Tipping on a Cruise?My husband and I are budgeting for a cruise to Alaska next year. What is the protocol for tipping? Who do you tip? How much and how frequently? I have heard conflicting information.
E-Ticket Vs. Paper Tickets?Should I pay extra money for paper Airline Tickets? I plan on flying a relative in for the Christmas Holidays. I have always purchased paper tickets, I wonder if I should continue?
Good Places to Go for a Weekend?There are 5 of us girls that all ran around together while in school years ago. We now try to get together each year for a few days just by ourselves. I would like to know if anyone has any ideas of places to go for a weekend.
Amtrak Vacation Tips?Amtrak Vacation Tips. I am looking for advice on an Amtrak vacation for 2 sons and parents. I would like to see the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Glacier National Park. Any advice is appreciated as I have No Amtrak Experience or National park experience.
Inexpensive Vacation Ideas?I am wondering what can I do for some sort of vacation. I have been working 2 jobs for the last 9 months and school is out. I don't really have any money to spend. I am somewhat handicapped in that I have to have electricity at night so I can't camp. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Protection for You and Your Car on Hot DaysHot weather causes really hot autos because they sit in the sun. Buy a yard of white or light material. Cut it in half, cut one half in half again.
Submit a Travel Guide!ThriftyFun is looking for frugal travel guides for destinations all over the globe. Is your home town a good travel destination? Where do you love to travel? Please take a moment and submit a travel guide. By sharing our travel experiences we can help each other travel for less.
Traveling To Africa?I am 17 and might be traveling to Africa this summer for missionary work. I was wondering if anyone out there had done anything of the sort. I wear contacts and I don't know how that will work when I'm over there, and what key items should bring I when going to Africa.
Timeshare Advice?Does anyone have any suggestions on the best way to use a timeshare, or to sell one?
Ziplock Bags and an Extra Pillow CaseWhen traveling and staying in hotels or motels, remember to pack a couple of snack size zippered plastic bags for used complimentary soaps and bottles of shampoo.
Laguna Beach Travel Tips?My family of 4 (DH, and DD ages 8 and 14, plus me!) is traveling to the Laguna Beach/Irvine area in California in October of this year. We plan on visiting DisneyLand, the Nixon Library, the San Diego Zoo, Hollywood and Balboa Island.
Travelling from Saint Petersburg to Key West?I am currently in Saint Petersburg (Treasure Island) and would like to go to Key West asap. What are my budget options for getting there? I'm told that there is a boat that leaves Ft. Myers Beach to Key West, how would I get to Ft, Myers from my current location?
Luggage Damaged by the Airlines?So you know that airlines will PAY to have your luggage repaired if it is damaged in-flight? You just have to go to customer service - have the damage noted and go to the repair place they refer you to. (A tip from my well-traveled sister.)
Using Laundry Tablets When Traveling?I recently read on a web site about taking laundry tablets with you on a vacation in case you have to wash some things. They are easy to carry and cheaper than buying the little boxes offered at "washing" places, however, I cannot find laundry tablets!
Iowa Vacation Ideas?My husband and I only have two days vacation and wish to Iowa in August or September. Any suggestions for "points of interest" for a fun time on such a short vacation, that won't break the bank?
Wisconsin Vacation Ideas?My husband and I only have two days vacation and wish to Southern Wisconsin in August or September. Any suggestions for "points of interest" for a fun time on such a short vacation, that won't break the bank?
Saint Petersburg, Florida Travel Advice?My family and I are going to Saint Petersburg, Florida on April 7th. I have 4 children ages 5 to 18. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to stay or what to do while we are there. We are arriving at the St. Petersburg airport.
Keeping Facial Soap Case from Smelling Bad?I have been traveling quite a bit lately and keep my facial soap in a plastic soap case and then put in a plastic zip lock bag. After a couple of days, it has a terrible odor. Does anyone have a suggestion for stopping this odor?
Keep Pen Ink From Leaking in Your PurseOne easy way to prevent pen ink from leaking in your purse or briefcase is to store your pens in plastic travel toothbrush holder. Even pens with caps can sometimes break and leak.
Cheap Universal Studios Tickets?I need to find cheap tickets to Universal Studios in Florida. Or does anyone have any other ideas to do with kids in Florida other than the pricey amusement type parks?
Recommended RV Books?My husband and I are interested in becoming full time RVers when he retires in about 4 years. Does anyone have any books on the subject they could recommend? I am trying to watch costs so hate to buy new books only to find out I don't need that information.
Unable To Travel?DH and I have not been able to take a vacation for several years because of financial restraints and doing our share of caring for elderly relatives. I feel that this is having an effect on me. I don't think creatively and I make mistakes. Does anyone have any ideas of how to refresh the brain cells at home?
Last Off the PlaneWhen traveling by plane, make sure you are one of the last off the aircraft, then you have the choice of all those lovely magazines people buy themselves and leave behind!
Save for Your Dream HolidayThink of your dream holiday. Put away in a holiday account a definite amount for the length of time it takes to save the amount you need for your holiday plus extra money for comfort...
Pack for a 2 Week Vacation in a BackpackPut in 3 tank tops, 3 t-shirts, one pair of sandals, one sweater, light raincoat, one dress, one skirt, one pair of jeans and one
pair of Keds.
Write the Date on Travel BrochuresHow many times have you looked at a map or booklet giving information on a particular area that you wish to visit on vacation and wondered how old the information is?
Find New Places for Getaways?I think we all get in a rut and tend to take "mini" vacations to the same places over and over. That generally means it is a place we enjoy, but I am always looking for a new "getaway". I am sure you feel the same.
Trash Bag for the SuitcaseI always toss a clean trash bag first thing into any suitcase I am packing. I use it as a laundry bag or to carry home wet swimsuits and towels. When I unpack, I toss in a clean bag before I store the suitcases.
Use Bonded Travel AgentsUse a travel agent, who's licensed and bonded. Otherwise they could sell your information to someone who could live in your home while you're gone or rob it while you're out of town on vacation.
If It Sounds Too Good to Be True...This goes back to the old saying "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is". We were offered a two day-one night package at a local resort for only $40CAN.
Keeping Cameras Safe While on VacationThis is about keeping your camera safe on vacation. I was walking down the street in a foreign country and had my camera strap around my wrist and the camera in my hand.
Taking Your Own Snacks On AirplanesWhen using our great airlines, for vacation, work related, etc., remember you don't have to pay the high cost of the restaurants or vendors in the airports. Save several dollars by making & taking your own sandwiches, snacks. We've done this several times and no one have ever said anything to us.
Ice Tea for TravelingWhen we travel, we drink iced tea. Buying bottled tea is expensive. We save our empty soda bottles and fill them with tea we make at home. Then, we just throw them in the cooler and we're ready to go, at a fraction of the cost. We also, do this with water.
Pillow Case Laundry BagIf you are taking a trip I suggest taking along an old pillow case to use as a laundry bag.
By Robin
Packing Light For A TripWant to avoid long waits at the luggage counter or worse yet, lost luggage? Try to pack everything into carry on bags. Women can also fit some items into a large handbag. Wear your heaviest clothes; wear layers unless it's too hot.
By joesgirl
AAA for TravelersIf you have someone you love who needs to travel a lot, I would suggest giving them a AAA membership for Christmas. It is very economical and something they may have to use more than once throughout the year. My sister gives her kids and their families memberships each year for Christmas and she often gives this as a gift for weddings. Seems like a very original idea to me!
By Robin
Bring Cloth Grocery Shopping Bags On VacationTaking a vacation where you will be staying in a condo? Pack cloth totes with strong handles and shoulder straps, to put your groceries in; much easier to carry from the car to the condo, making less trips.
By Syd
Healthy Snacks and Toys in the CarWhen our children were small, we tried to keep a stash of some healthy snacks and water in the van on long trips. We also kept some mesh bags with toys in them so they had something to do to keep them occupied while on the road.
By Robin
Check for Internet ConnectionWhen planning a trip, check for internet connections. When your time is limited, that high speed access can make a huge difference.
Taking Pictures When Your TravelIf you're traveling with an untried camera, take advantage of a 1-hour film developing service and test a roll of photos. This precaution may spare you the disappointment of learning only after returning home that your camera was malfunctioning.
By joesgirl
Clean Up While TravelingWhen traveling with children, I do this to avoid stopping all the time and save money on wipes. Before we leave, I get at least 2 wash cloths and soap them really well but don't rinse them. I put them in a ziplock baggie.
Get Books on Tape for Road TripsWhen I go on a trip in my car to visit my daughter and the grandchildren I get a book on tape from the library for free, to listen to as I travel. It is great company and the journey goes quicker.
By Janice Cram
