Road Trips on a Budget: How to Make Your Money Go Farther While You Travel

When traveling is your passion in life you have the distinct draw to seek out other lands and discover something new. Where many of us have this drive, we do not all have the budget that matches our desires so the need for budgeting is always in order. The budget conscious traveling is able to have just as much fun as those that are able to afford the finer things in life. They just have to be mindful of when and where they choose to venture off to.

Have a Plan in Mind

Road trips are sometimes planned in a spontaneous fashion. The goal is to just get in the car and drive somewhere. This may be fine if you are a singular traveler, but if anyone else such as family or friends is coming along for the ride, you may want to have some semblance of a plan in mind. The entire trip does not need to be planned out however you will want to have the basic structure of the plan in mind and also research where you want to go to ensure that your budget can survive. 

There are things to consider when you are traveling and one of those things is admission prices to the place you want to see. You do not want to pull into a theme park while on your journey and have to disappoint the kids with the realization that you simply do not have enough money to ride the amazing new rides. That will make the rest of the trip feel less thrilling. Apart from the admission costs you also have to factor in any parking fees that may be found. You never want to park in an undesignated area and have your car towed or at the very least have to pay for an unwanted ticket.

Pack Food

While you are traveling on any road trip, a cooler can be your best friend. Packing a few handy items such as your favorite sandwich items in the cooler will allow for less breaks when people get hungry as well as reduce the amount that you may have to spend on food if you venture into some of the tourist traps that dot the nation. It is also important to not look at your snack supply as just what you like to eat. Make sure that you plan to have salty, sweet, crunchy, and even fruity snacks to account from you and your family’s changes in mood so that no matter which type of snack they are in the mood for, you are prepared.

Give Camping a Try

If you have never tried camping before, you may want to. It is understandable that camping for some people brings up images of people lost in the woods picking berries for sustenance or the campers keeping wild animals at bay, but it is important to remember that camping is not what is depicted in famous Hollywood movies. It can be a lot of fun and even if you are not accustomed to sleeping in a place that does not have a television set, you will likely find that being able to get back to the basics and look at the stars at night, is truly a freeing experience.

There is also no need to trek far back into the woods and kill yourself setting up a tent. Most tents these days are very easy to set up and there are campgrounds in every place you go that maintain their grounds very well. Some campgrounds even offer activities for the kids to keep them entertained and in the event that the weather is not so cooperative with your camping plans, most campgrounds have some form of built shelters that can be rented at a marginal price when the traditional tent is just not an option.

Get Your Vehicle Checked Out

Even if your vehicle is running perfectly fine at the moment, a road trip can be quite a long journey so you want your vehicle to be ready for the trip. Before embarking make sure that you take your vehicle to a mechanic for a proper inspection. They will be able to tell you if any of the belts and hoses need to be replaced and make sure all of the fluids are filled to the proper level. You never want to be caught out in a town that you do not know very well and have something happen to your vehicle. In addition to checking the vehicle out you may also want to think about putting a spare credit card or extra cash somewhere within your luggage just in case a mechanical failure does happen. If you have your vehicle properly checked out before you leave, it is unlikely that anything will happen, but you want to make sure you are prepared for everything.

Torn Between 3 Countries

Planning a trip with your family is never without any hassle and compromising especially if one of the party is resisting or have other plans instead. I have been raring to go back to Europe before my daughter goes to college next year but dear hubby was adamant. He sees Europe as a very expensive place to go to (and I agree with him) and fee for a Schengen Visa is not worth the price considering the most they can give (and that is if you are lucky) is just 2 months which was always the case for us. For  Euro 60 and a 2 months validity, I don't think it's sufficient. Unlike the US visa, we always get longer period and multiple entry. So, now I am torn whether to push through the with Europe tour or change the whole trip and go back to Japan as initially planned months ago.

I have made the cost analysis for the whole Europe trip and I will be spending more than I would if we will consider Tokyo, Japan. Decisions, decisions, decisions...

I am leaning to Tokyo this time only for the reason of my strict budget. Let's see how the planning unfolds. As of now, it is 50-50 but seeing the cost of the hotels near Tokyo Disneyland as compared to the hotels in Europe, I think I know where to go this December!

Review - Centro Yas Island in Abu Dhabi

I haven't stayed in any Rotana chains of hotels. Some of the properties of Rotana are expensive and some reasonable. Centro Yas Island Rotana Hotel is an exception. It is a 3-star hotel with a feel and look of a 5-star property.

The moment I stepped inside the mod-looking lobby of the hotel, I wondered if it was really a 3-star property because it didn't give that vibe. I felt I was inside a 5-star hotel and nothing less than that. My perception about how this contemporary hotel could be a 5-star rather than 3 was further validated with the remarkable customer service. I think, in all our travels, this was the first time we checked in for less than 5 minutes. And we have our rooms keys after that, no fuss at all.

Here are my findings on the hotel to help you decide to book your stay accordingly when you are in Abu Dhabi based on the room type we booked.

Room type: 2 Double Bedrooms last 3-4 May, 2013
Rate per night per room: AED 200 using our company's discount code
Breakfast was not included but we booked ours for AED 45/person as opposed to AED 60 if you dine directly to the restaurant/bistro.

What I like:

The very spacious rooms with floor to ceiling window which makes the room bright and provides a great vista of the surrounding community.

The beds are so comfortable.

The rooms are very clean and organized.

The bathroom is spacious and a wide vanity area.

The linens smell so good; not those typical industrial-scented fabrics.

The wifi is FREE! What can I ask for?

The free use of gym/pool/parking facilities for all guest.

The very efficient, effective and cordial staff (everywhere in the hotel premise!).

The location is in Yas Island, just in front of the DU Arena and near the beach front. And a mere 5 mins. drive to the Ferrari World.

A very quiet community with clean surrounding and well maintained road.

Fast check-in and check-out.

Other amenities:
Mini-bar
Complimentary coffee/tea/water
Hair dryer
Flat TV
A/C rooms with thermostat control
Free covered guest parking (basement)
Free access to the pool/gym
24 hours deli-shop
Extra pillow
Safety deposit box
Wake-up call/alarm
Restaurant/Bar


What I don't like:

Very expensive commodities in the deli-shop.  I bought a soda can for Dhs 11! It was like 650% mark up on the normal selling price of a small soda can which is Dhs 1.50 if bought outside.

There is a small chip on the night stand's marble top in our room (Room 480)

The broken sliding door in Room 483 (where my mom-in-law stayed)

The peeled wall paper near Room 483 (see photo below)

My recommendation:

A big yes! The little nuisances can be overlooked compared to the great service, affordable price and wonderful location the hotel has to offer.

The whole experience in this hotel is nothing but very satisfying. This is one property I will not shy from recommending to family and friends. I am seldom impressed in most properties but Centro Yas Island Hotel in Abu Dhabi definitely left a positive mark. So, if you're in the UAE and will visit Abu Dhabi, consider this hotel.

Basic Guidelines on Tipping While Traveling

Do you give tip while you are traveling? I get various response from people I know who travels a lot. However, the majority do give a tip.

There’s really no definitive rule on this but it is a common courtesy to tip someone who has given you a good or even outstanding service. If you are to ask me, yes I do and even when there is already a surcharge on the tab. The tip is my way of giving the person an appreciation aside from the verbal “thank you.” Not only that, giving a tip is a good etiquette to observe and at the same time, I can help the person augment his or her income.

Below are suggestions about tipping while you are on travel:

1. Take note of these people. They deserve your tip especially when they provide a very commendable service. Taxi driver, valet attendant, housekeeper, doorman, bellboy, waiters/waitresses, the concierge staff if you get an upgrade or confirming that last minute reservation, tour guide and the shuttle driver, bartender and spa attendant.

2. Research the tipping custom of the country you are visiting so you are prepared. Some countries have tipping included in the bill. This is the case in most countries in Europe. However, Stateside, it can be between 15-20%.

3. Include “tipping money” in your budget before you head out to your destination.

4. Keep loose bills and coins.

5. If you are in a very tight budget, spare yourself from the awkward moment by informing the busboy that you will carry your belongings rather than asking for his service. Try to do things on your own so you don't have to feel obligated in tipping.

Just remember, you are on vacation and you also have to stick to your budget. Much as there are acceptable amount of tip to give, in my own opinion, you still decide how much you can spare but do take into consideration the kind of service that was given to you. For me, if I have extra, I really do a lavish tip but most of the time, I stick to the 15-20% rate.

Pod Hotels - Affordable And Convenient

Have you heard of pod hotels? Pod hotels are the newest trend in budget accommodation for the people on the go who are willing to stay in a small room with basic amenities.

Pod hotels have been patterned after the Japanese capsule hotels which is the practical way of getting through the day in a different place with only a bed. The typical size of a capsule cabin is just 2 m (6 ft 7 in) by 1 m (3 ft 3 in) by 1.25 m (4 ft 1 in)* and if you're the claustrophobic kind then capsule accommodation is not the right one for you. You can try the pod hotel then.

Photo credit: thepodhotel.com

Pod hotels are bigger in terms of size and can accommodate a maximum of two depending on the pod hotel's design and size per pods. A typical double room pod will have a double bed size sleeping area, a flat tv, a tiny desk, hooks on the wall for clothing and jackets to be hung and a small bathroom. Gone are the mini-bar in the pod hotels because every space is maximized and the sole intention is to provide comfort with a low price. I think this is great for solo traveler, business folks and couples who do not mind sleeping in small rooms or even sharing a communal bathroom.

Breakfast at c.taste in Centro Yas Island Hotel in Abu Dhabi

We spent my husband's pre-birthday celebration in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi last 4-5 May. It was the right time to go there since my mom-in-law was still here at that time. We took advantage of the that weekend and drove to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

We stayed at Centro Yas Island Hotel which is a part of the Rotana chain of hotels. We took the continental buffet breakfast so we didn't have to worry about driving out of the island for a quick breakfast.

We paid 45 dhs. per head from the 60 dhs. We used our company's discount card in the hotel so had a good savings. The 45 dhs. was really worth it!

The breakfast buffet opened at 06:00 to 10:30 daily. We had a wide selection to choose from. There were cold cuts, fruits, cereals, yoghurts, coffee, hot chocolate, juices and the hot meals, danish pastries and other baked goods. You could also request for an omelette done according to your liking from the chef.

We were stuffed and the food was great! For the price we paid for, the meal was more than enough since it was a buffet and we could help ourselves with more servings.

If you are planning to visit Abu Dhabi, UAE and don't know where to stay, book yourself at Centro Yas Island and enjoy the great ambiance, food, affordable price and hospitality.

Review - Red Carpet Inn, Niagara Falls, New York

I haven't stayed in hostels nor motels in my life yet. I have read reviews and heard my friends' accounts on their stay in such accommodation. So, my expectations for such kind of accommodation is almost nil. However, I still have a set of criteria in mind about staying in inns/motels/hostels for that matter. Red Carpet Inn in Niagara Falls fell so short of what is decent for my taste and preference. It is an old accommodation that seriously need updating or better yet, over-hauling.

The price:
We booked 2 Queen Rooms in Red Carpet Inn in 6625 Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls, NY 14304 via Booking.com at a very good deal of $49 each room for 2 nights without tax and non-refundable. The rate included breakfast and unlimited supply of coffee from the reception area. The breakfast consisted of cookies and coffee and that was about it. We stayed here from April 1 to 3, 2013.

The room given to us was #4 and #5. We were the only guests in the whole compound. Before arriving in Niagara, my husband requested for an extension of 2 more nights. We were told it was full but upon arriving there, we didn't see any other guests, just us. But I am thankful that the request was turned down, otherwise, we would have to bear the cold rooms for another 2 nights. That would have been a complete punishment for us.

The amenities/services:
Non-smoking rooms
Heating/Air Conditioning
Fax/Photocopying
Free WiFi in all areas
Free parking
Microwave
Mini-refrigerator
TV
Toiletries


Some of our photos:

What I don't like: 
Room #4 - This is where my husband and I stayed. The room is dark and cold. The heater broke down a day before we left so our room was very cold. We were given a portable heater which was so small that it could not heat the entire room. The 2 lights above our bed got busted. So for 1 night, we were left with one working lamp near the door. The carpet looked very dingy. There were stains on the wall and I don't even want to know what they are. We kept having static reception on the TV. The door locks didn't look stable nor safe nor secured. The lighting was insufficient. There were only 3 lamps in the whole room. All of them were dim. There was a slight gap on the door so the cold air could pass through. And if your room heater is busted, this is the last thing you ever want to have, a cold draft. The bathroom door does not lock. I had to wedge a bag so it does not open.

Room#5 - This is where my daughter and mom-in-law stayed. The door's lock is not very stable and is wobbly. If you push it real hard, the whole locking mechanism might just fall off! The double lock's wooden frame is busted so I had to instruct my mom-in-law and daughter to wedge a chair on the door knob and push the big table in front of the door before they sleep at night. They didn't have another chain lock too so it was easy to kick their door open which is a big no-no for security. The heater worked but it wasn't powerful enough to heat the entire room. The reception area is not open for 24 hours. I think they closed around 7-8 pm so when we needed hot coffee at that time, we could not buzz them anymore.


What I like: 
The location of the inn is along Niagara Falls Blvd. and very near the Fashion Outlet and other shops. It is right beside KFC so if you get hungry, you can just walk to KFC. It has ample parking.

The reception staff (an elderly Indian guy named Mr. Patel) is a very nice fellow. He is friendly and accommodating. Service was quick when I called for the busted heater and lights. We were given a portable heater in exchange but the heater was so small to heat the entire room.

The rooms are big enough for a small family with enough walking space so you don't hit your knees or legs on the corners of the bed or table.

The price is okay.

The bathroom is clean and well stocked. They cleaned our room daily and supplied our bathroom amenities, and changed the towels.

The big, spacious and doorless closet. We used it to store our luggages as well.

My recommendation: 
Much as I like the friendly and welcoming staff of the Red Carpet Inn, I don't think I can recommend this place because of the main reason of security, comfort and cleanliness. I can overlook other matters but not when it comes to our safety which is my primary concern. However, if the management decides to upgrade their dead-bolt locks, add chain locks in all rooms and fix the small door gaps on the floor, then I may recommend this. Also if you are not finicky and do not mind sleeping in cold rooms (when temperature drops to negative!) with a heater that barely heats the place, then you can go ahead and book here.

Review - America's Best Value Inn, Niagara Falls, NY

America's Best Value Inn (ABVI) in Niagara Falls in New York is a budget accommodation with 88 rooms for travelers. It caters to families, groups of travelers, couples and even single travelers. We booked our Double Room with double beds in ABVI in 6505 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Niagara Falls (New York), NY 14304 via Booking.com and got a good deal.  We stayed there from April 3 to 5, 2013.

The price: 
The room was pegged at $47.99/double bedroom per night without taxes. So our total bill for 2 nights was $95.98 (without taxes) with breakfast. I have no high expectations for the property since it is a budget accommodation. However, the place is quite lovely compared to the other property (Red Carpet Inn) where we stayed for the first 2 nights.

The amenities/services: 

• 24-hour front desk
• Garden area
• Ice cooler
• CCTV/security cams in all the premises including all the exit/entrance and staircases
• Non-smoking rooms
• Mini-refrigerator
• Microwave oven in the room
• Safety deposit box
• Pressing table and iron
• Toiletries
• Hair dryer
• Heating/Air conditioning
• Fitness centre
• Games room
• Outdoor pool (seasonal)
• Business center, fax/photocopying/use of computer
• Laundry
• Tour desk
• Breakfast area/pantry
• Vending machines for drinks and snacks
• WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge
• Ample/spacious and free parking
• Pets are allowed on request

Some of our photos: 

Very comfortable beds! I wish the comforters were a lot thicker because it was so cold in Niagara Falls.

The pregnant TV! The management must consider to catch up with the hi-tech times.

No cabinet, ergo, more space for our luggage and loots.

The safe box and percolator.

Breakfast area with bagels, donuts, cupcakes, sliced breads

The other side of the breakfast area where the coffee, cereals, milk, juices and other condiments were.

The tissue box without any tissue.

See that grayish area on the tub's floor? It needs serious scrubbing and steaming!

Amazingly clean faucet area and toilet bowl.

Another antiquated fixture in the room - the old box phone. 

What I like:
The location is perfect! It was next to Bob Evans Restaurant and behind it is Dunkin' Donuts. It is also just a few minutes drive to the Fashion Outlet Mall and other nearby shops and groceries like One Dollar Store, Walgreens, K-Mart, and more.


All children or adults stay free when using existing beds

They allow pets!

It is also approximately 3 miles from Niagara Falls and Seneca Niagara Casino and the Old Falls area and 4 miles from the Aquarium of Niagara Falls and Castellani Art Museum.

The room is very spacious with a big sliding door overlooking the outdoor pool and nearby roads. I find the lack of cabinet a plus factor because it made the room very spacious with enough area to place your luggage and loots from the malls. The overhead hanging rack with hangers made up for the lack of built-in cabinets.

The wifi is free in all the areas of the motel. However, our room was almost at the end of the hallway so I felt the reception was not as strong as it should but hey, I wasn't complaining because at least, we were connected all the time.

The beds are huge and comfortable.

The toilet is spacious.

The price is superb!

The front desk is manned 24/7. However, if there is no one in the front desk if you check in, you can always buzz them.

The elderly man in the front desk was gracious and quick to check us out at 3:30 a.m.! Unfortunately, I was rushing and had no time to get his name to personally commend him in this review.

There are vending machines for snacks and sodas if you feel hungry and too lazy to buy out.

The pantry/breakfast nook is roomy and can probably seat 20-40 at a time.

The motel has ample parking space and it is free.

It is incredibly quiet even if it was just right along the main thoroughfare. We didn't hear the outside traffic at all from our room.


What I don't like:
The "Asian" descent lady who never smiled no matter how courteous we were. She even reprimanded me when we came back around 10:30 a.m. for our check in. We initially came around 8 a.m. to ask if we can check in early just in case the room was available. She advised us to come back around 11 a.m. Come on, it was just half an hour from the time she mentioned and she told us it wasn't even 11 a.m. yet as she had instructed us. We just didn't mind her. She might have been having her "menopausal moment." Just kidding! Nevertheless, she gave us the key to our room around 11:05 a.m. So what was the fuss all about for being punctual?

The bathroom was clean but I feel the management could do better than that. You can see from the photos above that the tub needs some serious scrubbing and they need to fill that tissue box near the vanity as well with what else - TISSUE.

The room's lack of sufficient lighting. I am not comfortable with just night stand lamps and pin lights near the door. I hope the management will add more lighting fixtures in the future.

The carpet looked like it wasn't cleaned for some time. It didn't smell and neither it was clean.

The phone and TV were quite outdated. The last time I saw and used that kind of phone receiver was when I was still in elementary. I think they should catch up with the times and start installing state of the art phone and flat screen TVs.

The other vending machine did not have anything inside.


My recommendations:
I can overlook the little inconveniences we experienced if I will compare it to the overall plus factor of the motel.

It just needs a little updating that's all but I will definitely recommend this to everyone whether you are a fussy or practical traveler like us. The motel is also great for those with small kids and teens as they have gaming area and outdoor pool (seasonal).

My family and I will consider this accommodate again if ever we visit Niagara Falls, NY in the future.

(This is not a paid post for the above mentioned property. All opinions and photos are 100% mine and personal.)