Shereen Rayle's Blog, page 112

Real Vacations for Green Budget Travelers

For some, when they hear the words budget travelthey wrinkle their nose thinking they have limited options and that there’s no way they are going to sleep on some stranger’s couch with their spouse and kids or stay in a hostel. Throw into the mix the words “green travel” and they immediately picture pitching a tent in the woods and eating granola and living without a shower for a week. While a lot of budget travelers like to backpack and couchsurf, there are other ways of doing it that can fi...

Getting the Most From Your Hotel Budget

There are plenty of things to consider when finding a place to stow your belongings and close your eyes at night. Price may be the biggest factor for you, but that doesn't mean the less you pay the worse your stay. There are plenty of budget and moderate hotels that offer wonderful service and surroundings if you know where and how to look. It's important to weigh all your options when deciding on where to sleep. Does it have a restaurant? Is it close to fun activities? Is it convenient to pu...

Be a More Organized Packer with Lewis N. Clark Packing Cubes

I feel like I'm an organized packer. I use a packing list, I roll everything, I have 98% of my packing done weeks before I travel. When I pack to come back home, I do things the same as when I left, including using my packing list to make sure I have everything I came with and then figure out how to include anything I've purchased along the way. Of course, one can always be more organized, especially when you can add pockets and/or compartments to your carry-on. Lewis N. Clark knows that bein...

The Beach For Less

Got aspirations to go to the beach this summer? Well, you’re likely not the only one, especially since the kids are out of school and the sun is out and that makes people flock to beaches near and far. The problem with heading to the beach during the warmest months is that it is often quite expensive and crazy crowded. Considering most people are just lying on the beach on their trip, it makes no sense to spend a ton of money that you don’t have to. So, here are some tips on how to spend less...

Your Travel Wardrobe's Staples

Packing. It can be a four-letter word for some. What do you take? What do you leave at home? How big a suitcase do you need? While you want to be comfortable, unless you’re trekking around the Outback, you probably don’t want to be seen in zip-off pants and hiking boots. Dressing like a traveler will only put a big target on your back that screams “tourist”. It’s always nice not to be pegged as an easy mark the second you step off the plane. You can still be stylish while being relaxed. In fa...

How To Do the Airport Right

Okay, so apparently everyone but me hates the airport and having to go through the rigmarole of security and gate queuing like sheep. I view these as necessary speed bumps to the awesome trip I'm heading to. I think it's kinda fun, because I can people watch and shop cool stores and check out all the fancy luggage everyone has. If you hate the airport too and want to do it better, here is a fun infographic with useful tips from toggl.


What's your best tip for making the airport less annoying?&...

Lojel Nimbus: The Waterproof Carry-On

Living in Portland, there's a good chance you're going to leave the house and get poured on. It rains quite a bit here, which is why investing in a rain jacket is kind of a must. We don't let it get us down, or stop us from doing anything, even traveling. Unfortunately, if I'm waiting outside for my Uber or the MAX to get to the airport, my regular carry-on is going to get drenched. Considering most bags are fabric, ending up with a soggy carry-on is going to see some damp clothing and that's...

Tax Refund = Vacation Funds

Did you know that almost half of Americans are either not using any or all of their vacation time? According to Skift, 42% of Americans didn't take any of their vacation days in 2014. That is a sad, sad statistic to me! Getting away is good for your health and well-being and makes you like life just a little more. Women, apparently, take fewer days away than men and younger take fewer than older. Somehow, those who live in the suburbs realize life is short and shouldn't be work-work...

Super Useful Travel Posts

Happy Friday! I've been seeing a lot of news about bad airplane etiquette and such, so I figured this month's Super Useful post would focus on how people make travel crappy for others, because they have no manners or don't know how to act in public. If you've seen something travel-related, or been on a plane or train when people were rude, inconsiderate or just plain annoying, link us or let us know in the comments.
photo creditBachelor parties are fun, for those that are participating in them...

Get Outside for Free During National Parks Week

The National Park Service turns 100 this year. If you're traveling or hoping to get outside for Spring Break and you're near a National Park (which most people are or can easily drive to), this is the time to see some of America's most beautiful scenery, along with amazing plants and native animals. For a whole week, you can get in to all National Parks free of charge. 

Use this week as a budget-friendly way to see some nature, get some exercise and maybe even educate yourself or your kid...