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Backpacking on a Budget: 10 States Where Your Dollar Goes the Farthest

December 18, 2024 By Teri Monroe Leave a Comment

Planning an affordable backpacking trip in the US — Image Source: Pexels

The United States might not be the first place you think of in the world for an affordable backpacking trip. However, there are so many iconic cities to visit and natural wonders to explore. While some places in the states are not as backpacker-friendly as others, there are many that are affordable and easy to navigate. Here we’ll discuss 10 states where with a little planning your dollar goes the farthest.

1. Louisiana

According to Statista, Louisiana is the most affordable state to backpack through in 2024. Results were based on the cost of three budget meals, a dorm bed at a hostel, two transportation rides, one paid cultural attraction, and three cheap beers as part of an entertainment budget. Not only is Louisiana affordable, but it also offers many cultural opportunities. There are also many backpacking trails and national parks throughout the state. Whether you’re looking for an experience in nature or you’d rather stroll the streets of the French Quarter, Louisiana has something for everyone.

2. Florida

Affordable backpacking in Florida — Image Source: Pexels

If done the right way, backpacking through Miami Beach can be affordable. Many of the city’s hostels are a stone’s throw from the beach. There’s also a free trolley throughout the city. Dining can be expensive in South Beach, but you can find many affordable meals in Little Havana. As far as inexpensive nightlife, the Wynwood design district has affordable bars and clubs.

3. Nevada

While you may not think of the city of Sin as being an affordable place to backpack, as long as you stay off of the Strip in Vegas there are many affordable options for travelers. Accommodations and food in the Arts District or Freemont Street are more affordable. Plus, there are awesome outdoor adventures outside of the city. You can hike through Red Rock Canyon and further north there’s the Valley of Fire State Park. If you do visit Las Vegas, take advantage of free activities like the botanical gardens or gallery of fine art inside The Bellagio.

4. Michigan

Affordable backpacking in Michigan — Image Source: Pexels

Especially in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan is a beautiful state to backpack through. There are gorgeous trails, lakes, and isolated beaches to see throughout the state. Since most of your backpacking adventure will be centered around the outdoors this state is an affordable trip. There are several options for accommodations including tents, cabins, and lodges. For a fun excursion, check out Mackinac Island.

5. Ohio

Backpacking in the Midwest is very affordable. Ohio is full of hills and valleys and is home to the Allegheny Plateau stretching across the southern and eastern parts of the state. Between Akron and Cleveland is Cuyahoga Valley National Park. There’s also Hocking Hills which is known for sandstone caves.

6. Tennessee

Downtown Nashville — Image Source: Pexels

You could spend a lot of time backpacking through Tennessee. If you stop in Nashville, the home of country music, make sure to spend some time in the honkey tonks on Honkey Tonk Highway. While Nashville proper is expensive, if you stay outside the city, you can save money. Surrounding towns like Franklin have plenty to do as well. You can take a tour of the Jack Daniels distillery or eat at iconic restaurants like the Loveless Café. Cumberland State Park is also a popular destination for backpackers.

7. North Carolina

There are several destinations in North Carolina that are good for backpacking on a budget. The best places to visit are the Boone and Asheville areas. Downtown Asheville has a vibrant arts, music, and brewery scene. You can also find affordable accommodations like camping sites or cabins outside the city in smaller towns like Boone.

8. Arizona

Backpacking through the Grand Canyon — Image Source: Pexels

Of course, an iconic backpacking trip is to explore the Grand Canyon. You can take advantage of guided ranger-led hikes of the South and North Rim. As far as lodging there are many affordable options and there is a shuttle service throughout the national park.

9. Illinois

Nestled in Southern Illinois between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, the Shawnee National Forest is a popular destination. You’ll find hickory forests, wetlands, canyons, and a variety of other geological features. If you’re looking for a challenge, the 200-mile Great Chicago Thru-Hike is on many bucket lists.

10. New York

While New York City isn’t very affordable, it can be done on a budget. Focus on to-go food like pizza and bagels and free attractions to affordably backpack through the city. You can stroll through Central Park, visit Chelsea Market, and see where the ball drops on New Year’s Eve in Times Square. For nature enthusiasts, the Appalachian Trail has more than 2,100 miles of rolling hills and peaks.

Affordable Backpacking Through The US

With so many options right here in the States, you don’t have to go to Europe to have a backpacking adventure. These 10 locations can easily be explored for less than $100 a day. With research and planning, you can affordably backpack through breathtaking landscapes and iconic cities.

Where have you backpacked through and what is your next trip to?

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Planning a Baby Shower? 7 Tips for Hosting on a Budget

December 11, 2024 By Teri Monroe Leave a Comment

Planning an affordable baby shower — Image Source: Pexels

It seems like baby showers are becoming expensive events. The average baby shower costs anywhere between $200 and $1,000, with some being even more pricey. Influencers are partially to blame for this. They post their perfectly curated showers on social media and many people start comparing their showers. The reality is, you don’t have to hire a party planner or spend thousands of dollars to have a beautiful celebration. If you have been tasked with planning a baby shower for yourself, a family member, or a friend, you may be wondering how to throw a great party on a budget. Here are a few tips to help you pull it off.

1. Choose an Affordable Venue

Baby shower choose an affordable venue — Image Source: Pexels

The best place to host a baby shower, of course, is in someone’s home. However, that isn’t always possible. If you need to search for an affordable baby shower venue, it’s time to get creative. Usually, popular venues like restaurants, hotels, and breweries all have a high price tag. Instead look for unique venues like town-owned buildings, halls, historic homes, parks, or bookstores. Make sure the location allows you to bring in your own food or has a kitchen that you can use. This will save you a considerable amount of money.

2. Make Your Own Favors

Affordable baby shower favors — Image Source: Pexels

Shower favors can be a huge expense, especially if you shop at candy stores or Etsy. Instead, you can make your own favors with a little creativity. Try dipping Oreos in chocolate or baking sugar cookies in baby-themed shapes. If you aren’t skilled at baking, you can repurpose Rice Krispies Treats by putting them on a stick, wrapping them in plastic, and finishing them with a bow. Depending on your theme, you can also send guests home with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate in decorative containers like mason jars. The key is to think outside the box!

3. Get Food from Costco

One of the best hacks for throwing a baby shower is to make your own food and buy it at a store like Costco. Then, you can elevate the food with a few simple steps. Costco in particular has several items that will help you save money. They offer charcuterie platters, large salads, mini pancakes, macaroons, pasta salad, and more. You can look like you had the event catered by focusing on the presentation. Salad or yogurt parfaits in individual cups are cute for the occasion. You can also create grazing boards, a charcuterie spread, a butter board, or baskets of pastries for added elegance. There is plenty of inspiration on TikTok and Pinterest. Remember, light bites or a dessert bar are appropriate for a shower, especially if it’s in the afternoon. You don’t have to go all out.

4. DIY It

DIY baby shower decor — Image Source: Pexels

It may be tempting to hire a balloon artist for your event, but it will set you back hundreds of dollars. Instead, DIY projects will save you. Consider ordering a balloon arch kit on Amazon instead. You can usually find them for less than $30. The dollar store has a lot of baby decor from cute plastic strollers to add to centerpieces, balloons, and vases. With a hot glue gun and some patience, you can create stunning decor for less than half the price of a professional.

Diaper cakes are an affordable and adorable option for DIY decor too. Plus, the parent-to-be can reuse the diapers. All you need is diapers, something for support in the middle like a cardboard paper towel roll, and decorations like fake flowers and ribbon. Most sellers on Etsy charge upwards of $100 for diaper cakes, but you can easily put one together for much less.

Lastly, games are an easy thing to DIY. Instead of paying $20 on Amazon for baby trivia, create a template and print it yourself. Small purchases like games tend to add up, so be mindful and DIY as much as possible.

5. Ask for Help

Affordable baby shower ask for help with cake — Image Source: Pexels

When planning a party of any kind, utilize your resources. Is your friend a great baker? Ask them to make the cake! Did someone work as a florist years ago? Great, they can help with the centerpieces! It takes a village to raise a child, but it also takes one to throw a shower. You can also ask everyone to bring something potluck-style to help cut the cost of the celebration.

6. Find Affordable Flowers

While you don’t have to use fresh flowers at the event, there are some options for doing so affordably. Many people buy their flowers at Trader Joe’s for savings. The typical bouquet from Trader Joe’s can be as little as $4. You also can order flowers from Sam’s Club or Costco in bulk for a reasonable price. Wood flowers are also a great option if you want to decorate more sustainably. Several online sites sell wood flowers and all the supplies you’ll need such as containers, wire, and Styrofoam. Plus, this is something the mom-to-be can have as a keepsake from the special day or they can double as party favors.

7. Utilize Discount Sites

baby shower decor — Image Source: Pexels

If you need party items like table runners or game prizes, don’t go to a big box party store. Instead, use sites like Oriental Trading or Temu to find what you need. You can also check out your local Dollar General to see what they have available. Another great tip is that many people have leftover decorations from their showers that they sell on Facebook Marketplace. Keep an eye out for items in your area. This option is so much more affordable than buying items at a party store.

Throwing an Affordable Baby Shower

gifts for new mom — Image Source: Pexels

Throwing a baby shower can be costly, but it doesn’t have to be. With these tips in your back pocket, you can plan a shower on a budget. If you find that you’re still overwhelmed with the cost, you might consider alternatives to the traditional get-together. Many moms have hosted nesting parties or virtual showers to eliminate the cost of throwing a baby shower altogether. At the end of the day, your friends and family will be excited to celebrate the new baby.

Do you have any special tips for throwing a baby shower on a budget? Let us know your secrets in the comments.

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How to Budget for Essential Home Improvements

December 9, 2024 By Erin H Leave a Comment

Home improvement projects can significantly enhance your living space, but they also require thoughtful planning to ensure you stay within your budget. Whether you’re upgrading for comfort, safety, or style, knowing the costs and potential growth of certain markets can help you make informed decisions. Here’s how to budget for essential home improvements while incorporating insights into common upgrades.

1. Assess Your Priorities

Before diving into a home improvement project, identify which upgrades are essential. Focus on areas that improve functionality, safety, or energy efficiency. For example, a privacy fence can provide security and curb appeal. The average cost for installing a privacy fence is around $22 per linear foot, according to Forbes. Knowing the cost per foot can help you calculate expenses based on your yard’s size and prioritize fencing within your budget.

2. Consider Financing Options

Depending on the scope of your project, you might need to explore financing options. Small-scale improvements can often be paid for out-of-pocket, while larger projects may require a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or personal loan. Establishing a clear budget upfront, including all material and labor costs, will help you determine whether financing is necessary.

3. Plan for Window Upgrades

Windows play a crucial role in your home’s energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal. If you’re considering adding or upgrading window coverings, it’s helpful to know that the global market for window coverings is projected to grow at an annual rate of 8.5% from 2024 to 2030, according to Grand View Research. This growth reflects an increased demand for modern, energy-efficient options, which may lead to greater availability and competitive pricing. Allocate part of your budget for window treatments that enhance insulation and privacy.

4. Account for Safety and Accessibility

For homeowners focused on aging in place or improving accessibility, installing a stair lift is an essential improvement. The market for stair lifts and climbing devices is estimated to grow annually by 9.1% from 2023 to 2030, according to Grand View Research. As demand rises, more options are becoming available, ranging from basic models to high-end devices with advanced features. Researching costs and trends can help you budget effectively for this type of upgrade.

5. Break Down Costs

Breaking down the total cost of a project into smaller components—such as materials, labor, and permits—can provide better clarity. For example, if you plan to renovate your bathroom, calculate how much each fixture will cost, including installation. Allocate an additional 10–15% of your budget for unexpected expenses, such as repairing water damage or addressing outdated wiring.

6. Balance Aesthetics and Functionality

When budgeting for home improvements, it’s easy to focus on aesthetics. However, balancing functionality with style ensures you get the best return on your investment. For instance, when adding a privacy fence, prioritize durable materials like vinyl or treated wood that withstand weather conditions. Similarly, when selecting window coverings, look for options that blend beauty with energy efficiency, such as cellular shades or thermal curtains.

7. Research Contractors Carefully

Hiring the right contractor can make or break your project. Obtain multiple quotes to compare costs, and ask for references to ensure quality work. For complex installations like stair lifts, work with professionals experienced in accessibility upgrades. This ensures the installation is safe and compliant with regulations.

8. Incorporate DIY Where Possible

While certain projects require professional expertise, others can be tackled with a DIY approach to save money. Painting, landscaping, and installing simple fixtures are tasks many homeowners can complete with basic tools and a bit of guidance. Keep in mind, however, that safety-related upgrades like electrical work or stair lifts should always be left to licensed professionals.

9. Monitor Trends in Home Improvement

Staying informed about market trends can help you make smart choices when budgeting for home improvements. For example, as the demand for window coverings and stair lifts grows, you may find seasonal sales or promotions that align with your needs. Timing your purchase wisely can help you stretch your budget further.

10. Evaluate Long-Term Benefits

Some home improvements, such as installing energy-efficient windows or a stair lift, may come with long-term savings or benefits. While the upfront cost may seem significant, these investments often pay off through reduced energy bills or enhanced accessibility, making them worthwhile in the long run.

Budgeting for essential home improvements requires a balance of careful planning and flexibility. By prioritizing necessary upgrades like privacy fences, window coverings, and accessibility features, you can enhance your home’s functionality and comfort. With insights into market trends and average costs, you’ll be better equipped to allocate your resources and achieve your vision for your living space.