Travel Tips From Katherine of Corgis and Cocktails!

I'm Katherine, and I blog on Of Corgis & Cocktails, a lifestyle blog about quirky fashion, cute pups, good food, and basically anything happy.

This year, I have visited many different cities in the US along the east coast, from Philadelphia to Cincinnati all the way down to Orlando. I love traveling, but real 'vacations' can be quite expensive. With limited amounts of time I can take off work (and previously being in school), I have really focused on taking trips without spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Here are some tips for how to travel in a limited time on a limited budget. I've been to Baltimore, Philadelphia, St. Augustine, Athens Georgia, and many other little places this year using these little tips.
//Drive there//
The drive can be an amazing part of your trip and save tons of money. Flying gets pricey, especially considering parking fees at the airport and that you won't have a car when you get to your destination. Taking trips less than 8 hours away are easy to drive to, especially if you are with company. Consider looking at small towns nearby where you live. My favorite small town to visit is Athens, Georgia. Great food, good prices on hotels as long as you aren't in football season, and a beautiful drive.

//Take day trips//
Live near a big city? Or maybe even a small city with a nice attraction? Look for things that are less than 2 hours away and take a day trip. Leave after lunch and go visit a new town and out to dinner. My husband and I make many day trips on weekends. I have been able to go to cities like Baltimore and Philadelphia on day trips. Pick a few things you want to do that are close by each other - don't try to cram too much in.


//Watch for deals on hotels//
Look at sites like Groupon, LivingSocial, Pricline, and really any discount site. You can save a lot of money and get a nice hotel for a great price. If I do need a hotel, I try and set a budget and meet it.

//Walk around//
Find a city or park and just walk around! Window shopping is favorite of mine and Jason's, especially in cities that have really kitchy stores. Or take a more outdoorsy walk through the mountains, a nice local park, or to a historical spot.I usually walk 4+ miles in a new area. Takes up tons of time and we get to see a lot and have fun.

//Eat only local food//
I cannot express enough how much this makes our vacations more memorable. Get really hungry and dine on a local place. Yelp has been our savior here. When driving for trips, we never stop at fast food or chain food. When we do get hungry on longer trips (7 or more hours usually) we take a nice break for lunch in a town on the way. We once ate a delicious restaurant with amazing cake that had great prices because the town was quite small.

Lastly, don't pass up family vacations! Ever!

6 comments:

Kyla said...

These are great tips Katherine! I love walking around new places; I think walking is definitely the best way to view a new town. And trying new food is always fun :)

Jo - Lost in the Haze said...

Such wonderful advice! Day trips are one of my favourite things ever!

xLost in the Haze: a Fashion Photography Blog

Meghan_Elizabeth said...

great tips, thanks for the boost, I get so discouraged being broke! <3


The Flight of Fancy

Best Flights SA said...

Definitely you should eat local wherever you are. It makes travel more unique and meaningful.


Regards,
Chris from bestflights.co.za

Jessie {my mod style} said...

Great advise. I love day trips and especially long road trips! It's so a great way to see the country.

Anonymous said...

The pics look great! It is important that people do some research on how to save some money. The more you can save on traveling and accommodation, the more you can actually spend on some fun activities and good food.

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