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Planning a visit to Duluth, Minnesota? Here are my tips for a budget-friendly visit!

Since I grew up in Duluth and visit family and friends there many times each year, I thought I’d write up a list of ways to enjoy Duluth for less money, especially since many people I know visit there regularly, too. These are the things we do when visiting Duluth to enjoy the northland to the fullest without going broke!

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How neat is this?!? A new report came out from WalletHub about the best and worst states for road trip travel, and Minnesota is the #2 best state in the country!

WalletHub compared the 50 U.S. states based on 32 key metrics including number of attractions, road conditions, costs and more. The full report is here.

Here are the top 5 best and worst:

Minnesota is the only midwest state to make the top 5!

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In the United States, between 40 to 50% of all marriages end in divorce, and if you are currently going through this process, it’s likely that you may want some time away to focus on yourself. However, divorce itself can be expensive, which can make taking a trip during this time more difficult. Thankfully, there are some wallet-friendly ways to take a trip during the divorce process that can help you make the most of your time without worrying about breaking the bank.

1. Travel During the Off-Season

Depending on where you are going and what your budget is, you may consider heading to your destination during the off-season if possible. If you’ve been saving up your stimulus checks from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which was created to help assist people and businesses during the ongoing pandemic and economic crisis, you may have leeway to spend a bit more, although saving is always preferable. By traveling during the off-season, you can often save on flights and accommodations since they aren’t in high demand from other travelers. This can help you save a lot more than you otherwise would while traveling during peak time.

If you are unable to travel during the off-season, this doesn’t mean you should postpone your trip. Instead, you can look for other ways to save on travel or consider another destination that may not be as in-demand. You could also consider visiting with family or friends in another location to cut down on costs, as opposed to heading to a destination that will require more expensive accommodation.

2. Book Accommodations Wisely

Booking hotels can quickly eat away at your budget and end up costing you a lot depending on how long you are planning on staying. When planning a trip during your divorce, consider staying away from expensive hotels and instead look for alternatives such as Airbnbs. It also may be worth checking multiple websites to compare prices on accommodations. Across the globe, there are around 1.8 billion websites all operating at the same time, and out of these, there are plenty of travel websites that you can consider. However, you don’t want to settle for the first deal that you see. Shop around and research all of your options before making a decision so that you can save as much as possible. Preferably, you should consider staying with a friend or relative if you are traveling to an area near someone that you know, as this can save you the most overall.

3. Eat Smart

Eating while on a trip can also be one of the most expensive things that you’ll need to watch out for. Eating out every night adds up quickly, and this means that you may need to think smarter about how you get your food. A great way to save on meals is to make your own by buying cheaper ingredients from a local store or market and then preparing the meals where you’re staying, provided you have the resources to do so. If you’re lacking a stove or other way to prepare food, buying premade meals at a local store will still save you more overall than dining out, so it’s worth scouting out the local markets during your trip so that you can save as much as possible.

Taking a trip while going through a divorce can be a great way to take time for yourself and step back from the stressful process. If you’re considering taking a trip, keep these three budget-saving tips in mind so that you can enjoy yourself without worrying about breaking the bank.

Family road trips are great ways to bond with your family while having fun on the road. Before you pile up in the car and hit the road, though, there are some important things you need to do so you’re sure that you will all be safe. Have a look at five of these things below.

Get Your Car Inspected Before Heading Out

The very first thing you need to do is to have your car inspected. Some things to pay extra attention to are the tires, fluids, belts, battery, air conditioner, and windshield. Note that if you have a crack in your windshield that’s more than 12 inches long, you will need to replace the whole glass. Schedule an appointment with your mechanic to have these things looked at and changed if necessary. This way, when you drive out, you will be confident in your car’s ability to get you to your family’s destination.

Take Driving Breaks

To avoid getting fatigued, take breaks while driving. If your spouse is accompanying you and they can drive, it’s advisable to switch with them every few miles or so. This will give each person a break and enable them to drive safely when they’re refreshed. If this is not an option, have a stop after every number of miles to get some snacks and stretch your legs, something that the whole family will enjoy.

Keep Your Eyes On the Road

This tip can never be overstated, as getting distracted from the road can have terrible consequences. Set your phone on silent or turn it off to avoid the distracting notification sounds which may tempt you to have a quick glimpse at the phone. Let everyone in the car know that they should avoid sudden loud noises which may distract you at a crucial moment as well.

Finally, avoid being blinded by bright headlights from oncoming traffic at night by looking towards the road’s lower right shoulder, relying on your peripheral vision to stay on the road. Take these measures to avoid getting in a car accident, which is a major cause of traumatic brain injuries.

Pack Hand-Held Activities for Your Children

To make sure that your children don’t get bored and start to be disruptive, pack some hand-held activities for them. These could be anything from electronic devices to crochet or macrame crafting kits, whatever your child is most interested in. Ask your children what they would like so you can pack it, or look around online for ideas. Keeping your children occupied during the trip will help avoid disruptions and also entertain them so they don’t get bored, giving everyone a great overall experience.

Put Together an Emergency Kit

To avoid having to stand by the road for hours waiting for assistance in case you experience an emergency, pack your own emergency kit. This kit should include a flashlight, water, jumper cables, warm blankets, flares, tools to change a tire, a first aid kit, and a portable cell phone charger. Don’t forget to check with your insurance so you know who to call in case of an emergency, and you can drive off with peace of mind. With about 64% of small businesses struggling financially, source your supplies from a small business so you do your part in supporting them!

A road trip has the potential to create some amazing memories for the whole family, so if you have the opportunity to go on one, take it. Follow these safety tips to make sure you start off on the right foot, and you can sing happily as a family throughout your road trip!