If you’ve followed us for a while, you know that we love our Tep International WiFi Hotspot. It’s unlimited internet has kept us connected all over the world, which is essential when you travel and work as much as we do.
We’ve used our original Tep 3G pocket WiFi for well over a year now. That’s given us plenty of chances to review it and I honestly don’t know how we managed without it! As frequent travelers, it’s kept us connected while traveling in countries like Canada, the USA, Mexico, Europe, Ecuador and even Colombia, among other places. Since we work as we travel, we need reliable WiFi everywhere, and we found that we have that with our little Teppy. If you’re interested, you can read our original review of the Tep here.
The International WiFi Hotspot – Tep 4G WirelessWhen Tep reached out for us to try their brand new 4G International WiFi hotspot, lovingly called the Teppy, we agreed in a second, since we used their original Tep 3g device so much. We’ve had the new 4G Teppy for almost a month now, and we’ve had a chance to test it in Mexico and in Jasper, Alberta, as well as central Alberta and British Columbia. What really got our attention is that Tep includes unlimited internet, which is never cut off, regardless of how much you use. Click here to see Tep plans and pricing.
Is the Tep 4G as fast as they say it is?We recently tested the Tep 4G service near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. In our tests over the course of a week, the Tep 4g had a speed of over 30 Mbps. That’s pretty impressive. 30 Mbps is plenty fast to stream video on multiple devices, and more than adequate for social media, phone calls, email and streaming. Tep itself says that the 4G speed is likely to be around 18.6 Mbps, but we found our Tep 4G to be faster.
What does it cost?It’s only 8.95 a day to rent a Tep, with free delivery. Returns are easy with the prepaid envelope. You get the Tep device, a handy carrying case, a charging cable, and a compact wall charger with adapters for different voltages. For me, the Tep battery lasted for about seven hours without recharging. To get 10% off now, use our link to Tep Wireless and enter code barefootnomad.
Tep for short trips and family vacations This is Tep’s most popular plan. You rent the Tep device for $8.95 per day, with free delivery to your home or hotel. To return, you just pop it in the return envelope at the end of your trip. Who’s this for? We think the Tep rental plan for short trips works best for travelers who only take one or two trips a year, or who aren’t sure if they’ll like a mobile WiFi hotspot. Tep for frequent and business travelers This is the Tep plan that we use. Instead of renting our Tep, we bought it outright and it travels with us everywhere. It came with 3 days’ service, and the device cost $99. Additional days are only $8 per day. We really love that we don’t have to return the Tep at the end of every trip and it fits nicely into our electronics bag. We think that the Tep for frequent travelers makes sense if you travel three or more times a year, and you’re sure you’ll use an international WiFi device somewhat regularly. If the WiFi is good as we travel, we leave the Tep tucked away. However, if we’re somewhere remote where WiFi isn’t available, or I can’t find a good connection, I just connect the Tep, and voila, instant WiFi. It’s a pay as you go service, so all I have to do is turn on the Tep, grab the Wifi Signal, and I’m connected. Tep is a pay as you go service so if you don’t use it, it costs you nothing. How does it work?The Tep grabs the nearest cell signal, and uses that data to give you WiFi. Because it uses multiple carriers, we’ve found that the Tep often gives us WiFi when our cell phone can’t get a signal. This is a huge advantage everywhere, but especially in places like rural Canada where cellular coverage can be spotty, even for major carriers. To use the Tep, all you do is turn it on and connect your smartphone, tablet or computer using the Password and SSID (which is the WiFi name) on the front. It doesn’t require any setup, cables or installation. You can connect up to five different devices to one Tep and your day of data lasts for a full 24 hours from the moment you connect. Can I use the Tep with my Kindle?Yes! The Tep works with any device that’s WiFi enabled, like Windows and Mac laptops, smartphones like the iPhone, Android, Blackberry and Windows phones, plus tablets like the iPad as well as games consoles and anything else that connects to WiFi. What countries does it work in?The Tep works in over 100 destinations worldwide, including Canada, the USA, most of Europe, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, much of the Caribbean, and many countries in South and Central America. Who will like the Tep 4G?All travelers An international pocket wifi is perfect for travelers. It can keep you connected, even when the hotel WiFi you were promised is down. It allows you the hassle of trying to find a local SIM for your phone or buying an expensive international data plan when you might only need data for a day or two of your trip. Families and groups Since multiple people (up to five devices at a time) can connect to the Tep simultaneously, it’s perfect for families and groups. The nice part is that when you factor the per device cost in, using the Tep is often the cheapest route to share data with multiple people when you travel. Business travelers Business travelers need reliable WiFi to get work done. Since we travel so often, and work as we go, I think we fall into this category. I was stuck in the Edmonton airport for about three hours waiting for my shuttle on a trip to Jasper, and the airport WiFi wasn’t working. My monthly cell data plan only includes so many megs of data so I pulled out the Tep and had a productive three hours while I waited. Road trippers and RVers Campground WiFi is notoriously sketchy, so having your own mobile device can ensure you’re connected even when you’re out in the wild. We’ve used our Tep to stream Netflix while out camping on rainy days and I especially loved being connected on a five hour shuttle bus to Jasper. I got a lot of work done, and had a little downtime streaming YouTube videos to my tablet while in the shuttle. Solo travelers I loved having the Tep with me on a girl’s trip to Boston last year. Since my Canadian phone service didn’t work in Boston, it was nice to know that I was always connected with the Tep and everyone in the group used it as well. People who don’t like to get lost! When we travel, we find ourselves checking local transit maps and Google maps constantly. We often preload the places we’re going to be while on WiFi but that doesn’t help when we need to do some research on the go. It’s nice to have our Tep with us so that information’s always at our fingertips if we need it. We actually used our Tep this Spring in Florida while we were waiting to find out if our AirBnB rental came through and then while driving to it. Since we had it anyway, the kids streamed Netflix from the back seat while we did the 3 hour drive from Fort Lauderdale up to Orlando. Tep for Pokemon Go lovers! My kids figured out pretty quickly that the Tep 4g is the perfect thing for playing Pokemon Go around town. Every so often, I pull out our little Tep, we all connect, and we head out for an afternoon catching Pokemon. Because it’s a day to day type of device (once you connect you get a full 24 hours of use), it’s a small cost for a few hours of family enjoyment and it allows our kids to not need their own data plan. WiFi hotspot rental in EuropeWhat’s the best mobile hotspot device for international travel? Well, we haven’t tried every mobile hotspot device, so we can’t say for sure which is the very best. That said, the Tep 4G has served us very well in three continents, and there are plenty of great reviews for the Tep 4G service in Europe. How to rent Tep and moreWant 10% off? Use our link to Tep Wireless and enter barefootnomad where it asks for the Discount Coupon. If you have more questions, just ask us below (we’re happy to help if we can) or head on over to the Tep website. from The Barefoot Nomad http://www.thebarefootnomad.com/tech-2/this-international-wifi-hotspot-gives-you-unlimited-travel-internet-the-tep-wireless-4g/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/166990720853
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The Beach Club Jazz Session
The Paris Conservatory will perform at The Beach Club the evening of Halloween on Tuesday, October 31 at 9pm. Enjoy a very special evening of live music and Sancocho at The Beach Club (regular menu still available). This event inaugurates the weeklong activity of culture along the north coast when the Jazz Festival comes to our area November 1-5, 2017.
The Sancocho special will be available for $10 USD, no cover charge.
The post Paris Conservatory Jazz Session appeared first on Sea Horse Ranch. from Sea Horse Ranch https://sea-horse-ranch.com/paris-conservatory-jazz-session/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/166856832448 Spring Vacation in the Dominican RepublicSea Horse Ranch is offering a travel special on villa rentals for your Spring vacation in the Dominican Republic (*from March 1 -31, 2018). Reserve your spring luxury getaway for four nights and receive the fifth night free. Put your savings toward splurging on other indulgences like our in-villa spa services, private chef, nannies for children and custom curated day-trips and excursions, perfect for the whole family. Enjoy Spring vacation at Sea Horse Ranch, where all villas have their own private pool and tropical gardens, range from three to six bedrooms with en-suite bath, have modern, fully appointed kitchens and living areas with media centers, and enjoy privacy, tranquility, and comfort at our luxury, oceanfront resort. Guests of Sea Horse Ranch are welcome to enjoy the resort’s fine amenities which include a Tennis Center with five clay courts, our oceanfront swimming pools, and an Equestrian Center with professional staff and impeccably cared for Thoroughbreds, Paso Finos and more, with miles of oceanfront bridal paths, perfect for your horseback ride along the beach. Our concierge team will arrange reservations for you at the many outstanding international restaurants in the area. Private chef services are also available. The touristic areas of Cabarete and Sosua provide a perfect playground for a fun-filled Spring Break with the multiple beaches, water sports, hiking, biking, golf and spas to choose from. To see more of what the area has to offer, watch the video for the spectacular sights of Sosua and Cabarete, the top resort towns on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic. Come and enjoy an amazing getaway, please contact us for more information. *Please note this promotion is not valid with any other special offers. The post Special Offer for Spring Vacation at Sea Horse Ranch appeared first on Sea Horse Ranch. from Sea Horse Ranch https://sea-horse-ranch.com/special-offer-spring-vacation/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/166791060463 The Dominican Republic Jazz FestivalFEDUJAZZ, Constitutional Weekend Fun, and The LineupThe Dominican Republic Jazz Festival is a fun time in Cabarete and falls on Constitution Day weekend. Set around the country, it’s one of the biggest cultural events in the Caribbean. We’ll tell you about how Jazz Fest gives back to our local community, the vibe in Cabarete, and all the details for this years lineup. FEDUJAZZ – Educational Foundation for Jazzfest
Cabarete Is The Place To Be During Constitution Day WeekendOur beach transforms into a concert arena for the event. Always scheduled to fall on Constitution Day weekend, the Holiday itself is always observed on a Monday. Hence, a long weekend off work for locals. Long weekends are always busy for Cabarete as we’re a favorite vacation spot for Dominicans. Who can blame anyone for loving our beach side restaurants, nightclubs, watersports, and clean crystal blue waters? Cabarete during Constitution Day weekend is a fun time. This is due to the Jazz Fest and the biggest Surf Competition in Dominican Republic happening at the same time. The Encuentro Surf Classic is a four day event in which surfers come from all over the world for a chance to win big cash prizes. Here is the schedule of the event at a glance:
Visitors come from all over the world for the surf competition, the long weekend, and the Dominican Republic Jazz Festival. In short, Cabarete is the place to be on the first weekend of November. The Line-Up for the Dominican Republic Jazz Festival 2017The grand finale of the celebration is on Saturday and Sunday. Cabarete is always the closing location for the Festival that also sets its stage in Santo Domingo, Santiago, Sosua, and Puerto Plata. The main stage is set up in front of Pomodoro Restaurant. The concert is free and anyone can enjoy it from the beach. To sit in front of the stage you can buy VIP tickets online. Festival Date, Show Location, Country DedicationSunday, October 29, 2017 – Santo Domingo, Plaza España – France
Wednesday, November 1, 2017 – Santiago, Centro Leon – Argentina
Thursday, November 2, 2017 – Sosúa, Amphitheatre Hotel Casa Marina – Israel
Friday, November 3, 2017 – Puerto Plata, Independence Park – Brazil
Saturday, November 4, 2017 – Cabarete Beach – United States
Sunday, November 5, 2017 – Cabarete Beach – Puerto Rico, Italy & DR
The Annual Dominican Republic Jazz FestivalGigi | Cabarete Events, Things to Do in Cabarete | No CommentsThe Dominican Republic Jazz Festival FEDUJAZZ, Constitutional Weekend Fun, and The Lineup The Dominican Republic Jazz Festival is a fun time in Cabarete and falls on Constitution Day weekend. Set… Nail Salons in Cabarete, Dominican RepublicGigi | Cabarete Life, Cabarete Locals Guide, Dominican Culture, Things to Do in Cabarete | No CommentsNail Salons in Cabarete, Dominican Republic Use this as a guide to choose your experience Going on vacation to the Dominican Republic is the best way to pamper yourself. Getting… Cabarete Date Night On A BudgetTracy | Cabarete Locals Guide, Things to Do in Cabarete | No CommentsInexpensive Date Night Ideas in Cabarete, Dominican Republic A couples holiday in the Caribbean doesn’t have to be expensive. When you stay in one of our beachfront condos in Cabarete,… Save The post The Annual Dominican Republic Jazz Festival appeared first on Better Than a Hotel – Cabarete Palm Beach Condos. from Better Than a Hotel – Cabarete Palm Beach Condos https://cabaretecondos.com/dominican-republic-jazz-festival/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/166586596873 The Dominican Republic Jazz FestivalFEDUJAZZ, Constitutional Weekend Fun, and The LineupThe Dominican Republic Jazz Festival is a fun time in Cabarete and falls on Constitution Day weekend. Set around the country, it’s one of the biggest cultural events in the Caribbean. We’ll tell you about how Jazz Fest gives back to our local community, the vibe in Cabarete, and all the details for this years lineup. FEDUJAZZ – Educational Foundation for Jazzfest
Cabarete Is The Place To Be During Constitution Day WeekendOur beach transforms into a concert arena for the event. Always scheduled to fall on Constitution Day weekend, the Holiday itself is always observed on a Monday. Hence, a long weekend off work for locals. Long weekends are always busy for Cabarete as we’re a favorite vacation spot for Dominicans. Who can blame anyone for loving our beach side restaurants, nightclubs, watersports, and clean crystal blue waters? Cabarete during Constitution Day weekend is a fun time. This is due to the Jazz Fest and the biggest Surf Competition in Dominican Republic happening at the same time. The Encuentro Surf Classic is a four day event in which surfers come from all over the world for a chance to win big cash prizes. Here is the schedule of the event at a glance:
Visitors come from all over the world for the surf competition, the long weekend, and the Dominican Republic Jazz Festival. In short, Cabarete is the place to be on the first weekend of November. The Line-Up for the Dominican Republic Jazz Festival 2017The grand finale of the celebration is on Saturday and Sunday. Cabarete is always the closing location for the Festival that also sets its stage in Santo Domingo, Santiago, Sosua, and Puerto Plata. The main stage is set up in front of Pomodoro Restaurant. The concert is free and anyone can enjoy it from the beach. To sit in front of the stage you can buy VIP tickets online. Festival Date, Show Location, Country DedicationSunday, October 29, 2017 – Santo Domingo, Plaza España – France
Wednesday, November 1, 2017 – Santiago, Centro Leon – Argentina
Thursday, November 2, 2017 – Sosúa, Amphitheatre Hotel Casa Marina – Israel
Friday, November 3, 2017 – Puerto Plata, Independence Park – Brazil
Saturday, November 4, 2017 – Cabarete Beach – United States
Sunday, November 5, 2017 – Cabarete Beach – Puerto Rico, Italy & DR
The Annual Dominican Republic Jazz FestivalGigi | Cabarete Events, Things to Do in Cabarete | No CommentsThe Dominican Republic Jazz Festival FEDUJAZZ, Constitutional Weekend Fun, and The Lineup The Dominican Republic Jazz Festival is a fun time in Cabarete and falls on Constitution Day weekend. Set… Nail Salons in Cabarete, Dominican RepublicGigi | Cabarete Life, Cabarete Locals Guide, Dominican Culture, Things to Do in Cabarete | No CommentsNail Salons in Cabarete, Dominican Republic Use this as a guide to choose your experience Going on vacation to the Dominican Republic is the best way to pamper yourself. Getting… Cabarete Date Night On A BudgetTracy | Cabarete Locals Guide, Things to Do in Cabarete | No CommentsInexpensive Date Night Ideas in Cabarete, Dominican Republic A couples holiday in the Caribbean doesn’t have to be expensive. When you stay in one of our beachfront condos in Cabarete,… Save The post The Annual Dominican Republic Jazz Festival appeared first on Better Than a Hotel – Cabarete Palm Beach Condos. from Better Than a Hotel – Cabarete Palm Beach Condos https://cabaretecondos.com/dominican-republic-jazz-festival/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/166582477813 Cabarete has changed out of all recognition from the sleepy fishing hamlet that it used to be only a generation ago. Where once there were nets hanging out to dry on the beach there are now hordes of kite surfers out to enjoy the steady breeze and some of the best ways in the Dominican Republic. They join surfers and lovers of the pristine sands and crystal clear water to have fun in the sun. One of the most wonderful beaches for those with a love of kite surfing is the aptly names Kite Beach. Kite beach might get a little crowded on the days when the wind is just perfect, but there’s always room for anyone from novice to professional and everyone is in it for the fun. A friendly vibe and people who are always willing to lend a hand to even the newcomer make this one of the most welcoming kite surfing beaches in the world. If you’re in the mood for a dip in the ocean this is not the beach for you. The sheer number of kite surfers makes the danger of simply being run over by a high speed kite aficionado simply to great – but if you’re into kites this is the place to be. after hours satisfaction is also guaranteed by the large number of restaurants and other attractions that are within easy reach of Kite Beach. Seeing as the beach is under two miles from the center of Cabarete any kite surfer is spoiled for choice when it comes time to leave the water and seek alternative forms of entertainment. For instance if you don’t feel like mingling with the masses take a trip to Wineyard, the first wine shop that has been opened in Cabarete. You can also pick up some tasty snack that will pair perfectly with the wine from Australia, New Zealand and South America – However, if you want to do something which involves interacting with the rest of the kite surfing community who have gathered in the town then you would do well to head towards Gordito’s Fresh Mex where you will have access to some of the freshest and most tasty Tex Mex seafood that can be found anywhere on the planet. Great value for money and a fantastic atmosphere make this an eating experience that simply cannot be missed. You simply must try the fish tacos – they are absolutely divine. There are also numerous opportunities for late night fun in Cabarete. Whatever blows your hair back. You can join in the fun at a pool hall, sing karaoke or dance the night away. This is a town where a days kite surfing can be following by a night of absolute fun with like minded lovers of wind and sea. However – be mindful that your late nights, no matter how much fun are going to cut into your real reason for being in the town – the magnificent surf and pumping wind. You’ve been warned, Kite Beach awaits. from OnTheDR http://www.onthedr.com/the-dominican-republic-cabarete-kite-beach/ from On The Dominican Republic https://onthedr.wordpress.com/2017/10/18/the-dominican-republic-cabarete-kite-beach/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/166532258228 Whether you’re throwing the kids in the minivan and heading out to see the Grand Canyon, or jumping on a jet and heading to Paris for some croissants and a tour of the Eiffel Tower, the truth is, it can cost a lot more when you travel with kids. Before we traveled with our kids, we just had to worry about airfare for the two of us, and hotel rooms that would fit a couple. Today, our airfare costs are now times four instead of two and while we’re gone, we also need more room for the kids to sleep. Plus, we need more reliable access to laundry since kids are messy. In hot countries, we also find that the kids are a lot more susceptible to extreme heat and humidity, so we often use air conditioning to keep them happy and comfortable. All of that adds up to spending more on family trips than when traveling as a couple. Despite the extra cost and logistics, we love to travel with our kids, and we’ve traveled with them to every continent except Antarctica. No, we definitely didn’t win the lottery, and we don’t have a huge trust fund. We can travel with our kids because we’ve discovered ways to save money on family vacations that lets our dollar go farther and last longer. So whether you’re staying someplace for a day or a week, here are some tips for saving money when traveling with kids. Stay LongerYikes, that doesn’t seem to make sense, now does it? However, we’ve found that that the longer a trip lasts, the lower the per day cost. The reason for this is simple. When you have more time, you have time to do things differently. Instead of renting a car or taking expensive tours, you can can jump on a bus and see something on your own. You can slow your schedule down to see what you want to see, exactly how you want to see it.
Bonus: Longer vacation. Con: Figuring out a way to get extra time off work and potential lost income (though you’d be surprised how much time you can get if you ask and make sure it’s not your companies busiest time of the year). Travel FartherWe realized long ago that there’s a cost to living no matter where you hang your hat at night. It’s just that there are many places where you can live much cheaper than in North America. So while it might be tempting to jump in the car and tour a few States or Provinces over, jumping on a plane and heading someplace different might end up costing you less. This is especially true if you do some of your own cooking while you travel. Bonus: Wine in Southern Europe is $2 a bottle Con: Getting out of your comfort zone (but maybe this is actually a plus!) Eat inNow eating in on holiday doesn’t sound appealing, but the reality of eating out with kids everyday for a week or two is enough to deter even the hardiest of family traveler. Let’s face it, kids can be temperamental and fussy at times, and making sure they’re always on their best behavior can get tiring awfully quickly. I wish I could say our kids ate everything we set in front of them, but that’s not the case. We have days where the kids both turn up their noses if the mac and cheese is simply the wrong consistency. My suggestion? Eat breakfast in your room before heading out and eat every third supper in. Keep it simple, with a bowl of cereal and fruit for breakfast and make your simplest (yet favorite) supper. The kids will enjoy the comfort of home and you still get to eat out most nights on your trip. There’s one surprising bonus to this – you get to shop at your destination. It can be a lot of fun to browse markets and find new foods and products all over the world! Bonus: The kids will have more energy for the day if they can eat and then play while you get the day’s activities ready. Con: You have to buy groceries and cook (though we love browsing in different grocery stores around the world since it gives us a great understanding of popular dishes and eating styles). Snack timeIt doesn’t matter if they’re two or ten, kids have smaller stomachs and need to eat more often than adults. Instead of wasting the entire family’s time and money in a restaurant, pack snacks for on the go. Whether that means cutting up some local fruit to take with you, or a couple of packages of Handi-Snacks or squeeze applesauce packages, it’s up to you. The reality is that no one wants to deal with a hangry child, at home or on vacation, so take something with you whenever you go. Bonus: Not having to stand in long lines for things you can buy at the corner store for a fraction of the price. Con: Snack prep time (however checking out local fruit and snacks can be an adventure in itself). Bundle and saveJust like shopping in bulk saves you money, buying attraction passes all at once can save a lot as well. I’d love to say that we practice this ourselves, but we find that we travel too last minute, and like to leave our options open most of the time. That said, using multi-passes and city cards can save you a lot of money if you plan on visiting a lot of attractions. Using a company that offers city tourist passes for multiple places all on one card not only saves you from standing in long lines (especially in summer) but if you’re an energetic family it allows you to save tons while getting to see some of the best sites a city offers. We like GoCity Cards and CityPASS cards, as they cover a lot of European and North American cities. You can see GoCity passes here. Bonus: Families can split up and visit different attractions depending on what their interests are. Con: If you don’t visit enough attractions, these multi-passes aren’t a great value (though it does force you to get out and see more). Family DiscountsDoes your family size make the Brady Bunch look small? If so, many major attractions around the world have deals for large families. We usually find that our family of four doesn’t get much of a deal, but if you have five or more in your family then the savings can add up quickly. If you’re a group of eight or 10 you can usually get group rates (sometimes even on airfare!) so if you’re traveling with another big family it’s worth looking into group savings. Bonus: Renting a limousine or van for a big group is often cheaper than taking a bus. Con: The logistics of group travel can be a challenge (though you might get to ride around in a limo!) Kids stay or eat for freeThis is one of our favorite discount tips for travel with kids! Some parents don’t know that most hotels, even all-inclusive hotels, don’t charge for kids under 12. Sure, you might need to pay for their flights if you’re going somewhere far, but once you’re there, the kids may not cost you a dime. The same goes for restaurants, lots of restaurants offer free food for toddlers and even small children. Bonus: Most resorts offer free kids clubs during the day that will occupy your kids while you relax by the pool and drink margaritas. Con: Kids over 12 often don’t qualify. Our oldest just turned 12, and we’re feeling the pinch a bit (though he can now babysit so that’s a plus). Rent a houseSure, an all inclusive down in Cabo might sound divine, but you can likely stay twice as long if you stay in an Airbnb or VRBO house or condo. You might have to do a little more cooking, but with the money you save you can hit some of the nicer restaurants. You’ll also have more space for a little extra privacy than a hotel room would offer and there will be more areas for the family to spread out so when you’re tired from your long day of adventures, everyone gets their own space to relax. Bonus: You can even do your own laundry. Con: You can do your own laundry (though at least you can rest assured it will come back and be in one piece when it’s done). Kids fly free before age twoWant to sit on the beach in Bali or go visit family on the other side of the country, but the thought of three airplane tickets leaves you in a cold sweat? If you have a child under age two, there’s good news, as nearly every airline offers free flights to kids under age two. Sure, they have to sit on your lap for the entire duration but chances are, at that age they’re going to anyway. Bonus: Strollers and car seats aren’t included in your baggage restrictions. Con: You’ll have a wiggly kid in your seat for the flight (though that might make your neighbor move to another seat giving you and your family the entire row). Free museum daysWant to go check out the Gugenheim museum, but know your kids won’t last an hour? The good news is that a lot of museums around the world, like Madrid Spain, have free museum days. Sure, they can be a little busy, but with that extra bit of saved cash you can afford that extra large mocha cappuccino. Just make sure you don’t take it into the museum, they frown on that. Bonus: There are usually more kids on free days so if yours are a little hyper they’ll fit right in with the rest. Con: Museum time with the kids (though there are some great children museums out there too). Extra carry-onsWith the abundance of low cost airlines out there, you can save a pretty penny by sticking to a budget airline. Unfortunately, that low cost can get quickly eaten up if you have to pay for every bag you carry. The good news is that every person, regardless of size, gets the same luggage allowance. That means that with many airlines, even budget airlines, your three year old is allowed a full size carry-on and a personal item. So instead of packing one massive bag for everyone, split your stuff up with a bag for each of you and get the kids to carry little backpacks with a few of their stuffies or toys so you don’t have to. Don’t think you can manage carry-on only? Check out our post on how we travel carry-on only for a family of four. Bonus: Smaller bags are lighter to carry, easier to throw in a trunk or boot and make looking for your kids socks much easier. Con: If your kids are little, you’ll need to manage more little suitcases (though they will be lighter than a massive one and kids love pushing rolling suitcases around). Bonus milesWhether you generally fly with one airline or many, most companies won’t let you use your reward number for your kids flights. It might sound like more work than you want to do, but if you fly with one airline more than the rest it makes sense to sign up each person in your family so they can start earning miles. Some miles can be spent on things like lounge passes and even on plane refreshments so they won’t go to waste. Bonus: A lot of companies use the membership number to prefill your flight information when you go to book so you won’t need to enter everyone’s info every time you book a flight. Con: The hassle of applying for, and managing, multiple rewards cards (sorry, no upside to this, it sucks but it’s worth it). Bring your own car seatsThis may sound like a no brainer, but if you’re flying somewhere and planning to rent a car once you’re there, you can save money by bringing your own child seat. Car rental places often charge $7 to $15 a day for car seat rentals, so you can save a bundle if you’re renting for a while.
Bonus: You’re guaranteed to have a good seat if you bring your own. Con: You need to lug the seat on the plane and to your hotel (though you can use some car seats in the plane to make the kids more comfortable). Travel off-peak timesYes, winter break, summer holidays and spring break make the most sense to take the kids on a cross country trip, however everyone else is also doing it. What that means is that prices are jacked way up, availability is limited, and you’ll face lineups everywhere you go. Instead, go a week before or a week after the holidays. You’ll get the same weather and the same experience, but with a fraction of the people and a fraction of the price. If you can, book travel before and after peak times. Bonus: It’s easier to book time off from work in the shoulder seasons and you might be eligible to get double time if you’re the only one working over the holidays to help pay for the trip. Con: You may have to pull the kids out of school for a few days. Do you have any tips for saving money on a family vacation? Let us know! from The Barefoot Nomad http://www.thebarefootnomad.com/family/13-expert-tips-for-family-travel-on-a-budget/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/166507845323 If you visit the Dominican Republic then Cabarete should certainly be on your list of places to enjoy. Not only is this a haven for those in the surfing community – but it is also a place where kite flying and kite surfing takes top awards for the greatest outdoor experience in the country. If you want to visit this part of the Dominican Republic and you are into extreme sports such as kite surfing there can only be one choice when it comes to accommodation – the Extreme Hotel. This is where the best and brightest of the kite surfing community gathering in a great place to enjoy the company of others who enjoy this high adrenaline sport and the sheer beauty of this wonderful area of the Dominican Republic. eXtreme Hotel Cabarete 5 km 10.5, Cabarete 57000, Dominican Republic Head southeast on Route 5 2.5 km The Extreme Hotel is much more petite than some of the larger urban resorts – but that only adds to its appeal. This 20 room hotel is tailored to a very specific clientele – those who enjoy not only the adrenaline of the kite surfing lifestyle, but those who also want to find a place that is eco friendly and where management makes every effort to ensure that their mark on the planet is a s small as possible. But that does not mean that the hotel does not boast some of the best facilities in the region. For those who want to unwind after a long day on the water there is the solar powered pool where tired muscles can relax and the body is prepared for another day out on the surf. Getting into bed is a stress free option for those who have the health of the planet in mind. this is the only hotel in the region that is powered by the sun. The Extreme Hotel is completely solar powered which gives those with a eco friendly attitude a cause for celebration. The attitude towards the environment does not mean that you will be without the modern conveniences – the hotel has three wireless Internet zones where guests can stay in contact with the rest of the world and post those all important images of the fun that they are having on the coast. There is also a complete fitness zone to keep those who want to enjoy the outdoor life in tip top shape even when the wind and surf are not running their way. Guests can also enjoy yoga instruction to keep both mind and body in shape and in alignment. For those who want to enjoy the best cuisine Casa Mami eXtreme is there to provide farm fresh meals in a setting that is both relaxed and welcoming. And with a setting that is at the waters edge there is no reason to start missing the attraction of the ocean – it’s only steps away. You can have your entree and take a trip onto the sands to stir up an appetite for dessert – and plan you next day on the beach and the waves. from OnTheDR http://www.onthedr.com/the-best-accommodation-for-kite-surfers-in-cabarete/ from On The Dominican Republic https://onthedr.wordpress.com/2017/10/16/the-best-accommodation-for-kite-surfers-in-cabarete/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/166452340048 The Dominican Republic is known for it s natural beauty and the friendliness of the its citizens – however it is sometimes easy to get lost in the myriad of different offers as far as accommodation is concerned. Far too often are visitors lured into the blandness of an international resort experience when they could have the opportunity to enjoy the hospitality and comfort of a small and intimate resort where both nature and welcoming locals are the focus – rather than bland resort offerings. Visitors to Cabarete in the Dominican Republic do have a choice – and for many that choice has led them to the Natura Cabana location. here they will find ten bungalows built from stone and wood in keeping with the resorts commitment to eco friendly accommodation. These chalets are charmingly furnished – and although they do not feature air conditioning it is a small price to pay for the sheer beauty of the natural environment which surrounds them. You will be hosted by Soledad “Lole” Sumar and her four daughters who all like like they should be gracing a fashion shoot somewhere. They are incredibly welcoming and their attitude contributes to what makes Natura Cabana such a welcome escape from the prepackaged offerings of larger resorts. One thing that is immediately apparent is that you are only yards from the beach. The sounds of the surf will lull you to sleep in the evenings, while the songs of birds will greet you in the mornings. This is as close to paradise as you will ever come. Enjoy the images of Buddha that accompany you as you wander the pebble paths of the small and intimate resort on the way down to the beach where you will be joined bu other guests and possibly a local dog or two who are keen to join in the fun – locals as well will be there, not selling things and pressuring, but just there to enjoy the ambiance of calm and serenity that surrounds this magical place. As you wander past the organic garden that fuels the restaurant on the premises you will wonder why you had ever considered the option of a tourist resort run by a large chain. This is as authentic experience of hospitality that you will ever encounter. If you are in the Dominican Republic you owe it to yourself to spend a few nights here. from OnTheDR http://www.onthedr.com/have-a-laid-back-experience-at-natura-cabana-in-cabarete/ from On The Dominican Republic https://onthedr.wordpress.com/2017/10/15/have-a-laid-back-experience-at-natura-cabana-in-cabarete/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/166438361013 This article is in partnership with KAYAK. As always, all thoughts and opinions are our own. Holiday travel can be tough. Not only are there more people in the air, on the roads, and in hotels all around the world, but prices also tend to skyrocket during the holidays. To help ease the pain of holiday travel, we’ve partnered with the world’s leading travel search engine KAYAK to showcase some of our best holiday travel tips and hacks to make holiday travel easier. First as a couple, and now as a family of four, Charles and I have travelled together since 2002. In those 15 years, we’ve managed to learn a few things about holiday travel. Some were tougher lessons than others.
Sometimes, we’re the ones who’ve made the mistake, like the time we were stuck in a small Thai town for 3 days because we forgot to check if local transportation shut down for the holidays. Other times, we’ve learned from the mistakes of our Barefoot Nomad community, as well as friends and family. Either way, those mistakes have taught us plenty. Here are our best, hard-learned travel hacks and tips for holiday travel to help you save money and travel more smoothly this holiday season.
Don’t wrap gifts before you flyWe’ve been guilty of this one. Wrapping gifts before your flight sounds like a great way to save time when you’re flying, right? Unfortunately, no. Airport security can ask you to unwrap gifts to see inside, meaning you may have to wrap them twice. We’ve also found that gifts often get little tears and rips in transit, anyway. Instead of pre-wrapping our gifts, we now bring tape and wrapping paper and child safe scissors for this reason. Gift bags are also a great solution, as you can easily pop the gifts into the bags at your destination. Even better, consider shipping your presents to your destination ahead of time. You can also have presents shipped directly to relatives through Amazon as a gift. Just be sure to tell your recipients not to open them before you get there! Sign up for price alertsPrice alerts have saved us a lot of money over the years. Last year, we needed to fly over the Christmas Holidays in late December from Calgary to Cancun, Mexico. You could have knocked me down with a feather when I first saw the high prices. Even worse, almost all of the flights had a long connection somewhere in the USA. Luckily, we had over a month to find a better price, so I set up a flight alert. Boom! A few days later I got a flight alert saying that there was a sale on direct flights on one of our favorite Canadian airlines. Taking two minutes to set up a flight alert saved us hundreds of dollars, and also a lot of time. You can set a Price Alert on KAYAK to get customized alerts to your email Inbox. You can even get alerts for hotel price changes as well as flights! That way, if your flight or hotel price drops, you’ll get an email letting you know right away.
Take advantage of cancellation policiesWe’ve rarely seen this tip anywhere else, but it could save you a lot of money. Book in advance to lock in a good price, but make sure that your hotel or flight has a clear, no cost cancellation policy. Then, mark the last day you can cancel by on your calendar, and set a reminder for a day or two before. If your plans change, or if you find a better deal before the cancellation date, you can cancel without penalty. If your plans don’t change, you’ll have grabbed a good early booking discount. Stay flexibleIt’s hard to have a lot of flexibility during the holidays, but if you can use an alternative airport, or fly on alternative days, you can save a lot of money. Even managing to move your flight or hotel reservation a day or two can be a big money saver. Here’s how to get flexible dates on your flight searches. When you search for airfare on KAYAK, enter your travel dates and use the Flex Search feature by adjusting the depart and return options from the dropdown box. This shows you how much money you can save by showing up to three flexible arrival or departure days. Here’s an example of how much you can save using Flexible Dates. We searched for a flight from Vancouver to Toronto over the holiday season at the end of December. We used the Flexible Dates feature on KAYAK, giving us three days flexibility for either departure or arrival dates. The most expensive flight was $973 from December 22 to December 30. With a little flexibility, we found a flight for $630 from December 20 to December 29. That’s a savings of $343 a ticket! Even better, the cheaper flight was a non-stop flight with Air Canada. As a family, we book four tickets, so the Flexible Dates we found on KAYAK could have saved us a whopping $1,372 ($343 per ticket times four)! Consider Christmas in early DecemberEven if you’re incredibly flexible on dates, travel during holiday peak season costs more, and attractions are almost guaranteed to be more crowded. If you can reschedule your trip, consider travelling during low season. Not only do prices drop, there are also fewer people around, and you’ll have a better choice of accommodation.
Be prepared for delaysUnfortunately, since the holidays often bring poor winter weather and busier airports, delays become more common. You may end up having an extended wait at your gate, or even a delayed flight. Be prepared by having a movie on your phone or laptop (Netflix now lets you download many shows for offline mode!) in case airport WiFi is overwhelmed or spotty. Strongly consider buying trip cancellation and interruption insurance that covers you for itinerary changes or cancellations. Choose alternative airportsWant to save even more money or get a more direct flight? When selecting your destination on KAYAK.com, check the little box that reads Nearby Airports at the top of the drop down menu. You’ll automatically see results for airports close to your original choice, which can help you snag a flight with a chance of fewer connections or at a better price. Miami and Fort Lauderdale are perfect examples of this. We’ve saved hundreds per ticket by flying into one airport and departing from the other. We’ve also saved by flying into one place and renting a car and driving down to another. The nice part is that we’ve often incorporated the drive into the journey. Like the time we flew into Las Vegas, stayed for a few nights then rented a car and drove to Arizona to visit family. Not only did we get to check out Hoover Dam but we also had the opportunity to see the Grand Canyon and the picturesque town of Sedona. The nicest part was that we saved so much on our tickets by flying into Las Vegas that it paid for the cost of our rental car and a few nights in a hotel. For Canadian flights, depart from the USA insteadFor Canadian departures or arrivals, you can save a fair bit of money choosing an alternative airport at a border city in the United States. It’s common practice for Canadians to do this, but it’s not common practice for other nationalities flying into Canada. You’ll need to drive, or grab a bus or taxi from Canada, but you can save a lot of money. We did this for a trip to Oahu, Hawaii back in 2012, choosing to depart from Bellingham, Washington instead of Vancouver, Canada (the cities are 56 miles or 89 km apart). We saved hundreds of dollars on that flight, plus we got a better direct flight, and had a chance to do some shopping in Bellingham on the way back. Common US border cities are:
Book two one-way flightsSurprisingly, booking two one way flights with different airlines can save money over a round trip ticket with the same airline. At KAYAK, they call these Hacker fares, and they can get you more affordable fares, and better flights.
Fly on the actual holidayWe’ve found some smoking hot airfare deals by being willing to travel on Christmas Day and even New Year’s Day. Since most flyers want to be at their destination early, tickets for flying on the actual holiday are often more affordable. We’ve flown on Christmas day and New Year’s Day several times over the years when trying to see both sides of our family during the holiday break and have found it to be one the quietest times to fly. As a bonus, companies often include holiday perks like special snacks and holiday themed meals. We even had the president of Canadian airline Westjet join us on our December 31st flight to wish the passengers Happy New Year! Ready to book?Start your travel planning at KAYAK.com, and try out some of these hacks. Want to share your best hacks? Hit up social media with the hashtag #KAYAKTravelHacker! from The Barefoot Nomad http://www.thebarefootnomad.com/travel-tips/our-best-holiday-travel-tips-and-hacks/ via Tumblr https://cabaretedr.tumblr.com/post/166392588808 |
AuthorLearn about traveling and living in the Cabarete, Dominican Republic. Good places to visits and fun things to do in Dominican Republic. Archives
October 2018
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