Among My Souvenirs

Just in time for winter, we have a question about how to do ski vacations on the cheap! Hi Kate! I wanted to ask if you have any advice on affordable ski vacations for twentysomethings. Skiing is the opposite of a frugal travel activity and I was wondering if you have been able to do any skiing during your travels in budget? Thanks! Ski vacations can definitely get expensive, especially when you’re in your twenties and living on an entry-level wage.  But with a few tips, you can bring the cost of a ski vacation significantly down.  Here is what I suggest you do: Choose a nontraditional form of lodging.   Lodging is often the biggest expense of a trip — and it’s also where you can save the most money. Ever thought of home exchange?  What about house sitting?  In both cases, you can stay for free.  Check out Home Exchange and Trusted Housesitters to start.  Keep in mind that the best opportunities tend to go very quickly. For more nontraditional lodging, check ou...

This post discusses fun things to do in Krakow, Poland’s second biggest city and a hub for culture, arts, and economics. ___ The train came to a halt around 6:00 a.m. We waited and waited and then, waited a little bit more.  Nobody seemed to be moving.  In a haze, I came out from my little cabin, opened one of the main doors and stick my head outside.  In the distance, I saw a guy signaling me to get back in. After taking the night train from Prague, the arrival time to Krakow was near.  That is when a streak of fear hit me.  I was not sure how I ended up on a train so far from home, in a country that was completely foreign to me where I knew (maybe) two words of the local language.  And, did I mention it was 6:00 a.m., dark and cold? The oppressing feeling started to melt away once we made it to the hotel.  We were lucky since they already had a room ready for us.  Once upstairs, I opened the window and got my first view of Old Town.  Minutes after that, I heard the trumpet...

This post discusses the top things to do in Cayucos, California (Central Coast).  This beach town offers uncrowded, pet-friendly beach, surfing, kayaking, a historic pier and plenty of restaurants. __ The other day, I showed a coworker photos of my recent Central Coast trip. After grabbing my phone and scrolling throughout the photos, she asked me in disbelief: “Is this California?” “Yup, that is our state,” I replied. “Oohhh, looks like a perfect place to take my kids,” she said before proceeding to ask me more details about the area. I am not sure how to describe my emotions after that interchange of words.  Giddy. Proud. Inspired.  I feel good when people are surprised by the beauty of California.  At the same time, it is a pleasure to spark the flame of adventure in others. Bearing that in mind, I decided to put together all my knowledge about another treasure of our Central Coast.  To be honest, I would like to keep this one a secret.  Nevertheless, I feel like sharing toda...