By ShoppinHolly
at 7:55AM Tuesday January 25, 2011
under
Shop Smarter
US travelers looking to take an international vacation have numerous choices north and south of the border. Canada in particular offers many easy-to-reach destinations on both the East and West Coasts.
For US residents who live along the border, trips to Canada may require no airfare at all. Even for those US residents who have to fly, there are domestic airports within a 1-4 hour drive of some of the most popular Canadian tourist spots. For travelers who like scenic drives and plan to rent a car anyway, destinations like the ones below can save $100 to $350 per traveler.
Here are a few examples of flights that can get travelers to Canada by way of US domestic flights (
taken from Kayak.com for the week of February 15 to 22):
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By ShoppinHolly
at 12:54PM Tuesday January 11, 2011
under
Stuff We Like
Quick dinners can be healthy and low-priced--it just requires stocking up on the right foods, and the right recipes, of course. Using spice packets (
vs. teaspoons here and tablespoons there), canned goods, frozen foods, and a few fresh vegetables or meat or both can go a long way when you have to fix a cheap meal in under 20 minutes. Collect 5 to 10 recipes that taste different but utilize the same inexpensive ingredients, and you can stock up to save even more on cost.
One of my favorite versatile stews is this one--most of the ingredients cost under $1--except for the meat which is optional.
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By ShoppinHolly
at 7:55AM Monday January 3, 2011
under
Stuff We Like
The best vacations are the ones that leave lasting impressions. Half the fun of taking a trip to a new place is learning the culture and history of a place through local museums, landmarks, and attractions. Fortunately for U.S. travelers, this country has tons of wild and zany attractions that travelers can stop by and visit when in town or just passing through.
Here are a few of America's wildest tourist attractions--for little to no cost:
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By ShoppinHolly
at 9:55AM Tuesday December 21, 2010
under
Stuff We Like
A great old Spanish proverb goes, "
Sopa y amor, lo primero lo major" which translates to "
Of soup and love, the first is best." Well, that's not exactly true, now, is it? Many would likely agree, however, with the main point--soup is one awesome concoction! While the popular chicken noodle, beef, and vegetable soups are delicious, it can be fun to try something a little out of the ordinary.
One unusual, yet extremely tasty, ingredients for soup is yogurt. Made in various regions around the globe, particularly in the Middle East, yogurt soups are healthy and delicious--plus each recipe offers many variations. For the brave and curious chef, here is an example of yogurt soup that is quick, filling, and delicious bordering addictive--and the best part, it costs under $5 to make.
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By ShoppinHolly
at 10:53AM Tuesday December 14, 2010
under
Stuff We Like
Island vacations can be
costly, particularly during prime travel season. Fortunately for island lovers, the long
East and West Coasts are dotted with dozens of small island
destinations. By choosing an island close to shore, travelers can save airline tickets by paying regular state to state fares. Check out these smaller islands with less crowding and unique claims to fame that travelers can't find at larger tourist hot spots:
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By ShoppinHolly
at 9:56AM Tuesday November 23, 2010
under
Odds and Ends
For people who love exploring, California truly has it all! From snowy peaks to soaking in the sun, there is something fun and interesting to do no matter what part of the state you visit. The Los Angeles area, in particular, is full of new places to see--and many of them cost little to nothing.
The following destinations are excellent examples:
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By ShoppinHolly
at 7:58AM Tuesday November 16, 2010
under
Money Saving Tips
When saving for vacation, one of the most important budget items is the hotel cost. Luckily, there are many ways to save on hotel rooms. Try these tips to find a room priced within your budget during your next trip:
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By ShoppinHolly
at 7:55AM Tuesday October 26, 2010
under
Money Saving Tips
Every country has its own treasures, but several factors can prohibit international travel. Crossing the border can be a hassle with passport and visa issues, long flights that cause jet lag and then of course, there's price. The following destinations are closer than Europe and Asia, but the travel cost is similar to a typical U.S. beach vacation. Plus, excursions and meals in these areas are affordable, and the exchange rate won't eat up all your travel budget:
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By ShoppinHolly
at 9:56AM Tuesday October 19, 2010
under
Stuff We Like
The only downside to the many wondrous places in the world is that one person can never possibly visit them all. Some of the most fascinating regions on earth are too geographically remote for a realistic vacation. Other places are too high-priced to afford airfare, hotel stays, and/or local dining and sightseeing. It is for places like these that
Blockbuster and
Netflix provide a quick cure: The DVD that takes viewers away to new places.
The following movies are excellent picks that take viewers away for under ten dollars in less than two hours:
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By ShoppinHolly
at 7:57AM Tuesday September 28, 2010
under
Holidays
A fresh, colorful bouquet is always a welcome gift. Whether to or from colleagues, parents or significant others, a bouquet can always brighten a room and add warmth to holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions. Choosing the right flowers and prices, however, can feel daunting because there are so many choices.
Use these pointers to get a bouquet at a price within your budget.
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By ShoppinHolly
at 2:32PM Tuesday September 21, 2010
under
Stuff We Like
Family vacations are cherished memories in the making. Keeping
children entertained on the road or during a flight, however, can be challenging. Planning ahead can alleviate anxiety by preparing parents ready to
handle common issues that arise while traveling with babies and young children.
The good news is that some of the best strategies cost little to
nothing!
Here are several tips that may
save you money and hassles when
traveling with your little explorers:
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By ShoppinHolly
at 2:31PM Tuesday August 31, 2010
under
Stuff We Like
Being from the Deep South, I must admit that "
comfort foods" is a term that means a lot to my tastebuds. But I'm lucky--I find comfort in almost any food! It need not be, for example, Southern banana pudding or pork barbecue (
even though writing those words is indeed making me very hungry...).
Some of my favorite foods are from places far away--especially Eastern European dishes. Not only are these foods delicious and hearty, but they are made from basic, inexpensive ingredients like flour, carrots, cabbage, eggs, and other low-cost items that I tend to already have on hand. And it's like taking a mini-vacation at dinnertime!
Here are some of my favorites:
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