Five easy tips for saving money when traveling with kids

With the summer travel season nearly upon us, the urge to see the world and take in the sights can understandably be higher than ever. However, while traveling with the kids is an amazing opportunity to explore new destinations from a fresh perspective, it can quickly get costly if you don’t plan ahead and stick to a budget. Still, if you find that sitting at your desk too long is leading to … [Read more...]

Guide to flying budget airlines in Europe

If you’re like me, you find those super cheap budget airline ticket prices very tempting. €25 per person from Paris to Rome? €45 to Copenhagen? Sign us up! These prices are not too good to be true; families really can get fares like these on airline tickets in Europe. Fail to read the fine print, however, and you’ll end up paying more. Much, much more. Here’s what you need to know before flying … [Read more...]

Best budget-friendly destinations

Traveling is a wonderful notion, as you get to spend some time at your favorite place(s). You can refresh your mind, and eliminate all the stress that a normal lifestyle leaves on you. It is certainly a great activity to stay creative, constructive and healthy. But traveling does require a lot of money, and it is very difficult to plan and execute a trip on a budget. However, my travel advice to … [Read more...]

On a budget? Cruise tips for saving money!

Cruise vacations remain some of the most budget-friendly family vacation options available. While I admit to being quite picky about cruises, experience has taught me that cruises make for excellent multi-generational trips, allowing diverse family groups to have a great time together without extensive effort, stress, time, and, if you do it right, money. On a budget: cruise tips! How to save … [Read more...]

St. Louis with kids: Visiting the free St. Louis Zoo

Voted the #1 free attraction in the United States in 2016, the St. Louis Zoo is a "must-see" for anyone visiting the area. With no admission costs, well-kept grounds, beautiful sculptures and water fixtures, and the large collection of animals, this is a great place for cost-conscious families to visit. Did we mention it's free? What you get for your free admission: The zoo is housed in … [Read more...]

Outside the box budget Seattle vacation

There are many wonderful cities worth spending a vacation in, and Seattle is certainly high on the list of cities where you have the ability to really tailor-make your experience based on what your idea of a great urban weekend is. Budgets can be tricky, but if you're willing to take advantage of good deals on Apollo RV rentals and think outside the box a little bit then you can absolutely enjoy … [Read more...]

Tips for AirBnb Italy: Where to stay in Florence and Rome

Originally thought of as only a step up from couch surfing, Airbnb has caught on with family travelers in the US. But what about using Airbnb while traveling abroad? We used Airbnb exclusively throughout Italy, and found the process to be just as secure and convenient as in the states. If anything, Airbnb Italy owners were even easier to work with, and the lodging savings were even … [Read more...]

Where to eat in Paris with kids…if you’re not a foodie

I will admit that before we arrived in the City of Lights, I was intimidated by the Paris dining scene. We don't speak much French, we're not foodies, and we don't like snails (sorry). After spending five days in Paris with kids, well, I’m still intimidated by the Paris dining scene, but we ate there happily anyway. Here’s where to eat in Paris...and how. Hit up patisseries for … [Read more...]

Where to stay in Paris on a budget with kids

When we planned to spend five days in Paris with kids, we knew we'd be on a budget. To make it possible for us, we chose to book a HomeAway apartment rental in an outer arrondissement. This arrangement allowed us enough sleeping space for our family of five, a kitchen to cook some meals in, and a washing machine for our laundry. We already trusted HomeAway, as we use this site for ski vacations in … [Read more...]

Five air travel hacks that save you money in travel perks

We all know families can earn travel day perks with air mileage programs and airline-associated credit cards. But not all of us have tons of miles or platinum cards that get us upgrades. That's ok. Here are five air travel hacks you can use to enjoy free or discounted perks on your next air travel day. Park your car at the airport for free. Plus get it washed and vacuumed. Plus make some cash. … [Read more...]