Well, tomorrow is Memorial Day, and even if the weather has been less than ideal (who can remember this much rain, wind etc. in Spring?), we can be optimistic that Summer will bring better days!
So where are we going? David’s Car Service (aka Rides With David), doesn’t just go to Logan Airport (and many other local airports). We also frequently take clients to venues such as Fenway Park, for games and concerts, as well as TD Garden, Symphony Hall, Huntington Theater, and smaller venues in places like Weston, Lexington, Waltham, even Worcester.
Casinos too! Encore in Everett/Boston is quite awesome, with 10 restaurants, gorgeous grounds, and thousands of machines and tables to make your dreams come true! Speaking of restaurants, we just went to Lu Lu Green yesterday in Southie, and it was SUPERB! Check out my review on Yelp.
Family vacations are a time for creating cherished memories, but they can also bring stress and expenses if not planned wisely. In this guide, we’ll explore practical tips to reduce stress and save money when planning your next family getaway. Presented by Rides with David, let’s delve into strategies that will transform your vacation into a memorable and budget-friendly trip!
Traveling During Off-Peak Seasons
Travel during off-peak times to enjoy lower airfare and accommodation rates. This simple adjustment can significantly impact your travel budget, as airlines and hotels often offer discounted prices during less crowded seasons. By avoiding peak travel periods, you not only save money but also sidestep the hassle of dealing with large crowds at popular tourist destinations. This allows you to make the most of your chosen location, exploring it at your own pace and without the added stress of navigating through throngs of tourists.
Take Advantage of Vacation Home Rentals
Opt for vacation home rentals instead of traditional hotels. Vacation homes often provide more space, privacy, and amenities, all at a lower nightly rate than hotels. When selecting your accommodation, consider its Walk Score to ensure it’s in a walkable area. This way, you can explore your surroundings on foot, saving on transportation costs while enjoying a more authentic experience. The convenience of having your own kitchen also allows you to prepare some meals, further reducing your expenses.
Snack on a Budget
Bring along healthy, budget-friendly snacks for the whole family. Airport and convenience store snacks can quickly eat into your travel budget, so packing your own food can lead to significant savings. Not only will this help curb unexpected hunger pangs, but it also ensures that you have nutritious options readily available. This is especially important when traveling with children, as hungry kids can lead to increased stress.
Always Look for Free Activities
Take advantage of free or low-cost activities at your destination. Most places offer a range of attractions and experiences that won’t strain your budget. Explore local parks, relax on the beach, visit museums, and immerse yourself in cultural sites that offer free admission or nominal fees. By embracing these opportunities, you can enjoy your destination to the fullest without breaking the bank.
Try to Be Flexible
Stay flexible with your travel plans. Be open to last-minute deals, itinerary changes, and unexpected opportunities that may arise during your trip. Being rigid in your plans can lead to added stress and missed chances to save money. By remaining adaptable, you can take advantage of special offers, discounted tickets, or spontaneous adventures that can enhance your family travel experience without inflating your expenses.
Plan for the Downtime
Pack entertainment options for downtime and transit. Long flights, layovers, and quiet evenings at your accommodation can be made more enjoyable for both adults and children with books, games, and digital devices. These simple diversions not only keep everyone entertained but also save you from having to spend on expensive in-flight entertainment or last-minute purchases to keep the kids occupied.
Hands-Free Travel with Baby Carriers
If traveling with an infant, invest in a comfortable baby carrier. This allows you to keep your hands free while ensuring your little one is content. It’s a practical and cost-effective solution that can make traveling with a baby considerably less stressful. Whether you’re exploring a new city or navigating the airport, a baby carrier provides convenience and peace of mind.
With these savvy strategies, you can turn your family vacation into a stress-free and budget-friendly adventure. Whether you’re exploring off-peak destinations, making smart accommodation choices, or simply packing some healthy snacks, these tips will help you create lasting memories without the worry of overspending. Make your journey filled with joy, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. Traveling with your family should be a time of bonding and enjoyment, and with these tips, you can achieve just that.
Today I am enjoying a little downtime, and rejoicing in the quiet time between summer and the new school year. I hope you are enjoying this time also.
Here is a song by Abigail and John, good friends of mine. I find it to be sad but beautiful and captivating. John needs our prayers right now, he is in the hospital with lung cancer.
What happens when you lock down Americans for the better part of a year?
We are now finding out! Americans are traveling in record numbers, despite the high anxiety and cost caused by pilot shortages, fuel prices, and covid testing/sickness.
Here is our advice, compiled after hearing hundreds of stories from our flying clients.
Plan Ahead—Does not mean things will not change, but you have a good chance at a good deal
Stay Flexible—Flying for a graduation means going a day early. Lots of flight changes!
Wear a Mask—Others may not, but your mask could avoid Covid illness and quarantine or worse
Bring Cash—I cannot understand people who do not bring cash on a trip. DCS discounts for cash!
Eat less animal foods—This will reduce your chances of getting sick, and aid your digestion.
Check your flight status often.
If possible, do not check bags. If you must check bags, bring a change of clothes and meds in carryon.
Do not expect everything to go as planned. Make the best of things, and all will be well
We would love to drive you to/from the airport, but we will also drive you anywhere on the east coast!
We live in a time when technology is very powerful.
We have fast cars, sharp knives, and powerful computers that can hurt people, animals, and the planet.
That is why we need to be careful. But thinking has decreased during this period, due to poor eating, lack of oversight, greedy corporations, And the pandemic.
People don’t signal when they drive, they use their smart phones in traffic, and they are rude and angry. This causes a lot of traffic accidents, and deaths.
It is understandable to want to be in a safe vehicle, and we highly recommend it. The safest vehicles are Japanese (and Korean) cars, the newest sedans such as the Camry, the accord, and the legacy and Altima.
Some people are very into status, and think that an expensive German car should be safer. Truth is, they are less reliable, more expensive to maintain, and no safer. SUVs in general, are less safe than sedans, because they have a higher center of gravity, even if they have all wheel drive.
We all know how delicious some foods like burgers, pizza, BBQ, cookies and ice cream are.
BUT…
Our health is in massive decline
Pandemics are caused by eating animals
The environment is being destroyed by eating cows, dairy and seafood
Animals are suffering horribly and so are people who see this connection
COWS ARE THE LARGEST SOURCE OF METHANE
The really good news is that there are some very healthy choices out there, that are also very delicious.I’m not talking about Impossible Burgers or Beyond Meat, which are made in a laboratory and seem scary.I’m talking about tofu and Tempeh and seitan and mushrooms and grains and Jerusalem artichoke pasta and oat milk and so many more great things.
Rides With David 