Travel Tips Archives | Page 3 of 5

6 Apps That Make You Money

Susan Weston / June 17, 2021 / Leave a Comment

Everyone loves extra cash. Either to travel or for everyday expenses. Especially at the current moment when many people are still unemployed or making little income. What if you could supplement your income doing tasks you do every day? Here is a list of apps that provide passive income.

1. Achievement

Do you have an Apple Watch or a Fitbit? Maybe, you track your food with MyFitnessPal?

You can connect over 20 apps that you probably already use to the Achievement app and earn money. The app will pay you money for the number of steps you take, the amount of sleep you get, every time you weigh yourself, etc. For every 10,000 points, you get $10.

You can also earn points by taking surveys and participating in research studies. I participated in an influenza study. Every day I answered simple questions, and then I did a five-minute survey once a month. At the end of the study, I made a total of $71.

2. Diet Bet

We have all dieted at some point. The ups and downs of weight loss are a vicious cycle. Personally, I need an incentive. Sometimes that beach vacation isn’t enough. With DietBet, you can join a game with other people pledging money to lose a percentage of body weight over a specific length of time. If you succeed, then you split the pot with the other winners.

I know if my own money is on the line, I am going to complete the challenge. There is also a StepBet and a RunBet that work similarly.

3. Rakuten

We all love to shop online. Rakuten gives cashback on stores we already shop at, including Amazon and Postmates. Connect to your favorite store through their app and start earning money. Plus, you will get $30 after spending $30 through the website if you use my referral link.

4. Safe 2 Save

Safe 2 Save rewards you for paying attention to the road instead of your phone while driving. After downloading the app, you get points for every minute of safe driving. Safe driving is defined as not using your phone while going over 10 mph. If you touch your phone while driving over 10 mph, the app will stop adding points to your account.

Although this app does not actually reward cash, the reward points can be redeemed at local restaurants and retail stores.

5. Receipt Hog

Do you know that insanely long receipt you get at the grocery store, even when you buy two things?

Scan it with Receipt Hog. By scanning receipts and answering simple quizzes, you collect coins that equal cash. It’s that easy.

6. Paribus

Do you hate when you order something online, and then it goes on sale the next day?

Or when you buy something on Amazon Prime for that party in 2 days and it doesn’t show up in time?

Paribus will track items you buy from over 25 online stores. They will alert you if any price drops and contact the merchant to get a refund.

I have an Amazon addiction. Every time Paribus notifies me of a late delivery, I contact Amazon, and they usually offer me a $5 gift card.

The app is not available on Google Play but Android users can sign up through their website.

Now that you have all this extra money, why not go on a roadtrip?

6 Apps That Make You Money Read More »

6 Essential Road Trip Planning Apps of 2021

Susan Weston / May 23, 2021 / Leave a Comment

Download these apps to help plan your ultimate summer road trip.

1. GasBuddy

I want to save money wherever I can when I travel, and I love any tool that helps with this goal. Gas prices can add up quickly during a road trip. GasBuddy allows people to search for the lowest fuel prices in the area. It also helps calculate the estimated fuel charges for your road trip before you even get in the car.

Additionally, there is a free option to save up to $0.25/gallon. You need to connect your checking account, and they will mail you a card to swipe at the pump for a discount. For $9.99/month, you can save up to $0.40/gallon and get roadside assistance. Available for Android and iOS.

2. HipCamp

I wish I knew about HipCamp years ago. The user interface resembles Airbnbs, but it is only for booking campsites, cabins, RV parks, public parks, and more. Landowners can advertise their private land as camp sites, much like homeowners can rent out their homes. HipCamp appears to be geared towards “glamping,” and many rentals are more expensive than your typical campsite, but there are cheaper options.

Since HipCamp mainly focuses on private landowners, it is a great alternative during the pandemic when many state campsites are closed. Get $10 in HipCamp credit by signing up with this link. Available for Android and iOS.

3. My Maps (by Google Maps)

Remember having to write down directions on PAPER to drive anywhere? Sadly, I bet many of you don’t. Trust me. It was a tough time.

You can use Google Maps for more than trying to beat the estimated time of arrival when driving. My Maps gives you the ability to create a custom map with your own landmarks, routes, and even the ability to add shapes and drawings. The best part is you can share the map with other people and give them the ability to add to the map if you want.

For example, I used My Maps to plan my Route 66 road trip. I added layers for accommodations and attractions. I shared it with my boyfriend, who was able to add attractions he was interested in, too. We used this map to navigate our whole trip. For an in-depth tutorial on how to make a custom map, check out this article. (Apple does not make a specific My Maps app, but the feature is available on the Google Maps app.)

4. Road Side America

Do you want to see the largest rocking chair or the tallest totem pole? Roadside America is a database of “Offbeat Tourist Attractions.” Anyone can add an attraction or update an existing one. The website is free to use. An app is available for iOS starting at $2.99, allowing you to download the maps to your phone. Personally, I check the website when I plan my road trip and then add the stops to my custom google map.

5. Flush

This is probably the most important road trip app on this list. Flush will locate any restroom in your area. It also gives you information on which ones provide accessibility access, charge a fee for usage, or require a key. Did you find a bathroom not on the list? Add it to Flush’s database. Available for Android and iOS.

6. TripIt

TripIt is my favorite road trip planning app. I hate searching through my email to find my car rental reservation number? Or the contact information for my Airbnb? TripIt helps me stay organized for any vacation. I can manually input reservations, but the best feature is TripIt will scan your emails and automatically import any travel-related information to its website. The entire trip itinerary is available in one place with minimal effort. TripIt also makes it easy to share/edit travel plans with your whole group. Available for Android and iOS.

What should you bring on your road trip? 15 Road Trip Packing List Essentials

6 Essential Road Trip Planning Apps of 2021 Read More »

10 Things Every Travel Nurse Needs to Pack

Susan Weston / May 9, 2021 / Leave a Comment

If it is your first travel nursing job or your 15th, these are ten items every travel nurse needs to pack.

This page contains affiliate links, and I may receive compensation if you click on a link. You can read my full advertising disclosure here.

1. Space Saver Bags

I have a small car. When I say small, I have a two-door convertible with a subwoofer (it came like that) in the trunk. I swear by these bags.

I vacuum seal all of my clothes. My clothes shrink by 70%. Shrinking your clothes is especially helpful when traveling to a travel assignment in the winter. Packing bulky jackets and sweaters can take up a lot of room. Space saver bags are a must-have on your travel nursing packing list.

2. Extension Cords and Power Strips

No matter what apartment or hotel I am in, the placement of outlets never makes sense. Why is there always an outlet directly behind the middle of the headboard but not by the nightstands? I have three extension cords and three power strips, and sometimes I even feel that isn’t enough. This is a requirement on any packing list.

3. Workout Bands

It can feel impossible to work out while traveling. I will make all the excuses in the world. I am working too much. A monthly gym membership is too expensive. I don’t have the equipment to work out at home.

These bands are lightweight and easy to travel with. They are fabric, so they do not bunch up like their plastic counterparts. I have found a lot of workouts on YouTube. I recommend Heather Robinson. She doesn’t talk throughout the workout. I cannot listen to Shaun T when I wake up. Sorry.

4. Small Vacuum

I have been bringing a vacuum with me on all my travel nursing assignments. First, so I can seal all my clothes in the space bags. Second, I am a clean freak, and sometimes my swifter won’t cut it. A fellow travel nurse recommends packing a small vacuum. Everyone’s house had a dustbuster when I was growing up, but I feel like they fell out of style. A dustbuster is at the top of my packing list for my next assignment.

5. Faucet Water Filter

Now, I am not a water snob. I do not taste the difference between Dasani and Evian. I have no problem drinking tap water. But sometimes, no matter how good the water is, it has a funny taste.

A faucet water filter does not take a lot of room to pack but will improve any water flavor.

6.Wine Opener

You just never know.

7. Fire Stick

Watching Netflix on your computer gets old quickly. Most TV today are smart TV.s, or they at least have a USB input. A Firestick is cost affordable and only needs the internet. You will be able to watch Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and whatever other streaming services you have. I personally have Sling TV. Honestly, I just watch reality TV. It’s okay. You can judge. I’m confident in myself. Sling has all the channels I need and more.

Travel Tip: If you have the American Express Platinum Card, they offer a $20 a month credit for any streaming service.

8. French Press

Facts:
1. Nurses need coffee.
2. Not all apartments have coffee makers.
3. Buying coffee at the local coffee shop is expensive.

If you haven’t used a French Press, you should. It is small, compact, lightweight. Just fill with hot water and coffee grinds, waiting 5 minutes, and press.

9. Utility Wagon

One of the best purchases I ever bought. I don’t know how I ever moved without it. I can move an entire apartment in three loads. I use it to bring in groceries—no more multiple trips from your car. You will never drop and break a 12 pack of beer again, priorities.

10. Chili Pad

The BEST thing I have ever bought. I get hot when I sleep. You never know if your apartment will have a fan or AC. Most nurses know what an “Artic Sun” is. Well, this is an artic sun for the general public. It is a mat that goes under your fitted sheet. It cools down to 55º F. But don’t worry, for those that get cold when they sleep, it also heats to 110ºF. They also make a temperature-weighted blanket.

On another positive note, it will improve your relationship. My boyfriend and I can finally sleep together without wanting to take an ice bath in the middle of the night. I know it is expensive, but a good night’s sleep is priceless.

10 Things Every Travel Nurse Needs to Pack Read More »

Travel Tips