Travel like a local is one of my mantras. Eat like one, walk like one, think like one.One of the best ways to do so is to have a local phone number, and in Europe the process is easy. Phone numbers are attached to the SIM cards inside your phone. If you have an unlocked GSM phone, you can buy a … [Read more...] about How to make cheap phone calls in Europe
Travel
Cheap family vacation idea: Stay on a farm
For families who enjoy the outdoors – and who want to teach their kids where food comes from — a farm stay can be a fun, healthy and budget-friendly vacation option. Farm Stay U.S. is a group of farms and ranches spanning all 50 states, so it’s likely you can find a property within driving … [Read more...] about Cheap family vacation idea: Stay on a farm
Create your own travel-size toothpaste
Last week I attended the annual Travel Goods Show in Las Vegas, where manufacturers showcase all the latest luggage and travel accessories to retailers. While I'll have a more comprehensive report for you in the coming weeks, I just had to spread the word about my favorite discovery -- it's a DIY … [Read more...] about Create your own travel-size toothpaste
Apps help you find cheapest gas
When gas prices are low, it doesn’t always make sense to drive around looking for a station where it’s a few cents cheaper. Time is money, after all — not to mention the extra fuel you’d burn in the hunt.But as prices pass $4 a gallon and the cost of filling a tax exceeds $50, saving money on … [Read more...] about Apps help you find cheapest gas
Castle vacations in Europe for every budget
If your Downton Abbey addiction has you longing to vacation like a like a king, but you're traveling on a footman's budget, no worries. You can still explore some of Europe's most historic castles without emptying the state coffers.For the tiniest budgets (and most adventurous spirits), the … [Read more...] about Castle vacations in Europe for every budget
Pack light to save extra baggage fees
After more than 30 years as a travel writer, I’ve learned a few things about packing. There are few travel annoyances more avoidable than paying an overcharge for luggage that’s too heavy. If the charge for overweight luggage is $50 each way, that’s $100. So pack smart and keep from paying … [Read more...] about Pack light to save extra baggage fees
5 free and cheap things to do in Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina, was in the spotlight recently as host of the Democratic National Convention. This forward-thinking city that has thrived in the New South is a good place to visit anytime, with plenty of free and inexpensive offerings around town. Here are the top five free and cheap … [Read more...] about 5 free and cheap things to do in Charlotte
Amtrak offers money-saving travel alternative
Who’s thinking about Thanksgiving or the December holidays in August? Train buffs, that’s who. Because they know, that unlike with airfares and gas prices, they can lock in today’s price on Amtrak for travel months down the line. With gas prices up yet again and the average airfare $400 and higher, … [Read more...] about Amtrak offers money-saving travel alternative
Can’t afford big-city hotels? Try camping
Do you love to travel but suffer -- like the rest of us -- from a limited budget?One easy way to cut lodging expenses is by camping. We’re not talking get-into-the-wilderness-and-commune-with-nature type of camping where you cook all of your meals over an open fire and hike every day, although … [Read more...] about Can’t afford big-city hotels? Try camping
Cruise discounts for military personnel — and others
Many cruise lines offer discounts on select cruises for military personnel. Princess offers an onboard credit of $50 and up, depending on the length of the cruise. Norwegian Cruise Lines offers discounts on as many as 100 cruises at any given time.Several online booking sites, including American … [Read more...] about Cruise discounts for military personnel — and others
Need a visa? Here’s how to get one.
So you’re headed on that dream vacation. All packed? Passport, toothbrush, change of underwear? Check, check and you betcha. How about a visa? And we’re not talking credit card, but that piece of paper stuck into your passport that gives you entrance into a foreign country. Never needed one before? … [Read more...] about Need a visa? Here’s how to get one.