Traveling Twenties

Hello again!

So, we’ve talked about how to travel to places for cheaper prices and we’re going to find out some fun activities to do for a cheaper price in the next week or so. But we haven’t yet talked about housing.

When you’re traveling, buying a hotel room can be the most convenient option sometimes but also the biggest dent in your wallet.

So how can you save money on your living arrangement during a vacation? Let me tell you!

In recent years this website called Airbnb.com has made it’s way into travelers lives and for good reason.

This website gives you the ability to search for houses, apartments, and other housing locations that are available in whatever city you are traveling to. When you split these prices with friends you can get it for a decent price and save that money.

But if you still want to stay at a hotel I recommend going through saving websites or websites that give you cheaper options when you’re buying your airfare or if you’re planning on  getting a rental car. Trivago is a website you hear of often.

Lastly, the best way to save money is look for friends or family that live in that area and stay with them. I know for me, I’ve done that in Washington D.C., Orlando, and Chicago. It’s saved me HUNDREDS over time and there are lots of benefits.

I hope these tips have helped you, an if you have any yourself feel free to leave them in the comments below!

Until next time,

Marisa

Hello again!

My article for Wednesday was a ‘what’s in my suitcase’ type article and at the end I clued into how important a good sized handbag can be for traveling. With that said, I thought I’d give you a run down of what I usually keep in my purse while I’m on a trip!

• Wallet – All of that normal money stuff you usually keep in it (TIP: I usually leave one of my cards and some cash in my room in case I should lose my wallet)
• Sunglasses – come on it’s a MUST
• Gum – You know you have that friend who is always asking if anyone has some
• Charger – for my phone
• Portable charger – WORTH THE INVESTMENT !
• Polaroid – You never know when one of those picture worthy moments will come up
• Small sunscreen – I usually buy this after I get to my vacation destination
• Hairties and Pins – never know when your hair might need it
• Candy bar – come on who doesn’t
• Makeup – my lipstick and some concealer and I’m good to go

Now, this might seem like a lot but trust me it comes in handy AND it can all easily fit in my big sized purse. I used to not be the biggest fan of a huge purse, but over my many trips it”s come in handy one too many times. I know I’ll never go back to a small one.

Until next time,

Marisa

Hello again!

Today, we’re going to do things a little differently. I’m going to give you a quick list or run down of what I would normally pack in my suitcase for a trip (fun fact, I usually don’t change the amount even if it’s a longer trip). How you pack can be a game changer. If you’re like me and travel through spirit you’ll find that you have to pay for every suitcase you bring. I save $40 every time I travel because my best friend and I manage to pack lighter and put it all in one! Score!

So, without further ado, here’s what you can find in my suitcase!

• Toiletry bag – this has all the things in it from my toothbrush, hairbrush, facial things, it’s nice to keep it all in one small bag to compact it together
• Make-up bag – I keep this relatively small too, just enough room for me to put my everyday makeup look in
• Shoes – I limit myself to two pairs usually, most of the time it’s my birks and Adidas shoes
• Pants – two pairs of shorts if I’m going somewhere warm, a pair of ankle jeans, and shorts for my pajamas and I’m good to go
• Shirts – This is the one part I splurge on and overpack, usually I’ll bring at least 5 tops but hey they’re smaller anyways so it doesn’t take up too much room
• Underwear and bras – duh
• One belt – I actually wear one
• Shaver – a must

So that’s really what my luggage consist of, but a HUGE tip I will give you is my purse. I have a coach purse that I use as my personal item and it’s really helpful because I can pack smaller things in there, like my polaroid camera, that would take up extra space in my suitcase. It helps in the long run, and I hope this breakdown of what I pack gives you perspective for good ways to pack!

Until next time,

Marisa

Hello there!

Today, we’re going to keep it more low-key and simple. It’s going to be more of a photo album and I’m just going to show you photos from my travels so far!

Hello there! So, you’ve decided where you want to take a trip to and thats great, but next you’re tasked with buying a plane ticket to said destination and you’re already preparing yourself to have it be $300+.

Cringe.

No one wants to fork up a ton of money for a flight to this location and back, especially if it’s more than a party of one. So, why have to when there are tons of ways to get those cheaper flights. Let me help you out and show you how I’ve gotten cheap plane tickets to destinations like Los Angeles, Florida, or New York. The great thing about the tips I’m going to give you is the can be used for all types of destinations inside and out of America.

First, the easiest way to save money on a plane ticket is to be flexible. If you have the opportunity to be flexible with the time to you travel to a location then you could save hundreds. For example, when I went to Los Angeles I got a round trip ticket for $170 from Chicago. I had been able to be flexible on what day I came and left in the month of August so I was able to pick days that had lower prices. I also looked at plane tickets to Los Angeles right now and they’re as low as $99 round trip which is incredible! Now, if you tried to travel there during certain months like December, May, and July the prices are so much higher, like $3o0 more. If you’re able to have that flexibility it can be worth it in the end.

Let’s say you can’t be flexible with your dates, no worries there are other ways to save a couple of bucks.

1. Share a suitcase with a friend, some airplanes charge for that! My best friend and I always split a suitcase when we travel so we don’t have to pay an extra $40 round trip!
2. Don’t limit yourself to one airline, Spirit always gets a bad rep but 8 times out of 10 they’re one of the cheapest and you can save hundreds! Plus, they’re really not that bad.
3. Look through other websites. If you’re going for those all inclusive trips, other websites, such as Travelocity, KAYAK, or DealRAY can have deals that help you save in multiple areas such as housing and activities you’ll do there.
4. Can you fly in or from a different airport? Take me for example, I take the hour drive down to Chicago and stay with my best friend and then fly out from there because I can save upwards of $200.

I hope some of these tips have helped you, they sure have for me over my various trips. The main point of this is that don’t just go with the first offer you get, unless you have an unlimited budget but instead spend the extra 15-20 minutes to search for the better deals that truly are right in front of your eyes.

Until next time,

Marisa

Being in college means that money is a constant problem. I know I wish it fell from the sky whenever I was in need, but unfortunately that’s not the case (that doesn’t mean I’m not still dreaming about it every night).

I’ve been going on trips to cities and states for a few years now and everything I went on was funded by me, myself, and I. My parents didn’t offer to pay for any of the crazy ideas I had so that left it all up to me to save money.

There are tons of little tricks I learned when I was saving money throughout the years and they actually worked. Here they are

1. Track your budget

It can be hard to get into this habit sometimes, but trust me, the moment you start budgeting your money into certain sections you know how much you have.

2. Get a job 

The most obvious of them all but you’d be surprised at how many people don’t do this.

3. Save money from special occasions  

All of that birthday money you’re getting? Yeah, put it aside and you’ll be cheering when you go on your next trip.

4. Reduce unnecessary spending 

Did you really need that cute glittery iPhone case? Or that pair of heels that you’ll probably only ever wear once in your life? No, so put that money to the side for a trip that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

5. Save your change 

When I say it works I mean IT WORKS!! You wouldn’t believe how much money I’ve save up from filling up a jar full of my extra change. It adds up.

6. Sell old trinkets 

Now, this isn’t for everyone but it’s something I’ve found can help. If you have clothes you don’t wear anymore take use of shops like PoshMark and you can roll that money in.

It’s quite simple once you become aware of the habits you’ve created when it comes to money. For me, my biggest money saver was saving change but it’s different for everyone. I hope some of these have helped you.

Until next time,

Marisa

Everyone loves traveling and going on trips. But, wether it’s a trip across the country or just one state away theres always things you want to jump towards and also gravitate away from. Today, I’m going to give you four of my DOs and DONTs while traveling.

DO travel with friends. It’s not just for safety reasons but because wouldn’t you want to have these incredible memories with incredible people.

DO some research about a place you’re going to. If you’re taking a trip to India or Indiana make sure you know about the culture, you don’t want to be that person that comes off as rude.

DON’T travel with all of your money at one time. You don’t want to make the same mistake I did a few years ago. Leave some of your cash and a few of your credit cards at your hotel, this way if you misplace your wallet or purse, you’re not completely screwed for the rest of the trip.

DO try the food. Seriously. Take the advice from the most picky, gluten free, eater in the world (me) and TRY THE FOOD!

DON’T spend too much time in your room. Now I’m sure you’re screaming at me that you would never, but trust me if I’ve done it I’m sure you’ll have the urge. Hear me now when I say you’ll regret it in the long run.

DON’T overpack. The worst mistake you can make is overpacking. You’ll be in the most amazing place for a week and the be packing up to go home and realize you didn’t wear half the clothes you brought and now you don’t have enough room to bring home your souvenirs.

DON’T rule things out right away. Trips are about taking chances and doing something you never thought you would. Who knows, some of the best memories could come from the activity you were so against

DO enjoy yourself. Seriously you’re on a trip, don’t stress about the little things too much and make sure to sit back and relax sometimes

I say these all with the best intentions but you don’t have to listen to me at the end of the day. If you do, I hope some of these tips were helpful to you and serve to be a reminder for when you go on a trip!

Until next time,

Marisa