards correctly and adding your mileage number to all the places you can, then you may be well on your way to free airfare. Pick one or two airlines, or find one that works with a group of other airlines, and use those exclusively. It's the easiest way to rack up points more quickly. If you have an airline credit card, don't forget that you usually get double miles when you book your flights using that card. You can find out more how I use my frequent flyer miles here.

So, now you know my secrets, and now you can start planning your next trip. If you could go anywhere, where would you be heading right now?

Rocking Your Staycation - Part 2

Summer is here and lots of people are planning vacations, but it's the most expensive time of the year to do so. You probably already know that. Maybe you're even planning a trip during another time of the year. I wouldn't blame you. We take our main vacations in the fall when flights are much cheaper and most destinations are way less crowded.

We still take a short vacation in the summer, but we aren't opposed to a great staycation, because all the awesome stuff that goes on in Portland is during the summer, and who wants to miss that? If you want to save some bucks this summer and put it towards a more affordable trip outside of June, July and August, read on for how to rock a staycation.

Take a tour of the city

I bet you don't know everything about where you live. I know I don't, and I've lived here for over 20 years. Even natives can learn something about their city when they take a tour and enter from the perspective of a tourist. If that isn't for you, grab some friends and do a scavenger hunt tour of your city instead.

Use the city's transportation options

You're probably used to your normal commute in your car, but if you get off your regular route, you can find some thoroughly awesome things. Does your city have a shared bike option? If so, rent one and take some "back roads" and see where it takes you and what you discover. This is the way I find hidden gems in strange cities, so it's bound to work at home. I take the bus, ride a bike, get on the subway or just walk. I head away from touristy areas and just wander.

Some friends and I have a tentative plan to see if we can ride all of Portland's transit in one day, because why not? 

Head to the park

Not all parks are created equal. Go where others like to visit and see what the rage is. It's even better if you take a blanket and a picnic and just soak in the atmosphere. Look at this fantastic bagpiper I caught up with at Portland's Saturday Market!

Bring a book, walk some trails, turn off your phone, play a game. Just enjoy it!

Tour a winery, brewery, distillery... 

Whatever interesting thing your city has that you haven't indulged in yet, make some reservations to do it already! Maybe it's a chocolate factory or a place where they hand weave blankets. If you've always wanted to do it, put it on the list! You're probably going to see a candy tour from me at some point. 

  

Grab lunch at a food cart or farmers market

Nothing beats getting local and supporting small businesses and farmers. This is how to do it. You can pick up fixing for a fun meal that you eat al fresco (maybe outside in your yard), grab something from one of those food vendors, or try those couple of food carts you keep wanting to check out, but then never do. Make the drive!  

Check out all the free art

Maybe you love a good museum, and by all means, you should visit those, but don't forget about all the free art around your city as well. From sculptures to murals on buildings downtown, there's probably tons of stuff you're not even seeing when you drive around normally. Open your eyes, bring your camera, pretend to be a tourist.

These are just a few ways to make a staycation awesome and affordable. Stay tuned for part 3, but in the meantime, how do you rock your staycations?

Tips for Traveling with Babies

Having a family can create challenges, especially when traveling, but that doesn't mean it's too hard to go, even with babies. As long as you plan accordingly and ahead of time, you can totally be a master parent traveler. Here are just some ways to help you figure it out and be a pro in no time.

What are your tips for traveling well with your infants?