Planning for Your 2018 Vacations

If you're like me, you start planning your next trip the second you get back from one. Of course, maybe you aren't like me. I tend to have my destinations picked out years in advance, because there are so many places I want to go and I have a life plan. I know there are lots of people not like me, but if you want a head start on planning an amazing, and budget friendly, 2018 vacation, I've got some ideas for you.

Now, I'm still planning on my ultimate Harry Potter trip to Philadelphia in 2018, but I'm a nerd and also am saving up for Europe and another trip to Disney World. Here's where you might want to go instead:

Belize

Stay in a beachfront hotel for $20 or under, or choose an upscale one for around $75. You'd pay four times as much (at least) in the States. Spend your days lazing in the sun on the beach, chowing down on delicious local dishes - you must try Belizean chicken - and exploring Mayan ruins. Definitely pack shorts and definitely bring your camera. If you love to dive, Belize has some of the best diving spots in the world. And if you like to drink, cocktails will only set you back $1-2.

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Bolivia

How many places can you go and spend only $20 for a room? La Paz offers that to travelers as well as historical culture everywhere you look. Street vendors sell traditional foods that you can nosh on for cheap while exploring the city. Save your money to make purchases in the open-air markets and to splurge on a fancy dinner out.

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Czech Republic

Prague is totally walkable and steeped in so much culture and history that free walking tours are the way to go. Tip your guide well and learn more than you ever expected. You'll find beauty around every corner and amazing photo ops. Go out early in the morning to avoid most of the crowds, then head outside of Old Town to save on delicious dishes as well. Try the street food while you're out sightseeing, just be sure when you're out and about seeing all the awesome stuff that you keep an eye on your wallet.

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Morocco

Do a bit of prep before going on your trip, so you know how to get around and don't look too lost, as locals will try to get your money for "guiding" you through the city. Get a comfy and lovely room in a riad (a hotel) for around $40, including breakfast, or opt for something a little less fancy for closer to $10 per night. A meal for two will cost you about the same, which means you can spend your time and money elsewhere, like the markets and museums. Take an affordable day trip out to the desert or to nearby waterfalls.

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Laos

One dollar here will buy you over 8,000 kips (the local currency), and everything is dirt cheap. You won't have to look far if you want to relax and a bungalow overlooking the Mekong River may only cost you $5 a night. Food is even cheaper, meaning the most you'll spend is on the airfare to get there. And possibly on sunscreen. Head over to Cambodia for a somewhat different vibe. They take American dollars, unlike Laos, but it stretches pretty far as well.

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Spain

It's easy to travel cheaply in Spain, especially if you head to the Southern side, where the sun is in abundance, and bars serve amazing tapas for quite a bit less than you'd expect. Take self-guided walking tours (or search for free ones online that only cost a tip to your guide). The government sponsored free concerts and fairs, plus many museums offer free admission.

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Wales

Sure, you could go splash out on a spendy trip to London, or even Ireland or Scotland, but Wales is like the Taco Bell of the UK, but without the guilt. Hotels can be cheap, but you can spend a little more and save elsewhere by doing free activities: hike along the coast, go on a few historic walks that include a castle (or two!), or just take an actual tour of a medieval castle, as many only charge $10 or so for admission. 

Now that you have a whole new list of budget travel destinations, where will you go next year?

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Holiday Travel Gift List

If you're like me, probably 98% of your current emails have the words "Black Friday" in the title and you're just about done with life. I'm already over Christmas and it's not even Thanksgiving yet. Make shopping easier on yourself and sleep in tomorrow with these fun travel items for everyone on your gift list.

I don't know about you, but I've got a lot of people to buy for and not a lot of cash, so I've been looking for items in all price ranges that will suit just about everybody who likes to travel. 

Budget (under $40)

Phone Loops

I'll be receiving some of these fairly soon and doing a proper review (and possibly a giveaway), but these loops make it easier for you to hang onto your mobile and less likely to drop it, because you can use it as a way to hold your phone in your hand or carry it around your wrist. It's a fun way to stop shoving it in your back pocket and still have it available when you need it (and not just floating around in your bag). You can buy them for everyone on your list at this low, low price of $4.99. Get free shipping for the next 3 days, 15% off for 3 or more and 20% off if you buy 12 or more. 

Comfy pants
Headed somewhere warm? One Tribe Apparel's Aladdin pants are the perfect addition to a carry-on bag, and take up very little space inside, which means you have room for other necessities. Trust me when I say that your gift recipient will adore these lightweight pants. Plus, they are so affordable at $27! You can view my review of them here.

Pokemon Go Plus
Got a gamer on your list? Make those vacation steps count. You hook your Plus up to your phone via bluetooth, then catch Pokemon on the go, hit up PokeStops, walk your buddy and hatch eggs. These go through periods where you can get them everywhere and then nowhere, so if you have someone who would enjoy this, better get it now. Eric and I both have one, so we can catch new Pokemons everywhere we go! (Please don't judge us. We are fun.) Unlimited fun for $35. 

Stretch Strap
I don't know why walking so much makes you tense, but sometimes you just need to stretch out after (and before) all that exercise you're getting going from one landmark to the next. Luckily, you can get a stretch strap that works for everyone in your travel party and allows your muscles all that pull they need without having to hit the hotel gym. This little strap is just $15.95, on Prime, and packs into almost no space at all.

Collapsible food containers

Got a traveler who does a lot of road tripping, or just likes to bring their own snackies with them on the plane? I do this and usually bring a hard storage container for all my homemade goodies. Not only are these sweet to take on the plane, train, and in the car, but they are fantastic for work lunches and more. When empty, collapse them and they take up much less space, so you have room for souvenirs. I like the set above, which is $29.99, but I have something similar to this set that is only $20. 

Moderate ($40-99)

Lug Propeller Gym Bag

Lug has some excellent products, which are multipurpose and great to look at as well. This bag is technically a gym bag, with a zip front that holds your yoga mat, but I love it as a carry-on bag. It fits under the seat, has room for everything you need, and I use that zipper compartment to either hold my jacket that I don't want to wear, or put my travel docs in it and zip it closed. Boom! When not traveling, you can use it as a traditional gym bag or even a diaper bag. Purchase from Amazon starting at $72.99, choosing your favorite color/pattern.

Travel flats
Oka-b has some of the best travel shoes you can ask for, especially if you're looking for stylish, packable and comfy kicks. The ballet flats are lovely and go with just about everything and the price is pretty sweet too. They average $46 a pair, plus they have flip flops, wedges and sandals. If they get grungy, you can wash them in the dishwasher or scrub them with regular dish soap too! And when you order through this weekend, get 15% or more off!

Help save the National Parks
Our National Parks, landmarks and monuments are not guaranteed. Buy your lover of the outdoors some sweet NP swag and let them know that your gift is going to support the Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, so they can visit them for many trips to come. The awesome clothing is around $30-40, but you can also find other goods that are cheaper to fit into your budget.

Splurge ($99 and over)

Excellent new shades for my next adventures from @visionworks_eyewear. Can't wait to bring you a review! Also, look for them on my gift list! . . #travelgifts #holidaygifts #travelgiftlist #jetsetter #jetset #ilovetravel #tourist #tourism #tblogger #tbloggers #travelblog #travel #travelblogger #travelgirl #travelgram #instatravel #traveler #traveller #budgettravel #budgettraveler #budgettraveller

A post shared by Shereen Travels Cheap (@srayle) on Nov 15, 2017 at 5:08pm PST

Sunglasses from Visionworks

I always have 2-4 pair of sunglasses at home at any time. I love to show off my style through my shades. Visionworks partners with designer brands, like Guess, to bring you the best in stylish sunglasses. They aren't cheap, but think of how awesome these fantastic sunnies are going to look in vacation pics! Actually, you can find a pair for around $90, and right now they are all on sale. The ones I'll be reviewing for you retail for $180.

AAA
For the road tripper on your list, give them the gift of security. Whether they need a tow, a jump, or a tire change, AAA is always there for you...er them. We have it, and though I've not used it for much, it's always nice to know it's there as insurance, especially when roadtripping alone and driving through pretty desolate areas. There are several different memberships you can buy, but any of them will be appreciated. Sign up here.

For more ideas on what to buy for the traveler on your holiday list, check out my Dads & Grads list and my Mother's Day list. 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.