When I’m taking a road trip with the family, my primary concern is keeping my kids amused.

But there are times when I take roadtrips on my own and I find that I’m just as easily bored in the car as my four year old.  I don’t mind traveling alone once I get to my destination, but spending hours in the car in order to get there can be torture for someone with my attention span.  Playing travel games is frowned upon by most law enforcement agencies, and tic tac toe is not much fun with one player anyway.

So what do I do to entertain myself when I’m driving alone for hours?

5 Things To Do On  A Road Trip Alone

1.  Listen to audio books.

My parents called them “books on tape”, but I haven’t driven a car with a cassette player since high school.  Now I download audiobooks to my iPod and use the long hours of silence in the car to catch up on reading I never find time for at home.  If you don’t have an mp3 player that works well in the car, you can get audiobooks on CD as well.

(Editorial note here - I highly recommend Barack Obama’s Dreams From My Father.  Regardless of your personal politics, there’s something highly entertaining about driving down a highway and listening to the now president of a major superpower use the F word.  Repeatedly.)

2.  Sing.  Loudly.

I always make sure I am heavily armed with music before I head out for a long road trip.  I organize the playlists on my iPod and fill the middle console of my car with CDs.  I dig out the soundtracks to my favorite Disney movies and old broadway musicals.  I prepare for every possible musical mood I may encounter on my drive with a selection that covers classic rock and 80’s bubble gum pop.

And when I’m just far enough down my street that I am positive my family won’t hear me, I turn the volume on the radio up as loud as I can stand it.  Now, I can’t do this for hours on end.  But I can usually amuse the heck out of myself for a good 45 minutes at a time with some spirited car karaoke.

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This view was what started the whole ordeal.

Some would blame the 2 hours of sleep I was going on - I’m open to that being one of the catalysts for not one, but two airlines, and their passengers being upset at me.

It was kind of my fault.

That being said, how in the world I can go through 2 checkpoints, my shoes and belt being removed, laptop out of its case, bag scanned twice and then swabbed for residue, a pat-down and half of my toiletries being thrown away and still manage to board the wrong airplane is beyond me.

Seriously.

Not that I blame the nice, healthy-looking staff of the Redmond, OR Airport, but somewhere along the chain of command couldn’t one of them raised a hand and, at least, suggested they leave little signs indicating which tiny plane went where?

See, this is where my sleep-deprivation comes in; I should have asked. And I didn’t. I chose the plane that looked most like it was about to make the 30-minute hop over to Portland.

I ducked into the machinery that surely didn’t fall under the ‘if you lose one engine, you can still fly on the other’ category and the attendant immediately could tell my bag wasn’t going to fit into the overhead.

“Why don’t you go ahead and take your seat and I’ll put it down below for you?.”

I took my seat - 3C, as requested, for a view of Mt. Hood at sunrise, followed by the ruggedly gorgeous Oregon Coast.

More filed in and I laid my head back. A man sat down in front of me and quietly asked the same attendant (there was only room for one) something to which she sweetly shrugged off:

“Oh, this happens a lot, don’t worry.”

I didn’t worry and closed my eyes again.

And then we sat.

And sat.

When a murmur begins in a cabin that small, everyone can feel it. For some reason, we weren’t going anywhere.

“We’re almost ready to go,” crackled the redundant intercom.  “Just a few more minutes and we’ll be getting you on your way to Salt Lake City.”

I didn’t want to go to Salt Lake City. Ever. But especially not this morning, as I had a connecting flight to Honolulu.

I repeated most of this to the attendant.

“You’re supposed to be on the Portland flight, right?”

Yes I was.

“They’ve been trying to find you.”

Trying to find me? In this day in age? Anyone could look at my blog, my Facebook, my Twitter and tell you exactly where I was, but the airline lost me?

In my twenties, there was a phrase having to do with a walk, and shame. I’ll spare you the origin of that, but just know that the exiting off of flight #1 and then the stroll to #2, was anything but confidence boosting. When the pilot’s face carries the same expression as the now late passengers, you know you’ve screwed up.

I got on the wrong plane this morning and have to admit that I’m kind of impressed.

If only I could say the same for the rest of those involved…

Aric Q. is traveling to Hawaii and he’s trying to do it on the cheap.  We will be following his adventures here on UpTake and we will be wishing him well, but we will NOT be wiring him money.

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I am not one of those people who is dying to take an Alaskan cruise.  If I’m going on vacation, chances are I’m headed somewhere with a beautiful body of water and a beach.

I tell you that to tell this:

I’m an expert on packing for a beach vacation.

OK, maybe “expert” is going a little far.  But I have loads of experience that I’m dying to share with those of you headed to the beach on your summer vacations.

Packing List for A Summer Vacation To The Beach

1.  Pack more than one swimsuit.

Oh, sure, you’d remember to bring your bathing suit.  But you should really consider taking at least two.  Late night swims are great - but putting on a cold, damp suit first thing the next morning is ick.  Plus, since a swimsuit is basically a requirement for enjoying the beach, it’s good to have a back up in case something happens to one suit.

2. Pack swimsuit cover ups.

A swimsuit cover-up can come in many shapes and styles.  A t-shirt usually works fine for boys and men, and women can choose from a sundress, t-shirt and shorts, or a wrap.

3. Bring lots of sunscreen.

Obviously.  SPF 30 is ideal - and make sure it’s waterproof!

4. Remember flip flops for everyone.

Women almost always remember to pack flip flops when they’re going to the beach.  But I know tons of men who don’t wear flip flops on a regular basis and end up forgetting to bring a pair when they’re packing.  Make sure the kids have some kind of beach friendly footwear as well.

5. Sunglasses.

Of course.  Like there’s any way you could forget sunglasses and have to run to the nearest beach shack and pay a ridiculous amount of money for a crappy pair of sunglasses because you forgot yours at home.  Of course that wouldn’t happen to you.

6. Pack hats.

Make sure everyone brings a hat.  When you’re spending your vacation beachside, there will come a time when you want and/or need a break from the sun.  This is especially important if anyone in your traveling group has a bald spot.  (Hi, Dad!!)

7. Bring beach bags.

You don’t want to lug your suitcase down to the beach every day.  Bring a bag that can easily be cleaned when it gets filled with sand.  It will get filled with sand.

8. Pack separate bags for seashells.

If you’re headed to the beach, you will want to bring home a few sea shells.  Bring a large ziplock bag or a plastic container to keep them safe on your trip home.

9. Bring snacks and water from home - or get it at the local grocery store.

Unless you’re staying at an all inclusive resort, it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks - or at least pick them up at a local grocery store when you get into town.  Sitting in the sun all day is draining and it’s important to stay hydrated.

10.  Pack your own beach towels.

Some hotels will have towels available for guests, but only if they are right on the beach.  Even then, they are usually itty bitty towels.  Bring your own.

11.  Bring age appropriate beach toys for all the kids.

This could be as simple as a bucket and shovel if you have young, easily amused kids.  If you have teenagers, it might be a good idea to bring a volleyball or some more active games.

12. If there’s room, bring chairs and umbrellas.

If you’re flying to your beach destination, you’re obviously not bringing lawn chairs.  If you’re staying at a hotel directly on the beach, they might have some kind of seating available on the beach.  But if you’re driving and can spare the room, a beach trip is much more comfortable with beach chairs and a beach umbrella to provide shade.

13. Pack music and reading material, just in case.

On the off chance that you get some time to yourself on the beach, it’s nice to have an mp3 player and headphones close by.  And there are few things more relaxing than reading on the beach.

14. Pack an umbrella.  The rain kind

If you’re going to a beach near a large body of water - like, say, an ocean - chances are good that it will rain at some point on your vacation (unless you’re in southern California and then it will only rain if you are me and are on your first vacation in forever).  Take an umbrella.

15. Remember to bring something to wear when you aren’t on the beach.

Now that you’ve loaded up 4 suitcases with your beach gear, remember that there’s a good chance you’ll have to put clothes on at some point during your vacation.  Bring something you can go out to eat in and make sure everyone has options available in case you decide to do something away from the beach one day (like, say, if it rains the entire time you’re there).

16. And don’t forget the regular lotion!

When you come in from the sun and finally get all of that sand off of you, your skin is going to be parched and begging for a good lathering of moisturizer.

17. Do I have to tell you to bring underwear and a toothbrush?

Probably not.  On any vacation you go on you have your basic toiletries and necessities that you need to remember to pack, and the beach is no exception.

Just make sure to throw in the beach specific extras - and enjoy your summer vacation!

Don’t forget to stay in shape this summer too.

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Party like a rock star in Las Vegas

Las Vegas has thrived on witty slogans, such as “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” “Las Vegas: What you want. When you want,” and “Your Vegas is showing.” Regardless of the vacation Mecca’s strategically contrived marketing campaigns to attract visitors, there’s never been any doubt about the uninhibited fun and exhilaration offered in Sin City.

Truly, where else can vacationers go to eat, drink, gamble, dance and mingle alongside actors (A-list to Z-list), wealthy heiresses and rock stars? 

I still have very vivid memories of playing Blackjack with Jenny McCarthy, having cocktails with Dennis Rodman (when he was still in the NBA), hanging out with Trent Reznor from Nine Inch Nails and getting a drink spilled on me by an extremely inebriated Paulie Shore. Okay, the latter wasn’t fun, but you can see the variety of celeb-types that hang out in Vegas.

If carefully planned – choosing the right place and the right time – you  can “do” Vegas like a rock star and even bump into some real ones during your night out on the town. Here are some tips:

1. First, and most important, leave the kids at home. While it’s fun to plan family vacations, sometimes it’s essential for dads and moms to have some fun “adult” time.
    
2. 

   Dress the part and you'll be ready to party like a rock star.

   Definitely dress to impress. Many vacationers come to Vegas with nothing more than shorts, t-shirts and a pair of flip flops. While these clothes may be acceptable for an afternoon poolside, they’re definitely not for hitting the party scene. Dress codes are strictly enforced at all of the top lounges and clubs, so be sure to pack appropriately or you’ll be turned away.

3. Prepare to spend some money. As you might expect, living the glam life doesn’t come cheap. It takes a little bit of cash to party like a rock star. If you’re planning a vacation, be sure to bring enough of your hard earned money to make the trip worth it, otherwise you‘ll be watching other people have fun instead of having it yourself. For example, when going out to a popular club or ultra lounge, it’s best to call ahead and make a reservation for bottle service, which can cost $1,000 or more. Instead of being cramped on the dance floor, you’ll have a sanctuary to rest your feet, socialize and have some drinks without a long wait at the crowded bar. A reserved table also gets you on the VIP list so you can bypass the long line to get in the door. Reservations can be made through your hotel’s concierge desk.
    
4. Choose your vacation time strategically. Celebrities flock to popular events, such as concerts, big ticket boxing bouts, club, hotel or restaurant openings, holidays, etc. Plan ahead by checking the Las Vegas calendar for upcoming events.
    
5. Stay at a “hot” hotel. Celebrities love the Palms, Hard Rock, Bellagio, Mandalay Bay and Caesar’s Palace and Venetian. If you plan on having a rock star vacation, you’re probably not going want to book the local Motel 6. See tip number two.
    
6. 

   Nothing compares to the nightlife in Las Vegas.

   Ask around for the night’s hot spot. The place to see and be seen varies from night to night. On some nights it may be Lavo at Palazzo and on other nights it might be Tao at the Venetian or XS at Wynn. Sometimes celebrities host parties at nightclubs, so inquiring can direct you to the best place.

Now that you have your tips, remember to let your inhibitions go. You’re on vacation in Vegas, so live a little. It’s time to momentarily forget about the kids, work, etc. and let loose and truly party like a rock star. That also means you should be prepared to stay out all night long. Don’t worry; you can spend the following day resting by the pool.

Photos by Las Vegas News Bureau and Barbara Kraft.

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Road Trips with Kids

When you’re taking a road trip with kids, a large part of your planning is figuring out how to keep them entertained.  This is never more important than when you’re going to be riding in a car for hours.

Taking a road trip with more than one kid can be both a blessing and a curse.  On one hand, they have someone to talk to and play with.  On the other hand, they have someone to talk to and poke at and torment when they start getting really bored.  Head boredom off at the pass with travel games kids can play in the car - and do it without spending a dime!

8 Free Travel Games To Play with Kids on Road Trips:

1.  I SPY - “I spy, with my little eye, something… green!”  Hopefully you’re already familiar with the wonders of the I SPY guessing game.  If not, the rules are simple to learn - and teach.  Basically, one of you starts describing something you can see (hence the phrase “I spy with my little eye”) and everyone else in the car guesses until someone guesses the mystery item correctly.  This is especially fun with a preschooler her describes Mommy’s shirt every. single. time.

2.  The license plate game - When I was a kid we used to mentally keep track of all of the different states we would see license plates for on our road trips.  Now that make books especially designed for The License Plate Game.  The books come with stickers and pictures and actually teach your kids stuff while keeping them entertained in the backseat.  Brilliant!  (This still counts because you CAN play it for free, just like we did when we were kids.)

3.  20 Questions - Surely you’ve heard of 20 questions.  As a parent, you’re basically playing this game all day, every day, without the beautiful finish line that an actual game provides.  20 Questions is similar to I SPY except that you’re not limited to using objects you can see - which is nice if you’ve got slow guessers and a fast scenery.  You think of an object, the guessers have to try to figure out what you’re thinking of by asking up to 20 yes or no questions.  Yep, that’s it.

4.  Name That Tune - My husband and I actually play this game in the car whether we have kids or not.  Because we are just that cool. It works best if you have satellite radio, a large play list on an mp3 player, or a monster collection of CDs to draw from.  You basically see how quickly you can guess the song.  Bonus points for getting it before the lyrics start.  Bonus, Extra, AWESOME points if you can get the name of the song and the artist.  Negative 100 points if you actually keep track of points.

5.  Scavenger Hunt - This is a game you have to plan for ahead of time.  Print off a list of different things you might see along the drive and have the kids check them off as they see them.  For added fun, come up with a little prize for the person who completes their list first.  (And of course, you’re probably going to want a consolation prize for everyone else.  Unless you like crying fits over something as silly as a made up Scavenger Hunt.)  Here’s a sample scavenger hunt list to get you started.

6.  Tic Tac Toe - This requires nothing more than two travelers and a paper and pen.  My nine year old can play this game for hours and never get bored.

7.  Lines and Dots - Speaking of pen and paper games, do you remember playing lines and dots over and over again at lunch in junior high?  No?  Was that just a weird thing the girls at my school did?  Anyway - lines and dots is another game where you can make your own game board from any sheet of paper.  You make a grid of dots and take turns connecting two dots at a time with a line in an effort to make boxes.  You get a point for each box you complete.  Sound familiar now?  No?  If you’ve never played lines and dots, you can find detailed rules here.

8.  Hangman - Is there no limit to the games that you can play on the back of a hotel receipt print out?  Not yet!  Hangman is like Do It Yourself Wheel Of Fortune.  It’s also a great way for your kids to practice their spelling and language skills.  You can play Hangman with a beginner reader by using simple words like their name and the names of other people they know.

And one travel game that is not free but I am including because it is my favorite….

Travel Yahtzee - You can get just about every classic board game in a travel version.  Travel Yahtzee was my absolute favorite as a kid because there weren’t a million little pieces to lose, and I could play it by myself if my siblings were being pains in the butt.  (There is nothing wrong with a kid playing Yahtzee with themselves to beat their own previous high scores.  Totally normal.)

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We talk a lot about family vacations on this blog.  We give you tips for traveling with kids and point out things for families to do and see.

But what about traveling without your kids?

For couples with children, a getaway as adults and not as parents can be rare.  And the longer you’ve been parents, the easier it is to find yourself alone with your significant other in a hotel room asking “what should we do now?”  (I mean, you know, after you’ve done that.)

15 Things To Do On A Vacation Without Your Kids

(And for those of you without children who get to travel with adults frequently, don’t laugh at our need for some guidance!)

1. Go to an amusement park

While it’s true that most amusement parks market themselves as gateways to “family fun”, they are also great places for adults to have fun.  Imagine going on the roller coasters together - without having to worry about height restrictions or taking turns sitting with the stroller.  When you visit an amusement park with other adults, you almost never find yourself crawling out of a ride that’s just started because someone is afraid of the dark.

You’re never too old to throw your hands up in the air and scream at the top of your lungs.

2. Go to a casino

You don’t have to gamble your life’s savings to enjoy a trip to a casino.  Even if you only play the penny slots or place the minimum bet at the tables, it’s nice to spend some time in a place that caters to adults.  And casinos are masters at making sure grown ups have a good time.

3. Lay on the beach

I adore taking my kids to the beach.  Truly, I do.  But it’s also nice to be able to lay on the sand and close my eyes without worrying about someone drowning.  Take a book and allow yourself to get lost in it, or venture out into the water and enjoy the waves that would normally be too big for children.

4. Eat dinner late

As a parent, meals are about getting people fed before they get cranky and overly tired.  When you take a vacation without your kids, take the opportunity to skip the early bird crowd and enjoy a restaurant with ambience.  This is your chance to take advantage of the available 8pm reservation slots at a place you’d never get to enjoy otherwise.

5. Take a nap

A great vacation should allow time to relax.  One of the most indulgent things to do on a vacation is head back to your hotel room and take a nap.  Don’t set the alarm or feel guilty about all the things you’re not accomplishing.  When was the last time you slept until you woke up all on your own?

6. Have drinks in a restaurant you can’t afford

When I go to a place like New York City, I tend to get most of my nutrition from street vendors.  What can I say - I usually travel on a budget!  But when you’re not traveling with kids, you can get dressed up and be part of that trendy restaurant, even if it’s just to grab a few drinks at the bar (before you head off for hot dogs on the corner).

7. Visit a museum

I’m a huge proponent for exposing children to art and culture.  Museums provide great learning opportunities for kids.  But going as an adult without kids provides a great opportunity for you to enjoy the exhibits without shushing anyone or having to enforce the “no touching!” rule.

If you go to a museum alone, you’ll have plenty of time to sit and ponder without interruption.  If you go with another adult, you might find you have something totally new to talk about together.

8. Attend a dinner theater

Dinner theater is good, cheesy fun.  Let yourself laugh at corny jokes.  Revel in being in a room full of other adults and not having to cut anyone else’s meat.

9. Take a walk

When you get to explore a new city without having to worry about little ones darting off into traffic or running into strangers, you find you notice details that would otherwise get ignored.  Allow yourself to get lost in the architecture.  Stroll hand in hand with someone who isn’t tugging to break free.

10. Get a spa treatment

A trip to the hotel spa is rarely on the family vacation itinerary.  Taking a vacation without your kids provides the perfect chance to pamper yourself with a spa treatment you’d never splurge for at home.  If you’re traveling with your spouse, I highly recommend couple’s massages - even if one of you scoffs at first at the idea of fluffy robes and candles.  You’ll both come away relaxed and grateful for the time to unwind together.

11. Take a carriage tour

One of my favorite ways to learn about a new place is with a guided carriage tour.  A good guide will provide you with all sorts of information and interesting details about the things you’ll see.  And you can’t deny there’s something romantic about riding around in a carriage.

12. See a concert

When I was younger, I used to save for months to see my favorite band play.  Even the best iPod and home stereo system can’t compete with the thrill of live music.  One of the greatest vacations I’ve taken as an adult was a trip to Vegas planned around a Prince concert.

The next time you hear your favorite 80s band is doing a come back tour, consider booking a room and making a vacation out of seeing them perform one more time.

13. Go skydiving/bungee jumping/zip lining

In other words, be adventurous!  Do something that scares the crap out of you!  Get your heart racing and your adrenaline pumping in ways you can’t experience when you’re being the responsible adult.

14. Go shopping.  Together.

Yes, really.  Maybe a husband and wife shoe shopping marathon isn’t ideal.  And maybe one of you cringes at the very idea of stepping into a mall.  But when was the last time you visited a store with breakables?  Your everyday trip to Great Clips and the grocery store is not the same as browsing through antique shops or fawning over fancy electronics.

When my husband and I get the chance to shop together, we find ourselves talking about things we want, things we love, and things we can’t imagine anyone being interested in buying.  But we’re talking - and not about work or school or whose turn it is to fold laundry.

15. Go dancing

Who cares if one - or both - of you has two left feet?  The mantra on vacation is “I’ll never see any of these people again!”  Let your hair down and don’t be afraid to make fools of yourselves.  There are few things more romantic than spending a night together on a dance floor.

As an avid traveler, I wholeheartedly support frequent vacations with your kids.  It’s important to let them see the world and get exposed to new places - and experiencing those places as a family is great.  But it’s also nice from time to time to remember who you are without your kids and nurture the parts of you that have nothing to do with nurturing other people.  Get out there and live a little!

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Ah, the open road- the radio blaring, the wind in your hair, and the growing pressure of a bladder in need of relief. It happens. Road trips are to destinations of adventure, true, but more importantly, they are the adventures that happen along the way. Yes, I know that is awesomely deep.  You can use it.

The average length of any road trip isn’t just based on miles and road conditions, there are other variables and some of them are weighted.  Basically, it breaks down like this:

X = time of trip; T= traffic ; P = pee break; M = miles; R = road conditions; N = number of people in car; and F = food.  Solve for X.

∫M x T(R) ÷ (F + P)N∛ ≥ children in car x 10∏≅ X

Or something like that.  I was an English major.

The point is, and yes, there is a point, people need to pee and the smaller they are the more they need.  It’s simple mathematics.

Here is a list of places to keep in mind when the bladder is full and the future is uncertain:

In-N-Out

1. Fast food restaurants are hit and miss.  I’ve been in an In-N-Out where the bathroom was cleaner than the restaurant, and I’ve been in a McDonald’s where the bathroom could have been a crime scene.  And vice versa.  The majority of fast food bathrooms I’ve visited, and there have been more than a few, are cleanish and stinky, but relatively safe. As an added bonus, many of the restrooms open directly into the dining area which allows for complete strangers to admire the stance one takes at the urinal.  Pose wisely.

2. Rest Areas are made for this sort of thing. Literally.  They are areas made for resting, stretching and the much needed restroom break.  The beauty of the rest stop is that they are generally found in stretches of the highway where there are no other services, so it’s a good idea to utitilze them, even if all you need is some terrible coffee and a dozen jumping jacks.

Depending on where you stop a rest area may look like a resort (Oregon) or a prison yard (Arizona).  Rest accordingly.

If you are stopping at night, please be careful of your surroundings.

3. Gas stations come in all shapes and sizes.  They may have a market that would make Trader Joe’s proud or they may have a Subway with $5 foot-longs that make your stomach turn.  Some are large and geared to the trucking trade and some are small with a bathroom on the backside of the building.  In the case of the latter, take the proper measures to ensure your safety.  In the case of the truckstop, hold your breath and don’t let the kids touch anything.

4. Side of the street is never a first choice.  It’s not safe and it’s probably not legal.  However, when you’re in the middle of nowhere with a crying 4-year-old that has no qualms about peeing on your leather interior, you may want to suck it up and pull over.  Highlights include the opportunity to really commune with nature and the feeling of freedom that only the great outdoors can provide.  The downside is the proximity to speeding cars and the possibility of roadside hazards (broken glass, needles, random items you aren’t ready to discuss with your children).

5. Peeing in a bottle is crude and humiliating. It’s also messy.  This should only be considered if the road trip is stalled in heavy traffic and there is no safe or immediate alternative.  A penis also helps.

There are, of course, other variables to consider and other places that may present themselves as viable options, but in my years of traveling- especially with children, these are the most common possibilities (never actually done #5) that I’ve encountered.

Please keep in mind that the last two are not recommended in matters of the wallaby.

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I may have mentioned once or twice here that I am cheap.  I take road trips to save money.  I almost always name my own price for a hotel on Priceline.  I’ll stay on a couch whenever I can.

I love to travel and I’m not a Rockefeller.  I have had to master the art of cheap vacations.

It’s because of this budget consciousness that I avoid souvenir shops like the plague.  I abhor the idea of spending $20 on a T-Shirt that I’m never going to wear again simply because it bears the name of some city I was in on it.  I refuse to bring my children plastic trinkets from my travels, because I know will end up in pieces under someone’s bed.

But even I, frugal as I might be, understand the joy of having a memento of your vacations.  It’s nice to have something you can look at later that will transport you back to the happiness of a great trip.  It’s also nice, I’ve been told, to have a traveler bring you something back as a sign that they were thinking of you while they were away.

How can you reconcile traveling on a budget with the need for souvenirs?

4 Budget Travel Tips For Cheap Souvenirs

1. Buy something you’d buy (and use) anyway.

My husband says that I use this as an excuse to go shopping while I’m on vacation.  Clearly he does not appreciate my frugal nature.

$35 souvenir: Chinatown, New York City

I bought this purse for $35 in New York City.  I love it.  I use it constantly.  And every time I do I remember my trip to New York City in October of 2008.  I get a heck of a lot more use out of it than I would a mini replica of the Empire State building.

The other thing I love about buying things I’ll use when I’m on vacation is that it gives me opportunities to share that trip with other people in the future.  Every time I carry this purse and someone asks me where I got it, I end up telling them how crazy Canal Street is and about taking the subway in New York City.

The same thing goes for the gorgeous cocktail ring I bought on River Street in Savannah.  Or the cute scarf I picked up in Charleston, South Carolina.  Or the red stiletto slides I got in Las Vegas on my anniversary trip.  See how frugal I am?

2. Pictures make the best souvenirs - yours or someone else’s.

Remember that the point of souvenirs is to have something you can remember your vacation by later.

The "Rocky Steps" in Philadelphia. Which I climbed.

While I was looking through my own collection of vacation pictures on FlickR, I found myself reliving adventure after adventure as I flipped through the pictures.  Even the fuzzy shots had the power to transport me.

Of course, everyone takes pictures on vacation.  Turn them into souvenirs by printing out your favorites and framing them.  Hang them on a wall or set them on an end table - but put them out where you can enjoy them.  They’ll make much more interesting decor than the tacky plastic memorabilia you can pick up at a gift shop.

And if you don’t manage to capture the city skyline or ocean view just right - buy yourself a postcard.  For about $2.00 you can have frame worthy memories that really capture the feeling of the place you enjoyed so much.

3. Bring back pieces of the scenery.

For the love of God do not buy sand in a bottle.  Sand?  Is free.  Pick some up and put it in a baggy that you can put in a mason jar when you get home.  And while you’re at it, pick up some sea shells that you can stick in that jar along with the sand and Voila!, you’ve got yourself a pretty neat, homemade souvenir.

Sea shells by the sea shore

But what if you’re not taking a beach vacation?

Look for things in the environment around you that are unique and representative of that location.  Maybe you’ll pick up some branches from the Redwoods in the Pacific Northwest.  Or bring home some of that famous red clay of Georgia.  Pick up a few of the fall colored leaves that you can press and display as art.

4. Shop flea markets and local markets or fairs.

Whenever I have guests visit us in Florida, I make sure to take them to a flea market before they leave.  I give them strict instructions not to buy any souvenirs until they’ve hit the flea market.

Hand blown glass at City Market in Charleston

My most recent house guests walked away with t-shirts fo $1.88.  And a scarf for $3.00 (see tip number 1!).  And a Daytona Beach picture frame for $6 (to put tip number 3 to good use!).  While flea markets aren’t immune to overpriced junk, they also offer a lot of great finds at rock bottom prices.

Of course, not every city has open air flea markets available year round.  But the locals shop somewhere.  Find the markets and shopping districts that don’t cater to tourists and you’ll find your best bargains for souvenirs to bring home.  You’ll also find an opportunity to experience places off the beaten path and see new cities through the eyes of the people who actually live there.

Some experts will tell you that if you have to worry about money when you’re traveling, it’s just not worth it.  But I think that anyone who has a desire to see the world should find a way to do just that.  And it is possible to have a great vacation on a budget if you’re creative!

Just stay out of the gift shops.

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