Happy Saturday! Hi Reader, Have you seen all the TikTok videos about “The Great Lock-In”? Basically, people are treating these last four months of the year as their time to really lock in on goals, bucket lists, and plans. And I am HERE for it! So I thought why not do the same thing for travel? Here’s how I’m using September to get “locked in” for Fall travel and activities and save money while I’m at it: 🍂 Week 1: Clear the summer clutter I’m putting away all my Summer stuff, and making my...
11 days ago • 1 min read
Happy Saturday! Hi Reader, Labor Day weekend often feels like the last big chance to soak up summer, but you do not have to spend a fortune or even leave town to enjoy it. With a little creativity, you can turn the holiday into a staycation packed with fun, free, and affordable activities. Here are a few ideas you can try, and some examples from my own backyard. 🎶 Local Festivals, Parades, and Fairs Many towns host special events over the holiday weekend. If you are not sure where to start,...
18 days ago • 2 min read
Happy Saturday! Hi Reader, I want to start today's email with some updates from some stuff going on over here at Discovering Hidden Gems. 1️⃣ For starters, we are in the process of merging our Timeshares, Resorts, and More review blog with Discovering Hidden Gems. So basically, the 60 or so hotel and resort reviews we have on that site will all be moved over to this blog and interconnected with all the relevant content we already have. That project should be done in about a week, so check out...
25 days ago • 3 min read
Happy Saturday! Hi Reader, Some of my favorite trips have included a day that cost $0 but was packed with unforgettable moments. Today I am sharing my favorite way to plan your own $0 Entertainment Day while traveling ✈️. Step 1: Find Free Tours 🗺️ Many cities offer walking tours that are totally free and led by locals who know all the secret spots. Check the visitor’s bureau or sites like FreeTour.com before you go. Step 2: Check the Event Calendar 🎶 From free concerts and art walks to...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Happy Saturday! Hi Reader, Let me introduce you to your new favorite travel tool (surprise - it’s already on your phone). 📱 It’s called Google Lens, and it’s one of the most underrated free tools for planning (and saving) on your next trip. Here’s how I use it for travel: ✨ Spot a deal on social or email? Screenshot it, open Google Lens, and let it scan the text/image. It’ll pull up reviews, alternate booking links, and sometimes a better price elsewhere. 🌎 Traveling internationally? Use Lens...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Happy Saturday! Hi Reader, If you're not using AI to find cheaper travel, you're leaving money on the table. And the best part? You don’t need to be techy. You just need to know where to go and what to ask. Step 1: Head to chat.openai.com That’s where ChatGPT lives. Create a free account. (No need to pay unless you want extra features.) Step 2: Open a new chat and ask something like: “Can you help me find cheap flights from Orlando to San Diego in October?” “What are some affordable...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Happy Saturday! Hi Reader, Happy Leo Season! 🦁 With my birthday coming up next month, I thought it would be the perfect time to talk about birthday freebies. For years, I have collected birthday freebies from restaurants and retailers, even ones that I literally only go to for my birthday freebie. I've shared this extensively in my Las Vegas Birthday Freebies blog post where I share over 125 places that offer birthday freebies. Many on the list are available nation wide or regionally, so...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Happy Saturday! Hi Reader, I am home from my nearly 3 week trip to Florida! I spent lots of time traveling between Disney World, Port St. Lucie, and Tampa. I got to try some new to me Disney restaurants (which is rare because I've been nearly everywhere). But I'm happy to be home, settling back into a routine, and seeing my favorite babies. I have a fun announcement this week - A little over a year ago, I took part of Discovering Hidden Gems and made a new brand called Timeshares, Resorts,...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Happy Saturday! Hi Reader, Here’s a little travel secret most people miss: Late August through mid-September is one of the cheapest times of the year to travel. 🏖️ Why? Because summer crowds are thinning out, kids are heading back to school, and demand drops hard, but the weather’s still great in most places! 🛫 How to Score a Deal: Use Google Flights’ "Explore" tool to see where you can fly for cheap based on your dates Try Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search to get inspired by the lowest fares...
2 months ago • 1 min read