How to Travel for a Month or More on a Budget

Heading out on the open road for more than a short vacation is a daunting task, made even more daunting if your finances are tight. Budget travel can be exciting, but you have to find luxury in minimalism when you’re taking time off from work to experience the world for a month or more. These budget travel tips will allow you to splurge on a crazy cool helicopter ride or a worth-it wine tasting instead of overrated hotel rooms, all while earning you Cash Back at Ebates.

Wait to Book

Unless you can score an unbeatable deal on Hotels.com, shopping around in person, as opposed to online, can save you significantly, which is critical since accommodations likely will be your largest expense. If you’re doing on-the-ground research, do yourself a favor and get a backpack rather than hauling your roll-aboard suitcase down cobblestone streets or dirt roads. Summit Online has deals for backpacks that will suit travelers who need lightweight, durable options, such as this 65-liter pack from the North Face.

The North Face Terra 65 Backpack

Pack Like a Champ

Traveling for a month means keeping your packing to a minimum, but that doesn’t mean you need to look like a backpacker. Inevitably, you’ll need something to wear for a night out, so instead of packing a few dresses or spending money (and valuable space) on a new dress while on the road, invest in something that packs well and is versatile. A convertible dress that can be worn multiple ways is the ideal solution for looking and feeling great, even when you’re traveling on a budget. Wear it multiple ways over and over, and even you won’t notice it’s the same piece of cotton. Maybe.

Ellie Mei Women's Cotton Multiple Way To Wear Magical Dress

Travel by Ground

One of the best ways to keep your money in your pocket while traveling long-term is to travel by bus or train as opposed to by airplane. Booking convenient flights between budget travel destinations is a quick way to destroy your budget. Plus, over-ground transportation often is one of the best ways to see a new country and experience a place as a local would. Ground transportation is especially budget friendly if you head to a destination that has plenty to see and do all in one area, such as Southeast Asia.

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Stay Hydrated

No matter where you’re traveling, you’ll need to stay hydrated. Whether you’re hiking in the Andes or lounging on beaches in Southeast Asia, water may be an added expense. A SteriPEN water purifier from Walmart is the best budget option if you’re traveling to a place that may have unsafe drinking water. Sterilizing allows you to fill up with tap water and still stay healthy, saving you money and saving the environment from a month’s worth of plastic bottles.

SteriPEN Classic 3 with Pre-Filter

Keep Your Electronics Charged

A universal electrical adapter that can accommodate a USB is a must for international travel so you can charge your phone, camera, laptop or tablet. You may find yourself in places with different plugs and voltage (even if you’re just traveling from, say, London to Paris), so you’ll need to start your journey with a universal adapter that can fit various plugs. You won’t want to have to buy a new phone while traveling because you destroyed your old one by charging it with the wrong voltage.

Insignia™ - Travel Power Adapter - Black

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Gear and Gadgets for Men Who Love the Outdoors

gear and gadgets for menFather’s Day is right around the corner! Conveniently for you, it’s also the perfect time of year for sending dads or your other special guys out into the great outdoors with cool gadgets and outdoor gear from their favorite sporting goods stores. Whether you’re in search of electronic gadgets, outdoor gear or tech gifts for men, check out this handy list of awesome gift ideas that will help power outdoor adventures for years to come. Get ready to save a bundle with Cash Back from Ebates with any of these products. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for extra perks, like an early Father’s Day promo code, to stretch your tech and gadget gifts budget even further!

Asolo Men’s TPS 520 GV Anniversary Boot

Asolo Men's TPS 520 GV Anniversary BootThese 5-star hiking boots will have your favorite hiker heading off to the trail with top-of-the-line comfort and support for his feet.

SHADOW 40+10 Backpack

SHADOW 40+10 neon green backpackA versatile hiking backpack like this one from The North Face is an essential piece of outdoor gear for any backcountry-loving hiker.

Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 Elite Quadricopter

Parrot - AR.Drone 2.0 Elite Quadricopter

Shopping for cool gifts for your favorite guy? At the top of every man’s gadgets wish list right now is a drone. Add the ability to capture stunning aerial photos from mountaintops or waterfalls with a lightweight drone like this one.

Patagonia Men’s Piton Hybrid Hoodie

Patagonia Men's Piton Hybrid HoodyHaving the right outdoor clothing with you when you head off into the wilderness is a big part of what will make the trek a success. Check out this incredible wind blocking hoodie, available with Cash Back from Ebates online at Patagonia.

Eureka K2 XT Tent

SHADOW 40+10 yellow tentPerfect for both summer and winter camping, this top-rated high-tech tent, made by Eureka will seriously up anyone’s camping game.

MSR Miniworks EX Water Filter

MSR Miniworks EX Water FilterBringing along a water filter is a great way to both cut back on the weight of your pack and make sure you can get clean water if you run out. This water filter makes a perfect outdoor gear gift for any guy.

Therm-a-Rest Self-Inflating Mattress

Therm-a-Rest Self-Inflating MattressA great sleeping pad can make a big difference in how much one enjoys an overnight camping trip. This lightweight sleeping mat from self-inflates and is an all around awesome outdoor gear gift.

Garmin Forerunner 235 GPS Watch

Garmin Forerunner 235 GPS WatchLooking for outdoorsy geek toys or cool tech gifts for men? This Garmin GPS wearable comes from a family of durable tech that specializes in building cool gadgets for men that will help any dude track his steps, elevation and activity levels on and off the trail.

 

 

The Ultimate Summer Camp Packing Checklist

Kids playing tug of war at summer camp

Heading off to kids camp for the summer is a rite of passage for many children. Learning independence and other essential skills, your kids will always remember their summers spent off at camp. While it means more free time for you, sending the kids off for a summer session of fun at camp can certainly trigger the helicopter parent in all of us. This checklist will help you make sure your kids have everything they need to be happy and healthy while they’re away and making the most of their summer camp adventures. As an added bonus, get fabulous Cash Back at Ebates on each of the featured items!

  1. Sleeping Bag: An absolute essential for sleeping away from home. Keep you eye out for a summer sleeping bag promo code at Ebates.
  2. Sunscreen: Keep your kids safe by sending them off to camp with an ample supply of sunscreen
  3. UV Protection Shirts: For when the sunscreen inevitably wears off, a UV protection sun shirt is a great way to block those harmful rays from kids’ sensitive skin.
  4. Sun Hat or Baseball Cap: A hat is another essential in the sun protection arsenal!
  5. Swim Suit: Lake, pool or ocean, summer swimming is a camp favorite!
  6. Beach Towels: Send the kids off to camp with a towel that can stand up to countless hours in the pool. Bonus points if it’s extra unique or labeled so they can’t mix it up with other kids’ towels.
  7. Medications: Pack any meds your kids may need in a watertight container that’s clearly labeled with their name.
  8. Toiletries: Depending on the age of your kids, they may want to pack these themselves but ensure that they take soap, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant and their toothbrush and toothpaste!
  9. Shower Caddy: Help your kid keep their toiletries and bathroom essentials together with a durable shower caddy.
  10. Reusable Water Bottle: Send your kids off to camp prepared to stay hydrated with a tough water bottle like a fun printed one.
  11. Bedding: Check with what your kids’ camp requires for bed sheets but be sure to send a pillow with a pillowcase from home as it can help to ease homesickness.
  12. Bug Spray: Many kids camps are perfectly situated in the great outdoors for fresh air – and mosquitos! Don’t forget the bug spray!
  13. Summer Clothing: Packing a variety of layers is a great way to ensure that your kids will be comfortable regardless of the weather.
  14. Sunglasses: Something fun and inexpensive will help keep your kids’ eyes safe without worrying about scratches or lost glasses.
  15. Deck of Cards: Pack some cards or other small, simple games to help your kid make some new friends!
  16. Camera: Help your kids capture their favorite summer camp memories with a camera. Pack them a durable waterproof camera like this one to avoid accidents and make sure they have the necessary batteries or charging accessories.
  17. Shoes, Sandals and Flip-Flops: Make sure your kids have the footwear they’ll need for whatever activities the camp has planned and don’t forget flip-flops for the shower!
  18. Laundry Bag: Help your kids keep their stuff organized at camp for laundry day with a handy laundry bag.
  19. Small Backpack: Day trips are an awesome part of the itineraries at many kids’ camps. Make sure your kids have a small bag to help them participate in and enjoy these trips.
  20. Spending Money: Double check camp policy before sending cash off to summer camp with your kid, but if it’s allowed, sending some allowance money along with them can be a fun way for them to get some practical experience budgeting money out across the summer.

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The Essential Ultralight Backpacking Checklist

Traveler looks at the sea bay. VietnamSpring is here and it’s the perfect time to get out and explore the great outdoors. Packing for hiking and camping is a great way to get excited about the adventure ahead, but there’s definitely a delicate balance between making sure you have all the essentials and not weighing yourself down. Learning how to pack light is a combination of know-how and having the right gear. So before you hit the trails, take a peek at this ultimate ultralight backpacking checklist from your friends at Ebates. Whether you are a veteran hiker or new to the trails, here’s a useful checklist that will help save your back and some money when it comes to packing for your next hiking adventure.

Get the Right Pack for Your Body and Your Trip

GREGORY Z55 INTERNAL FRAME PACKAt the top of our backpacking list is the perfect pack. Having the right pack can make or break your hike before you even hit the trail. If your backpack doesn’t fit well, packing ultralight won’t matter because you’ll be struggling to get a comfortable fit with your pack the whole hike. Finding the right pack size is easy if you shop online at stores like Campmor where you’ll get Cash Back at Ebates. Check out awesome brands like Gregory for a variety of sizes to find your perfect fit in the ultralight backpack of your dreams, like this one featured above.

Picking and Packing Your Home Away From HomeVaude Hogan Ultralight 2 Person Tent

When it comes to deciding which tent to bring along on your ultralight backpacking trip, less is more. Long gone are the days of heavy tents and poles. The era of ultralight protection from the elements is here! Big tents have their time and place, but you’ll seriously regret lugging them along for an extended hike. Check online and in-store at Moosejaw for their stellar selection of ultralight tents like this one from Vaude and don’t forget to head to Ebates first to look for a lightweight tent promo code.

NRS Ultralight Wing Shelter for campingNeed more space? Consider skipping the poles and take shelter in a wing like this one from NRS (found at Eastern Mountain Sports) weighing in at only 368 ounces and providing 130 square feet of cover!

Camping Cuisine

Woman camping and cooking with portable gas stoveThe trail mix of yesteryear has gotten a serious upgrade thanks to the modern day interest in ultralight backpacking. Packing a full range of tasty meals for your hiking trip has never been so easy or so lightweight! Want to stock up or prep for a longer trip? REI offers a freeze-dried foods promo code if you buy eight or more, which means you can get the food you need to travel light while saving some dough. Make sure you pack at least one full extra day of food in case of an emergency and you’re good to go!

Water Filters & Purification Tools

Sawyer Complete Water Filter SystemIf you plan on a long hike off the beaten path, having access to clean water is going to be critical. While the babbling brooks out in nature are beautiful, the water isn’t necessarily safe to drink. Packing water filters or some means of purification can extend the length and range of your hiking adventure. REI has a number of incredible options that are great for keeping your pack ultralight, like this Sawyer Water System.

Pack Clothing That Can Layer

Nordic walking couple with jackets and polesThis one may seem like a no brainer, but put some serious thought into both the clothes you pack and those you’re wearing when you set off on your trek. Trying to strike the right balance between over-packing and not being well prepared can be tough but it’s essential for ultralight backpacking. Try packing layers that will wick away sweat but still keep you protected from the rain and sun. Looking for the perfect lightweight layers? Columbia’s online shop has an awesome selection of ultralight hiking clothing layers for both men and women, plus you’ll earn Cash Back at Ebates. Make sure to keep an eye out for a lightweight hiking apparel promo code and your pack will be lighter and your wallet a little fatter!

 

 

Win an Ultimate Campers Set from Campmor

campmor_blogheader

It’s a great big world out there. Come out and see it! If you’re dreaming of an outdoor adventure just in time for the upcoming sunny months, you might need a thing or two to make camping just a little more convenient and comfortable. Let us help get you started with a chance to win the ultimate campers set from Campmor, worth approximately $449! Read on to see what’s included in this package that will make roughing it just a little less rough.

What You’ll Win:

win

1. Marmot Traillight 2-Person Tent (1)
This tent has all the space you need for a solo or intimate camping getaway with plenty of space for two people and their gear. Color-coded poles and clips make for easy assembly, which is perfect for newbies.

2. Grand Trunk Hammocks (2)
Lightweight with bold, bright prints, these double hammocks can hold up to two people at a time. With two hammocks, they’ll be no fighting over who gets more hang time.

3. Princeton Tec Headlamps (2)
Headlamps are a must for any camping trip. Stay hands-free and ready to take on whatever jumps out at you from the darkness. Or, just be able to find the trail mix for a midnight snack.

 

How to Enter the Campmor Giveaway:

1. If you’re not already an Ebates member, join over 8 million other savvy shoppers who earn up to 40% Cash Back on almost everything they buy. Joining Ebates is free and you’ll receive a $10 Welcome Bonus when you join today at www.ebates.com.

2. After you enter your Ebates email, you can earn extra entries for each type of entry. Comment, tweet, pin, follow us, like us, circle us — the more you do, the more entries you get! This sweepstakes ends on Monday, April 6, 2015 at 11:59 PM PST. The winner will be randomly picked through Rafflecopter, and will be posted on Facebook and this blog. Please be aware of the Giveaway Rules.

Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox, as the winner will have 24 hours to accept the prize before we will choose another winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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