Wanderlust Wednesday: How I Save on Travel

I love to travel, and try to take at least one big trip (5 days) once a year. Even if I'm not headed to some exotic island or international excursion, vacations can be expensive and money can be tight. We all have bills to pay and other costs that come up, and while I like to splurge on vacation, I try to save where I can without sacrificing too much. Here are some easy tips I've used to get the most bang for my buck.

Plan Ahead

More than once, I've had to cancel my vacation plans due to work obligations or some bill or  other unexpected expense comes up. This is why I plan ahead. First, I put a little of my paycheck towards a travel savings account, because travel is important to me. I have a LONG list of places I want to visit, and try to plan accordingly so I don't miss anything, because the odds of me returning to that place are slim to none. There's just too much of the world to see! When I have some dates in mind to travel, I request vacation time off from work well in advance, since I have to work around coworkers' travel plans as well. I've also learned that just as there are some great deals on last minute travel, you can find a lot of deals booking early, and it gives you more time and flexibility to find the best deals.

Use Technology

>Hopper
The first app I usually turn to is Hopper. Hopper is a free mobile app that can tell you when to buy or wait on airline tickets. You simply enter your "home" airport and destination, and choose your intended travel dates on the calendar. The app color codes the prices of those dates for you- green are lowest prices, red are highest, with yellow and orange in between. It will tell you whether you should book now, or wait for the prices to go down, and even offers price predictions for the near future. You can also book directly through the app (though I've never used this feature before; I usually find the same deal online since it shows you the flight options.)

choose your dates...

price predictions

flight options

>Expedia
A lot of times when I travel, I'm looking to stay in one location/hotel, which is why I use Expedia for bundle deals. They offer the Best Price Guarantee and do not charge me extra fees to change or cancel my itinerary. Plus, I've found that they offer a lot of options for flights, hotels, and cars, and I'm a big fan of having options.

>Hotels.com
For my upcoming trip, we are renting a car and staying in two different hotels, so we purchased the Flight+Car bundle. In this case, I used hotels.com to book the two separate hotels, because they also offer the best price guarantee, and "secret" lower prices to members (membership is free!), plus you can collect 10 nights towards a free night. Sounds good to me!

>But first, E-Bates!
I will never stop singing the praises of E-Bates. Just FYI, you can earn cash back on Expedia, hotels.com, Groupon, Living Social AND cheapcaribbean.com (among many other travel sites) through E-Bates.

>TravelZoo Top 20, Groupon Getaways, Living Social Escapes, Cheapcaribbean.com
I use all these sites just to see what's available. I've purchased all-inclusive Caribbean vacation packages through Cheap Caribbean and had an excellent experience. I've never personally purchased through Living Social or Groupon, but Steph from Life According to Steph booked her trip to Africa using Living Social. She described her experience here.

Knowledge = Power

I forgot where I heard/learned this, but generally the top fare deals are found early in the week—specifically Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, when airlines post discount prices. Also, the cheapest days to fly are Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. I try to keep this in mind when planning travel.

I use TripAdvisor to check hotel and restaurant reviews. I find them to be more insightful than the Yelp reviews. I also really like the TripAdvisor City Guides, like this one for 3 Days in Philadelphia. For someone who has never been to Philly, it highlights a lot of the "must-see" attractions for a shorter trip.

BYOB

For anyone new here, I like to drink. However, I don't like spending more on drinks than food or attractions/activities, and fancy cocktails can be expensive! This means that on roadtrips I'll store a bottle (or two) of wine to be consumed in the room before or after going out, and on flights, I'm hitting up the nearest liquor store to grab a bottle of whatever the drink of the land is (ex: in Puerto Rico, it was Bacardi rum, because they make it there), and a few mixers.

Don't Overpack! 

I don't like extra fees, and I don't like checking a bag if I don't have to. Other than the fear that the airline will lose your bag, you then have to wait and pick it up at the carousel upon arrival. No bueno. I pick clothes I can re-wear and mix and match with other packed items. I try to wear my biggest or bulkiest clothes on the plane- jeans, a sweatshirt or hoodie, and sneakers or boots because flip flops and sandals are easier to pack and don't take up as much room. I've learned the art of rolling my clothes to save space as well. I pack my makeup and toiletry bags into my (large) purse to store under the seat to save room in my carry-on. And I always leave a little extra space for souvenirs I want to bring home.

For even more tips, check out these 29 Travel Hacks from Business Insider. 

What are your favorite tips/tricks for saving before/during vacation? 

Show Us Your Books: March Edition

I confess- I didn't finish a single book in March. I started A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman, but after 50 pages I gave up. It started out all sad and depressing (and very much like that movie Up) and I just couldn't get into it. After hearing it a thousand times, I'm slowly learning that it IS okay not to finish a book. Life is too short, and there's too much I want to read to waste time on something I can't get into at the moment. Maybe I'll pick it up again, maybe I won't. I don't know yet. But I've been doing book reviews for several years- many of which none of you have seen! So I'm sharing some of those, plus a quickie review from Blue! 

A quick reminder before I get started though: Check out the "Read My Books" challenge happening in June. It's a good one. Prizes are to be won!

Now back to the reviews!

The Martian- Andy Weir: 4 Stars

Blue's Review: It only takes a chapter to have you rooting for Mark Watney. Though heavy with science, this fast paced adventure reads like an Oscar caliber film with plenty of laughs and feel good moments about making the impossible possible with what you have to work with. Score: 4 out of 5 potatoes.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

Of Love and Other Demons- Gabriel Garcia Marquez: 3 Stars

** spoiler alert ** I'm still confused. I don't know for sure if she was ever possessed by demons or not, as at times she acted out in ways to make it seem as if she was, but with the ones she cared about she was normal. I don't believe she was possessed. I also don't understand how Delaura fell in love with this girl, especially when she pushed him away so callously in the beginning.  Nor do I  understand the Bishop's harsh treatment of Delaura.

I thought the end was very sad. Why couldn't they just escape? They had a surefire exit route. Had Delaura just listened to her, they would have lived free and happy. I gave this 3 stars instead of two because it was well written (if not completely confusing). But I don't really enjoy books that leave me with so many unanswered questions.

Never Tell- Alafair Burke: 2 Stars

This book was given out as part of a goodie bag at a Shecky's Girls Night Out event. I had never heard of the book or the series. When I realized it was part of a series, and #4 in the series, I was reluctant to read it. I'm not a huge fan of series in general, and not sure how it would be starting a series in the middle. But the premise sounded interesting, so I dove in.

The book was all over the place. None of it seemed to make any sense whatsoever until the last 50 pages. I didn't like that. I understand that this was a crime novel (and probably the first true crime novel I've ever read) and we were learning pieces of the story as the detectives learned them, which probably is quite helter skelter, but I felt that overall the book lacked focus. It started by trying to figure out who killed Julia, and then went onto her family's dynamics, then how street kids were making $100 in drug studies and selling out their best friend to make extra money, and then how Julia's best friend's mom was being cyber bullied on her "secret" "anonymous" blog. There was just too much going on.

Oh, and then this storyline of some guy who just got out of jailed turned up every 30 pages or so, with seemingly no attachment to the main story whatsoever. 

Um... WHAT?!?

That's what I found myself saying throughout this book, and not in an "Omg I can't wait to find out what's going to happen next!' way, but more of a "what does this have to do with Julia's murder? Where are these people coming from?" way.  I had to read the last couple pages a few times to really understand what had happened. In the end, the pieces did kinda fit, but it was not tied up in a pretty little bow by any means. I found this book to be confusing, and I'm happy to be done with it.  

Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet- Kashmira Sheth: 3 Stars

I picked this up randomly from my library. I had little expectations for this, which is possibly why I enjoyed it so much. From the description, it sounded like the typical story about arranged marriages. Which it was, but it went a little bit into caste systems and historic versus modern views of marriage. It also touched on domestic abuse and discrimination based on skin color. And it was all delivered from 16 year old Jeeta. I really liked that she spoke her mind openly (though often without thinking)- it made it seem more realistic, and showed how others reacted to and perceived a female speaking out so strongly. This was definitely a quick and easy, if not somewhat fluffy, read. 

Redeeming Love- Francine Rivers: 4.5 Stars

This book was recommended to me by my coworker. She said it was one of the best books she had read in awhile. I noticed that this was historical fiction, which is one of my favorite genres, but I guess I didn't read the summary, because I did not realize that this was Christian Lit until I began reading, and even then, not until I was already pulled in.

Anyway, I really loved this book overall. The only thing keeping me from giving this book 5 stars is the fact that Rivers beats you over the head with the God talk. I understood (eventually) that this was Christian lit, but I didn't need a concussion to understand that the only way Angel was going to be saved was through God.

I did, however, absolutely love the story and her way of telling it; not all at once, but gradually throughout the book. I felt like I was actually there with her. I also liked how Angel, Paul, and Miriam grew and changed throughout the novel.

What are you reading? Share it with Steph and Jana! 

An Announcement!

Even though I read a lot, I have many of books sitting at home on my bookshelves, collecting dust, and waiting to be read.  All too often, I get caught up in the fun of library visits, library queues, and library reserves.  So, I read library books instead of those that I already own.  Erin from TexErin-in-Sydneyland and I were talking about this; she's trying to read all the books she owns by the end of the year. So we decided to do this together and host a link-up!

For the month of June, Erin and I are challenging ourselves to "read my books."  We challenge you to do it with us (but your own books, of course, or ebooks or audiobooks, whatever you have waiting for you).  We picked JUNE to give us plenty of time to organize ourselves and plan ahead (for me, this means reading all my library books checked and clearing any reserves.)  We will host a link-up in July, and any of you that succeed in the "Read My Books" challenge will be eligible for a gift card from Amazon (to buy more books!)!!

Link-up will be the second THURSDAY of JULY (because lots of us participate in Steph's and Jana's "Show Us Your Books" link-up which is always the second Tuesday, so this should be a pretty easy post to prepare for after that one.) This is the first time I've ever co-hosted a linkup and/or challenge, so I'm really excited and hope you'll join in! Happy reading!!

Friday Favorites

It's been in the 30's this week. The 30'S. In APRIL. You guys, this is bullshit. There were a few days last month where I was outside without a coat and now we're back in the puffy jacket. DISLIKE. Blue and I just cancelled our weekend trip to Washington DC this weekend because it was an outdoor event from 6-9 tomorrow and the forecast is calling for snow. Um, what?! Looks like my winter hibernation will continue this weekend. But first, let's kick it off with some favorites from this week with Amanda.

Favorite Song: Since the American Idol finale was yesterday, I'm sharing this fellow finalist from last season.  Pia Toscano- PyRo




Favorite Recipe: Did you know that April is National Grilled Cheese Month? I'm itching to try this spicy jalapeno popper one from Small Town Woman!

Favorite Reads:

• This post by Liz about an ended friendship caught me right in the feels and seems like ti could have been written about my relationship with an old best friend. Sometimes life paths take you in different directions, but knowing that doesn't make it suck any less. 
• Carl Jr.'s/Hardees just came out with a midnight moonshine burger and I'm so sad I don't live anywhere near one of those! 
• A documentary about Michael Vick's dogs came out recently, but again, nowhere near me to view. I hope it finds its way over to Netflix soon! 
• Wedgie Jeans. Categorize under: Things that sound like a terrible idea but maybe aren't? 

Favorite Lust Item: HOW FREAKIN CUTE ARE THESE? And if you're not into Star Wars, they also have Superhero ones, Disney Princesses, etc. Available at Hallmark (and Amazon, but for some reason they're more expensive there).

Favorite Moments:

• Booking a Florida vacation for next month!
• Getting rid of 65 items in my closet!
• Mail call: I finally used up my Paperback Swap credits and got 5 books that I really wanted fo' FREE. Fo' free is fo' me. 

Favorite Funnies:

Happy weekend friends!

Currently: April

Reading: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

Listening To: #ThrowbackThursday on Spotify. So many great songs that I completely forgot about, and it updates weekly!

Watching: Still watching Grey's Anatomy, the current season and Season 4, which is really, REALLY confusing. Also Nashville and Blindspot.

Making: Vacation plans! Just purchased plane tickets and reserved the hotels and car rental for next month. Islamorada, Key West, and Miami/South Beach here we come!

Wishlisting: This functional and fun speaker from ShopBop! Also, tomorrow is the last day of their Friend and Family 25% Off Sale! Go check it out!

Cleaning: Out my closet, finally! Sent my first ThredUp bag this morning and taking other items to Plato's Closet tonight.

Posting: Haphazardly. I have a few drafts of mostly travel related things that I want to post, but things have been crazy at work and I haven't wanted to stare at my laptop when I get home lately.

Tasting: Coffee. Time for lunch!

What's currently up with you? 

Linking up with Jenna, Anne, Kristen, and Gretchen!

Weekend Update- First of April Edition

I was so cranky on Friday night for no good reason, so Blue and I picked up Popeye's and curled up to finish watching Married at First Sight. Saturday I was woke up late, lazed around a bit, and then met my mom for Portuguese food at Tero's. We shared a seafood paella that was to die for and a pitcher of sangria. And of course, I failed to take pics.

On Sunday morning, Blue picked me up, we went for breakfast at the diner, and stopped at a local craft beer shop where we picked up a few bottles. I was astounded at the damage Blue's condo suffered due to the storm the night before. (Luckily, her unit was okay.) There were literally pieces of the aluminum siding rolling across the parking area into cars like damn tumbleweed. This is the condo building across from Blue's, and the gutter that hung off directly outside Blue's window, threatening to come crashing in.

We spent the afternoon puzzling, sampling our new craft beers, watching SNL, and napping. Well, Blue napped because the scraping of metal on metal had kept her up the night before. I continued to puzzle to my heart's delight.

But back to SNL for a minute- did you guys see it? First of all, I was really excited to see Gwen Stefani's performance, but her song was so "meh." It also felt like she was lip syncing. And her outfit- what was up with all those tassels?! They were so distracting, yet somehow more interesting than her singing. But anyway, I loved Peter Dinklage. He is hysterical, particularly in the Naked and Afraid sketch. What had me rolling was the Welp bit though. See for yourself:

We wrapped up the night with English muffin pizzas and the season finale of The Walking Dead. I am so sad that they cast one of my favorite actor's as Negan, because he is a horrible human in this show. And that cliffhanger... sigh. I was sure I was going to have nightmares.

That was my weekend- how was yours? 

Friday Favorites- April First Edition

Happy April, Fools! I pulled my first (and only) prank for today yesterday due to timing, but it was still pretty funny. Normally I don't "celebrate" because I'm the gullible one, though I'm getting better. I was planning on pranking my coworker, but she's currently stealing me mash potatoes from the cafeteria, and that's just mean. Anyway... onward with Amanda and some favorites from this week! 

Favorite Song: Handclap- Fitz and the Tantrums

Favorite Recipe: I'm a sucker for classic, gooey delicious mozzarella sticks, but how good do these spinach dip ones look?!

Favorite Reads: 

• A guide to what the "cool kids" are saying these days, and what it means.
• This post by Bourbon Lipstick and Stilettos about being relatable in your writing/blog posts
• Trader Joe's is closing all stores by Jan 2017- better stock up now! 

Favorite Pic: My friend's cube today at work

Favorite Moment(s):  

• My instructional videos for a new system at work is up on Youtube! 
• The good luck streak this week
• Getting tickets for Fitz and the Tantrums in June!

Favorite Funnies: 

Happy April, Fools! 

Are you the pranker or the prankee?