3 Low-Budget Vacation Ideas

Heading out on vacation is a luxury, and many people aren't able to fulfill their dreams of exotic getaways to faraway islands or explore the world by travelling internationally. While an expensive trip may not be in the cards, a low-budget vacation can be attainable for many seeking some well-deserved time off.

These low-budget vacation ideas can be just as exciting and memorable as something far fancier at a fraction of the cost. Plan wisely and you and your family may just be vacation bound sometime this year. Bon voyage!

1. All-Inclusive

An all-inclusive trip, most notably offered by resorts can be a great way to vacation at a reasonable cost. You pay one price and needn't worry about extra expenses while away. All-inclusive vacations generally package together meals, soft drinks, airfare, hotel stay, etc. for one fair price, no gimmicks. Some packages even factor in entertainment, alcohol, and even tips for staff. And some give a lower price for kids, making the bundled price even more enticing.

Check out All Inclusive Outlet for amazing deals to destinations such as Mexico, Jamaica, The Bahamas, Dominican Republic, and more. Opt for family-friendly, adults-only, and other options like spas, scuba, and more. They offer flexible payment plans to fit your budget. All-inclusive means you'll be sure to stay on budget without added fees and impulse purchases.

2. Cruises

Cruising is an enjoyable way to travel and see the open waters in many parts of the world for an economical price considering what you get for your dollar. Like the aforementioned all-inclusives, most cruises offer packages which cover most or all of your vacationing costs in one fair combined price.

Depending on the type of cruise, duration of travel, room size, and location, cruising can be relatively inexpensive while feeling fabulous. Consider these superb deals offered by CheapCruises.com. They partner with lines such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, Disney Cruise Lines, and other major cruise lines, offering discounts and packages at all price points – even for the savviest traveler watching their wallet.

Plus, as per Nomadic Matt, "Cruise lines always offer incredible last-minute deals. No ship's captain wants to leave with half the cabins empty. If you wait until then, you can find some really amazing deals as cruise lines scramble to find passengers. Plus, cruise operators always throw in some on-board amenities, free upgrades, and cash vouchers to sweeten the deal. Conversely, if you book over a year in advance, cruise lines also offer amazing low fares for early birds."

Plan your travels economically as you explore the seas in a unique way. Go for something romantic, family-friendly, or something in between. Some people who cruise once vow to never vacation any other way thanks to the great prices and wonderful experiences.

3. Tour Locally

There's no need to travel far and wide to have a fulfilling vacation experience. Take a fresh look at your city or hometown and the surrounding areas. A car trip is not only a great bonding experience, but a low-cost way to explore a variety of attractions, restaurants, exhibits, parks, museums, and more that you may have been taking for granted due to their proximity.

Make it a day trip or find a place to stay for a night or two for the full vacation experience, even if it's a low-budget motel or a camping ground. Learn more about the history and new developments in your area and realize that even home can feel like a home away from home when treated as a special place to be.

Nomadic Matt suggests, "Be sure to go to your local tourism office and get a city tourism pass. These cards allow you to see a wide range of local attractions for free or reduced prices and can be your way to see your local sites on a budget."

No language barrier, no need to over pack, and no more excuses for not becoming a local expert! Are you ready to take that long-awaited budget-friendly vacation? Check out GTFO (Get the Flight Out). Their cheap airfare to various locations worldwide will make planning your travels a breeze. Peruse the site's easy-to-navigate user interface and see where the next flight will take you!

It's time to pack your bags and head out on a budget-friendly vacation! Lots of fun doesn't have to cost lots of money.

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Where to Donate to Support Afghanistan and Haiti

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NBC

Over the past month, both Haiti and Afghanistan have been pummeled by tragic disasters that left devastation in their wake.

In Haiti, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake erupted, leading over to 2,189 deaths and counting. A few hours later, in Afghanistan, Kabul fell to the Taliban just after U.S. troops had pulled out after 20 years of war.

In many ways, these disasters are both chillingly connected to US interference. The United States invaded Haiti in 1915, ostensibly promising to restore order after a presidential assassination but really intending to preserve the route to the Panama Canal and to defend US creditors, among other reasons.

But the US forces soon realized that they were not able to control the country alone, and so formed an army of Haitian enlistees, powered by US air power and intended to quell Haitian insurrection against US controls. Then, in 1934, the US pulled out on its own, disappointed with how slow progress was going. Haiti's institutions were never really able to rebuild themselves, leaving them immensely vulnerable to natural disasters.

Something similar happened in Afghanistan, where the US sent troops and supported an insurgent Afghan army – only to pull out, abandoning the country they left in ruins, with many Afghans supporting the Taliban.

In both cases, defense contractors benefited by far the most from the conflict, making billions in profits while civilians faced fallout and devastation. While the conflicts and circumstances are extremely different and while the US is obviously not solely to blame for either crisis, it's hard not to see the US-based roots of these disasters.

Today, in Haiti and Afghanistan, civilians are facing unimaginable tragedy.

Here are charities offering support in Afghanistan:

1. The International Rescue Committee is looking to raise $10 million to deliver aid directly to Afghanistan

2. CARE is matching donations for an Afghanistan relief fund. They are providing food, shelter, and water to families in need; a donation of $89.50 covers 1 family's emergency needs for a month.

3. Women for Women International is matching donations up to 500,000 for Afghan women, who will be facing unimaginable horrors under Taliban control.


4. AfghanAid offers support for people living in remote regions of Afghanistan.

5. VitalVoices supports female leaders and changemakers and survivors of gender-based violence around the world.

Here are charities offering support in Haiti:

1. Partners in Health has been working with Haiti for a long time, and they work with the Department of Health rather than around them, which is extremely important in a charity.

2. Health Equity International helps run Saint Boniface Hospital, a hospital in Haiti close to the earthquake's epicenter.

3. SOIL is an organization based Haiti, "a local organization with a track record of supporting after natural disasters." They are distributing hygiene kits and provisions on the ground to hospitals and to victims of the earthquake.

4. Hope for Haiti has been working in emergency response in Haiti for three decades, and their team is comprised of people who live and work in Haiti. They focus on supporting children and people in need across Haiti.

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How the Beyoncé and Jay Z Controversy Shows Gen Z's Money Priorities

via Tiffany & Co.

When the new Tiffany's campaign was unveiled, reactions were mixed.

Tiffany's, the iconic jewelry brand which does not (despite what some might be misled to believe) in fact serve breakfast, featured Jay Z, Beyoncé, and a rare Basquiat painting in their recent campaign.

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How to Save Money on a Road Trip

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Stacker.com

Road trips can be a lot of fun — but they can also drain your wallet quickly if you aren't careful.

From high gas costs and park admission fares to lodging and the price of eating out every night, the expenses can add up quickly. But at the same time, it's very possible to do road trips cheaply and efficiently. Without the headache of worrying about how much money you're leaking, you can enjoy the open road a whole lot more. Here's how to save money on a road trip.

1. Prepare Your Budget, Route, and Packing List in Advance

If you want to save money on a road trip, be sure you're ready to go. Try to count up all your expenses before you hit the road and create a budget. It's also a good idea to plan your route in advance so you don't end up taking unnecessary, gas-guzzling detours. And finally, be sure to pack in advance so you don't find yourself having to buy tons of things you forgot along the way.

2. Book Cheap Accommodations — Or Try Camping

All those motel rooms can add up surprisingly quick, but camping is often cheap or free, and it's a great way to get intimate with the place you're visiting. You can check the Bureau of Land Management's website for free campsites. Freecampsite.com also provides great information on If you don't have a tent or don't want to camp every night, try booking cheap Airbnbs or booking hotels in advance, making sure to compare prices.

Camping camping road tripConde Nast Traveler

If you're planning on sleeping in your car, a few tips: WalMart allows all-night parking, as do many 24-hour gyms. (Buying a membership to Planet Fitness or something like it also gives you a great place to stop, shower, and recharge while on the road).

3. Bring Food From Home

Don't go on a road trip expecting to subsist on fast food alone. You'll wind up feeling like shit, and it'll drain your pocketbook stunningly quickly. Instead, be sure to bring food from home. Consider buying a gas stove and a coffee pot for easy on-the-go meals, and make sure you bring substantial snacks to satiate midday or late night cravings so you can avoid getting those late night Mickey D's expeditions.

Try bringing your own cooler, filling it with easy stuff for breakfast and lunch — some bread and peanut butter and jelly will go a long way. Bring your own utensils, plates, and napkins, and avoid buying bottled water by packing some big water jugs and a reusable water bottle. Alternatively, try staying at hotels or Airbnbs with kitchens so you can cook there.

4. Avoid Tolls

Apps like Google Maps and Waze point out toll locations, so be sure to avoid those to save those pennies. (If it takes you too far off route, you might have to bite the bullet and drive across that expensive bridge).

You can also save on parking fees by using sites like Parkopedia.

Road Trip Road TripThe Orange Backpack


5. Save on Gas

Gas can get pricy incredibly fast, so be sure that you're stopping at cheap gas stations. Free apps like GasBuddy help you find the most affordable gas prices in the area. Also, try going the speed limit on the highways — anything faster will burn through your tank. Be sure that you don't wait till you arrive at touristy locations or big cities to fill up.

6. Get a National Park Pass

All those parks can get really expensive really fast. If you're planning on visiting three or more parks, it's a great idea to get an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass. For $80 you can get into every National Park for one year.

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