A Few Tips for Saving Money for Your Next Trip

Travelling can be one of the great joys of life – an opportunity to get away from your everyday environment, and to have a real adventure. Out on the open road, you can experience the world in a whole different way, and can create the kind of memories that will stand the test of time.

Image via Pixabay

Of course, it’s an unfortunate fact that travelling costs money, and not everyone is set up like an Instagram influencer, to be on the road all the time, without worrying about the budget.

People might take out a short term payday loan to try and fund their vacation trips. Or they might sell some of their old belongings on eBay, or borrow money from a friend or relative.

Before you turn to those options, here are a few straightforward tips for saving money for your next trip.

Get very specific on what it is you want to do, and start itemizing the experience

If you turn up in an exciting new location, with no real plans or idea of how things work, and a credit card that is just dying to be used, you’re very likely to spend a lot more money than you probably should.

In order to properly budget for the trip, and to do it in the most cost-effective manner possible, you need to get very specific with what it is you want to do, and then start itemizing the experience.

Do some meticulous research. What hotels are on offer? How much does transport cost to those historical sites that you’re interested in? What is a reasonable amount of money to put aside for food?

Understand that you have to make certain sacrifices in your everyday life to fund your travels

As the old saying goes, “you can’t have your cake and eat it too.” Even extremely wealthy celebrities managed to bankrupt themselves on a pretty regular basis, because they try to have it all, all the time.

If you want to have plenty of great travels, you’ve got to realize that this will entail certain sacrifices in other areas of your everyday life.

So, identify what it is you’re willing and able to sacrifice, and then begin saving up. Maybe you will need to start preparing sandwiches and coffee at home, instead of going to cafes. Maybe you need to stop visiting the cinema so often.

Distill things down their essences and avoid being too extravagant

Try and figure out what it is about the trip that really excites you the most, and that has the most potential to improve and uplift your life as a whole.

Maybe it’s the simple fact of being there, and exploring the place. Or, maybe being in pretty luxurious accommodation is a major factor for you.

Either way, distill things down their essences, and focus on funding the stuff that makes the trip meaningful for you. Avoid being any more extravagant than you need to be.

Mother's Day Travel Gift List 2019

2019 is just trucking along and next month we're coming up on Mother's Day, which means appreciating those lovely women who do so much and mean so much for us. You may have a friend, aunt, daughter (who's also a mother), mom, grandma, or wife that falls into these categories, and if they also love traveling, then my Mother's Day Travel Gift List is definitely for you.  

Photo by Sai De Silva on Unsplash

I like to add some of the same things to my gift lists, because they are tried and true and well-loved by me, but I've freshened up this list to include brand new things, many of which I saw at the Travel Goods Show and most that will be reviewed or already have. As always, I've broken it down into price points.

Budget: >$50

1. Anti-Theft Bottle Tote

Summer is coming, and with it will be tons of outdoor activities (if you're lucky). Maybe you'll be headed to the beach, or to sports games, or theme parks, or all those summer festivals in town. Wherever the summer takes you, you're probably going to bring a water bottle, but not want to carry it around. Mom's always get relegated to drink holder, so this awesome holder with an adjustable strap and an anti-theft pocket in the front that holds credit cards, money, and even your phone! $31.50 on Travelon (get 20% off if you use code SHEREENTRAVELS20%)

2. Multi-Passport wallet

That mom on your list who likes to travel, probably goes with her family, so not only is she carrying her own, she's also carrying everyone else's, because otherwise there's chaos and freaking out (or half of their family does this). Get them an RFID-blocking passport wallet that holds boarding passes, 4 passports, a pen and money, so everything is in one spot. (If they have a larger family, there's also a 6 passport wallet. If they are empty nesters, you can get a 2 passport wallet.) $26.25 on Travelon (get 20% off if you use code SHEREENTRAVELS20%)

3. Hydaway bottle

It's always important to stay hydrated (or bring along your favorite wine to the picnic). Get your mom something she can really use that also won't weigh her down. This amazing bottle is collapsible when empty, and can slip right in your bag or pocket. Not only is this bottle cool, but it's also BPA-free, can go in the dishwasher, is leak-proof, can go in the freezer, and can hold alcohol. It fits in your car cupholders, too! If your mom drinks a lot of water, there is an optional charcoal filter lid. $25 from Hydaway

4. Memory Foam Armrest

Now there will be no question as to who's got the armrest, though there might be an even bigger fight for it. The airplane armrests are always uncomfortable, even when they are padded. Make long flights a little more comfortable with one of these awesome memory foam armrests. They don't take up much room in a bag and can make a big difference towards getting her there a little happier. $15 from Walter+Ray

5. Compression Socks

All types of people use compression socks, and now they are even more fun to wear with bright colors and patterns. Compression socks are good for long flights, long days of walking, or even running and jogging. I always keep a pair or two in my travel bag and they are lifesavers. Your mom might think so, too, especially since she doesn't have to sport boring ones that make her feel like a grandma, even if she is one. $26.99 from Sockwell. You can see my review here.

6. Sphynx

Every woman needs a good razor, and if it's fun, that's a bonus. Do you ever shave your legs and then realize you missed a spot as soon as you're somewhere where you can't fix it? Yeah, we've all been there. This fun looking razor spins to reveal two disposable razors, a refillable spray bottle and a moisturizer bar that doesn't melt. Use it anywhere. Keep it in your travel bag. Keep it in your gym bag. Keep it in the glovebox. It comes in awesome colors and I'll be reviewing it and giving one away soon. $15 on Sphynx. Also available at Target, Ulta, and Sephora.

7. GoTubb

In my travels, I've had a lot of tubes and containers, but none have been as awesome as GoTubb. I use these for anything I can't find a smaller version of, so I can pack light. They don't leak and they hold a lot more than you expect, but in a small size. These come in small, medium and large, so they can be used for practically anything, from snacks, moisturizer. From $6 on Amazon

Moderate: $50-100 

1. Benjilock

Regular TSA-accepted locks usually suck, and are easy to forget the combination to, especially if you only travel a few times a year. If that's a problem your mom has too, so she just doesn't use a lock on her luggage, a Benjilock might just be what she needs. Instead of a combination or a key, it opens with a fingerprint. And if she's traveling with several people who are using the same carry-on/suitcase, it can hold up to 10 fingerprints. I'll be reviewing this soon. $70 on Amazon, but can also be found at The Home Depot and QVC and Ace Hardware.

2. Lewis N Clark Anti-Theft Clutch

Lewis N Clark has some awesomely innovative bags and this is one that I saw at the Travel Goods Show and knew it would be perfect for Mother's Day. This anti-theft bag from the Secura line is both a crossbody and a clutch. It's sleek looking and even has an RFID-blocking pouch, so mom can go from airport, to sightseeing, to swanky dinner without ever having to switch bags. I mean, I can't wait to get one myself. I will hopefully be reviewing one of these soon. $59.99 on Amazon

3. Barrier Method Winged Mask

Okay, I feel like travel is one of those things that can be simultaneously awesome and awful. You get to go to cool new places and you can also get some disgusting sicknesses from all the germs everywhere, especially on the plane. This anti-bacterial mask is both healthy and pretty and can be used to stay well, reduce your allergens, keep your neck warm, among other things. Gift your mom the gift of health and wellness with one of these. $60 from The Barrier Method (you can read my review here.)

4. Tropicfeel shoes

I backed these as a kickstarter, because they sounded amazing. They are pretty much Spring and Summer shoes (though if the fall isn't cold, you could wear them then too). We travel to Vegas a lot and do a ton of theme parks, which have plenty of water activities. These shoes are like your best sneakers and water shoes in one. I backed them hoping they would be as good as they sounded, and they were. We both have a pair and they are super lightweight, can be worn with or without socks, and look fantastic. They are perfect for all the walking your mom will do on her travels. $78 on TropicFeel (available for preorder.)

5. Bracketron Roadtripper

Here's another thing I'll be reviewing. The Roadtripper is a multifunctional travel tool. It is a phone stand, but you can unfold it to also hold your tablet and your phone for viewing videos on the tray table latch, so it's at eye level. If you're on the road and need to use your phone as a GPS, this also works for that...and it's certainly not flimsy like a lot of those other phone holders you buy elsewhere. The roadtripper folds up small and unfolds in different ways for what you need to use it for. $50 on Bracketron, but it is on sale now for $34.99. You can also find it at Best Buy and other stores.

6. Travelon Anti-Theft Parkview Hobo Crossbody 

The new Parkview collection from Travelon is classy and comes in classic colors. Not only is it anti-theft, but it has an RFID-blocking pocket and tons of room. It will never make you stick out as a tourist, and can hold all your things and probably some of your purchases. Mom's have to carry all the things, and this bag can do it, while looking great. $89.25 from Travelon (get 20% off if you use code SHEREENTRAVELS20%)

7. FaceCradle

There are so many travel pillows to choose from, but one of the best I've tried is the FaceCradle. Not only is it perfect for the ever-diminishing airplane space, but it's great for tall people, and for using on trains and in cars as well. It has a bunch of different ways to use it. We have the regular version and the lite version, and we sleep like babies on the plane. You can see my review here. $49.99 on Amazon

Splurge: <$100

1. Anti-theft Tailored Wheeled Underseat Carry-on

This new carry-on with spinner wheels from Travelon is fantastic and has a great wipe-down bottom half that can be cleaned easily after tromping through the airport, the subway, and down the street. It has a ton of room and is easy to stash in the overhead. You mom will love this new chic bag, and she'll be able to pack everything she needs in it. $141 on Travelon (get 20% off if you use code SHEREENTRAVELS20%)

2. Priority Pass

Hanging out in the airport can be fun, but after a while, you wish it could be better. Buy your mom access to all the airport lounges, so she can get some peace and quiet, free snacks and maybe get some work done or catch a shower. You can purchase her the standard pass for $99/year, or upgrade her to the plus for $299, which includes 10 free visits (generally member visits are $32). Right now you can get 15% off memberships on PriorityPass

3. InTransit Carry-On

This is the ultimate carry-on bag, because it fits your large laptop, all your clothes, electronics, snacks, toiletries and more, plus you can carry it 3 different ways. I packed everything for a 5-day trip to Disney in this and it made traveling easy, and also looked great. $119 on Walter + Ray's website.

4. Airline gift cards

Buy a gift card that can be used for their favorite airline or hotel chain (or Airbnb) or rental car company. It's nice because you can customize it and make it a bit more personal than a normal gift card. $1-infinity: whatever you want to spend.

5. CityPASS

I'm sure your mom already has her next trip planned. Why not help her make it more affordable by giving her most or all of her activities for free? You'll be able to find a lot of participating cities. $50+ on CityPASS website.

6. GlobeIn monthly travel box

If your mom doesn't quite have the funds to travel, but loves cool stuff from other countries anyway. Give her the gift of stuff from around the world with the GlobeIn box. Each box contains at least 4 goodies from other countries and they all center around a story. $144 for a 3-month subscription. The price per box goes down with longer subscriptions.

There you have it. My picks for your the mom who does it all and deserves it all. If you want to take a look at other lists, in case you don't see something your mom would like, or you want to purchase several things for a gift, type "mother's day" in the search bar on the right.

What are you doing for your mom this year?

Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links, which help me run this blog, and I am always super happy to help you find something cool, and eternally grateful when you use my links as well.

Visiting Miami Without Spending A Fortune

Budget travelers may not always think of Miami as a particularly cheap destination, but you don't actually have to spend a fortune to enjoy yourself in this coastal city. In fact, there are quite a few places to visit, stay, and eat that will do anything but break the bank. Just read on to find out what they are.

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Where to eat

Often times the food in cities that are popular for tourists can be costly, something that can end up upping the cost for anyone traveling there. Happily, this isn't the case with many eateries in Miami, as it's still possible to get some tasty and filling food for a reasonable price.

In particular, Safron Grill a place that serves yummy Middle Eastern food is popular with visitors and locals. With an entire meal only setting you back around $11-$15.

Alternatively, you may wish to try David's Cafe Cafecito on Alton Road, where you can get a pretty hefty sandwich Cubano for $9 that will fill you up all day!    

Where to visit

Also, vacationers that are visiting Miami on a strict budget will be pleased to note that there are plenty of sites to see and things to do that don't require them to take out a second mortgage.

The first stop for budget-conscious visitors to Miami needs to be South Beach, as there you can either soak up some rays on the beach or take a walk around the neighborhood and appreciate all the Art Deco architecture.

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Then there is Bayfront Park located on Biscayne Bay. The perfect place for a picnic or just taking a walk and depicting all the beautiful surroundings.

Wynwood is another fantastic location for sightseeing as well. The reason being that you can walk around the district for free and take in the murals, as well as do some no-cost window shipping in the hop boutiques that line the streets.

Of course, the best thing about saving money while still having a great time when visiting Miami is that you will have enough in your budget to 'push the boat out' on occasion. In fact, this is something that you can literally do as many people choose to get a boat rental in Miami and explore the coastline from the water instead of the shore. The great thing about this is that even for a piloted boat it doesn't actually cost that much so even those folks that are super strict in their budget won’t find it profitably expensive.

Where to stay

Finally, when it comes to keeping you spending low in Miami, it's crucial to get accommodation that doesn't break the budget. Luckily, if you don't mind staying a little farther out from the city and beaches, you can get some pretty reasonable accommodation in camp and RV sites in this location.

Some have cabins that you can hire out too, and many come with fantastic facilities like restaurants and pools. Which means you certainly don't have to go without all luxuries, when visiting Miami on a budget.