Summer means travel. Living On The Cheap is all about saving readers money and that includes travel. I’m a bit of a suitcase addict -- you should see my basement -- and every year attend to the Travel Goods Showcase to see what’s new.It’s all about FUNCTION, SAFETY, SIZE, and WEIGHT -- and … [Read more...] about 7 money-saving tips for buying (and not losing) new luggage
Travel
How to fly through airport security lines
With headlines screaming about long airport security lines, odds are you may have thought twice about taking that last-minute getaway or considered a road trip instead of a trip to Rome. Or maybe you have just landed after a long flight from an exotic destination and then cool your heels for hours … [Read more...] about How to fly through airport security lines
The 7 best apps for travelers
Nothing can take away the excitement of getting ready to go on a trip, except maybe the packing, planning, getting lost, language barriers, flight delays, etc. The good news is you don’t have to let those potential hurdles stand in the way of an awesome, well-deserved getaway if you find the right … [Read more...] about The 7 best apps for travelers
How to pack a winter emergency kit for your car
Cooler weather has started to spread across the United States, and snow isn’t far behind for many states, if you haven't seen it already. As you start to pull out your winter gear (or light jackets for those in warmer climates), it's a good time to make sure your car is stocked with a few … [Read more...] about How to pack a winter emergency kit for your car
3 travel essentials that are worth spending on to save money
There’s the saying “sometimes you have to spend money to save money.” In my experience as a consumer travel strategist, I also believe sometimes you have to spend money to ultimately save money. Here are my three favorite must-haves that are worth the initial investment.Lite Gear Rolling Mobile … [Read more...] about 3 travel essentials that are worth spending on to save money
What to know before buying a vacation home, plus how to rent it out
As you schlep your ski gear to your favorite resort for the umpteenth time or search for lodging near your favorite beach on a holiday weekend, you may think how much easier life would be if you had your own vacation home.An estimated 1.13 million vacation homes were sold in the U.S. in 2014, … [Read more...] about What to know before buying a vacation home, plus how to rent it out
12 ways to save at amusement parks
Whether your local amusement park is open year-round or just for the summer, it's usually a grand place to escape with family and friends. Though these parks supply a full day of fun, it comes at a cost... sometimes substantial enough to leave you queasy before setting foot on that super-colossal … [Read more...] about 12 ways to save at amusement parks
5 free things to do in Miami
When you see Miami on TV, you see glitz and glamour and celebrities and think everything there must be incredibly expensive. But the Miami of the locals, while still filled with waterfront views and sunlight, is much more affordable.Here are five free or cheap things to do in Miami:Go to the … [Read more...] about 5 free things to do in Miami
New site showcases free and cheap things to do in the Triangle in North Carolina
The Triangle--the area of North Carolina anchored by Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill--is a thriving, growing region. Boasting three major universities, the University of North Carolina, Duke University and N.C. State University, it's home to countless cultural, entertainment, arts and sports events. … [Read more...] about New site showcases free and cheap things to do in the Triangle in North Carolina
How to get rid of your timeshare
In the glow of the vacation moment, it seems like a wonderful idea: Buy a timeshare so you can return every year to relive the wonderful experience again and again.But years later, when your life has changed and you no longer want to return to the same vacation spot, getting rid of that … [Read more...] about How to get rid of your timeshare
Zip into the United States with Global Entry
Under the harsh lights of the interrogation room, a bead of sweat slowly trickled down my forehead.“You are self-employed? That’s a red flag,” declared Agent “Smith” as he scrutinized my passport and paperwork.“What is it that you do?” he demanded to know.“I’m… I’m a journalist,” I … [Read more...] about Zip into the United States with Global Entry
6 ways to save when buying new luggage
Even a luggage junkie like me has had her share of suitcase mishaps. My favorite came while sprinting through Los Angeles International Airport when my nifty (and pricey) wheeled overnight bag lost a wheel. Well, not the entire wheel, just the outer rim, which had peeled off in pieces behind me. It … [Read more...] about 6 ways to save when buying new luggage
Do you really need rental car insurance?
Car rental insurance is at best, confusing and, at worst, a waste of your money. Are you covered by personal car insurance? How about a credit card? And if you’re covered ... what's covered? Here are some tips to navigate the fine print.Do your pre-trip homeworkThis may not be the advice … [Read more...] about Do you really need rental car insurance?
6 budget alternatives to a pricey hotel room
This post is by Cynthia J. Drake, author of Budget Travel for the Genius.Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean that you’re relegated to a fleabag motel that hasn’t seen a vacuum cleaner in years.On the contrary, with a bit of planning, you can be rewarded with some really unique experiences in … [Read more...] about 6 budget alternatives to a pricey hotel room
How to choose a travel rewards credit card
For years, I've had a credit card affiliated with Delta Airlines and been happy with it. Each year, I earned thousands of frequent flier miles and a free companion certificate (basically a FREE ticket). Plus, I could check one bag per person in my party for free when flying and received discounts on … [Read more...] about How to choose a travel rewards credit card