Shereen Rayle's Blog, page 104

Christmas Road Trip Tips

The holidays are here and Christmas (and Hanukkah) is coming up fast. That means a lot of people will probably be taking to the road to visit friends and family. If you're headed out on a road trip this year, you'll want to plan accordingly and make sure your car's ready for the occasion.
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Hopefully you've already gotten your car checked out, but if not make sure your tires are good, your brakes don't need replacing (because stopping is really important), you get an oil change and everything el...

More Tips for the First Time Cruiser

In my last post, I started by telling you how to save on your first ever cruise without having to use a travel agent. I know they are experts, but that doesn't mean you can't be one, too, even if you've never been on a cruise before. Being different from any other type of travel can make a cruise vacation a bit of a challenge to navigate, but I have faith you can do it, especially with these tips and little bit of planning and persistence. 
photo credit
You know how to save, but how do you...

Tips for the First Time Cruiser

Cruising is unlike other travel. Most people book through a travel agent, because it’s so foreign and they are afraid of making a bad decision or getting a crappy deal. The thing is, you don’t need an agent, you just need to know-how to do it right, even if it’s your first time cruising. Unlike booking a hotel or a plane ticket, you’re stuck on the boat and in your cabin for three nights to three weeks (depending on your itinerary) and there’s really nothing you can do if you hate your boat o...

Review: HappyLuxe Wayfarer Wrap

When I travel, I like to pack items that are multipurpose, because the more things I have that can do several things, the fewer things I need to pack. I’m often cold and have an impressive selection of cardigans and jackets and often have a blanket on the couch that I share with the dog. Even when you go to warm climates, there are times you go inside with air conditioning and it’s chilly. Your tank top and shorts are not sufficient. Usually, I either stash a lightweight cardigan or scarf in...

Remembering Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor Day has arrived and I’d like to take this time to reflect on the infamous day in 1941 in US history that tragedy struck. Eric and I were fortunate enough to visit Pearl Harbor on a day in 2011 when two of the remaining survivors were on-site to meet guests. Here is a photo of us with them and some extra pictures taken that day.


These guys still like to hang loose Can you see anything? Come in...Tokyo?
USS Bowfin  Arizona Memorial Parts of the wreckage of the USS Arizona So many nam...

Free Sculptures in New Orleans

I know it's barely started, but I'm already over winter. I don't know what it is about this year, but I'm angry when I have to put on a sweater and boots and scarf and coat. Usually, I get excited by soups and layers and coffee, but I'm just not feeling it. So, instead, I'm looking forward to warm weather in Southern California later this month and looking back at the muggy, warm temps of New Orleans.

That being said, I thought I'd bring you pics of one of my favorite places when I was on a ci...

10 Tips for Car Rental Deals

Most of the time when we travel, we rent a car, but it depends on where we go. Some destinations are easier to get around by car, like Orlando or Los Angeles, and some places are not or it's just more convenient to use public transportation. Of course, there are those destinations we've rented a car in and either wished we hadn't or did a little more research before we went, like Ecuador. It's always smart to know how things work in the city you'll be traveling in. Security and roads without...

How to Survive Travel with Your SO Or Family

We travel as a couple and it's not always smooth sailing. The same goes for traveling with your family. Sometimes you get mad at each other. Sometimes you are crabby and snappy and sometimes things just don't go as planned. 

How can you be around each other 24/7 without wanting to murder each other on a one- or two-week vacation? It's not always easy, but with a little planning you can minimize ruffled feathers and maximize quality time on your trip.

Eat! My number one rule is to make...

Stay Home On Friday and Still Save!

I almost never go out and fight the crowds on Black Friday...or the rest of the holiday season. I don't have the patience to push people out of the way to save a few bucks. This year, why not stay in the cozy comfort of your own home and do your holiday shopping or travel booking? How can you do that? With the online sales and using Ebates. 

I never buy or book anything without first checking Ebates. What is it? It's a fantastic - and free! - site that offers you cash back for purchasing...

2017 Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers

It's that time again! Black Friday is less than a week away and people are creating their attack plans for hitting up the stores to get the best deals. Well, I'm not doing that. I'll be at home in my pajamas eating a turkey sandwich and watching a movie while other people are coming back home with black eyes and less hope in humanity than when they headed out. I last went out on Black Friday six or so years ago and that was after 10am, because there's nothing at a store I'm willing to wrestle...