Shereen Rayle's Blog, page 135
July 30, 2014
Free and Cool Las Vegas - Part 1
It appears that Las Vegas during the summer is now the norm for us. Last year we made the trip in June to visit family and this year we made it July to catch the NBA Summer League games (and also visit family while we were there). I can't say the weather is all that lovely in the summer. 110 is not particularly enjoyable, but luckily most of the things we do are inside. This trip I did quite a few free activities on my own while Eric and his friend Alex spent the day watching basketball. I ha...
July 28, 2014
Review: EXO 2.0 Hardside Spinner Carry-on from eBags
If you’re a chronic overpacker, then you’ve had the experience of wrestling your bag into the overhead compartment only to realize its bulging makes it impossible to shove it in and sit down. While everyone is giving you the stink eye for taking up space in the aisle to drag it back down to unpack the outside compartments, you vow to never pack too much again…you know, until it happens again. As much as I love those outside pockets on my carry-on bags, it can be too tempting to stuff them ful...
July 26, 2014
Why I Love the Farmers' Market
Fresh fruits and vegetables are awesome, aren't they? I totally think so. I also think being able to get local produce is pretty awesome and there's no better place to get such things than at a farmers' market. We make a point to hit up markets wherever we are if we can. Sometimes, they are just cute little roadside markets that sell yummy things, but often there are many merchants gathered with their goodies in a formal market. Some are open everyday and some only sell on certain days. Our l...
July 24, 2014
How to Save Money on a Waterfront Vacation
You may be thinking about going on a beach vacation this summer, but many other travelers are planning the same thing. Do you really want to try to relax on the beach by elbowing your way through the crowds to find a space big enough just for your beach blanket? That doesn't seem very relaxing or fun. Avoid the crowded coastline and still get a beachfront vacation by heading toward the lake. You can do a lot of the same activities as you could at a traditional beach, but usually it is cheaper...
July 23, 2014
Fun Ways to Entertain Yourself on the Plane
Trapped on a an airplane with barely any legroom is not the time to realize that you have five hours of free time and you can't fill it with sleep (unless you're like me and can sleep anywhere at any time). There are only so many times you can read the magazine articles about places you probably aren't going to to or flip through Sky Mall (that a lot of flights don't even bother carrying anymore) before you want to lose your mind. You could make it your mission to commit the safety codes to m...
July 19, 2014
Get Ready for Your International Trip
So, you're getting ready to leave the country? I've had some experience with international travel. I'd like more, even though it's always a little daunting trying to remember just what I need to do and what to take. Sometimes you can buy things you need at your destination, but sometimes you can't. In the past, it's been difficult or totally impossible to buy: socks, an iPod charging cable, batteries and contact solution. While these are less important than underwear or a passport, I still st...
July 16, 2014
How to Amuse Yourself During a Layover
Flying is not always fun. I know, shocking. Sometimes you end up flying for the better part of a day. Sometimes you're so excited to get home - or to your destination - only to be thwarted by a long delay. Whatever the case may be, you always want to make sure you are prepared to beat boredom and not just with electronic devices, because your batteries might die and then you'll be stuck sitting around staring at a wall. When the unforeseen happens, or even when things go totally as planned, y...
July 12, 2014
6 Tips Carry-on Like a Professional
Do you ever see those travelers who have one bag – that’s not even bulging! – that look super put-together and get right off the plane and into a cab and you wish you could be more like them? So often I’m walking through a hotel lobby or past the check-in desks at the airport and watch families that seem to bring everything they own on vacation with them, and I wonder how much they paid in baggage fees and chiropractor visits. It was not all that long ago that I thought I couldn’t live withou...
July 9, 2014
How to Have a Fantastic and Frugal Honeymoon
It's officially "wedding season" people. More people get married in July and August than any other months during the year. I can't even count how many summer weddings I have gone to in the past. If you are getting married this summer - or next - and need some ideas on here to head afterwards to celebrate your I Dos, without spending a ton of money, because when you think about it, you realized you spent more than you could afford even on your wedding. Odds are, you are on a tight budget...
July 5, 2014
Beachin' Travel Tips
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...
