Scoring a great campsite doesn’t always require scrambling for an online reservation months in advance. Instead, look to the millions of acres of public land across the U.S. where you can camp outside of designated campgrounds for free. This kind of camping is widely known as dispersed camping (or boondocking for the RV crowd), and it’s accessible on many Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or United States Forest Service (USFS) lands. If you’ve never stayed overnight outside of a campsite, the idea of foregoing a picnic table, firepit, bathroom, RV hookups, dumpsters, and friendly camp hosts can be intimidating. Plus you need to find where to legally camp. But the rewards are well worth it: not only do you save money, but dispersed sites often offer more privacy amid some of the country’s most stunning scenery. Curious about where to start? Here’s everything you need to know to plan an RV boondocking adventure.Ěý

Finding a Dispersed Campsite

Boondocking opens up a whole new world of camping options, but having so many choices can be overwhelming. First, think about your goals and narrow your search. Do you want to be near water or close to a trailhead so you can tag a bucket-list peak? Maybe you want to be close to bike trails or cell service, or at a site with shady trees? And keep in mind that dispersed campsites come in all kinds of flavors, from easy-access pull-outs right off the main road to remote sites deep in the backcountry. Zero in on the area, and then get an idea of what kind of land is around by using a mapping platform, like and its public lands layer.

The BLM and USFS have thousands of dispersed camping spots across the country. If you know which area you’re going to, start by calling a ranger at the local field office and ask for their advice on great spots to camp. They can also provide current conditions and intel on how rugged the access road is. To find a specific site, search sites like , , , and . On those sites you can often see pictures of the area and read comments about the pros and cons. If you are just in need of a place to sleep for the night before continuing on, look at the satellite view in a mapping app and you’ll be able to see existing pull-outs along USFS roads or BLM land.Ěý

Road Conditions

Dispersed campsites are often accessed via dirt roads. Road conditions can vary greatly, from smooth and passable to downright rugged. Research your destination and consider whether your rig is up to the challenge of getting there, or just be sure to pick areas that are more easily accessed. Calling the local field office to ask about this is always a good idea. Higher-clearance RVs are better for rougher roads, and smaller trailers make it easier to turn around in tighter areas. If you’re towing a trailer, you can always unhook it and drive ahead in your passenger vehicle to scout the road. Pack traction tire mats in case you encounter sand or mud.

Rules and Regulations

The amount of time you’re allowed to camp varies by land manager. The BLM, for example, allows camping for up to 14 days in one spot. Be sure to check the rules ahead of time, especially the current fire regulations—summer campfire bans are common. It’s best to camp on existing sites where the ground is already impacted and has clearly been used for camping many times. When you’re camping or recreating on public land, it’s important to follow Leave No Trace ethics: respect wildlife and plants, pack out trash, follow regulations, and minimize personal impact. Pick up dog poop, use wag bags, or dig a cat hole if you’re in a place that allows it.Ěý

Prep for Primitive Camping

No hookups? No big deal, but you do need to be prepared. Running the A/C, fridge, lights, and plugs in an RV is electricity intensive. Air conditioning, microwaves, and electric heaters will drain your battery fast. Consider how much power you need and how long your batteries will last. If you use power sparingly, you should have enough for a few days. It’s best practice to fully charge your batteries and empty gray/black tanks before heading out. Alternatively, using solar panels is a game changer. If you’re in a sunny location, you can easily power your water pump and lights and charge your devices stress-free.Ěý

The other consideration is tank capacity. How big are your freshwater, gray water, and black water tanks? Make sure you know how many days of use you have and bring a portable five-gallon water jug or two—it’s always a good idea to have extra drinking water. Bring a foldable table and chairs to set up a comfortable spot to hang out outdoors. A leveling kit is also great to have so you can get your RV just right if you end up at an uneven site.

Don’t just go on a trip, go on a real vacation. There’s a real vacation for every occasion and everyone. You can go when you want, where you want, and however you want. Learn more at and follow on Instagram for more inspiration to hit the road.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Dispersed RV Camping appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Inflation has caused the prices of just about everything to go up, from eggs to lumber to our beloved vacations. Skyrocketing flight and car rental prices mean vacations are often the first thing to get cut from the budget when money gets tight. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With an RV, vacations are actually easier and more affordable than most people think, and you’ll be protected from the worst of inflation. Here’s how to save on money this summer—and on trips far into the future—without sacrificing fun.

Consider a Budget-Friendly RV

The nice thing about RVs is that they come in so many styles and sizes, and there are great options at every price point. The found that one type—towable trailers—offers the most savings over time. One clear benefit: a travel trailer can turn your SUV or truck into an adventure rig without sacrificing access to your daily driver. No need to transfer car seats or other accessories back and forth. These models also offer the convenience of being able to unhitch your camper and drive to more rugged locations, scout the road ahead, or take a day trip in a more nimble and fuel-efficient vehicle.Ěý

Save on Daily Costs

The truth is that while towable models are the most cost-effective model, RV vacations on the whole than trips that require flights and hotels. The travel site estimates that flights will hit an average of $350 this summer and hotels will average $212 per night. If you’re traveling with your family, looking for fun activities, and eating most of your meals out, you can see how quickly costs will start to add up. While annual maintenance and insurance should be factored in when considering purchasing a towable trailer, an RV vacation is quite cheap: just gas, campsite fees, and food to prepare at camp. RV campsites can be as cheap as $25 a night, and it’s free to camp at dispersed sites (often called boondocking) on the country’s millions of acres of public land.

Avoid the Hassle

In summer, airports are busy and can be especially stressful. With an RV trip, you can avoid all the usual headaches of air travel. No TSA line, no airport parking, no canceled flights or delayed bags, no expensive food, and no wasted time. You can start your vacation the second you shut your front door behind you. Plus, there’s no need to find someone to watch your dog while you’re gone, because you can just bring them along with you. Does your kid want to bring their best friend? No problem, pick them up on your way out of town. Throw in bikes, in-line skates, or paddleboards and skip paying for rentals when you arrive at your destination. Remember to double-check the weight capacity of your RV before packing to ensure a safe and fun travel experience.Ěý

Enjoy Travel Flexibility

Staying flexible is key, especially in uncertain economic times. With an RV, you can easily adjust your travel plans to meet your budget—it’s simple to head out to nearby locales every weekend if you want. If the budget is tight, look for a state park within an hour or two from home and save on gas. Or set up your rig for a cozy driveway slumber party and create a staycation for free. If you’re too busy to spend a lot of time on logistics and planning, don’t stress. and inspiration to help you quickly put together your next trip.

Maximize Savings

Mind your budget by using gas apps, like GasBuddy, to help find the cheapest prices at gas stations along your route. Before you leave home you can plug your route into to make sure your desired plan fits your budget. And it’s easy to save on campground fees. Search for free or cheap campsites and for more free options. If you have BLM or U.S. Forest Service land near you, call the local field office to get a ranger’s insight on the best dispersed campsite options and to help determine if you can tow your trailer there. Another option for finding unique places to stay is a membership with . For $99 per year, you can have unlimited overnight camping at any of its 795 participating wineries, 1,722 farms, 576 breweries and distilleries, and 1,329 other locations.

Don’t just go on a trip, go on a real vacation. There’s a real vacation for every occasion and everyone. You can go when you want, where you want, and however you want. Learn more at and follow on Instagram for more inspiration to hit the road.

The post How to Inflation-Proof Your Vacations for Years to Come appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

This article was first published by .

How We Tested the Tents

Tents are some of backpacking’s biggest-ticket items, withĚý. I set out to find what lower-cost but still high-quality options are available on the market. To be considered for review, the tents had to fit two people and cost $300 or less. At this price point, I was able to test offerings from both major and lesser-known tent manufacturers and keep the focus on affordability. As always, our evaluation occurs in the field, not on paper—fromĚýĚýto Colorado to Florida, we judged the tents based on our experiences and how their specs played out in practice. For example, while a tent may have a high peak height on paper, a pitch with narrow sidewalls and little livable space is less than ideal. On the other hand, a tent with a small footprint can feel larger if it has well-designed storage. In all cases of evaluation, we looked for the sweet spot between performance and price point. We do our best to explain our reasoning in the detailed reviews here.ĚýĚý—Will McGough, Tents Category ManagerĚý

Lightest: Big Agnes Salt Creek SL2

Overall: 4.8 / 5

Livability:Ěý4.9

The Salt Creek SL2 is the most expensive tent in the test, but it’s also the lightest. Testers raved about its three doors—two on the sides, one on the front. The front door has a sizableĚýawning that you can pitch using two trekking poles, which ourĚýtesters enjoyed on sun-filled days in Utah’sĚý. The Salt Creek’s hubbed-pole design creates near-vertical sidewalls and a top-of-class peak height of 44 inches. Its one drawback: a 28-square-foot floor that’s the smallest of all the tents here. Two occupants on full-size sleeping pads can fit, but it’s a tight squeeze.

Features:Ěý4.8

Thanks to two large vestibules (10 square feet each) the Salt Creek SL2Ěýdoesn’t lack for storage space, which helps free up room inside. It also has five interior pockets, including a 26-inch by 20-inch shelf halfway up the back wall that can hold items like water bottles, clothes, and other gadgets with limited sagging. “With everything stashed away in the pockets or on the big shelf, my girlfriend and I had no trouble sleeping side by side, and we had plenty of room around our heads and shoulders,” one tester says.

Strength/Durability:Ěý4.8

DAC aluminum poles support a half-mesh, half-20-denier polyester ripstop canopy. The poles, bathtub floor, and tough canopy material gave our testers confidence in the Salt Creek SL2’s longevity as a whole; however, certain design elements raised concern. “The plastic clip-in fly connectors need to be handled carefully so as not to break them way out in the wilderness,” one tester reported after a weekend in Colorado National Monument (none broke during our testing, though). The tent stayed dry during passing showers (thanks to the polyurethane coating on the fly) and handled wind gusts of 20 mph. Ding: The included aluminum stakes are chintzy.

Breathability:Ěý4.5

The Salt Creek SL2 strikes a balance between protection and ventilation with its half-mesh canopy, which puts it in the middle of the pack in terms ofĚýbreathability. “Even without a breeze,Ěýwe only saw minor condensation on the bottom half of the tent,” one tester reported after a few humidĚýnights in the Florida Everglades.

$300; 3 lbs. 11 oz.

Best Features:ĚýNEMO Aurora 2

Overall: 4.7 / 5

Livability: 4.7

Not only did the 32-square-foot Aurora 2 tie for longest interior (88 inches) and tallest peak height (44 inches) in the test, but its cross-pole pitch ensures there’s ample headspace throughout: One 6’2” tester was able to sit anywhere in the tent without hitting his head. Its D-shaped doors are above-average size at 52 inches by 28 inches, and they’re easy to exit and enter thanks to smooth zipper action.

Features: 4.9

The Aurora 2 offers the most interior storage space of any tent in the testing group. There are five interior pockets—two on the ceiling for small items like a light, two on each end that can hold a Nalgene, and one triangular mesh net that spans the entire rear width of the tent, 52 inches across. “The storage shelf along the back of the tent is gigantic,” our tester says. “It’s like having a dresser drawer in there.” Add in two 9-square-foot vestibules, and you’ll have no trouble finding room to stash your stuff.

Strength/Durability: 4.8

This tent comes in at less than 5 pounds but is armored with 9-inch bathtub floors on all sides that rise to 16 inches at each end—the highest in the test. Metal eyelets connect the fly to the poles at the corners, which bodes well for the long term, as does pairing its 68-denier, PU-coated polyester floor with the included ground sheet of the same material. The Aurora has one four-section hubbed main pole that’s reinforced by a small cross pole, which keeps setup easy while still providing a strong pitch. The design withstood 32-mph wind gusts and its 68-denier polyester fly (with a waterproof coating) kept us dry in rain showers on Colorado’s Grand Mesa.

Breathability: 4.4

The Aurora has a three-quarters mesh design at its head and foot, but its doors are only half mesh. This adds extra protection from strong winds and dust, but it does sacrifice some airflow. “You can peel the fly back at night to see the stars and not worry about wind or dust blowing in the doors,” our tester said after a trip through Colorado’sĚý. “But we did get condensation some nights along the sides of the tent when the fly was buttoned down.”

$250; 4 lbs. 9 oz.Ěý

Strongest:ĚýALPS MountaineeringĚýHelix 2

Overall: 4.6 / 5

Livability:Ěý4.4

With 31.5 square feet of interior space, the Helix 2 is roomier than average for tents in this class, and our testers were able to sleep without rubbing shoulders or brushing up against the tent walls during the night. However, it also has one of the lowest peak heights in the test at 41.5 inches, sacrificing some space for its low weight and best-in-class packability—about the size of a two-liter soda bottle.

Features:Ěý4.3

This tent has one pocket at each corner that’s big enough to hold a water bottle. It’s a solid start, and not lacking in practicality, but the internal storage did leave our testers unenthusiastic when comparing its features to other tents in this test.

Strength/Durability:Ěý4.8

The Helix 2 is the only tent in the test to use nylon in its canopy and fly. Those in humid climates should consider that nylon absorbs more water than polyester and is more prone to stretching; however, our testers found the fly’s silicone/PU coating mitigated sagging even in hot,Ěý. The three-pole design is the result of splitting one of the cross poles into two, cutting weight by eliminating the need for an additional pole. Instead of meeting in the middle, the poles angle out above the door (spreading out the ceiling) and slip directly into aluminum eyelets, reinforcing wind and weather protection. “We had 30-mph gusts in the Everglades and there was no flapping of the fly,” our tester says. The 20-denier nylon floor with a silicone/PU coating provides strength without adding a lot of weight. Durability in the details looks good as well thanks to metal eyelets and solid aluminum stakes that refused to bend.

Breathability:Ěý4.7

The Helix 2 has 6.5-inch-high bathtub floors, but otherwise, its canopy is completely made of mesh. Two strut vents on the fly kept the air moving during 80°F days, and condensation was never an issue.

$250; 4 lbs. 2 oz.Ěý

Best Ventilation:ĚýMountain Hardwear Mineral King 2

Overall: 4.5 / 5

Livability:Ěý4.4

A long center pole laying across two cross poles makes the Mineral King’s walls vertical and its interior headspace nearly rectangular, complementing its 43-inch peak height. A higher-than-average 33 square feet of floor space and twoĚývestibules (9 square feet each) provided plenty of space for two 6’ tall men to sleep comfortably without touching the walls or each other. “I had plenty of wiggle room on either side of my head and feet when I laid down,” one of them says.

Features:Ěý4.5

The Mineral King has five pockets for storage, two of which are big enough to hold large water bottles. Most notably, it sports the largest doors of the test, a best-in-class 64 inches in width by 29 inches in height. If ease of entry and exit is important to you, we tested nothing better than the Mineral King.

Strength/Durability:Ěý4.4

A 68-denier polyester fly, a tent body that includes 68- and 75-denier poly, bathtub floors, and an included ground tarp made our testers feel equally confident camping in rainy south Florida and on rocky ground in southern Utah. The two pre-bent, hubbed DAC aluminum poles pair with a small cross pole to offer a stable pitch. “We didn’t experience any instability, even with gusts of 20 mph,” one tester says. Plastic clip-in fly connectors and hook-stakes that bend easily require you to be cautious at the corners, though.

Breathability:Ěý4.8

The Mineral King has 7-inch-high bathtubĚýfloors but is made of mesh otherwise,Ěýhelping it score top-of-class forĚýventilation. Two fly vents atop the vestibules kept air moving even when we were hunkeredĚýdown on a hot, low-80sĚýday.

$250; 5 lbs. 13 oz.Ěý

Most Spacious:ĚýPoler 2+ Person Tent

Overall: 4.4 / 5

Livability: 4.9

With two cross poles (most tents have just one) over a center pole, the 2+ Person has the most vertical walls in the test, maximizing the interior space of its broad, 35-square-foot floor plan. Two relatively large doors (26 inches by 54 inches) and huge vestibules (11 square feet each) make this tent a good pick for basecampers,Ěý, or overpackers who need a ton of space.

Features: 4.2

The 2+ Person has one eye-catching feature: two 16-inch-wide plastic porthole windows on the fly that allow you to stargaze without sacrificing weather protection. What seemed gimmicky at first grew on us during a cold, clear night inĚýĚýMoab, Utah, as the windows blocked the desert breeze while still allowing us to fall asleep with a view of the stars. However, this tent only has two interior pockets—unexpectedly low for a shelter this size.

Strength/Durability: 4.3

One eight-point, hubbed aluminum pole supports a large-for-its-class trapezoidal pitch, but its flat top leaves the 2+ Person susceptible toĚýĚýheavy rain. “Passing showers sometimes left small pools of water on the fly,” one tester says. A 75-denier polyester floor showed no sign of wear after several trips on rocky, dry terrain in Colorado’s Grand Valley and Moab, though the seams located along the floor line—the 2-Man is the only tent in the test without a bathtub floor—could become a weakness over time.

Breathability: 4.2

The majority of the 2+ Person’s canopy is mesh, but the top of the tent body is covered by polyester. This design helped create a bit of shade during the day, but it also enabled condensation. “We had some water drops come from the ceiling,” a tester reported after a 40°F night in Red Rock State Park,ĚýArizona.

$250; 6 lbs.Ěý

Best Value:ĚýKelty Wireless 2

Overall: 4.2 / 5

Livability:Ěý4.4

If you’re looking for the most affordable tent that can still perform, the Wireless 2 is a steal at $120. Its 29 square feet of floor space is reasonable enough for two people, although it is necessary to take advantage of the tent’s 20 square feet of vestibule space—second-most in the test—to get all your gear out of the way. “If you have anything inside, it starts to feel a bit cramped,” one tester says. A 43-inch peak height helps offset claustrophobia.

Features:Ěý4.0

At over 7 pounds and a packed size equivalent to two watermelons, this tent isn’t ideal for the backcountry (although it could work in a pinch, especially if split between two packs). The Wireless 2 forgoes interior pockets entirely, so you’ll have to settle for hanging your own gear nets from the provided ceiling loops. The price tag is the main feature here, so don’t expect anything flashy. “There are no bells or whistles,” one tester says, “but if you’re willing to get creative and don’t mind using the vestibules, the affordability is alluring.”

Strength/Durability:Ěý4.4

One reason this shelter is so heavy is its resilient materials. A 68-denier polyester fly and three thick fiberglass poles provide a rock-solid pitch once you reach your destination, with pole sleeves at each corner (as opposed to grommets) that pull the tent bottom taut and solidify its stance. “The Wireless stood tall against 25-mph gusts and its three-quarters fabric canopy provides good insulation,” our tester said after a breezy night on Oahu, Hawaii’s windward side. Kelty’s included aluminum stakes scored top marks as they refused to bend, even when hammered into rocks, but be careful with the plastic fly clips.

Breathability:Ěý4.0

A three-quarter fabric, one-quarter mesh tent body offers additional protection from the elements when you’re not using the fly, preventing dust or sand from blowing inside. It also provides further insulation in cold temperatures. However, this design also lowers the tent’s breathability, and the Wireless 2 is susceptible to condensation. “The side walls were damp when we woke up, even though it didn’t rain,” our Hawaii tester says.

$120; 7 lbs. 5 oz.Ěý

Scenes from a Mission

It was one of those classic, clear, early spring weekends inĚý, a time of year when the desert is just perfect—wildflowers in bloom, blue skies, warm sun. Our hike took us through slot canyons, grassy prairies, and over smooth, exposed slickrock. We climbed atop a canyon wall at sunset, watching the colors of the rock change as the sky darkened and the stars came out. With the sun gone, a sharp chill entered the air. I was sad to miss the stargazing, but with no fires allowed, I felt compelled to retreat to my tent. Upon returning to the Poler 2-man, I was met with a pleasant surprise: I had forgotten about the two portholes on the fly. Protected from the wind and chill, I laid on my back, warm and happy, staring up at the night sky until I fell asleep. —ĚýSteve Donaldson, tester

The post These 6 Budget Tents Are Low-Cost, Not Low-Performance appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Whether you’re seeking a warm weather escape or a quick Rockies ski trip, there’s a deal for you. Here are the airlines with some of the best fares this Cyber Monday.

JetBlue AirlinesĚý

Sale Ends: December 3 at 11:59 p.m. ET or your local time, depending on which comes earlier.Ěý
Travel Dates: December 10 to February 13, holidays excluded

This winter, JetBlue wants to help get you out of New York and other major cities. Scoop up the $109 flight to Phoenix, Arizona, for a weekend of canyoneering and desert exploration; or spend just $79 to get to the prime surf spots, coastal rock climbing, and jungle treks just outside of San Juan, Puerto Rico, which is seeing a major comeback following Hurricane Maria.Ěý

DeltaĚý

Sale Ends: December 4 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Travel Dates: Now through March 5, holidays excluded

The airline's sale page has deals on flights from almost every major airport in the country and is easy to navigate, with routes arranged according to region of departure. All the listed prices are for round-trips and guarantee a seat in the Main Cabin, which means certain perks on international flights, including welcome Bellinis and better food. The best discounts include warm escapes like New York to Costa Rica for $392 and Raleigh to the Virgin Islands for $369. Plus some major far-flung steals, like Salt Lake City to Shanghai for $500 and Seattle to Osaka for $744.

Ěý

Southwest

Sale Ends: December 5 at 11:59 p.m. PT
Travel Dates: December 16 to May 20, locations out of the continental U.S. vary, holidays excluded

Jot down promo code SAVE125 for $125 off flights within the U.S. and for fares as low as $39. The best deals in the offer will appeal to fliers looking to cover regional hops for a quick escape, with routes like Honolulu to Maui for $39, Atlanta to Nashville for $49, and Oakland to Lake Tahoe for $59. If you’re based in Florida, there are also good international flight deals fromĚýFort Lauderdale, Tampa, and Orlando to Caribbean destinations like Turks and Caicos, Grand Cayman, and the BahamasĚýfrom $79.Ěý

Ěý

Alaska

Sale Ends: December 4 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Travel Dates: January 7 to March 11

Alaska Airlines’ one-way flights can be as cheap as $29 until this Wednesday. The West Coast-focused flight operatorĚýis your best bet to hit popular destinations like San Diego, San Jose and Seattle.

Cathay Pacific

Sale Ends: December 3 at 11:59 p.m. PTĚý
Travel Dates:ĚýJanuary 1 to May 15

If you’ve longed to fly to AsiaĚýand happen to live around major airports like Seattle-Tacoma, Chicago O’Hare, or Dulles International in Washington, D.C., this Hong Kong-based five-star flight operator has your back. Take Los Angeles as an example: economy class tickets to eight destinations across Cathay Pacifics’ Asia-Pacific network, includingĚýBali, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong,Ěýand Singapore, start at $539—30 percent off its regular price. Expect up to 70 percent off on premium economy class tickets.

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When the swells go up, the fares go down: that’s the message sent out yesterdayĚýto surfers and beach-lovers seeking discounted flights to Hawaii.

From November 4 to 8, the Seattle-based carrier will partner with global waveĚýforecastingĚýservice to offer Ěýbased onĚýocean swells. The discounts, which will apply towards travel made before November 20 to every direct flight from the U.S. and Canada to and fromĚýthe airports of Lihue,ĚýKona, Maui, or Honolulu,Ěýcan go up to as high as 30 percent off—the bigger the surf, the greater the discount. Even moderate waves of less than 10 feet will mean fares up to 10Ěýpercent lower.Ěý

“There is a lot of data that we can tap into to reach our travelers’ passion points,” said Natalie Bowman, managing director of brand and marketing communications at Alaska Airlines. As the North Shore sees the start of its big-surf season in November, the company is using one of the most authoritative forecasting sites to attract surfers onĚýthe West Coast to fill in Hawaii-bound cabins.

According to Bowman, potential fliers should check fares at around noon PST, and again at 5:00 PM, when Alaska Airlines adjusts the discounts according to the up-to-date reports they get from Surfline, which collects data from 14 different locations that cover most of the Hawaiian islands on a minute-by-minute basis.

Currently, the site has logged a maximum swell of 12.9Ěýfeet, which is showing a 15 percent discount—putting the cheapest round-trip tickets between major cities on the West Coast, like Los Angeles and Seattle, and Honolulu at $260. By comparison, non-stop round-trips between Seattle and Honolulu operated by other carriers currently start at $580. Throughout the promotion, the price will only drop as swells grow, but never increase.

For the past 11 years, Alaska Airlines has ranked at the top of J.D. Power’s among traditional carriers in North America. This is thanks, in part, to its generous gear-friendly luggage policy, which carries over to this promotion. Surfers can fly with their boards for $30, the standard price for a regular check-in suitcase.Ěý

Bowman says that the wave deal is just a starting point. “Whether it’s snowfall in the mountains for skiers or snowboarders, or it’s snowmelt for hikers, weather data is obviously at the core of any outdoor activity,” she says. The upcoming winter season could see another promo organized around snowfall—so those who prefer their water frozen should stay tuned.ĚýĚý

The post Airfare Sales Based on Swells? Yes, Really. appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Saving for a trip is often made to sound easy: skipĚýa latte every week, and before you know it, you’re halfway to Patagonia. But anyone who’s tried to squirrel away more than a few bucks here and there knows it takes a lot more discipline to accumulate significant reserves.

That’s bad news for those of us (read: everyone) who don’t have time to toil away at Excel spreadsheets, or who get anxiety from just looking at our bank accounts. LuckilyĚýthere are tools that do the hard work for you. For the past few years, I’ve used a combination of savings, investment, and budgeting apps to put aside thousands of dollars to pay off my student loans, quit my job to write freelance full time, and fund a life of adventure.

My obsession started when I stumbled upon the Qapital app in late 2016, after emptying all but a few hundred bucks from my bank account to pay off a student loan. The timing couldn’t have been worse: I’d recently booked a trip toĚýCuba, where you need cash for ±đ±ą±đ°ů˛âłŮłóľ±˛Ô˛µâ€”I couldn’t put expenses on a credit card and pay it off with the next paycheck. Qapital, which transfers money into a separate account based on parameters you set, held me accountable towardĚýspending less than usual on everyday treats, so I’d have money for on-the-ground purchases. In conjunction with freelancing on the side of my full-time editorial job, closely monitoring my savings goals, and cutting back on splurges, the app helped me put aside more than $10,000 in less than a year.

From then on, I was hooked. I now have a set of apps that helps me cut down on frivolous purchases, earn cash back on necessities, and track my spending.

Qapital

Ěýis the easiestĚýset-it-and-forget-it savings app I use. It transfers money into an external account based on rules you create yourself, which can be as simple as “round up to the nearest $1” every time you swipe a credit card or as elaborate as putting aside $5 toward a donation to charity whenever you splurge on Starbucks. To make the stakes even higher, sync it up with the app (If This, Then That),Ěý which uses real-life cause and effect scenarios to deposit a set amount to your Qapital account every time a specific action occurs.Ěý I use IFTTT to put aside $1 every time President Trump tweets, which has funded more than one taco-infused adventure to Mexico City. It’s $3 per month for Qapital’s basic savings model (additional features, like investment and checking account services, cost up to $12), and IFTTT is free.

Trim

If you have a cell phone, internet, or cable bill, odds are you’re overpaying for it due to fine-print exceptions like reimbursements for periodic lapses in service.Ěý ’s bots renegotiate your bills and monitor your internet provider for outages you might not have been aware of, then request refunds on your behalf. The bots log into your accounts and contact customer-service reps posing as you to lower monthly fees and request discounts and refunds. I regularly save about $5 to $20 per month using Trim on my Comcast internet bill alone, even with the app’s 25 percent commission. Trim will also identify all of your recurring monthly subscriptions, so you can see how $5 here and $15 there adds up over a month orĚýyear. You can ask the app to cancel some of these services on your behalf, saving you time, cutting down on your excess spending, and helping you funnel that money directly into savings for travel.

Service

trolls your inbox for flight information and automatically requests refunds or mileage points when you experience a significant delay or cancellation. It will also check for compensation from the previous year’s flights upon sign up, so you can get cash back even before booking another trip. This is especially useful if you’ve taken a flight from the European Union recently. EU regulations that airlines pay customers up to around $660 for delays and cancellations. On a work trip earlier this year, I got stuck in Stockholm for an extra day because of a late flight. Within a couple weeks, Delta sent me a check for $675, which I immediately dropped into my savings. Service takes 30 percent of what they save you, but it’s well worth it.

Drop

Most of us earn cash back or miles on credit cards for everyday purchases. works similarly, giving users points for every dollar spent at certain stores (such as Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods) on top of the normal rewards that you receive from your credit-card company. It’s basically free money that can be redeemed for gift cards, like $100 at American Airlines or $25 at Whole Foods. Points add up slowly if you only accumulate them from daily spending, so browse Drop’s special offers for bonus points on purchases like online shopping, trials with Hulu or Barkbox, and promos for a wine subscription. You save more money by not spending it, of course, but if you’re going to shop anyway, it’s worth checking for deals before making a big purchase. In a little over a year, I’ve accumulated about $235 in Drop points.

Trail Wallet

Small purchases during a trip add up fast—especially if you fall into the exchange-rate trap, where everything seems cheap compared withĚýprices back home. That’s why I use , which records every dollar you spend for a trip, from the moment you book the first flight or Airbnb to the car ride home from the airport. It allows you to log transactions in any currency and converts them to U.S. dollars, offers day-to-day real-time spending reports, and calculates your daily average as you go. Set a daily or overall budget, appoint caps for standard categories like food and lodging, or pick one of your own choosing (I spend too much on coffee). The free version allows for 25 transactions per trip, but I recommend paying the $5 fee for full access. This app helped me stay $200 under budget on a recent trip toĚýJapan by putting my small buys into perspective. Skipping a souvenir here and there allowed me guilt-free splurges on more expensive meals and higher-quality gifts toward the end of my trip.

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Rewards credit cards offer a host of benefits for frequent travelers: reimbursement for lost luggage, damage coverage for rental cars, an easy system to dispute fraudulent charges, and, most importantly, points for everyday purchases that can be redeemed for airfare, hotels, and car rentals.Ěý But they aren’t one-size-fits-all. Navigating the vast field of plastic can be overwhelming, and something I've spent years doing as a certified financial planner. Here, I've outlined the best optionsĚýand broken down how you can earn enoughĚýto fund that weekend trip you’ve been holding off on.Ěý

How to Pick the Right Card

Choosing a card is all about finding one that best matches your spending habits while balancing sign-up bonuses, interest rates (APR), and annual fees. Some cards give you one point back per dollar spent; others offer extraĚýfor eating out, travel, or streaming services. There are also sign-up bonuses that, depending on how much you spend, could almost double your yearly points earnings. Unfortunately, rewards cards have a downside: they typically come with a higher interest rate than regular credit cards. But pay it off in full each month, and you can make up for a higher APR with bigger point boostsĚýand redemption benefits.Ěý

Based on this criteria, three rewards cards came out on top: the ,Ěý,Ěýand the . To illustrate how much you can earn with each, let’s map out some monthly expenses an average household of two might put on a credit card, based on my own spending and chats with friends: $400 on groceries, $250 on eating out, $250 in personal products (home improvement, drugstores), $125 on streaming services (Hulu, Netflix, Amazon), and $60 on rideshare services and taxis. This equates to monthly credit card expenses of $1,085 (or $13,020 a year). With this scheme, you wouldĚýearn around 13,000 points—or $130—that year, enough for a night at a decent hotel or a couple of days with a rental car, depending on where you go. But combine this with bonus points and extra sign-up perks, and you could cover a whole vacation.Ěý

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Get this if you travel often and eat out a few times a week. It has a high APR and annual fee, but comes with a huge signup bonus for frequent spenders. Plus, you’ll earn a redemption bonus of 25 percent when you use points directly toward travel expenses.Ěý

• Sign-up bonus: 60,000 bonus points if you spend $4,000 in three months
• Point accumulation: Double points for every dollar spent on travel (flights, hotels, rental cars) and dining out, and one point on all other purchases
• Annual Percentage Rate (APR): 16.99 to 26.99 percent
• Annual fee: $95
• Foreign transaction fee: $0
• Rewards: Redeem at and get 25 percent more points when they are reclaimed for airfare, hotel stays, car rental, and cruises.

Your potential one-year earnings: 85,260 points or $852.60.Ěý

Wells Fargo Propel Card

This is great for someone who travels a lot, but also likesĚýsome extras at home, as it issues three points per dollar on purchases on flights, eating out, gas, and streaming services. Plus, there’s no annual fee, or interest for the first year. However, be sure to keep up with your payments: the APR skyrockets after the first 12 months.

• Sign-up bonus: 30,000 bonus points if you spend $3,000 in three months
• Point accumulation: Three points for every dollar spent on travel (flights, hotels, car rentals), transit (gas stations, buses), meals out, and streaming services, and one point on all other purchases
• Annual Percentage Rate (APR): 0% for the first 12 months of purchases, 15.74 to 27.74 percent thereafter, depending on how much you keep up with your payments
• Annual fee: $0
• Foreign transaction fee: $0
• Rewards: Redeem for travel with most major airline and hotel brands, gift cards for hundreds of stores such as REI and Amazon, or cash backĚý

Your potential one-year earnings: 77,460 points or $774.60.Ěý

Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa

This is a great first for someone interested in having the freedom to spend their cash back however they’d like, as it offers direct deposits into your bank account and no annual fee. The sign-up bonus and rewards points aren’t as big as other cards, however.Ěý

• Sign-up bonus: $150 when you spend $500 in three months
• Point accumulation: 1.5% cash rewards on every dollar spent plus 1.8% cash rewards on purchases made using a qualified mobile wallet (Apple Pay orĚýGoogle Pay)Ěýin the first 12 monthsĚý
• Annual Percentage Rate (APR): 0% on purchases for the first 15 months, 15.74 to 27.74 percent thereafter
• Annual fee: $0
• Foreign transaction fee: $0
• Redeem rewards: Redeem in the Go Far Rewards program for cash-back as a statement credit or direct deposit into your bank account. Cash rewards never expire.Ěý

Your potential one-year earnings:Ěý19,680 points or $190.68.

How to Use Credit Card Points

My husband and I paid for a recent weekend trip to Big Sur entirely with points. It took us about a year to build the 51,250 points on our Chase Sapphire card that was able to cover two nights at a swanky resort that would have otherwise cost around $625, thanks in large part to its 25 percent bonus on travel purchases. We also exchanged 40,000 points for $400 cash back from our Wells Fargo card to pay for gas, food, and activities.Ěý

Every card has a redemption website that allows points to be exchanged for cash back or directly for travel expenses like hotels, flights, and rental cars. Start looking two to three months in advance in order to get the lowest prices. Cards also offer bonus deals on certain purchases—in a similar way to that of flash sales at brick-and-mortar stores—so it’s worth checking in every month or signing up for email blasts from your card rewards program.Ěý

Redeeming directly for travel expenses versus cash back is usually a matter of preference, unless you’re using a card like Chase Sapphire, which offers bonus points when certain bookings, like hotel stays, are made directly through them. Before deciding on a card, though, you should check for its partnered brands to ensure that your points will make the most impact—if you mainly fly with Southwest, don’t get a card that gives you lots of Delta miles. You’ll also earn more points by consolidating your spending into one or two cards, rather than spreading it across multiple. I prefer to have one card that offers great cash-back rewards for my day to day, and one with extra bonuses for booking travel.Ěý

As long as you’re smart about your spending, there’s no reason to not let your card earn money for you.Ěý

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When most people think of travel expenses, they imagine flights and hotels. But in reality, silly fees and extra charges on the ground can quickly add up to expenses in the triple digits. The good news is that most of these are avoidable with careful planning and a bit of bargaining, soĚýinstead of wasting money on parking or ATM transactions, you can use your cash for an epic day of SCUBA diving or a night of unlimited Mai Tais.Ěý

BudgetingĚý

The easiest way to wreck your travel budget? Not having one in the first place. Besides paying taxes and taking out the trash, budgeting is easily one of the most despised parts of everyday life—hence why it’s the last thing most people want to do when planning a vacation. For most people, a budget tells you what you can’t spend, but I like to look at it as a roadmap for telling you all the fun things you can do with your cash.Ěý

Setting a travel budget is the best way to avoid overspending and set priorities on your holiday. For example, it’ll stop you from running up the bill at a fancy restaurant when that money is allocated for a day snorkeling instead. Plus, overspending typically leads to credit card debt, attached to interest, which ultimately means you end up spending even more.Ěý

Remedy:ĚýAs far ahead as you can, do some research into how much a day’s worth of basic expenses (food, drinks, lodging, transportation) will be in your destination. Multiply that number by the number of days of your vacation, and add about 20 to 30 percent to pad for unexpected expenses, like tips or that souvenir you just can’t pass up. Set the total (or as much of the total as you can, if you’re saving up) aside in a separate high-yield savings account, such as , so you won’t be tempted to blow in in the meantime. You can even pre-pay your credit card to set a firm amount and track how close you are to hitting your limit. Before you go, download an app like , so you’ll be able to monitor your spending in real-time and see how it’s tracking against your daily budget goals. If you go over budget, rather than induce spending-stress, the app will suggest costs you can cut back on.

Parking

If you live in a city like Los Angeles, like I do, you only have a few ways to get to the airport: using a ride-share, an airport shuttle, or driving yourself. If your flight gets in at odd hours or you don’t want to deal with an Uber driver, you’ll probably choose the last option, which can end up eating up a sizable portion of your travel budget. Parking fees range anywhere from $9 to more than $25 per day at most major airports. Multiply that by a long weekend, and you’re easily looking at $100.Ěý

Remedy: One of my favorite sites is where you can find rates as low as $5.95 a day at a variety of airports. I always make a reservation at least a week prior to my departure date to score major deals. Also, if you belong to AAA or other membership organizations, such as your college alumni program, always check to see if they offer parking discounts—some can go as high as 30 percent, which quickly adds up if you’re gone a week.

Baggage Fees

If there’s one thing I hate to spend money on it, it’s baggage fees. They are almost inescapable these days (unless you’re traveling overseas, when airlines typically allowĚýfor one checked bag), and usually cost $25Ěýor more per bag per person. If you’re traveling with a family, that comes out to huge expense before you’ve even left the airport.Ěý

Remedy: One of the easiest (and nowadays, only) ways to avoid baggage fees is to use an airline credit card when booking your plane ticket. I have the , which partners with American Airlines and other associated carriers, and gets me up to four bags free with four passengers. My husband and I routinely save $100 roundtrip just from putting our flight on plastic. Most major airlines have this deal, and sites like sum them up nicely.

Foreign ATM and Transaction Fees

These charges are like gremlins that sneak up on you after your trip and haunt you long after you’ve returned. They can range from brand to brand, but most credit and debit card companies charge around three percent for every meal, drink, and trinket purchased abroad.Ěý

Why not just use cash instead? Your bank will get you there, too. Domestically, the majority of banks will charge a withdrawal fee for ATMs from other companies. Internationally, they’ll charge that (usually between $2.50 to $5), a foreign exchange fee, on top of an unfavorable exchange rate. Plus you’ll probably get dingedĚýby the ATM you’re withdrawing from. Do that enough, and you’ll wind up paying for your vacation weeks after you’ve returned.Ěý

Remedy: There are plenty of credit cards that charge nothing for foreign transactions, so make sure you have one in your wallet before setting foot on international soil. A few good ones: , , and . Always make sure you double check with your credit card company before you leave the country so you know what charges you’re in for and can choose them wisely. Even so, it’s always good to have some cash when you travel, so choose a bank like or Charles Schwab which are truly free, with zero ATM or foreign transaction fees (Schwab will even reimburse you for withdrawal charges from other ATMs). If you’re determined to use your regular bank, you can minimize costs by taking out a lot of cash at once—just be careful to stash it in different places in case of theft or loss. Or, if you’re planning to bring money to exchange, opt to change enough to get you by at airport kiosks, which typically give a less favorable rate, and leave the rest for small, local banks.Ěý

Rental CarĚý

Rental companies will charge a premium for the cars best suited for your destination. For example, driving a Jeep around Oahu could cost up to $90 per day. That’s not including insurance pushed by rental agents that can run as high as $50 a day, a price they can get away with because most people don’t know there are other insurance options available.Ěý

Remedy: Despite companies’ dire warnings of terrible crashes and freak hail storms, most experts recommend against their insurance.ĚýThere are , like going through your own auto insurance and most major credit cards, or booking through an agency like , which usually offers coverage for as little as $10 a day. Also keep in mind that rental prices change frequently: On a recent trip to Maui, I saved over $150 by continuing to scan prices up to a week before the trip.Ěý

Lodging

Comparing prices on third-party sites like Kayak, Priceline, and Expedia can sometimes be counterproductive—budget hotels that offer similar amenities in the same neighborhoods are often priced the same, despite having different standards.Ěý

Remedy: Most people assume the price posted on a hotel’s website is non-negotiable, but if you see a lower price on a third-party site like Expedia, call the front desk and ask for a discount if you book through them. Most hotels would rather have you book directly through them versus an online site, and will give you an even better rate.

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You don’t have to empty your savings account to pull off a top-notch excursion. Pick the right destination, score a cheap flight, and the rest is easy. We rounded up some of our favorite low-cost places to go right nowĚýand have thrownĚýin a few tips to save you some bucks while you’re there.

Rossland, British Columbia

Play: Many visitors come to Rossland in the winter to ski Red Mountain. But the place is dreamy in the summer, too, withĚý, miles of hiking trails, rainbow trout and walleye fishing on the Columbia River, and even undergroundĚý.

Stay: Located walking distance fromĚýbase of the mountain isĚýthe newĚý, whichĚýopened in DecemberĚýand has a shared kitchen, secureĚýstorage for your bike, and basic rooms with bunks starting as low as $30 a night.Ěý

Save: From U.S. destinations, it’s cheaper to fly to Spokane, Washington, than directly into B.C. In Spokane, rent a car to drive across the international borderĚýand up to Rossland (a two-and-a-half-hour drive). Book an with Red Mountain for guided mountain biking or river raftingĚýand you’ll getĚý20 percent off your lodging at the hostel or with other participating accommodations.

Fort Collins, Colorado

Play: Sixty-five miles north of Denver, Fort Collins is a college town with a serious microbrew habit. You’ll find more than 20 breweries in the area. Tour them yourself or get a guided escort byĚý orĚý. Run or cycleĚýthe 6.8-mile Foothills Trail across the city or take a dip in orĚý the Cache la Poudre River.

Stay: The hip, centrally locatedĚý opened in 2017, and room prices are stellar for how nice the place is—you can score accommodationĚýfor under $200 thatĚýcomes with a record player (old LPs are in the lobbyĚýand can be checked out for the night). Don’t miss Emporium Kitchen, an on-siteĚýwine bar slash coffee shop.

Save: To get around, take advantage of the city’sĚý, which’ll run youĚý$1 for 15 minutes. Old Town Yoga leads aĚýĚýin September. And if you qualify for a local library card, you can scoreĚý to Fort Collins museums, coffee shops, and more.

Valle de Guadalupe, Baja

Play: Dubbed the Napa of Mexico but way cheaper than Napa itself, ValleĚýde Guadalupe, two hours south of San Diego, has some 150 wineries and produces over 70 percent of Mexico’s wine. The area hosts aĚý in October, if you’d rather visit in the fall. Ride horses through a vineyard atĚý, or there’s surfing on the coast, near Ensenada, less than an hour away.

Stay: AtĚý, you’ll sleep in a bubble-shaped tent with unfiltered views of the night sky, surrounded by vineyards. Rates start at $145 per night.

Save:Ěý arranges travel packages from the U.S.Ěýto Baja California Norte that include transportation across the border and insider deals at top wineries.

Wilmington, North Carolina

Play: There’s plenty to do outside in the seaside town of Wilmington. Wrightsville Beach is home to theĚý surf contest, held in August, and Carolina Beach hosts shorefrontĚýyoga and surf lessons at . Watch forĚý on Kure Beach orĚý to sunken Civil War ships.

Stay:Ěý opened in June in the historic downtown, and rooms, which start at $129, come stocked with yoga mats, foam rollers, and hand weights. The hotel’s tiny and tasty restaurant, theĚý, is worth a stop for cocktails and gin-soaked olives.

Save: Downtown’s free Sundown Concerts are held on Friday nights through the summer,Ěýplus there areĚýThursday-night summer fireworks and concerts (also free) on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk.

San Luis Obispo, California

Play: Mountain-bike, paddleboard, or explore 80 miles of beaches in the laid-back coastal region of San Luis Obispo County, right on Highway 1 between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The town’sĚýpopular Thursday-night farmers’ market is a good spot to pick up tamales, ice cream, and fresh produce grown nearby.

Stay: TheĚý has standard and recently renovated motel rooms fromĚýjust $75 a night. Or stay at (from $111), and you can book wine tours through the hotel or score discounted tickets toĚý, a walk-through art installation of thousands of solar-powered lights in nearby Paso Robles.

Save: WatchĚýĚýorĚýĚýfor free, or take a tour of the iconicĚý—tickets startĚýat $25. And likely you’ve noticed thatĚýthe wine industry is booming in this region. You can partake in a tasting for a little as $5.

Sullivan Catskills, New York

Play: Less than two hours from New York City, the Sullivan Catskills offerĚýeasy access to fly-fishing and rafting on the Delaware River, biking along a growing rail-to-trail network, and hiking to one of the area’s many historicĚý. TheĚý is where the original 1969 Woodstock festival took place, and this year, the region is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a packed lineup of music and arts events.

Stay: (from $169) operates four eclectic hotel properties and several restaurants, including the Cabin at Hessinger-Lare, a classic log cabin with a popular Wednesday wing night. Book theĚý packageĚýat any of itsĚýlodges, and you’ll get tickets to visit Bethel Woods and the local Catskill Distilling Company.

Save: When you book theĚý at the 14-roomĚý inn, you’ll score a guidedĚýouting on the Willowemoc River and rental gear. Or pitch a tent at one of several campgrounds instead to save on lodging fees; among others, the region is home to , , andĚý.

New Orleans

Note: New Orleans has been dealing with flooding afterĚýHurricane Barry made landfall in Louisiana on July 13. If you’re making plans to visit the area, be sure to check what’s open and available ahead of time.ĚýĚý

Play: A lot of the sights in New Orleans—wandering around the French Quarter, checking out art and live music in the Warehouse District—don’t cost a penny. The vintage streetcar down Charles Avenue is just $1.25.Ěý offers a number of free-of-charge group runs, yoga classes, and dance workouts.

Stay:Ěý (from $77) has packages billed as “adult summer camp,” which include crafting with visiting artists, cooking with award-winning chefs, and riding around the cityĚýon a guided culinary bike tour. If you want something bigger than a hotel room—but not pricier—the newly openedĚý in the Warehouse District has sleekly designed apartments starting at $149 per night.

Save: In August, hotel rates are typically the lowest they will be all year, making it a great (albeit, hot) time to visit. To cool off, theĚý in Bywater has a pool (plus a bar and restaurant) for an admission fee of just $15. Book aĚý, with a choice of over 100 different hotels, and you’ll save on both the room and the gator spotting.

The post Affordable şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Trips in North America appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

For some of us, living a life of adventure feels like an impossible dream. That’s part of what makes Shane Dillon Gidcumb’s story so special. Shane, 38, a former winery executive and author ofĚýĚýbook series, decided one day to radically change his life, leave his corporate office, and head out on an adventure: biking across the United StatesĚýand Europe. With a salary of $50,000 that he pieces together byĚýteaching and writing, Shane’s been able to experience the world and live out his dreams, one adventure at a time.

OUTSIDE: What made you decide to quit your job and ride across the United StatesĚýand Europe?
Shane Dillon Gidcumb: I worked for 11 years in the wine industry in Sonoma County, California. I started as an intern and left 11 years later as the vice president of the winery. Working in the wine industry was fun, but I felt like there was something missing in my life. By the end, I didn’t feel like I was learning anymore. It wasn’t that I was unhappy. I just felt like my days had turned into a monotonous routine with money being the only goal. One dayĚýit occurred to me that I could go on doing this for the next 40 years. If I lived life this way, those 40 years could basically be condensed into a single week—repeated again and again. I knew I had to find a way to start learning and adventuring again.

How did you afford to do this, and what advice would you give to others who want to take that leap?
The theory of slow travel is that the slower you travel, the cheaper it becomes. Based on this idea, walking is the cheapest way to get around, and bicycling is a close second. Your biggest expense is food, which is essentially fuel. It’s amazing how your body becomes an efficient machine after a few weeks of bicycling eight hours a day.

During my bikeĚýjourneys on DiscoĚý(yes, Disco is the name of my bike—you’dĚýbe surprised by the things you think up while cycling eight hours a day for months),ĚýI spent about $15 per day on food. In the beginning, I ate mainly at restaurants, and then I figured out it was cheaper and healthier to buy food from grocery stores to cook on my camp stove. For lodging, I tried to sleep in my tent as many nights as possible. I found most people would let me sleep in their backyards, and some even invited me into their homes for dinner and a shower. Other alternatives I used closer to cities were apps likeĚýĚýand . Sometimes, if I was desperate, I would just pitch my tent behind a church at sunset and make sure to be on the road by sunrise. There are a lot of free options to find a place to sleep at night.

The advice I would give to others is to just do it. I know it sounds crazy. In hindsight, I would make the same decision every time. Bicycle touring is a life-changing experience—essentially a crash course in minimalism.

What sort of gear do you have, and how much did you spend?
Before I left on my trip across the U.S., I had to buy all new gear. I made the mistake of buying cheap gear and having to upgrade later to a more durable setup. After cycling for a month, I was forced to replace my panniers, front handlebar bag, tent, and sleeping pad. These items are essential and can really improve the quality of life on the road. If at all possible, I recommend buying high-quality gear that will last. It will not only make your life easier, but it will also save you money in the long run.

Here’s my list of essential gear:

• Bike:
• Rear panniers:
• Front handlebar bag:
• BivyĚýsack/tent:
• Sleeping bag:
• Sleeping pad:
• Socks:
• Chamois cream:
• Sunblock:
• Camera: An old Olympus digital camera converted to infrared

How do you make money now?
While cycling across the U.S., I started sending my résumé to teaching positions abroad. To my surprise, I landed a job in the south of Spain in a fishing village on the Mediterranean Sea. That was two years ago, and I have been living in Spain ever since. I work part-time at a grade school teaching English. The job provides a modest salary, a work visa, health insurance, and an abundance of free time. The money I make teaching is sufficient enough to get me through the school year. Then, in the summer, I dip into my investment account to fund my adventures. I am also a writer, and the money I make from my books definitely helps out.

What does your monthly budget look like?
Living in Spain, I am able to maximize the dollars I earned and saved in the U.S. My monthly budget is $1,200. Of that, I plan on spending half for fixed expenses, while the other $600 goes to my daily expenses. My daily budget is $20 per day, which is more than enough to live comfortably in Spain. On top of that, I set aside an additional $5,000 each year for travel. Currently, I live in Malaga, an ancient city on the Mediterranean.

Have you gleaned any money-saving tips over the years?
My creativity is a major form of my entertainment, and it actually pays for itself. One thing you learn about yourself while living on the road is how free time feeds your creativity. I’ve found that the more free time I have, the more productive I am from a creative standpoint. I don’t watch TV anymore, and my internet time is limited. Now all of my free time is devoted to my passions, which just so happen to be free. I am currently writing a personal finance book series for young adultsĚýin addition to my photography. Physical fitness is important to me, and there are many low-cost options available, no matter where you live.

A few other tips? Each Sunday, I make two big pots of soup. I freeze individual servings and enjoy them throughout the week. A serving of soup costs less than $2. This is a great way to save money. When I go out for tapas with friends, I don’t feel bad about dining out.

I bike or walk everywhere I go in the city, which means I have nearly eliminated my transportation expenses. I was spending at least $400 a month on transportation in the states. Now I spend less than $10 a month. Essentially, I have eliminated one of my biggest expenses by living in Europe.

Finally, Google has an awesome cellphone plan called that works in more than 170 countries. This allows me to travel the world without worrying about expensive international rates. Monthly, I spend about $50 per month using this plan.

Where is your next adventure?
This summer, I’veĚýdecided to give DiscoĚýsome time off.ĚýI’mĚýplanning on doing two long hikes. First, I’m going to hike the Camino de Santiago in Spain. It’s about a 500-mile hike and will take about five weeks to complete. The second big hike I’m planning is a coast-to-coast trail across Ireland. It’s a little shorter and should take anywhere from three to four weeks to complete. One thing I have learned through my travels is that the journey inward is longer than journey outward. Last summer, I got in the habit of cycling during the day and working on my books at night. As there are more daylight hours than I can cycle or hike, I figured I would use my free time to write. During the day, I’m able to listen to podcasts to research for my book while pedaling. I plan on applying this same concept while hiking in Spain and Ireland.

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