Thursday, August 14, 2025

Shereen Travels Cheap Turns 15!

It's been yet another year for this blog and I feel like I'm pretty lucky to have this little space on the internet with some cool people. After a whole summer of travel last year and pretty much only California travel the year before, this year has been interesting. We still didn't get to Toronto or Hawaii, but we are sort of back to normal without any family reunions or business trips.

It's been yet another year for this blog and I feel like I'm pretty lucky to have this little space on the internet with some cool people. Happy 15th!

This year for my blog birthday, I'm getting a gift! 

Portland Gear has graciously gifted me some bags to take with me on my next trip to make our travels more colorful and organized. I can't wait to show you more about them. If you remember, I already have their Standard Cascade backpack in Blossom, and I take it everywhere. I'm so excited to try more of their line.

In March, I went to Vegas for the Travel Goods Show and met a lot of awesome people, learned about some new brands, enjoyed some really delicious food, and went home with a ton of connections and stuff.

In July, we did our annual trip to Vegas to watch NBA Summer League basketball, enjoy time with family, and try some really outstanding food. We drove to Hoover Dam and took a scenic and educational boat tour, we exhausted all the things at Omega Mart with our Portal Pass, including seeing the Great Migration during the Phenomenomaly. I also took in the Princess Di Exhibition finally, and I retreated to my room after to shelter from the oppressive heat.

July also saw a bit of a family reunion, so I saw some people a bunch, and other people not since last year's actual family reunion. I planned to check out some stuff in Tacoma while there, but a lot of things happened and we didn't get to do any of them.

The end of July was Wizarding Weekend, which I put on with the help of other volunteers to celebrate Harry Potter's birthday with a ton of cosplayers, a local elementary school-turned-hotel, and a bunch of Portland area artists selling their magical wares. More on that later.

September I have our local comic con (Rose City Comic Con) and then a bit of downtime before we jet off to France, where we'll be renting a car, through Turo, and driving through the country and staying in the Normandy area. The end of our trip will be 3 days in Disneyland Paris, because when you've spent a week stuffing your brain and eyeballs with history, you need to decompress with something lighthearted. Not that we don't enjoy history - we absolutely do - otherwise we wouldn't be taking this trip, but we also enjoy Disney and really love the Paris parks.

We don't have much planned beyond September, but we do know that we will probably be in Palm Springs in January for Modernism Week, I'll be wherever the Travel Goods Show shows up, and we'll also be back in Vegas in July. We've talked about the possibility of going to Boston next fall, but we'll see how the tourism climate and inflation shapes up by then.

Coming up soon:

  • Lake Mead/Hoover Dam boat tour
  • Princess Di Exhibition
  • Packing light for a getaway to France
  • Making long-haul coach/economy comfortable
  • Mix and match wardrobe for Fall
  • Back to wizard school round-up
  • Review of Portland Gear bags
  • Saving on holiday travel
  • Packing a more streamlined toiletry bag
  • Normandy series
And here are some of my most popular posts that you may have missed or want to go back to:
graffiti found in downtown Las Vegas

Thank you for continuing to follow along on my travels, coming back to learn about cool destinations, and learning about the new travel trends and tips to make your trips cheaper and more fun. 

What else would you like to see in the future? Destinations I should cover, more videos, more packing tips, other travel goodies? Let me know in the comments. 

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Wednesday, August 13, 2025

How To Plan a Great Fall Staycation

Fall is coming! I know there are a lot of fantastic budget-friendly vacation destinations for Fall, but sometimes that's just not in the cards. We don't always have the extra money to spend on a getaway, even though we desperately need/want one. It's times like these that I recommend a staycation, even if it just means you're a tourist in your city for a day. 

Fall is coming, which means you are either going on a big trip, or staying home to save money for the holidays. Here are some great staycation tips.

I love to see everything there is around me. Portland and the surrounding cities are so interesting and pretty, plus there's always something going on all year. I bet most of you have similar cities, even if you don't think so. A quick Google search will tell you differently. Here are some of my favorite activities:

Eric of the corn!

Visit a farm

This is one of my favorite ways to spend weekends during September and October when I'm not traveling. I love a corn maze and often hit up a local farm that has a pumpkin patch, maze, cider donuts and animals. I want to eat some fall foods, drink some cider, get lost in the corn. Sometimes we bring the dog to get some exercise and then pig out on whatever food they're serving. 

 This last weekend we went to a farm we'd never been to before to take pictures, go on a hayride, and try their corn maze. It was the first maze we'd been to that didn't have some sort of signage, but it was 1 mile and we got lost and got our steps in, so I call that a win. Most farms have a lot of things to do for kids, so it's a relatively cheap way to spend the day and let them jump and run out all that extra energy.

 Hint: If it's been raining, be prepared for mud. I always wear boots and bring a change of shoes for after trekking through the dirt/mud/puddles to head home in.

Head to a nearby city you haven't been to before

I'm a fan of just bundling up, packing a bag of snacks, and just driving off somewhere I've never been. Each new town has funky shops and restaurants and scenery. Spend the day exploring to feel like you're traveling and then go back home. It's a fairly cheap way to enjoy a day doing something different and being somewhere unfamiliar. If you bring a lunch, you can even forgo eating out, so you're basically just paying for gas.


Hit up a local festival

Most people only think about festivals during the summer, but when fall rolls around, there are entirely different festivals, like apple tasting, pumpkin carving, harvest fests and more. Look for a calendar on local events and find any of the festivals that sound cool and interesting and then make a plan to go to them. Just some of the things happening around here: Cider Fest, Giant Pumpkin Regatta (yep, people use huge, hollowed out pumpkins as boats), Howloween at the Oregon Zoo, Killer Pumpkin Festival featuring pumpkin beers, and The Spirit of Halloweentown. It's easy to pack a whole weekend with these things, and it's way cheaper than a trip.

Go wine tasting

If you live in an area that has a lot of wines, or even just one really good winery, plan a tour and then try all the wines on offer that sound delicious. If you do this, make sure you have a sober ride home. Also, lots of wineries have great restaurants on-site, so you can make a whole day of it, and make sure you have something in your stomach to keep you from getting way too drunk. Some places, like Portland, have winery tours where a bus will take you winery hopping over the course of a day. It also means you don't have to worry about having a DD. (If you don't like wine, check out some breweries or distilleries.)

Hole up in a hotel somewhere

Sure, you may not be able to afford a full-on vacation, but that doesn't mean you can't book yourself into a nice hotel for a couple of nights, order room service, do things in a part of town you don't hang out in often. Keep your eye out for hotel deals or call one you've always wanted to stay in and see if they'll cut you a deal.

Host a "destination" potluck 

Call some friends, choose a vacation destination, like Italy, and ask them all to bring a dish from that country. You may not be able to go there, but you can spend a little on decor and food to immerse you in that destination. Your friends who also can't afford to go on a vacation will probably be super grateful and excited. Make it easy on them and post a list of regional dishes they can bring if they don't want to research. Then pop a couple bottles of wine, play some games or create a slideshow of tourist spots to scroll through on your TV and really make it feel like you're there!


 See the leaves turn
Unleash your inner leaf-peeper and take a drive or just walk around a new neighborhood looking at the gorgeous colors. Make a point to take pictures and post them later on Facebook or Instagram to show everyone how pretty your city is dressed in reds, oranges, and yellows. Maybe you'll inspire other people to appreciate what's going on around them.

 If you want more ideas on how to plan an awesome staycation, check out my Pinterest board. You can also follow me on Instagram. I often do a ton of local things over the summer, when it's too expensive to travel, and then go on my big trip in fall, because it's cheaper and less crowded.

 What's been your favorite staycation or staycation activity?
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Monday, July 28, 2025

Exploring Dog-Friendly Travel Options

Exploring the world with your best 4-legged friend can be one of the most fulfilling ways to experience it, but requires careful planning in order to ensure they remain comfortable, safe, and happy during the trip.


Exploring the world with your best 4-legged friend can be one of the most fulfilling ways to experience it, but requires careful planning

From exploring streets of new cities to chilling under the stars or hitting open roads, there are a lot of dog-friendly travel options that cater specifically to four-legged adventurers. Let's look at some of these options, from overseas travel to RV parks.

Flying Full of Fur-tune

Flying with pets might sound overwhelming, but thanks to pet-friendly airlines and considerate travelers it has become more accessible than ever before. Many international carriers provide cabin options for smaller breeds of dog, while larger breeds can travel in temperature-controlled cargo spaces designed to prioritize safety and comfort. Airlines such as Lufthansa or JetBlue are frequently recognized for their pet-friendly policies.


Checking each airline's regulations carefully, especially regarding breed or size restrictions that could impact you is very important. Arriving early will make sure you have ample time to manage check-in logistics. For longer flights, select dog-friendly destinations such as Amsterdam with its relaxed leash laws or Tokyo with its abundance of boutique pet shops and dog cafes.


Keep in mind that passports aren't just limited to humans. Many countries require up-to-date health certificates and proof of vaccinations before going on your travels. So be sure to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian beforehand.


Photo by Egor Gordeev on Unsplash

All Aboard the Pet Express

Train travel can be an exceptionally dog-friendly alternative, particularly in Europe and North America. Some U.S. services allow dogs of up to 20 pounds in carriers onto trains. European railways typically welcome larger breeds on leashes but require them to have their own ticket purchases. The charm of rail travel lies in its ability to provide you and your pet scenic views while making boarding easy with minimal turbulence.

The Call of the Wilderness

Outdoor enthusiasts and their canine companions will find RV parks to be among the most rewarding dog-friendly travel experiences. Many state and national parks in the U.S. welcome canines with open arms. Leash requirements should always be double checked before your travel begins. Trails, lakes, forests provide canines a playground while connecting them with nature.


Trails provide even further opportunity to roam freely amidst nature, while recreational vehicles allow pets to experience adventure without airline flights or hotel accommodations disrupting them. Pet-friendly RV parks often come equipped with amenities such as dog runs and play areas, making them a fantastic choice for long-term travelers.

Luxury Stays for the Well-Pawed Guest

Boutique hotels and Airbnb rentals have taken to offering pet-friendly stays, featuring plush beds, designer water bowls, as well as dedicated dog concierges, making it easier than ever to find luxury stays that welcome wagging tails. Many listings also have pet-friendly filters on them while hosts show their affection by providing fenced yards, toys and treats. Perfect accommodations for the well-pawned guest.


No matter the mode of transport, preparation is important when traveling with your dogs. Important items like a strong leash, travel crate, waste bags and plenty of water make a significant difference when it comes to an enjoyable journey. Research destination rules thoroughly as some areas may impose breed or leash length restrictions. And be sure to bring along some familiar toys to help make your pet feel secure and at home.


Exploring the world with your four-legged bestie adds an unparalleled level of joy and companionship to every journey. From transcontinental flights to relaxing RV trips, there is no shortage of dog-friendly travel opportunities designed to suit the needs of both humans and their adventurous pups.


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