Family Vacation: Why its Important Save and Plan for One Every Year

Family Vacation: Why its Important Save and Plan for One Every Year

by | Travel

Planning a Family Vacation can be difficult when your life seems so busy. The days just fly by with everything from work, kids, after school programs, trying to stay in shape, family, friends, and so much more.

All of this makes taking a vacation difficult! We get it! 

On top of the busyness of life, you then have the expensive prices of traveling with airfare, hotel stays, and the cost of experiences when you get to your destination.

Everything combined seems to make the idea of taking a family vacation even more impossible. With all these factors in place, before you know it’s been years since you’ve taken a vacation. It’s time to stop letting that happen! It’s time to start saving and taking those much-needed vacations! 

If you ask me, I think taking a vacation should be required at least once a year for every family.

Now, we get that it can be difficult to leave your job for a week when all you can think of is “I need the money” or “I can’t leave my work because I’m afraid to get behind”. 

Just know anyone can make up their own personal excuses as to why they can’t take a family vacation. But we are here to tell you why you NEED to take a vacation and how saving and booking in advance ensures that you do! 

why it’s important to save for your vacation

Many people don’t have the capacity to just book a flight and take a two-week vacation at any time. If you’re like us and you want to take a vacation, it can take time to save up the cost to truly afford a trip and have a great experience. 

You need to save for your vacation because if you don’t, you may end up going years without dipping your toes in the sand or skiing down those slopes. Those years just end up going to waste along with all the Paid Time Off that you may have accrued.

So, whatever your ideal vacation is, start saving and searching now! Don’t let another year go by without taking the time off for yourself and family.

Another reason to save for your vacation is so you can enjoy your vacation while you’re there. Knowing you set aside money to spend will help you have fun without stressing on how much you’re spending.

It will also prevent over-spending and using money that should be used towards other important bills.


why it’s important to plan

Scheduling your vacations ahead of time gives you and your family something to look forward too.

As a kid, I remember when my parents would tell us months in advance when we were going to Hawaii or Disney. I looked forward to that time! I couldn’t wait until our family vacation.

Depending on your type of vacation, if you book early you can actually save money! Vacations like cruises for example.

Many cruise lines love to give out promotions to cruises a year in advance to get things booked up. Plus, by booking early you have the option to make payments throughout the year.

Another reason to book early is you’re more likely to go through with actually going. By booking early, you have the time to put in for PTO and schedule things in advance.

Plus, it also allows time for any family member to ensure that their documents, like passports, are up to date. The last thing you want is to pay more for a rushed passport because they can be up to $200 dollars.

Tips on how to budget for a yearly vacation 

Figure out how much your vacation is going to cost because the price is going to vary depending on where you are going and what you will be experiencing while you are there.

I like to schedule a year in advance because it gives you more time to save and pay it off. However, if you can afford and budget for a vacation sooner than a year away, then go for it!

Once you’ve broken it down, then add it in your budget. Look at it as a necessity like your mortgage/rent payment. After all, taking a vacation should be a priority for everyone! 

I hope this has inspired you to start searching, saving, and even book your next family vacation because you deserve it! Your family deserves it! 
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Best Ways to Make Great Coffee While Camping

Best Ways to Make Great Coffee While Camping

by | Camping, RV Tips | 2 comments

Nothing is greater than waking up, crawling out of your tent or RV to hear those birds chirping and breathing the crisp morning air while the sun begins to peak through the trees, except one thing, COFFEE!!

I love coffee and having a hot cup of joe while sitting by the campfire in the morning is one of my favorite things to do. It’s that moment in the morning time where you can relax, take in the scenery, and begin to plan your day before the heat and bugs come out to play.

Coffee has been a staple in households around the world for many generations, so it’s only obvious that one must take coffee camping. But how do you make coffee without electricity? We are so used to our Kuregs and Coffee pot brewers that knowing how to make coffee any other way is a little foreign. I get it!

Well, I am here to tell you that there are plenty of ways to get that perfect cup while enjoying the great outdoors without the luxury of electricity.

1. French Press

This is our favorite way to make coffee! I remember when I had no idea what a French press was or even how to use it.

When camping it’s as simple as warming up some water on the propane stove (if you have one) or the campfire in a kettle pot. Then pour your favorite coffee grains in, pouring in the hot water and letting it sit. The amount of time you let it sit depends on how strong you want your coffee to be. Once your hot water has set in the coffee grounds for the desired time, simply press the top with the strainer and screens in slowly. Once pressed all the way in, it’s time to pour that perfect cup or two of coffee.

The French press is a classic way of making great coffee and perfect for any camping trip!

How much Coffee does it make: Usually 2 cups
Ease of use?: Yes. It’s very easy to use and quick way to make a great cup of coffee.
Where to purchase?: Amazon or your local store. They usually have some decent French Presses in stock depending on the quality you prefer.

2. Instant Coffee

Before we discovered the French press, and when we moved into the RV fulltime, instant coffee packs from Starbucks was our go-to for coffee. They are fantastic and a great way to get a quick cup of coffee when you’re running out of time. I still use instant coffee for those situations when I just want a quick cup and don’t care about the kind of bean or precision in making the perfect cup.

I definitely do recommend this when camping because of how easy it is! All you need is a hot cup of water, and you pour in the pack of instant coffee. That’s it! You have a great cup of coffee in an instant.

How much Coffee does it make: 1 packet makes 1 cup
Ease of use?: Super easy and the quickest way to have a cup of coffee.
Where to Buy?: You can purchase from Amazon or Starbucks sells the packets of 7 in the coffee aisle at most grocery stores.

3. Classic Percolator Coffee Pot

Percolator Coffee pots are the most common way many make coffee while camping. They come in different sizes and styles. The Enamelware percolator coffee pot is a staple when it comes to camping. The classic blue speckled enamel makes me want to pack up the truck and go tent camping right now!

If you’re not into the enamel look, they have great stainless steel options as well that work wonders. The great thing about the percolators is they can make multiple cups of coffee depending on the size of the pot. Usually, it is about 8 cups total. So if you’re camping with a larger group, the percolators are fantastic!

How much coffee does it make: usually about 8 cups
Ease of Use: Pretty easy, just takes some time to brew.
Where to Buy: Amazon

4. Single Serve Collapsible Coffee Dripper

I first saw these on Amazon and thought how cool! They are single serve and collapsible so you can take it anywhere with you. These are nice so you can still have the fresh brewed tasting coffee as the hot water runs through the grounds, but not have to have a pot of any sort to carry or bring along. Plus they are BPA free silicone and super lightweight.

These are great for camping trips if you’re the only one who drinks coffee or you’re not going with a big group of people.

How much does it make: 1 cup per use
Ease of Use: Easy to use, but must have the paper filter along with it.
Where to Buy: Amazon

5. Coleman Propane Coffee Maker

Coleman, of course, is a huge name when it comes to camping gear. Of course, they would make a propane coffee maker. I honestly think this device is really cool and has the potential last many, many years! Coleman products are great products.

The propane Coffee Maker works just like your pot coffee maker back at home. It has an Instastart push-button ignition that will light your propane and start the brewing process. Great for camping, hunting, or anywhere that you will be outdoors without electricity. Also, it’s the best for larger groups because it can make up to 10 cups of coffee and one propane tank can keep the coffee hot for up to 4.5 hours.

How much does it make: 10 cups of coffee
Ease of Use: As easy as your Coffee Pot Maker at home
Where to Buy: Amazon

6. Portable Car Charging Single Serve Coffee Maker

If you’re camping, chances are you have a car of some sort. Cars have your 12v power outlets in them that you can plug in a phone charger or other adaptable items. Now, they have come up with the idea of a Portable Car Charging Single Serve Coffee Maker.

Since it is a single server it can use either a k-cup or ground coffee. When it comes to the hot water, you have a choice to either place the hot water in the cup or you can pour non-hot water in and it will warm up the water in about 10 minutes. Once you have hot water and the coffee is in, then all you do is press the button and it begins to brew a cup of coffee for you. It’s great for traveling and camping trips.

How much does it make: 1 cup 150 ML
Ease of use: Seems easy, according to instructions.
Where to Buy: Amazon

7. Manual Coffee Brewer for K-Cups

These are pretty cool for those individuals who love their K-cups. Now you can take your k-cups camping! These manual brewers are fantastic for camping or pretty much anywhere because the cleanup is so easy!

All you need is hot water, a coffee mug, and a k-cup. It’s also great for the whole family so they can pick their favorite coffee or hot beverage like tea or hot chocolate k-cups.

How much does it make: 1 cup
Ease of use: Easy and cleanup is a breeze
Where to Buy: Amazon

Every single one of these options is fantastic for getting that great cup of coffee while enjoying the outdoors with your friends and family. Whichever you choose, you can’t go wrong!

As I mentioned, my favorite is the French press but if I’m going to be camping with a lot of people who love coffee the Propane coffee maker or the Percolators coffee pots are great options. If you love the ease but hate the clean up then the instant coffee packets or the manual coffee k-cup option is perfect.

I hope you enjoy your camping trip and most importantly enjoy that amazing cup of coffee however you choose to brew!

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Should You Buy a New or Used RV? Analyzing the Pros & Cons

Should You Buy a New or Used RV? Analyzing the Pros & Cons

by | RV Tips | 50 comments

Should you buy a New or Used RV?

When it comes to buying your very first RV or even your second or third, there are so many things to consider. There is also the age-old debate that has many people confused about whether purchasing their RV new or used will be the better option.

For us, we thought about this the entire time we were searching for our home on wheels. We read Facebook groups, asked questions, and saw other people ask the same questions. We found that the majority of people said to buy “used”.

However, I was still so skeptical. Is buying used really the best option? During our research and purchasing timeframe, I set down and examined the pros and cons of purchasing an RV New VS purchasing an RV Used.

I also always kept in mind that I was purchasing our home. This was a place we will sleep, cook, play games, and live life full-time. I did NOT approach this purchase as the same as buying just a normal vehicle.  After all, a car doesn’t have a bathroom, fridge, sink, or propane tanks and generators.

So, let’s get to it and first examine the Pros and Cons of purchasing your RV New Vs. Used.

New & Used RVs for Sale Online - RVT.com

Pros and cons of purchasing a Used RV

Used – Pros

  • Usually cheaper than purchasing brand new. This make’s it easier to pay cash instead of financing.
  • Less guilt if you want to make any renovations whether major or minimal.
  • All the “Kinks” are worked out from others “breaking it in”.
  • Anything that needed to be fixed has usually been taken care of by the manufacturing warranty if the previous owner took advantage of the warranty.
  • Easier to negotiate price.
  • Lower Insurance
  • Less Depreciation from your point of purchase.

Used – Cons

  • Usually Sold AS IS without any warranties
  • If purchased used with a loan, you will usually have a higher Loan Interest Rate.
  • Unknowingly could purchase a LEMON or one that was not been maintained properly.
  • Could have mold, leaks, or more.
  • Unable to have your true pick of floorplans.
  • If purchasing a Motorhome, less fuel-efficient than a new motorhome.
  • Hidden Maintenance Issues.
  • Other people or pets misuse now becomes your problem.
  • Usually outdated appliances and décor (Unless you are going to be making décor renovations and upgrades, this isn’t a con)
Pros and Cons of Purchasing a New RV

New – Pros

  • It’s yours! No one has ever owned it before. (Nothing in the tanks that are foreign to you)
  • New Appliances, new furniture, and that new home smell.
  • Greater options and flexibility to search and choose the right amenities and floor-plan that is best for you and/or your family.
  • Manufacturers warranty
  • Ability to purchase directly from Manufacture and customize to your liking

New – Cons

  • Premium Price (Don’t be afraid to negotiate and check the prices nationwide for the same RV)
  • High Depreciation
  • Higher insurance
  • You have to work out the kinks and issues yourself

Now that you know the pros and cons of purchasing a used RV vs. a new RV, which is better?

Honestly, it really comes down to your own finances and your own personal reasoning. What is important to you and/or your family? Is it the money and not wanting a loan or is it making sure your floorplan and amenities supply the right needs for your family? I feel like there is really no “right” answer to the new vs used debate.

 

What we chose and why…

For Matthew and I, we searched all the floorplans and prices. After 6 long months of conducting comparisons on RV Trader and going back and forth on buying new or used, we found what we needed.

Ultimately, we decided to buy brand new, took out a loan, and got the perfect floorplan that fit us. We made the decision to buy new because we were going to live full-time and it needed to fit our needs. Making sure we were comfortable, happy and had a Washer/Dryer prep in our space was a top priority.

Also, we realized with our research that the type of RV we needed and wanted was the same price new as it was a few years older.

When you buy used, all the “kinks” are worked out, right?

Honestly, you can purchase a brand-new RV or a used RV and still have problems. There is no true guarantee that it will be perfect. We have only had one leak in a side window that was an easy seal up. So far we have been full-time living stationary for almost a year now.

So, just figure out your priorities and needs that are personal to you. I hope this helps and don’t forget to check out RV Trader to search for your perfect RV, whether you’re looking for a used one or a new one!

 

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Our Honeymoon at The Beloved Hotel (Honest Review)

Our Honeymoon at The Beloved Hotel (Honest Review)

by | Destinations, Hotels, Reviews, Travel | 2 comments

Our honeymoon trip was truly an amazing and memorable experience. Staying at the Beloved Hotel was like being treated like royalty. This Hotel is an all-inclusive adult-only dream vacation that didn’t cost a fortune. We were blessed to have this trip gifted to us by Matthew’s Father. The total trip cost including airfare was less than $2500. For a week-long vacation with spa day and airfare, the cost and value were unbeatable for us.

After our amazing wedding of spending time with our family and friends as we became one, we expected the honeymoon to be the cherry on top. We had been waiting for this much-needed vacation for a long time!

Plus, this was Matthew’s first time out of the country! So, I was even more excited for him to experience a different culture.

As we arrived at the Airport in Cancun we easily located our shuttle which was also included in our bundled purchase. The ride was a little cramped, but that didn’t bother us! We enjoyed a shuttled ride with other honeymooners.

As we got out of the van, there was staff waiting to grab our bags as well as hand us a nice cool damp towel to clean our hands and a celebratory champagne. First impressions are everything and they either make or break your entire stay. Our first impression of our honeymoon stay at The Beloved was impeccable.

Check in was a breeze, the staff was attentive and present. Our room wasn’t ready when we arrived, so we decided to explore and have a nice lunch overlooking the ocean. As we ate and explored they held our bags for us. I could already tell this trip was going to be relaxing and after planning a huge wedding, much needed.

Walking through the resort, you can really tell they pay attention to detail and cater to couples celebrating their honeymoons or anniversaries. All couples celebrating received a welcome banner across their doors as seen in the image. The details truly make it memorable and exciting to be celebrating.

Our stay consisted of many days on the beach, delicious all you can eat meals, and continuous flow of drinks. We played life-size chess, kayaked and snorkeled in the ocean. We enjoyed a beautiful relaxing couples therapeutic spa day that was complimentary with our honeymoon trip.

Our favorite night was the special 4-course meal prepared just for us on the beach. Matthew’s father happened to visit the same resort with his wife about a month before and made nice with the Manager. Therefore, when we arrived they had already been preparing a romantic beach dinner for our last night to enjoy at Matthew’s father’s request.

Even without that special dinner, the experience was more than we could imagine and we would go back in a heartbeat. If you are looking for a place to honeymoon, enjoy an anniversary, or just need a vacation; we recommend The Beloved.

Our opinions are our own. People may have other experiences with products, services, or places we recommend. We only recommend products, services, or places we have visited and enjoyed ourselves.

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