You read the manual and installed your baby’s car seat, but how do you know it’s safe? According to the CDC, child restraint systems are often used incorrectly. One study showed 72% of 3,500 observed car and booster seats were misused in a way that could increase risk of injury. Fortunately, there … [Read more...] about Where to get a free car seat inspection
Travel
Top 10 free things to do in Chicago
Chicago is the best-kept secret in the country. The miserable winters — and they can be miserable — tend to scare people away. That just leaves more fun for the rest of us. Chicago has a lot of great, free things to do, whether you live here or you visit.Among them? The Cultural Center. … [Read more...] about Top 10 free things to do in Chicago
Best free things to do in New York City
Cheap is good. Free is better, and there’s a lot to see and do in NYC beyond people-watching in Times Square or Central Park.Whether you are a visitor or native, this NYC on the Cheap list of the best FREE things to do in New York City offers something for everybody. Staten Island … [Read more...] about Best free things to do in New York City
Pack a mini-emergency kit for your car
For many people, summertime means lots of time spent in your car, from running to various activities to taking road trips. Save your sanity and some money by packing a little pouch or bag to store in your car with things that you may need occasionally, but don’t want to carry in your purse or … [Read more...] about Pack a mini-emergency kit for your car
How to handle money when traveling the world
I love to travel, and I’m fortunate that I’ve been able to do a lot of it. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot of things about how to handle money abroad. If your summer plans include travel to another country or two, these tips may help your trip be a little smoother – and a little less … [Read more...] about How to handle money when traveling the world
How to save on a vacation to Orlando
A trip to Orlando, Florida, sounds magical, but money can magically disappear if you don’t plan in advance. The big three (SeaWorld, Disney World, Universal Orlando) theme parks there have big price tags. Fortunately, there are secrets to saving on an Orlando vacation, and we are willing to spill … [Read more...] about How to save on a vacation to Orlando
Why you should buy a wider suitcase
Let me say this up front – I hate to check luggage. I lived out of one suitcase for three weeks in China, two weeks in the United Kingdom and a week-long Caribbean cruise. Call it the impatience factor: When I arrive somewhere, I want to escape the airplane and be on my way, no stopping for … [Read more...] about Why you should buy a wider suitcase
Why all-inclusive resorts are a vacation deal
Forget the stereotype of watered-down booze, tacky wristbands and bad buffets. Today’s all-inclusive resort boasts rooms with private pools, gourmet white-linen restaurants, butler service and spas, not to mention, golf courses, scuba diving and entertainers with names you know. Some tips before you … [Read more...] about Why all-inclusive resorts are a vacation deal
Use a travel agent to save money
The Internet may have become your go-to source for planning a vacation, but savvy travelers head to a travel agent when they want to save time and money. “Why spend four weeks planning a four-day vacation, when you could call a professional agent at no additional cost?” says Michelle Fee of Cruise … [Read more...] about Use a travel agent to save money
Who needs travel insurance and how to get the best deal
Accidents, emergencies and just plain bad luck can occur when you’re on the road. Is it better to take risk a financial wallop or play it safe and invest in travel insurance? Depending on your destination and how much you stand to lose, the answer varies. Here are seven questions to ask.Can’t I … [Read more...] about Who needs travel insurance and how to get the best deal
How to get the best deal on a family cruise
More families than ever are choosing to spend their vacation dollars on cruises. Cruises give great value -- if you choose the right cruise line and watch what you spend onboard.Disney attracts families with children of all ages, including infants. The nurseries on the Disney Magic, Disney Dream … [Read more...] about How to get the best deal on a family cruise
5 best websites to check out a hotel
You are headed to a new vacation location and naturally don't want to book a week in a roach-infested room in a high-crime area. For that matter, you'd like to sleep in a comfortable bed on the drive to and from your destination as well. Most of us head to TripAdvisor to look up what other travelers … [Read more...] about 5 best websites to check out a hotel
6 ways to save money on theme park tickets
If you’ve been promising the kids you’d take them to Disney World in Orlando, you probably already know it’s going to cost you close to $100 per ticket ($95 for adults; $89 for kids). California's Disneyland comes in just slightly cheaper at $92 for adults and $86 for kids. Theme parks are … [Read more...] about 6 ways to save money on theme park tickets
Smart Destinations saves money on attractions
Buying tickets for each attraction in a popular destination, say New York or Orlando, can quickly turn a budget-minded vacation into a money pit. One option worth exploring: Smart Destination attraction passes. Go City Cards, Go Explorer and Go Select Passes provide admission to more than 400 … [Read more...] about Smart Destinations saves money on attractions
How to plan a fun bachelorette party for less
Bachelorette parties can be a blast, but like any night out, costs can quickly spiral out of control. Now, bachelorette weekends are gaining in popularity, but costs on lodging, swag and outings can quickly add up. The event is a tribute to the bride-to-be's last hurrah as a single lady, but it's … [Read more...] about How to plan a fun bachelorette party for less