Happy Weekend!

With kids going back to school there is a lot of excitement in the air at this time of year! In the words of Taylor Swift “This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change.” I have always felt like September is your opportunity for a fresh start and the beginning of a new year (much more so than the actual new year). And always feel a little nostalgic for new school supplies (anyone else feel this way?!). I’ve decided buying a new planner is the adult version of this, so I’m on the lookout for a new one!

Since it’s officially September, I’m in full-on fall mode now. We have plans to pick up cider donuts at our local apple orchard this morning and then we are laying low because we have three out of town weekends coming up in a row!

Now, let’s get on with the weekend wanderlust!

Answering Your Frequently Asked Travel Questions:

QUESTION:

How do you recommend traveling on a budget (without feeling like you’re actually on a budget!)?

ANSWER:

For those of us that are no longer in the early twenties backpacking crowd, it’s easy to forget the budget travel tips you pick up out of necessity as a broke college student. When it comes down to it, travel is expensive. Period. But there are definitely things you can do to minimize the cost and keep travel affordable (and I swear you don’t have to feel like a broke college student while you do it).

Getting There

Probably the biggest budgeting hurdle is getting there. If you live in Europe there are all sorts of low-cost flight options and many countries are close enough to drive or train to. In the US and Canada, however, it can be hard to find cheap flights to a neighboring state, let alone a foreign country. A couple of things to keep in mind when booking your travel:

1. Travel off-season – If you can travel outside the summer months and popular holidays, the price options may be more reasonable.
2. Travel on a Weekday – Booking a flight on a weekday is usually cheaper than leaving on a Friday or Saturday.
3. Be flexible – If you’re open to where you’re going then you will have more flight options to choose from and may find a steal!
4. Pay more upfront – Consider destinations where your currency is strong. If the destination will be less expensive when you get there, it may make sense to pay more for the flight.
5. Travel closer to home – Sometimes it’s easy to forget how many great places are in your own back yard. Exploring nearby places with the eye of a tourist can be surprising, exciting, and may even help you appreciate where you are from more.

Where to Stay

1. Visit friends or relatives – Not only is it fun to catch-up with the people you love, but friends and family are the perfect source for free accommodations!
2. Avoid Hotels – Check out Airbnbs, B&Bs, and even hostels (not all hostels are aimed at backpackers). You may find that the accommodation is less expensive and potentially more charming than a standard hotel.
3. Night Train – If you’re traveling by train, consider taking an overnight train to cut out one night of accommodation.

Getting Around

1. Walk Everywhere – Not only will you see more of the destination, but avoiding cab fees and even public transportation can save you a lot of money.
2. Public Transportation – When possible use public transportation (or rent a bike) over a cab or rental car. It’s usually more fun, less stressful, and definitely cheaper.

Eating & Drinking

1. Eat with the locals – Avoiding restaurants nearby tourist locations can drastically lower the price of your meal and you’re more likely to be eating with locals.
2. Have a Picnic – Pick up provisions from the market, grocery, and local shops for a picnic in a park or at the beach. I love seeing what is sold in grocery stores in foreign countries and you can’t beat dining al fresco!

Miscellaneous

1. Skip the tours – Pick up a guidebook or print off content from a blog and make your own tour.
2. Enjoy free activities – Most cities have free admission to museums, live music, parks, and hiking trails.
3. Don’t over tip – In the US we are used to tipping 15-20% for everything, but in a lot of countries that’s not necessary. Understanding the local customs may save you quite a bit.
4. Keep your Souvenirs Simple– photographs, postcards, or a small trinket are great ways to remember your trip by and won’t cost you a fortune.

*As always, feel free to reply directly to this email with any questions you may have!

Hotel Spotlight: Mayflower Grace

I always get the itch to re-watch episodes of the Gilmore Girls in September (Felicity is a close runner up!). A few years ago, Mike and I did the Warner Bros. Sudio Tour in Los Angeles and visited the old Gilmore Girls set. Being a huge fan, you can imagine my excitement to walk through Stars Hollow. Sadly, it was kind of a let down when you see the actual sets. Luke’s cafe, Sukie’s home, the school, etc. are all recognizable, but it’s the magic of TV that really makes them look special when you watch. In person they are simple and small. Still, so fun to wander around the sets.

With that behind me, I’ve set my eyes on a new Inn to explore. Apparently Mayflower Grace was the inspiration for Stars Hollow’s Independence Inn (and possibly the entire show). If you’re interested in making a pilgrimage, here are a few more ideas to have the perfect Gilmore Girls Getaway.

Quoting C.S. Lewis:

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

Weekend Reading

1. I Left My Life Behind to Travel–Here’s the Most Important Thing I’ve Learned
2. 7 Tips for Hosting Overnight Guests
3. Fall Foliage Predictor Map
4. World’s Best Job?
5. A Financial Expert’s Guide to Saving for Vacation
6. A lovely Maine home tour
7. The Best Places to Go in September
8. 20 Movies Every Woman Should Watch in Her 30s
9. This cozy sweater (with pockets!) is on my fall shopping list!
10. Serial 3 Preview
11. 10 Awesome Podcasts

Traveling Chic Archives:

Happy Travels!

Jenny