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Fall is the perfect time of year to enjoy the crisp air, leaf-peep, and spend time with loved ones. But getting into the spirit of the season doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune—or anything at all—if you know where to look. From local pumpkin patches to colorful festivals to cozy nights in, you can fill your calendar with plenty of autumn activities.
With a little research and some creativity, you can find plenty of affordable festivities for families, couples, and friends alike. Here are some ideas to help you find and plan inexpensive fall fun in your community.

In late June, when ocean waves started summoning and whispering “beach trip” in my ears amidst a heatwave in Washington, D.C., I started planning a road trip to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Clocking in at approximately 8.5 hours driving time, it is the perfect distance for a getaway to the island’s famed beach life at the peak of summer. As I had visited only once and nearly a decade before, I knew there would be even more activities and adventures ahead to check out and explore. Also, with the average daily temperature for July and August hovering around 82-85-degrees, I looked forward to donning my bikini and trading indoor air conditioning for island breezes. Here are some highlights of my active and outdoorsy visit to Hilton Head.

With the summer travel season kicking off, consumers are packing their bags and looking forward to another vacation. According to a recent Bread Financial study, 80 percent of this year’s summer travelers took a summer vacation last year, and 76 percent will stay within the U.S. Summer travelers are taking a more frugal approach, and many are opting for a road trip vs. a taking a vacation that requires a flight.

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road in the summer – windows down, music up, and the promise of adventure. But with gas prices fluctuating and long miles ahead, fuel expenses can add up fast. Thankfully, there are plenty of easy, effective ways to cut costs without sacrificing your travel plans. From choosing smarter routes to leveraging rewards programs, a little planning can go a long way. Here are our tips to help your road trip budget go the extra mile – literally.

Exploring the vibrant streets of Mexico City doesn’t have to break the bank. With its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture, this bustling metropolis offers countless opportunities for budget-conscious travelers. Whether you’re a scrappy backpacker or a visitor who likes to travel in style, our top 10 money-saving tips will help you experience the best of Mexico City without sacrificing a thing.

Tax season usually isn’t very magical, but what if you used your refund to do something truly unforgettable? Consider taking your entire multi-generational family to Walt Disney World. From grandparents to toddlers to cousins, it’s the perfect place to create lifelong memories together. With the average tax refund in 2025 reaching $3,271, many families may find that their return can cover a significant portion of the trip. While a Disney vacation might seem out of reach, with a little planning and a few smart money-saving strategies, it doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re thinking about using your refund for a magical family getaway, here’s how we made it happen and how you can too.

Our eight-day family vacation to Mexico City was unforgettable, from mouth-watering street tacos to sprawling outdoor markets, grand ruins and museums and parks, and kicking back on a boat ride down ancient Aztec canals. Mexico City is a vast (vast) metropolis–nearly twice the size of NYC’s five boroughs, and each day was an adventure. We walked for miles and miles, crossed the city on subway trains, buses, trollies, and Ubers, and discovered hidden gems that we’ll never forget. Join us as we recap the highlights of an incredible week and share some of our money-saving secrets!

At 80, my father-in-law Lou still held on to one wish: to take his grandson, Ari, to Disney World. It was a dream rooted in memories of taking his own son, my husband, decades earlier. But as time passed and his health declined, Lou quietly let go of the idea. He worried he wouldn’t be able to keep up, that he might slow us down, or worse, that he’d be a burden.
Then, during his 80th birthday celebration, we surprised him with the news that caught him completely off guard: we were going to Disney World together. He was completely stunned, visibly moved, and said, “How fast can we get there?” After the shock wore off, he began to worry that, with his legs having deteriorated, he wouldn’t be able to navigate the park. But when we arrived, something shifted. Watching him side-by-side with Ari, taking it all in, I saw such joy on his face. He was happier than I had seen him in years. The dream he had given up on was now unfolding before him.
Here are some tips that made our multi-generational trip stress-free:

Once upon a time, a Disney trip meant parents taking their kids to enjoy the magic while grandparents stayed behind. But times have changed, more than 50% of families now travel with both children and grandparents, according to the Family Travel Association’s 2023 survey.
Recently, my husband, our 16 year old son, two cousins, and even Grandma and Grandpa set out on a four day, three night magical adventure to Walt Disney World. With iconic rides, family-friendly meals, and entertainment for all ages, Disney is the perfect destination for a multi-generational trip. However, planning for everyone from grandparents to teens takes some strategy. Here’s how we made it work!

There are moments in parenting when you realize time is moving too fast—kids growing up, parents growing older, and you’re caught somewhere in the middle, trying to hold on to it all. That’s why this year, we did something special. We brought the grandparents along on our Disney adventure, three generations side by side, laughing and creating those “remember when…” moments.
It’s not easy to find activities that genuinely delight every age, where no one is just tagging along because “well, it’s fun for the kids.” But that’s the magic of Disney. It’s a place where wonder has no age limit, where parents become kids again, and where grandparents see the sparkle of childhood reflected in their grandchildren’s eyes.
You can make the most of your multi-generational Disney adventure with a little smart planning. Here are some of my favorite money-saving tips to help you stretch your budget and enjoy the magic without the stress.

In a chaotic and demanding world, achieving a restful night’s sleep can seem impossible. Fortunately, innovative products can help transform your sleep environment and promote deeper, more restorative slumber. From relaxing beverages to aromatherapeutic products, these carefully selected tools can help you unwind and achieve the rejuvenating sleep you are striving for.

When traveling, the right apparel and footwear can make the difference between an overstuffed suitcase and a streamlined one. In our latest roundup, we’ve curated a selection of must-have items designed specifically for women on the go. From ultra-supportive footwear to the best bra-free tank top, these pieces are perfect for any destination. Whether you’re exploring city streets or relaxing on a beach, our top picks will ensure you look and feel your best while traveling.

Traveling can be an exhilarating experience, but it can also feel haphazard if you don’t have the right gear.
In this roundup, we explore a selection of top-notch travel accessories, including durable carry-ons designed to withstand the rigors of frequent trips and clever storage solutions for your most precious items. Whether you’re embarking on a weekend getaway or a more extended adventure, our curated collection ensures you’ll travel smart and in style.

When planning a trip to visit my daughter in Ireland where she is attending her frosh or freshman year at Trinity College Dublin, I decided to extend my journey to Scotland. I recently learned via Ancestry.com that I’m nearly 30% Scottish (I hail from the McDonahs), so I’ve been brimming with curiosity about the country. I knew that a trip to Edinburgh, Glasgow and northern townships would cross off a bucket-list destination and make for many wonderful adventures. Plus, traveling in mid-September meant avoiding the crowds of European vacationers in August, while still enjoying touches of sunshine and fewer rainy days than the winter season.

Here I share highlights of my artsy and energetic visit to Glasgow.

The best thing you can do when planning to travel anywhere is to do your homework. Take the time to compare prices, research deals, weigh your options, and map your plans out in advance. If you fly by the seat of your pants, you’ll end up overspending. Here’s what I do to save money on travel.

Hosting a Super Bowl watch party is a great way to bring friends and family together for the big game. But between the snacks, drinks, decorations, and entertainment, costs can add up quickly. The good news? You can save money on your game day festivities without sacrificing an ounce of fun. With some smart planning and creative thinking, it’s easy to host an unforgettable party without going over budget. Here are our tips on how to do it.

Doesn’t it feel like just yesterday, we didn’t know what Uber was? Never mind Lyft! Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the way we travel, offering convenience and flexibility at the tap of a button. But, the cost can add up quickly if you rely on them frequently. Fortunately, there are several ways you can save money while still enjoying the benefits of ridesharing. Here are some tips for making your rides more affordable.

Carey Reilly from the Truetrae.com team here! I recently had a chance to visit Disney cruise line’s newest destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on the beautiful island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. We boarded the Disney Magic from Fort Lauderdale, Florida for a 4-day cruise and had an amazing time!

Cruises can get pricey but I have some great strategies to help you save and still have a magical trip.