3 Easy Ways to Add a Little Frugality to Your Life

by Miranda Marquit · 0 comments

I am not normally counted among the frugal. While I like to get good value for my money, and while I don’t like to feel that I’m wasting my money, I’m not much of a penny pincher. I’d rather make more money than cut an unnecessary expense that I enjoy. Plus, I find penny pinching and many of the traditional frugal living strategies exhausting.

However, there are times when I do like to save a few bucks, and practice some of the principles of frugality. If you are looking for ways to add a little more frugality in your life, but you don’t want it to be difficult, here are 3 things to try:

1. Replace Your Soda Habit with Water

I’m not a big soda drinker. I used to be, though. I used have a soda a day. However, I’ve since switched to water. I enjoy water; it quenches thirst without the aftertaste of sugary drinks. Plus, the water isn’t very expensive. It comes out of my tap. We do have a filtering system, but it has long since paid for itself since we haven’t bought as much soda or bottled water.

When you drink water, you’ll save money over what you spend buying your liquids. On top of that, the health problems soda contributes to have been well-documented. Even if you try to be “healthy” with low calorie or no calorie drinks, studies are starting to indicate that you could still have health problems — including weigh gain.

Better health means more money saved, and all you have to do is drink more water and less soda.

2. Group Your Errands

For me, Tuesday is errand day. I map out which errands I am going to run, and I do them all. From taking my son to get his hair cut to grocery shopping to depositing money in the bank, all of my errands happen on Tuesday. It means that I use less gas overall, and it forces me to think about what I want and make a list. I stick to the list, try to get through everything, and the savings become clear. Indeed, I’ve noticed that gas tank needs filling less often as a result of this simple adjustment to my weekly routine.

Of course, it’s easier for me to devote a day to errands, since I work from home. If you have a more traditional job, you might need to adjust your schedule and go two days or three days. The idea, though, is to plan ahead so that you aren’t making dozens of little trips for each thing you need throughout the week.

3. Mind Your Power Usage

If you leave the room, turn off the lights. Use natural lighting when possible (I have my workstation near a window). Get smart strips that reduce energy vampirism. Program your thermostat. Just by changing a few things about the way you use energy, you can save money over time. It’s a simple way to be a little more frugal — and it’s good for the environment as well.

What are your best tips for adding easy frugality to your life?

3 Financial Reasons to Move to Another State

by Jessica Sommerfield · 0 comments

Moving out of state isn’t an easy decision to make, especially if you are leaving behind family, friends, and memories. But there are times when moving becomes the best financial decision for your family. Here are three major reasons you might consider moving to another state and how it will affect your finances.

Reason #1: A job or a better job

A downturn in the economy has affected the unemployment rate in the United States in the last few years. So far for 2013, the national unemployment rate dropped to 7.5%, and is expected to have remain unchanged through the month of May. While unemployment is an issue throughout the country, some states have been affected more drastically than others due to bankruptcies in the auto industry, housing, and other major employers. If you’ve been unemployed for a while and have been unsuccessful in finding a new career, taking the plunge and moving for work might be the best financial step for your finances. Leaving family and friends behind can be difficult, but may be easier than facing financial bankruptcy. Here is a list of the top and bottom 5 states by unemployment:

Top States — North Dakota (3%), Nebraska, Vermont, South Dakota, Iowa

Bottom States — North Carolina, California, Mississippi, Illinois, Nevada (9%)

Take into consideration your education, current career and skills as you search for the best location. Even if you’re moving because of a job offer you’ve already received, it’s a good idea to have a back-up or two in case your first job doesn’t last (to avoid moving yet again), and to study the strength of the job market for each career you are qualified for/interested in. Explore unusual careers that might be surprisingly lucrative. For instance, hot dog vendors in New York can make up to $100,000 a year!

Reason #2: A lower cost of living

Income is not the only factor when considering a move: you also have to look at the area’s cost of living. Making a larger paycheck may not be worth it if you’re spending more on housing, food, gasoline, and other amenities. Living expenses can vary widely even from one end of the state to another. Sites like costofliving.net allow you to compare the cost of living among several different cities using highly complex calculators. In the current U.S.  economy, the cheapest regions to live are in the South, West, and Midwest. Regions that have the highest cost of living are the West Cost and the East Coast/New England states.

Reason #3: A better climate

Most of us have acclimated to the weather in the region we live. We might complain, but it’s never quite bad enough for us to move just because of the weather. However, if you’re planning on moving already, you should consider climate into your decision, because it will affect many of your household expenses. As those who live in northern regions know, cold temperatures can mean snow and ice. Vehicle maintenance is a huge concern. You may have to purchase a more expensive and less fuel-efficient 4-wheel drive vehicle that will lose value to the damage of corrosive road salt. Damaging effects aren’t excluded to cold climates, either — humid areas can cause wood to rot faster and mold to grow, while extremely arrid regions can cost you money in sun damage to roofs, vehicles, and other equipment.

In addition to the expenses the climate of the area will incur on the upkeep of your possessions, it may cost your health. Many people who experience breathing problems and are frequently sick move to more arid regions for relief.  Moving to a region that promotes your health will also save you money on medical expenses.

While there are many other financial reasons to move to another state, these three are probably the most pivotal.

Don’t Lose Sleep Over Choosing a Great, Affordable Pillow

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

Bed pillows are probably one of the most overlooked factors influencing the quality of our sleep. The wrong pillow can cause us to be uncomfortable and therefore experience restless or unsound sleep. The right pillow, on the other hand, can be something to which we become quite attached and hesitate to replace, even though it’s recommended by experts that we do, fairly frequently. If you feel your sleep is suffering because of your pillow, consider replacing it.

If you’ve been to the bedding department of a store, you know that there are a multitude of styles, firmnesses, materials and price points where pillows are concerned. This can make choosing the right pillow confusing and needlessly expensive. One thing that’s worse than having an unsatisfactory pillow is paying good money for a new one, only to discover that it’s uncomfortable. Let’s examine the topic of pillows to uncomplicate your search for one that will please you for many good nights of sleep.

Consider these factors when choosing your pillow:

The position in which you sleep

The best pillow enhances your physical comfort while maintaining your natural spinal alignment.

  • If you sleep on your back, choose a thinner pillow to support your head without it being raised forward.
  • If you sleep on your side, choose a firmer pillow that will fill in and support the space between your ear and shoulder.
  • If you sleep on your stomach, choose a very thin pillow to allow your head and neck to remain in alignment with the rest of your body without being bent unnaturally backward.

The material with which the pillow is stuffed

Pillows can be stuffed with various materials which determine their firmness and adjustability.

  • Polyester foam makes a medium-to-firm, inexpensive yet comfortable pillow. Look for greater density to provide better, longer-lasting support.
  • Memory foam makes a shape-conforming pillow that lasts a long time but may be hot to sleep on.
  • Latex pillows are the firmest and resist mold and dust mites.
  • Wool and cotton make firm pillows that are hypoallergenic and resist mold and dust mites.
  • Feathers make a firm, adjustable pillow, but they can occasionally poke through the pillow.
  • Down makes an adjustable pillow of medium firmness which can be quite expensive.
  • Water-filled pillows are easily adjusted for desired firmness but may be noisy when you move.
  • Buckwheat/millet make medium-to-firm, highly adjustable pillows. Buckwheat, however, can be noisy when you move.

The material in which the pillow is covered

The covering of the pillow itself is also important to consider. A thread count of 230 or higher will be soft and durable. Don’t take a good pillow cover for granted; it seals the contents inside while keeping impurities out. Some pillow covers are treated with stain- and water-repellent and/or anti-microbial finishes.

Preference and price

In many things, pillows included, paying more does not ensure your satisfaction. Take the above factors to heart but ultimately choose according to comfort. Because it’s such an individual preference, the “right” pillow is the one that feels just right to you. If at all possible, try out the pillow by lying down on it. This may not be as improbable a scenario as it sounds because many stores that sell pillows also sell mattresses. If a mattress is unavailable, use a wall by standing against it as if it were your bed. Place the pillow between your head and the wall to determine whether the pillow supports you where it should and how you prefer.

There’s no need to lose sleep over finding a pillow you’ll love at an affordable price.

What’s in your pillow?

(Also check out how you can choose a great mattress here.)

Want to Make More Money? Try These Unusual Jobs

by Miranda Marquit · 0 comments

Are you looking for a way to earn more money? One thing you can do is get a second job.

Most of us don’t like to think of getting a second job — one is bad enough. But there are some unusual, and even fun, jobs that pay reasonably well, providing you with the extra income you need to boost your family finances.

Who knows? According to Yahoo! Finance, many of these unusual jobs might actually make good replacements for your “real” job:

  • Hot Dog Vendor: In my neighborhood are some folks who spend their weekends during the school year as vendors at the university for sporting events. It’s a lot of work, and it can get hectic, but it’s also a lot of fun. They have equipment for vending, so they can also sell hot dogs at neighborhood events, and assist with school fundraisers. If you have what it takes, the Yahoo! post suggests that you can make between $30,000 and $100,000 a year. Even $30,000 a year isn’t bad for a job you just do on the weekends.
  • Ice Cream Taster: The university here occasionally does a call for ice cream tasters to provide feedback for new flavors at their creamery. Of course, locally we only get free ice cream vouchers as payment. But, apparently, if you can get in with the right company, it’s possible to offer your tastebuds and earn more than $50,000 a year.
  • Personal Shopper: Do you like shopping? Instead of spending your own money, enjoy the fun of shopping without having to use your own resources. As a personal shopper, you buy things that your clients want, from household items to clothing. You can make between $25,000 and $100,000 a year, and you can usually work on your own schedule.
  • Virtual Head Hunter: Many companies are looking for just the right employee. If you act as a head hunter, you can be paid by companies. You can earn more than $250 for each referral you send. Of course, you can’t just give random names; they have to be legitimately good fits. But if you are good at matching people’s skills with employers, you could potentially make a great deal of money.
  • Body Part Model: You don’t need to show your whole body. Sometimes advertisers only need a small part, like a shot of your foot, your eye, or your wrist. You can earn as much as $1,000 for an afternoon of work, according to the Yahoo! post.
  • Human Statue: You could earn up to $100 an hour as a human statue or live mannequin. Consider the options, and whether or not you can stand still (or make only a few movements) for those long periods of time. If you can handle it, you could make decent money.

It’s possible for you to use your creativity to earn a little extra money over time. Unusual jobs can offer you the chance to work your own hours while making money, and possibly even turning one of these jobs into a viable business that could eventually provide you with a primary income.

7 Things You Should Never Spend Money On

by Guest Contributor · 1 comment

David Bakke is a contributor for Money Crashers Finance. He writes extensively about topics like budgeting, getting out of debt, insurance plans, and smart shopping tactics.

Becoming financially fit is becoming more important every day, especially with many American households facing job loss, rising gas prices, and nagging credit card debt. The mantra of the money-saving movement is simple: don’t spend what you don’t have. Thankfully, in your journey toward financial freedom, there are many things that you can get without spending a dime. Even though most of them won’t pay the rent, getting anything you can for free certainly benefits your monthly budget.

1. Anti-Virus Software
Protecting your computer against threats and viruses is important, but that’s no reason to fall prey to the hype. There are many free software products that protect your computer. AVG and Avast are two of the better options. If you go with one of these, pay close attention to what you’re clicking on during the download process. If you’re not careful, you may find yourself with a variety of unwanted toolbars and default search engines added to your computer. Most of these add-ons are unnecessary.

2. Batteries
Usually around Christmas and a few other holidays throughout the year, many office supply retailers offer 100% cash back rewards on battery purchases. Since batteries are something you’re always going to need, stock up when you see these offers. Just keep in mind that there are expiration dates involved on both the batteries and the cash-back redemption.

3. Tax Return Preparation
As long as you only file a simple return, you should never spend money on tax prep. In the past, there were only a few players in the world of free online tax preparation, but this industry has expanded quite a bit. Check out the IRS website for a list of companies that can prepare your return for free. Many require an adjusted gross income of $57,000 or less, but the IRS now has free forms you can use to file electronically no matter how much you make.

4. Activation Fees
Whether you’re activating a new cell phone, a credit card or a retail account, these pesky fees are almost always negotiable. If you talk to the right person you can usually get them waived without an issue. If you’re encountering difficulties, just tell them it’s a deal-breaker and companies are much more likely to work with you.

5. School Supplies
Many office supply stores also feature back to school supplies with 100% rewards. Just be sure to investigate the fine print, so you know if any exclusions or limitations apply. If you sign up for email updates from your preferred office supplier, they’re going to tell you when these special sales are running. These offers occur at various times throughout the year.

6. Extended Warranties
Most extended warranties on vehicles and home appliances are a big waste of money. I’ve never purchased one, whether it is for a car, refrigerator or a new washer and dryer. In many instances, retailers enjoy a bigger profit margin on the extended warranty than they do on the product itself. The caveat here is that if you’re buying an expensive item for a child, you may want to consider the extra protection to account for potential drops, breaks, and spills.

7. Signing Contracts
Signing a contract almost always costs you money. Whether it’s for your cell phone plan, your internet connection, or satellite TV, there are countless contracts to be signed in a given year, and most of them lock you into paying a rate for at least a year, if not two. Providers want to keep you on the hook for as long as they can, but there are always ways to get around contracted services. Most Internet and cellular providers offer pay-as-you-go options.

Final Thoughts
If you like discounted shopping, sign up for a website like Groupon, and you can get a wealth of free deals sent to your inbox on a daily basis. Although getting something for nothing is the ultimate goal, saving money anywhere you can is an important endeavor. Just keep yourself tuned into the many Internet outlets offering reduced-rate or free items and services, and you can do a lot toward reducing your overall spending.

What other things can you think of that you shouldn’t spend money on?

Cheap Summer Home Renovations

by Jessica Sommerfield · 0 comments

Summer is the perfect time to take on some of the projects you don’t have the time, daylight, or cooperative weather to complete the rest of the year. And, if you’ve always thought of renovating your home as major and expensive, it doesn’t have to be. Even minor repairs and updates not only spruce up your home for personal enjoyment but increase the value of your home. Whether you’re preparing to sell your home or simply want to improve its value for a re-financing appraisal, here are some simple, inexpensive ways to get the most satisfaction (and value) for your time.

Create More Space
Storage is a huge issue with older homes since modern families accumulate more stuff than ever. Creating more space will not only make your home more liveable while you’re in it; it will increase the value to potential buyers who don’t want to put money into renovations. If you need more closet space, consider either ready-to-install closet systems available at retailers or, if you have the skill, build your own using resources from your local home improvement store. Numerous home renovation websites allow you to plug in dimensions and use interactive software to customize your closet space to meet your needs. Just adding shelving in areas such as pantries, closets, laundry rooms and bathrooms will immediately increase their storage capacity.  Placing inexpensive cloth or plastic bins on shelving units effectively hides items while keeping them accessible (purchase them in neutrals so they will coordinate well even if you re-decorate.)

Coordinate and Update your Appliances
Appliances are usually at the top of the list for renovations because they out-date or wear out more quickly than other parts of the home. Purchasing new appliances when necessary will keep you home functional, but replacing them just to create a new look is expensive. So how do you create a new or more modern look to the appliances you already have? Consider having them painted. There are a few ways to do this — hire a professional, or do it yourself. Appliance paint is available at most home improvement stores and can help you color-coordinate miss-matched appliances while covering up minor flaws. Another little-known trick is that many appliances such as dishwashers feature a different color on the underside of the cover panels that can be easily flipped for a new look.

Make Your Bathroom Sparkle
A fresh and newly improved bathroom makes a huge impression on potential home buyers, and fixes are usually easy and inexpensive. Even steps as simple as replacing toilet seats, vanity mirrors, faucets, chipped tiles, installing a pedestal sink or replacing vinyl flooring can vastly improve the appearance of a bathroom and instantly increase the perceived value of your house.

Focus on the Little Things
It’s amazing what a difference changing a few simple things can have on the entire appearance of your home. Small improvements such as changing out doorknobs, installing new light fixtures, painting doors, and painting in general can make a huge impact while at a fraction of the cost of a complete home renovation.

If you don’t have the skill or time to do these kinds of small projects yourself, consider finding an affordable and dependable handyman. Ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations and call around to to get the best bang for your handyman buck; many of these independent contractors are affordable and fast and can complete several projects for you in one day.

Taking the time to do a few cheap home renovations this summer can not only save you money in the long run on your mortgage or home sale; it will immediately increase your enjoyment of and pride in your home. In fact, completing projects with your whole family can be a great way to save money, spend time together, and have fun with your kids this summer.

Buying a New Vacuum Doesn’t Have to Suck!

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

My mom was loyal to a particular brand of vacuum cleaner; she never purchased any other kind. When I got my own place, Mom gave me a vacuum and of course, it was that same brand. It worked great and I used it for many years. When it broke and I had to face the vacuum marketplace myself, rather than take Mom’s brand loyalty at face value, I felt the need to see what else was available in the world of vacuums. I bought a different brand and it proved to be a huge mistake.

The vacuum I bought was clearly inferior and didn’t last long. Before I knew it, I was back in the market for a vacuum. The second time, while I still wasn’t willing to go with Mom’s brand, I did look for quality features that were lacking in my first purchase – and that meant a bigger investment. At least I had learned a valuable lesson about paying for quality.

Over the years, I’ve let each vacuum I’ve owned inform my next purchase. I consider what I liked and didn’t like about their performance, durability and usability – and buy the next one accordingly. I’ll share what I’ve learned the hard way to help you choose a great vacuum that will do its job effectively – and won’t need to be replaced very often.

Choosing a vacuum for your home

Type of vacuum
The most basic decision is between upright and canister models.

  • Upright vacuums are stand-up machines and are pushed. They’re best for use on synthetic fiber, wall-to-wall carpeting in homes without stairs.
  • Canister vacuums are pulled and are comprised of a hose, wands and a large variety of attachments which make them very maneuverable and versatile for handling a multitude of cleaning tasks.

Regardless of whether you choose an upright or canister, consider these factors:

Flooring
Synthetic flooring is extremely durable and can withstand a powerful vacuum. Natural fibers require more gentle treatment.

Carpet soil and traffic
Most carpet soil has sharp edges that, when walked on, wears down carpet fibers. That’s why keeping carpets vacuumed will help avoid the establishment of visible traffic patterns. Carpets that get heavy traffic need vacuums with aggressive brushes with dense, stiff bristles as well as a beater bar function to extricate soil so it can be vacuumed up. As for pet hair, it can best be removed with a revolving brush with stiff, densely-packed bristles.

Vacuum power
For a machine powerful enough to be effective, look for vacuums with amp ratings between 10 and 12 amps or wattage ratings between 1200 and 1440 watts.

Filtration
A high-filtration vacuum or one with a HEPA filter will remove fine particles which can cause allergies or asthma.

Quality
Evaluate a vacuum’s durability by looking for:

  • solid components
  • good fit and finish
  • smooth edges
  • heavy duty seals
  • solid feel when opening and closing components
  • length and specifics of its warranty

Usability
If your current vacuum presents cleaning obstacles (too heavy, bulky, lacks the right attachments, can’t reach where you need it to, difficult to maneuver, inconvenient to empty…) look for one that alleviates those problems.

Capacity
This relates to how often you’ll need to empty the bag. If you’re a frequent, heavy vacuumer, a high capacity is convenient.

Features
Evaluate what your vacuum needs to best handle your cleaning challenges. These are nice to have:

  • cord rewinder
  • a variety of speeds
  • on-board tool storage
  • length-adjustable wands
  • an appropriate selection of attachments to suit your home’s particular needs

Buying a vacuum for the right reasons will ensure your satisfaction for years to come!

What’s important in your vacuum?

Are Your Childhood Experiences Contributing to Your Debt?

by Miranda Marquit · 0 comments

One of the things I read recently was “5 Signs You May Be Broke in 10 Years” by Farnoosh Torabi over at Yahoo! Finance. Among the items on the list provided was that argumentative parents can actually lead to you having more debt. Torabi cites a study that indicates that college students who had parents that fought over money are three times more likely to have debt.

However, that’s not the only childhood experience that can influence your debt levels as an adult. There are some indications that growing up with the idea of scarcity can lead to debt as well. You might have felt the pinch of your parents’ lack of means, and it’s hard for you to keep living like that. Or, you decide to spend when you “have the money” — even if the money you have is actually credit, and not truly money in the bank at all.

Determining WHY You are in Debt

The first step to overcoming your debt is to figure out the why behind it. It’s true that childhood experiences like your parents fighting about money, or feeling that resources were scarce, can contribute to your debt. You can acknowledge that those childhood experiences might be barriers to paying down debt and improving your situation.

However you also need to look at other factors. While the past can influence you, you can’t blame everything on the past and then fail to try to move forward. You need to look at your debt situation, and figure out what is causing it. Are you living beyond your means? What motivations do you have for spending more than you have?

Whether you are trying to impress your peers with new gadgets and fine living, or whether you use shopping therapy to help you deal with other problems in your life, it’s important to pinpoint your spending behaviors. Look at the motivations behind them, and use that as a starting point for improving your finances and getting out of debt.

How to Get Beyond Childhood Experiences

Now that you understand the issues that face you when it comes to debt, it’s important to move beyond those childhood issues. In some cases, it can help to talk to someone else about your feelings. If you really feel that you are concerned about the way you view money, and how your views of money are holding you back, you can work with professionals to help you develop a healthier view of money — and your relationship to money.

Also, don’t accept that money has to be the root of problems, just because it seemed to cause problems in your childhood. If you have a partner, talk to him or her about money, and make it a point to work toward common goals. One of the reasons that couples fight about money is due to lack of communication. You can make an effort to be a better communicator, and work with your partner to move forward.

Once you understand the root of your troubles with money, and acknowledge how you might be influenced by the past, you can begin improving the situation, getting out of debt and developing a better relationship with your money.

Biblical Principles of Money Management: Stewardship

by Jessica Sommerfield · 0 comments

A good definition of stewardship is responsibility for and/or care of something. We are all stewards of numerous things, whether our job at work, our children, our homes, or our finances. The Bible lays out wise principles for good stewardship of our resources, particularly our possessions and finances. Without good stewardship of our resources we can fall into a number of financial pitfalls such as going  into debt, failing to save money for emergencies or retirement, or even going bankrupt. Having the right attitude toward our finances (contentment, seeing money as a tool) leads to good stewardship. Good stewardship, in turn, leads to responsible activities we’ve already discussed such as budgeting, saving, avoiding debt, and giving, and is therefore very important when dealing with our personal finances.

The following are some passages from the Bible that emphasize the importance of good financial stewardship:

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?” — Luke 16: 10-11

“The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” — Luke 12:47-48

The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.” — Luke 12: 42-44

Here are a few concepts we can take away from these verses:

Clearly, good stewardship of our finances is important regardless of how much we own or how much money we make. When you show yourself faithful with what you have, even if it’s not that much, you show those around you that you’re capable of handling more. This can lead to promotions at work and in the case of finances, finding willing investors for your business endeavor or volunteer project. Not only this, but the principles of good stewardship themselves will benefit your financial situation and, ideally, build wealth and increase your span of stewardship. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have much; we all have to start somewhere.

Wealth can be demanding; good stewardship is vital.  With greater resources comes greater responsibility. Wealth can be quickly burned up if not handled responsibly; good stewardship entails knowing how to save as well as invest in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds to create even more wealth.

Good stewardship can make the difference between poverty and wealth. It can also make the difference between ‘just getting by’ in life or reaching  and exceeding your financial goals. What’s more, showing responsibility in your finances reveals character that can be entrusted with greater wealth and more important things in life.

RVs, Trains and Busses: Alternatives for Your Vacation Transportation

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

When considering the many means of transportation available, it’s surprising that when we think vacation we immediately – and almost exclusively – think of only two options: flying to some far-off destination or loading up the car for a road trip. While airplanes can get us far away quickly and cars provide a sense of transportational autonomy, they needn’t be the only ways to get from Point A to Point B worth looking into when planning a summertime getaway.

It all depends, of course, upon your individual vision for your vacation. If you’re after an experience – rather than solely a destination – or looking to do something that’s different and perhaps even less expensive, there are alternatives to taking to the friendly skies or the family truckster. Let’s think outside the plane and car and consider three alternatives to the usual means of vacation transportation:

Recreational Vehicle

RVs are either motor homes which can be driven or trailers which are towed behind a motorized vehicle. They provide all the amenities of home so the vacation experience can take place inside and outside the RV. Recreational vehicles are expensive investments but can be rented if you’re not interested in purchasing.

Pros

  • Your lodging is with you, so you need not stay in motels
  • Campsite rates are inexpensive, compared to motel rates
  • You can prepare meals, alleviating the need to eat at restaurants
  • You have your own bathroom facilities
  • You can get to different destinations without needing to repack
  • You and your travel companions can enjoy privacy from others, if desired
  • You dictate your pace, schedule and stops
  • You have freedom to go precisely where you want
  • You can determine the “flavor” of your vacation: quiet and peaceful, adventurous and exciting (or a combination of both)

Cons

  • High fuel expense
  • You’ll be living in close quarters with your travel companions
  • Depending on your vacation plans, there’s a potential for lots of driving
  • You must stay at campsites, which may not be near where you want to visit
  • The disposal of waste from your RV is your job

Train

There are transit trains, which are a convenient, inexpensive way to get around an urban area, and then there are long distance/sightseeing trains that traverse the nation.

Pros

  • You can purchase a ticket for either a comfortable, reclining seat or a sleeping compartment
  • It is climate-controlled
  • There will be no driving to reach your destination
  • Meals are available on long distance journeys
  • You can enjoy sightseeing from the windows

Cons

  • It’s slower than flying to your destination
  • A ticket often costs more than airfare or car travel-related expenses
  • You’re committed to the train’s itinerary for stops
  • There’s a limited choice of destinations compared to flying

Bus

Urban busses are a boon to those vacationing in metropolitan areas. In short, they go where you want to go – cheaply, ubiquitously and conveniently. Longer distance busses are a viable, affordable option if you’re going somewhere along their route.

Pros

  • You’ll enjoy comfortable seating and climate control
  • On-board restrooms are available
  • There will be no driving to reach your destination
  • Tickets are quite low-cost
  • You can enjoy sightseeing from the windows

Cons

  • They offer limited destinations without connecting with other busses or means of transportation
  • No food is available onboard
  • They are slower than air or train travel
  • There’s virtually no privacy

The important thing is to investigate your travel options to discover which means of transportation makes the most sense for your desired experience. By choosing wisely, you’ll enhance your enjoyment and your return on your vacation dollars.

Have you vacationed by a less-mainstream means of transportation?

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