Top Tips For Booking A Trip To America on a Budget

 A lot of us take pleasure in and have a real passion for travelling, but it is also true that it can grow rather expensive. The following are some suggestions that will assist you in organising a holiday that will not only be exciting and unforgettable, but will also be kind to your purse.

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1. Set A Budget

Establishing a financial plan is going to be the first step that you will want to do. You will have a much better understanding of how to make certain that you are able to include the most important components of your holiday without going over your budget if you determine a precise number early on in the planning process. You can accomplish this in a few different ways, and which one you choose will depend on your personal preferences. The first method, which is also the simplest, is to simply establish a rigid maximum limit for the amount. It is likely that shorter excursions with only one location will benefit the most from this option. It is the method that is both the quickest and the least complicated. On the other hand, it may restrict your choices in the event that unexpected developments arise at the very last minute.

2. Consider what your perfect vacation looks like

Once you have decided how much money you are going to spend on your trip, the next step is to determine what it is you want most out of your time away from home. This is crucial because it will make it much simpler for you to prioritise the components of the holiday that are most important to you and to determine which aspects of the holiday can be compromised. When it comes time to plan your perfect holiday, one thing you will not want to forget to take into consideration is anything that can be a "deal-breaker." Camping, for instance, might be an excellent way to cut down on the costs associated with lodging. However, if you are not the type of person who enjoys sleeping under the stars, you should probably look at other areas of your holiday that can help you save money. Be truthful with yourself in this area, but also be willing to make concessions on certain matters of lesser significance.

3. Formulate your plans

Tours are a practical and time-saving approach to ensure that you experience the greatest aspects of your trip; yet, they may also be quite expensive. You should know that making a reservation for a tour is a possibility for you for a number of different reasons. In certain locations, the presence of an expert tour guide is either obligatory or strongly recommended for reasons relating to public safety. In addition to this, they will be able to provide you with detailed information regarding your destination, and reserving a tour will make the process of making travel arrangements much more streamlined. However, if you are ready to put in some extra work in the form of study and planning, venturing out on your own in many different locations can not only save you money but also provide a one-of-a-kind, customised experience.

4. Get off the beaten track

It is not uncommon for some of the most popular tourist destinations to be busy and expensive all at the same time. Even if it might not be a terrible idea to include some well-known activities on your schedule, you should not be scared to venture to other sites that are not as well known - car rental orlando airport will make things much easier. When compared to more popular tourist destinations, many of these "hidden gems" will offer significantly lower prices or even be free of charge.

Cocktail Hour Must Haves for the Holidays

 Cocktail hour is my favorite hour of the day for sure. Bless my husbands heart, he never bats an eye at me at 4 pm when I slip into the liquor cabinet and take the edge off. This season, why not make the drinks as festive and fun as possible with some new additions to your home bar? From mimosas to salt shooters, this list has something for every adult on it!

Samples were provided for inclusion and photography. Be sure to click thru to my partners and find a few new favorites for your own cocktail hour!

2020 has been quite a year, so why not take the holiday cheer to the next level with Ohza Cranberry Mimosa. These are perfect, and they bring the classic Sunday sip to anytime you want a mimosa. Get a 12 pack for about $40 and raise a glass to the season!

Keel+Curley Wines make the perfect holiday gift to share. This wine started with a desire to use the end of the season fruit for a blueberry farmer and it has blossomed into a wine that is delightful, fruity and practically made for sharing! Prices start at about $15 a bottle. 

Take the guess work out of mixology this holiday season with a box or two of Craft Stirs. These are awesome because all you need to do is pour a pouch into alcohol and mix it. Then like magic, you have a great drink at your fingertips. Order a box for $10 for holiday entertaining made easy.

Travel has been restricted for so many long months. For all of those trips to Mexico that have been canceled this year, raise a glass of Recuerdo Mezca, and sip to the trips that will be made in the future, and the memories that will be made. Prices start at about $36 a bottle.

A pack of Soak It Up Cloths makes for a must have at cocktail hour, where spills have been known to happen. These are so handy and very eco friendly. Order some starting at about $7 a pack and greatly reduce your paper towel use.

Serving hot toddy's to a crowd has never been easier than it is with a box of Aunt Lucy's Hot Toddy Mix. Add hot water, and a splash of booze, if you choose for a delicious way to warm up. Order for about $13 a box.

Serving shots has never been so intriguing as it is with a set of Creative Mixology Salt Shooters. This set has a tray, the shot glasses which are made of real salt and a lime dish for the perfect shot. This set will set you back $40 and will help make this holiday season a memorable one!

No judgments here if you need a cocktail to get thru the festivities with family. We all have that one relative that makes us want to drink a little. These little buzzbox cocktails are like a juice box for grownups. They have a great assortment to choose from so you will for sure find one you love. You can get a case of 24 for about $97.

GH Mumm Champagne is perfect for toasting with this holiday season. Pop the top and savor the delectable flavors. Prices start at about $30 for a bottle of a really good champagne.

Serve refreshing cocktails without spending any time at the bar mixing this season with Joia Spirits.These pre blended cocktails are awesome. Made with premium ingredients for a flavor that is just as good as it would be if a bartender blended it. Check out the line and find your favorite at a store near you.

I hope these ideas help you keep cocktail hour a jolly event! 

While you are here why not check out some of my favorite Christmas ideas?

Gifts for People Who Love Coffee

 The holidays are near and that means it is time to start making a list and checking it twice to get a great gift for the coffee lovers in your life! I have been checking out some gift ideas and I found a few that I know you are going to want to check out.

Samples have been provided for inclusion. 

Tony's Coffee is an under the radar option in a world of chain coffee shops, so it feels like a delicious secret! You can get a variety of beans from the Roaster of the Year Award Winning Tony's Coffee for about $13 a bag.

There is something so special about Gaderian Coffee that you will want to share it with a coffee loving friend this holiday season. This Guatemalan blend is mouth watering! Get it in bags or pods, in a variety of roasts, for a great price of about $12 a bag. 

If you want to make a statement in terms of your gift to a a coffee lover, the EC100 Espresso Machine by Capresso speaks  volumes! This is one of the nicest espresso machines I have ever used. It is easy to operate, and no joke, it makes a better shot than my local Tim Horton's. Get this online or from fine retailers like Kohl's for under $130.

If your favorite coffee lover travels a lot, give them the gift of the best coffee possible no matter where they are, be it a desk, or hotel room, or even at home. The Pakt Coffee Kit is compact, easy to use and really makes a cup of coffee a treat. Get it for about $141 this holiday season.

Coffee always makes a nice gift, but with Rising Tides Coffee, the gift keeps on giving goodness. You can select one of three blends and your purchase will support your cause in a way that makes you feel good. Prices start at about $20 a bag.

Ciel makes a really lovely blend of coffee, that is a small batch with a wonderful aroma. Prices start at about $19 and is sure to delight your coffee loving friends and family this holiday season.

Give your favorite coffee drinker some specialty cold brew coffee and milk blended together to perfection. Cowffee is as convenient as it gets and really packs a lot of flavor! Order a 12 pack and share with some special friends and family this year!

La Promesa makes some wonderful coffee that is perfect for gifting this season. With a sweet, fruity flavor, this one one cup of coffee that will warm everyone up perfectly this winter. Order whole bean or fresh ground for about $21 a bag.

Any coffee drinker appreciates a good mug. To make an unforgettable impression why not gift a mug that is nothing short of art with the Alicia Boateng Collection Afro Glam Mug. This is seriously gorgeous! Order for $27. 

Gift the experience of a great cup of coffee from Nicaragua with the Santa Lucia Estate Coffee line. This coffee smells divine with a wonderful earthy finish that is made to savor. Order the sampler pictured above for about $30.

Explorer Cold Brew is perfect for gifting a coffee lover! These little bottles are perfect for an on the go pick me up. Simply add to water, add ice if desired and sip a really good cuppa cold brew. The bottles are adorable and can be used again if desired. Order a starter pack for about $20.

Maple Leaf Roasters offers an assortment of really good blends that make for a great gift this holiday season. We loved the Slapshot 2020 Holiday Blend with its sweet finish. Order online for about $14 a bag.

Bean and Bean Coffee Roasters have some really great beans that are roasted to perfection and ready to gift. They have a coffee and tumbler set that is perfect for any coffee lover to unwrap this holiday season. Order for $45.

I hope these suggestions help you to find a great gift for a coffee drinker on your shopping list.

Gifts for Pets

Fido wants a great gift this year too. If you aren't sure what to get your furry friend this Christmas, I have found some gifts that are sure to make tails wag or motors run at full speed.  My cats and dogs totally approve of each item on this list.

Samples were provided for original photography. Affiliate links may be used.

Winter means it is dark before dinner time, but the dogs still need their nightly walks, and that can be dangerous! Keep yourself and your pets safe this year with a Headlight Harness and a reflective leash. These are awesome because they make you and your dog visible to traffic and it makes the walk a little safer as you can see your obstacles like ice and snow a little easier. Order online for about $60 and you can have these personalized too!

Sierra has some awesome dog toys this season! Make sure you check out their site, or look for some of their offerings in stores like TJ Maxx. We found a great assortment for our dogs that I know will have their tails wagging on Christmas morning! From treats, to toys and even stockings! I love that they had awesome pet gifts as low as about $8, and you can find so many great things from the Sierra site for the whole family!

If your pet likes to go on all of your errands and adventures, the Poco Pet lightweight carrier makes a great gift. Retailing at under $30, this little pouch folds up into a portable package. You can easily carry your small dog anywhere you want to go. Get it online.

The Bully Buddy from Bow Wow Labs is a great gift option for dogs who love to chew. This toy holds a bully stick in place to prevent choking and prolong the chew. Get a kit that is sized to suit your dog for under $40 from Bow Wow Labs.

If your dog has anxieties, cornbread hemp cbd is perfect for gifting this holiday season. This easy to give supplement is also great for hips and joint for a healthy and happy dog. Get it online for $35. My dogs are crazy about the corn dog flavor and how mellow it makes them feel, even when the kids would normally have them nervous.

Add a special touch to the mantle this year by giving your pet a stocking that looks like him.
My family is crazy about these adorable beagle stockings from Hearth Hounds. We love that they had a beagle hound for us. My beagle is gloating that he is more popular than his Mountain Cur sibling. They have a ton of breeds available, so make sure you order one from the website or Etsy. They retail for about $35.

Gerard Larriett makes an assortment of really nice smelling soy candles that pets and pet owners will appreciate. These are long lasting, pleasant smelling and help keep odors at bay while adding relaxing fragrances to the ambiance of the room. Order from Amazon or the Gerard Larriett website for about $14.

Saddlebox is the ideal subscription box for horse owners. Get a monthly assortment of goodies for your horse shipped right to your door. Includes treats, tools and things to make any horse super happy. Plus your purchase helps horses in need. Order online from Saddlebox.

K9 Cologne is a must have for pets this holiday season. They have some really great fragrances like this rich tobacco to keep your pooch smelling excellent this holiday season. I love this to keep the dog smell at bay after a snowy walk with Scout. Get it on Etsy for about $25 a bottle.

Huan makes keeping tabs on your pup easier. They have an assortment of covers for the Huan dog tag, which is super affordable. Get your tag and sleeve starting around $3 a month online at the Huan website.

Keep tabs on your four legged friends this holiday with the Wag! Tag. These are awesome and affordable gift ideas. Right now you can get a standard tag for FREE or an annual plan for about $50. Order online for the holidays.

Who says you only need to gift Fido once this holiday? Pure Earth Pets is one of my favorite gift ideas for pet people this year because it keeps the gifting going month to month with delicious treats and fun toys. Order online  from Pure Earth Pets with prices starting at $34.

A great leather leash is a must have for your pup this holiday. Get this very stylish option with a matching collar from Pediped this Christmas for future walks in style. Leashes start at $20 and collars are around $15. Order online at the Pediped website.

This foldable pet carrier has a unique design and makes taking your small dog or cat along for the holidays super simple. Get it from amazon for stress free travels.

If you have a senior dog on your shopping list, I highly recommend adding a carton of Bone Broth and a bag of bone broth treats from Brutus Broth. This is sure to be a hit with your pet, it softens food and adds a flavor dogs can't resist. Get a 2 pack of bone broth for about $20. Get it online.

If you have a dog, you know that a walk is the best thing ever for any dog. The sounds, the fresh air, and the smells! Oh those wonderful smells that entice the nose! Plus, a favorite human at the other end of the leash, let me tell you, on behalf of dogs everywhere, a walk is all their is! Give your walking buddy a little extra comfort this winter with a down filled dog coat. Scout, my bestie, highly recommend this one from Free Country for about $45.

Holiday Gifts for Guys That They Will Love

What are you getting the guys in your life this holiday season? I don't know about you, but shopping for my husband and my father is tough. When asked, they respond that they don't really want anything, and let me tell you, that is no help when trying to shop. I gathered up some of my favorite ideas for men this holiday season and I hope this list helps you find a great gift for the special guys in your life.

Samples were provided for inclusion.

A great watch never goes out of style. Joycoast makes options that are classy and stylish, and perfect for daily wear. Wood watches are a welcome option from the smartwatch scene for guys who like to do things, like tell the time, the old fashioned way. Find comfortable wood watches for men starting at about $89.

Veppo Vape makes a good gift for someone who wants to quit smoking. Find an assortment of vapes and ecigs, as well as vapor flavors to satisfy the nicotine cravings.  The rum vape is perfect for the holidays!

Detomaso watches are the perfect holiday gift. These watches are gorgeous and make a statement when gifted. From the unique movement to the quality leather strap, this is the gift you give to someone really special. Find this style for about $175.

Gift a reader, film fanatic or traveler a scratch-able poster. These are a fun way to mark items off your to see, read and visit list while displaying them as art. Check out the collection available in the Enno Vatti amazon store. Prices are about $22 a poster.

Beavercraft makes these awesome carving kits that make the perfect gift for guys. They can learn a new skill, like carving, while relaxing and making art. This wizard kit is about $25. The easy to follow instructions make this kit a great introduction to carving.

Yellow Dot Artist makes affordable art prints that are great for gifting! I love the one pictured here. Is it a cat or a dragon? You be the judge. Browse the selection of prints, where prices start at about $15.

Groovy Groomsmen Gifts is my go to for personalized gifts that guys want to get! From money clips to useful knives with their initials, you can find a ton of great gift ideas on site. This altered carbon knife costs about $35 and is really gorgeous.

Do you know what guys need for the holidays? More power access! Accell Power makes having a place for all of your devices and electronics a reality instead of a dream. These are affordable, offer surge protection, a place to plug in cords, and even a place for usb cords, so you can power up anywhere. Find a variety of Accell power series devices to fit his needs for about $30.

CLEAR2O Personal Filters offers dual filtration for fresh and clear water ANYWHERE! This is the perfect gift for active guys who love adventure or guys who dig fresh,clear water. Check out their impressive line of filtration products to find a good fit for the guy on your shopping list.

Kore Classic Fashion belts are the perfect gift because they feature a hidden track with over 40+ sizing points, so you can adjust in 1/4" increments for a perfect fit every time. Shop Men's Casual Belts and Men's Dress Belts for work, play, or out on the town.  Order as a set, or shop buckles & belts separately. Prices start at about $50.

Rawhyde Leather makes some of the best wallets for men. These are awesome for a holiday gift because they will be used daily, and this brand has such beautiful quality and workmanship. As a bonus they are incredibly affordable! Prices start at about $20 for a nice basic wallet.

The Shower Caddy Locker by Schlocker is the perfect gift for college aged men , or any man in a shared living situation, as it gives them a secure place to store their toiletries without having to share with their roommates. This is an easy to install locker, that is affordable too. Order it from Amazon for about $30. 

I love Water to Go bottles for adventurous and active guys because these bottles are personal filtration systems on the go. Basically any water source can become a fresh water source with one of these bottles. Order one for a guy who loves to explore for about $50.

Guys who spend time looking at a screen will appreciate these blue light glasses by Jins. They reduce eye strain and look great too. For a limited time you can order a pair for FREE on their site, or find options for heavy screen users and more.

Gift great style with the V neck Sweater with Collared Shirt from Flying Point Apparel. This is perfect for wearing to holiday parties, or daily use! Order for about $80 for a look that he can rock all winter long.

After a long day at work, any guy can appreciate an on demand shiatsu neck and back massager from  ireliev. This gives a deep massage that feels awesome, anytime he wants one with or without heat. Order for about $80 for year round relief.

 

Bendyfigs make a great gift for guys because they can check out their favorite movie characters and relive old times as they re-enact a few scenes, if they wish too. These highly detailed figures are about $14. Find several favorite lines like Lord of the Rings, Monsters, Star Trek and more.

 Ridge Merino  wool flannel shirt jackets make the perfect gift for guys who live in cold climates because they are so toasty! They look great for regular wear and is so durable and well made it will last for years. Order for about $150.

Hawaiian Hookum: Tiki Style Ring Toss Game and Decoration makes for a great gift idea for guys because it looks awesome, and is really fun to play too. Find it on amazon for about $20, for a gift he will love to show off!

Motorola 3 in 1 smart true wireless earbuds are a fantastic gift that will get a lot of use. They are alexa/siri/google assistant enabled, produce quality sound and will set you back less than $100 for a gift that is going to get daily use. 

A laptop is always a nice gift, especially if your guy doesn’t own one or has an old machine he’s been using since forever. Get a good quality laptop with decent specs if your guy isn’t a heavy user. If he plays games or edits videos, choose a model with higher specifications. If uses his computer for work, better get him a business laptop that can keep up with his pace and work demands. 

 

I hope these gift ideas help you find something awesome for the men in your life this holiday season. While you are here, check out some of my favorite DIY ornaments?