1. Find a hotel that has loyalty/ rewards points.

You will be amazed at how many points you can earn. When you join a hotel that has reward points, continue to use them. Before you know it, you will have earned enough points to stay a night or so for free at the hotel. 

2. Find a hotel with a kitchenette and /or microwave.

A hotel with a refrigerator, microwave, and a stove will eliminate hundreds of dollars than you will be when eating out. 

3. Sign up for email lists for airplane tickets and other traveling deals.

Many sites that showcase traveling deals, such as Expedia.com, will have mailing lists you can sign up for. 

4. Bundling deals also works for traveling, such as with airplane + hotel + rental car or hotel + airplane.

You will be amazed how you can get these bundle deals for a portion of what you will pay separately.

5. Sometimes BnBs are more cost-effective.

This fact is usually true for longer stays on vacations or business. 

6. You possibly can split the costs with other family members and friends to travel with you.

Sometimes, it is more economically feasible if you and your loved ones will work together to rent a loft or cabin, for instance. 

7. Sometimes renting an apartment/ condo is more affordable.

Just like BnBs, sometimes it’s more affordable to rent an apartment or condo for longer stays. 

8. Always check and have coupons ready.

Always be on a lookout to get valuable coupons. Keep in mind the expiration dates as well so you won’t be caught off guard thinking you have a discount when you really don’t. 

9. Traveling is more affordable during off-season.

As with any product or service, there is supply and demand. Since there is less demand during the off-season, the plane tickets are cheaper. 

10. If you must eat out, strategize.

For one, you can eat out during lunchtime when you usually get better deals. You also can take advantage of this time by buying extra so you can take the leftover with you to eat later. 

Conclusion

Using the steps above will take you on your way on saving a plethora of money that ranges from several hundred to several thousand. It’s always a good idea to save money even you are living the good life.

This is not legal or financial advice. Please consult a legal or financial advisor for your specific situation.

The post 10 Ways to Save Money When You Travel appeared first on CleverMoneyNews Blog.

The IRS tracks individuals based on their tax filings

To better understand why and where people move, the IRS tracks individuals based on their tax filings. When looking at this data from the early 1990’s to today, some interesting patterns emerge.

Popular places people choose to live

An obvious takeaway is people tend to move to neighboring states, especially when that neighboring state is large with multiple metropolitan areas. It is much easier to pack up and move a household simply across a border, rather than across the country.

Not surprisingly, people tend to move to neighboring states within their region. For instance, Southerners typically stay in the south, hopping across borders to other Southern states. Texas is particularly popular to move to for individuals from the smaller states surrounding it, most likely because it has several major cities (Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston). All of these cities may offer more diverse job opportunities and cultural experiences. Another big draw for moving to Texas: no income tax. 

Top destinations

Along with Texas, other large states tend to attract more and more movers. Florida, with its tropical climate and diverse wildlife, attracts adventure seekers and retirees alike. With natural amenities like that, it’s easy to see why Florida is a top destination. Likewise, California, the largest and most populous state in the country, also attracts a wide range of individuals, mostly because California’s cities are some of the most developed in the world, offering job opportunities for those who can handle the high cost of living. For those wanting to escape the high price of California life, there’s always Texas.

Besides people moving within their region, states with massive cultural centers like New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Georgia have people from across the country moving to them. Cities like Chicago, Atlanta, and Boston are some of the most well-known in the nation with unique offerings for any sort of person. These cities have huge populations of different groups of people, making them a more attractive place for people moving outside their region.

Making the decision to cross state lines is quite common in the United States. When looking at the patterns of movers, you’ll see that in nearly every region, people are moving to neighboring states and cultural hubs, seeking different job and educational opportunities. 

IRS. (2019). SOI Tax Stats – Migration Data. irs.gov

This is not for legal or financial advice. Please consult a legal or financial advisor for your specific situation.  

The post Why and Where People Move in the US appeared first on CleverMoneyNews Blog.

1. Portable Power Bank

We all use cell phones and finding a place to charge a phone in a busy airport or while on an adventure can be downright impossible. An external portable charger is a perfect gift for someone who uses their phone a lot. And to be honest, who doesn’t?

2. Noise-Canceling Headphones

No one wants to hear a crying baby or a couple fighting while they are on a plane or another type of transportation. Noise-canceling headphones are a great gift for the person on your list who enjoys listening to music or watching shows while they are traveling. 

3. Sleep Mask

Have you ever woken up in a beautiful hotel room earlier than you would like because the sun was shining brightly through the windows? A sleep mask is a great idea for the traveler on your list. They can use it anywhere- in the hotel, on a plane, or as a passenger in the car. 

4. Portable Tripods

Every traveler loves to document the different sights on their journey. However, it isn’t always easy to get the best picture while you are holding the camera. This portable tripod will allow the user to get the best possible picture ever while they are enjoying their vacation. 

5.“I Was Here” Journal

We all love to look back on our vacations and travels. Give the gift of the “I Was Here” journal, and give your loved one a great place to relive memories. Record addresses, interesting places, and itineraries. There is also a pouch to put memorabilia in, such as ticket stubs and notes. 

6. Samsonite Luggage Bag

This wonderful TSA-approved luggage bag is the only carry-on bag your loved one will need. It has 360-degree wheels and offers 2,600 cubic inches of luxurious packing space. It’s affordable and durable- the best gift for the traveler in your life. 

7. Digital Luggage Scale

Don’t ever get stuck with overage fees again with this wonderful luggage scale. Simply attach the scale to the handle of any piece of luggage you have, and then lift up the bag. Plus, the scale is only 3 ounces, so it can be taken anywhere easily.

8. Travel Mug

Having hot coffee or hot chocolate is the best when you are out on a journey. Give the gift of the best stainless steel travel mug that keeps all beverages piping hot for hours. The sleek design allows for easy storage and use. 

9. Personal Water Filter

If you know someone who is always out in the wilderness, this personal water filter should be a perfect gift. It will help them find clean water no matter where they are. Having access to clean water is not only a great gift for the traveler in your life, but it is also an awesome gift for anyone!

10. Compression Socks

Swelling legs are common for those who travel a lot. For the loved one in your life, pick a pair of compression socks that will increase their blood circulation and provide comfort at the same time. 

This is not legal, financial or professional advice. Please consult a legal, financial or professional advisor for your specific situation.

The post The Perfect Gifts for Travelers appeared first on CleverMoneyNews Blog.

1. Portugal

Consider Portugal as a safe European country. Out of all of the European countries, Portugal is among one of the most affordable countries within Europe. It is a gorgeous country filled with tons of delicious food and wine, stunning beaches, cliffs, and historic landmarks. Their capital, Lisbon has the best attractions for tourists, and just outside of the town there are plenty of bargain prices. 

2. India

India offers 15 places to travel on a shoestring budget. $1 USD is equivalent to 71 Indian rupees, saving US travelers 29 cents. It is considered as one of the best backpack destinations where it is almost impossible to spend $40 a day if travelers avoid up-scale hotels. India is an enormous country with incredibly delicious food, kind people, great history, and plenty of fun things to do. 

3. China

China is a marvelous place for travelers to create precious fun traveling memories and it is very affordable! If visitors want to save money, they need to get out of China’s large cities. You can find hostels at a rate price of $15 and food for only $2. Pretty affordable!

4. Cambodia

Cambodia is an Asian country based in Southeast Asia. It is a beautiful and inexpensive country filled with charming locals. It possible for travelers to find hotel deals for a room for the affordable price of just $20 USD. Food cost is from anywhere between $2 – $4 and visitors can visit in the country for a surprising amount of $20. They can spend $50 in a few days. Amazing! 

5. Eastern Europe

Eastern Europe countries like Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova are incredibly affordable countries. In Ukraine, if you are spending $40 a day, you are living large. Likewise, hotel rooms may cost you no more than $8 USD for a night and a couple of bucks for transportation.

This is not legal or financial advice. Please consult a legal or financial advisor for your specific situation.

The post 5 Places to Travel on A Budget appeared first on CleverMoneyNews Blog.

1. Oktoberfest

You can’t talk about October festivities without mentioning Oktoberfest. Though the main event is held in Germany, there are always dozens of copycat celebrations in major U.S. cities like New York, Denver, Cincinnati, Minneapolis and San Fransisco.

What is Oktoberfest? It’s basically an ode to beer. Good events will incorporate other aspects of German culture as well, but underneath the songs, costumes and sausages, most people go to Oktoberfest to get buzzed. If you’re the type to make friends with perfect strangers while you’re both slinging back a cold one, you’ll love this annual booze fest!

2. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

You won’t believe your eyes at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The sky becomes crowded with hundreds of big, multicolored hot air balloons, and only some of them have the “traditional” shape. Others are designed to look like animals, letters, foods, monsters, mascots, and anything that their builders can dream up. They basically parade floats powered by hot air!

Visitors to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta can enjoy the sights from the ground or take a trip of their own with a hot air balloon tour. You should probably hit the air at least once to cross it off your bucket list. It’s an experience unlike any other!

3. Bridger Raptor Festival

The Bridger Raptor Festival offers the rare chance to see a golden eagle migration. It takes place deep in the heart of Montana, so the weather will be nice and chilly in the autumn, but it’ll be worth the cold nose and crunched leaves when you see these beautiful birds in flight.

Another nice thing about the Bridger Raptor Festival is that it won’t cost you a dime. It’s open to the public as a no-fuss, no-cost event, so if you’re looking for vacation ideas on a budget, it doesn’t get better than free!

4. The Annual Pumpkin Festival

If you’re a sucker for pumpkin spice lattes, you won’t want to miss the Annual Pumpkin Festival. It’s held every year at the Stone Mountain Park in Georgia, and it’s a big, bustling event where you’ll find all kinds of games, rides, activities and booths.

It’s particularly nice for the little ones. If you’re looking for a place to travel with kids, this is your best bet. They can get their face painted or enjoy storytime with the locals while mom and dad join a pie-eating contest or learn how to make their own cider. Everyone wins!

5. Festival of the Dead

Last but certainly not least, nothing says “October” like a Halloween festival. The Festival of the Dead is held every year in Salem, Massachusetts, and as you might expect from the name, it’s a celebration of everything ghostly and ghastly.

Tour a haunted house. Get your palm read. Attend a masquerade ball with costumes and live music. There’s always something happening at the Festival of the Dead, so it’s a great getaway to take during the spookiest time of the year!

This is not for legal or financial advice. Please consult a legal or financial advisor for your specific situation.  

The post 5 Great Getaways in the U.S. appeared first on CleverMoneyNews Blog.