Shereen Rayle's Blog, page 124

48 Hours of Fun on a Budget in London

In this blog series I show you how easy it is to budget travel anywhere and I also give you a quick overview of a new city each time in a brief 48-hour itinerary.
By now you know I love the city of London. Two days is clearly not enough to do more than scratch the surface, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a lot out of a weekend, extended business trip or long layover there. There’s always something to see and always a long list of cool things to do whether you are willing to splurge a bit o...

Your Must-Have Apps for Vacations

A lot of people are planning vacations right now, because the weather isn't the worst everywhere anymore. That means road trips, theme parks, beaches and so much more. If you've got a trip on the horizon, then you're probably bringing your smartphone to keep you occupied and help you out. Fill it with apps that will make your trip better, cooler and easier. That's what we all want when we go somewhere, whether it's Europe, Mexico or the next state over. Here are all the latest and greatest ap...

Review: Foldable Flats from Butterfly Twists

Spring is in the air! Well, for some of us. Portland is bouncing between warm, sunny days and cold, rainy days. I know a lot of people are still waiting for the weather to warm up where they live, too, but it's coming. Spring and Summer bring all kinds of outdoor activities, including great vacations that might involve the beach and definitely a lot of walking. You're going to want to look cute, but still be comfortable as well. Butterfly Twists, which have those awesome packable wellies I re...

Flying Budget Airlines Abroad

Here in the U.S., our idea of a budget airline is one that has a slightly discounted rate. Southwest and Spirit are no longer really considered budget when their airfares are really not much cheaper than all the regular airlines or they screw you over by making you pay for carry-on bags. Around the world there are true budget airlines that can save you hundreds of dollars on trips, making it cheaper to fly than riding Greyhound here in America. When we were in London, we flew to Paris for les...

Travel Internationally to Save Money

Yes, you read that right. Why plan a trip to the beach – where hotels can cost as much as airfare – when you could spend the same amount on a trip that's more exciting and might include a beach? I'm always in favor of going somewhere new and farther away than someplace old that I can go to anytime. Here are 5 destinations you can visit where your dollars will go further and you'll get more culture than your nearest waterpark or boardwalk.
photo creditArgentinaSouth America is always...

Review: Packable Wellies from Butterfly Twists

April showers bring May flowers, but sometimes it just leads to more showers like it does here in Portland. From November to July 5th, you pretty much just plan for rain when you go out. There are other places like this and if you want to go out and do things, you’re going to face mud and big puddles. I have a ton of shoes, but when it’s particularly rainy or I go somewhere it’s bound to be muddy, it’s nice to have a pair of Wellington boots (wellies) in your closet to put on and enjoy the da...

Review: Traveling Scarf by Napper

Ever tried rolling up your jacket and using it as a makeshift pillow for the airplane, car, train or bus? It doesn’t work so well, does it? At some point it starts to slip down and unroll and then your head clunks against the window and your sleep is ruined. Most people can’t just sleep anywhere, and it’s nice to be able to catch up on your Zs when you’re traveling and need to get on a new schedule. Neck pillows are okay, but they don’t block out light or keep you warm or hold any of your stu...

Saving for Travel + Tax Refund Getaways

Happy Tax Day, everyone. Okay, collective groan. I hear it. Everyone hates tax time, but not me, because "refunds, man"! It's money you didn't have before and can use in something fun...hopefully, because hone repairs and student loans suck and  the only thing that sucks more is coming up with the money to pay for them.

photo creditUse your tax refund as a vacation fundIf you don't have an official vacation fund started (or you do and want to add a good...

Filling Your Time on the Plane

I know a lot of people dread plane rides and packing for one. In my last post I talked about what to wear on the plane and now I’d like to talk about how to enjoy flying, even in your cramped economy seat, when you aren’t sleeping, because that’s not always easy or an option. (See that jet lag post I wrote.) When you have hours ahead of you where you’re basically stuck in a seat, how do you keep yourself entertained? I bring a range of things, because I almost always travel with my husband, b...

Please Stop Wearing Your Pajamas on the Plane

So, I don’t know if you know this, but it’s kind of unacceptable to wear your night clothes outside. You aren’t a college kid – and even if you are, that’s still gross. The plane still counts as going out in public, so make a little bit of effort. It doesn’t have to be much, and you can wear clothes that are as comfortable as your PJs, but make you look like a person. You don’t have to be constricted on your flight, but you also don’t have to look like a hot mess that people dread sitting nex...