Beauty Packing Hacks: 14 Compact Finds That Do It All

Dreaming of your next getaway but dreading the Tetris-esque challenge of stashing all of your necessities into a TSA-approved carry-on? No worries — we’ve got your covered!

Whether you’re gearing up for your spring break beach vacay, cramming in a late-season ski trip or jetting off for work, the last thing you want to worry about is if all the stuff you need to look and feel your best will fit in your luggage. Luckily, there’s lots of clever beauty and hair tools to help you maximize your suitcase space, and essential travel-size toiletry sets from your favorite beauty brands so you never have to sacrifice good hair days and flawless skin for your love of travel.

Below, we’ve rounded up some of the most clever, budget-friendly beauty tools and mini-sized must-haves to make packing for your next getaway as effortless as possible.

Best Travel Hair Tools

BondiBoost Mini Interchangeable 2-in-1 Hair Straightener Brush and Curling Iron

Image: Sephora

If you want to maximize your hairstyling options while minimizing your luggage overload, this compact styler is a must. It has two interchangeable attachments: a hot brush for smooth, bouncy blowouts and a curling iron for creating curls and waves. The set also includes a heat mat and travel case so you can just grab and go.

Price: $69 at Sephora

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Laifen MINI Hair Dryer

Image: Amazon

We can all agree that hotel hair dryers are… not the best. But packing your own from home would take up half of your carry-on! Fortunately, this small-but-mighty ionic hair dryer is just 3 inches wide, less than 9 inches long and super lightweight at just 10.5 ounces. Its ceramic tech can dry hair super fast with low noise output, and deliver silky smooth looks and frizz control in a flash. It also includes a magnetic nozzle for more concentrated heat application, if you prefer.

Price: $109.99 at Amazon

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BaBylissPRO Mini Straightening Iron with Travel Pouch

Image: Ulta

If you tend toward straight styles, or only need to do some quick touch ups and frizz taming, this compact straightening iron is a great pick. Its 1/2-inch-wide nano titanium plates are only about as long as a finger, but they provide even heat distribution and precise control for a sleek and shiny finish from root to tip.

Price: $44.99 at Ulta

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Get On Your OUAI Minis Kit

Image: Sephora

Whether you use OUAI everyday or you’re looking to pamper your hair on your next getaway, these luxe minis are the perfect size for travel. The detox shampoo removes buildup and smoothes frizz while the leave-in conditioner provides weightless hydration. Finish off with the hair oil to protect your tresses from heat and humidity, and you’ll be looking perfectly styled wherever you go.

Price: $35 at Sephora

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Best Travel Skincare

Summer Fridays The Jet Lag Essentials Hydration Set

Image: Sephora

The air at high altitudes is super dry — sometimes as low as 10% humidity — so our skin needs a little extra help after flying. This travel-sized set from Summer Fridays has you covered with eye patches, a hydrating mist, deep-hydration serum and a tube of Jet Lag Mask to properly nourish and rejuvenate dry, stressed skin.

Price: $34 at Sephora

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Supergoop! Round-Trip Ready SPF Travel Kit

Image: Ulta

Whether you’re headed on a beach vacation or a ski trip, SPF is essential for the health of your skin. Fortunately, Supergoop! offers this collection of travel-sized favorites that’ll have you covered from head to toe. It includes Unseen Sunscreen that doubles as a primer for makeup; sweat-resistant PLAY Everyday SPF 50 in both lotion and body mist; and SPF 30 PLAY Lip Shield to prevent a scorched kisser.

Price: $40 at Ulta

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Patchology On The Fly Travel Facial Kit

Image: Ulta

Pamper yourself post-flight with this cute little kit from Patchology. It includes two sheet masks, hydrating lip gel, restorative retinol eye gels and rejuvenating under-eye patches to combat a jet-lagged look.

Price: $22 at Ulta

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Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Jet Set

Image: Sephora

Whether you’re headed to the beach or just want to feel like you are, this travel-friendly set of minis from Sol de Janeiro will keep your skin clean and hydrated while on the go. The set includes body wash, Bum Bum Cream and body mist in the cult-favorite Cheirosa ’62 — a scent that’s deliciously gourmand with notes of pistachio, caramel and vanilla.
Price: $34 at Sephora

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Best Travel Makeup

NARS Travel-Size Starter Set

Image: NARS

Forget all that time spent precariously decanting expensive liquids into TSA-friendly bottles and stuffing full-size makeup palettes into your toiletry bag! Sometimes, time is money — and these NARS travel-size minis are worth the price if you’re a frequent traveler looking for a worry-free, grab-and-go kit without compromising quality. You can customize your set with your perfect shades of creamy concealer, bronzing powder, blush and eyeshadow duo. The kit also includes a mini tube of Climax Mascara.

Price: $90.95 (orig. $107) at NARS

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NUDESTIX NUDIES Matte All Over Face Blush Color

Image: Ulta

If you’d prefer to cut down on the number of makeup items you pack, a multi-stick like this one from NUDESTIX is a must. The buildable, creamy blush stick can be used on cheeks, lips and eyelids, and — unlike most other multi-sticks — it includes a high-quality makeup brush on one end for easier blending. Pick from 10 different shades to perfect your look.

Price: $35 at Ulta

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Geller To-Go 4-in-1 Travel Makeup Brush

Image: Laura Geller

If you’re not leaving home without everything you need for a full face, at least cut down on the chaos of carrying multiple brushes with this clever 4-in-1 solution. Laura Geller’s travel-friendly makeup brush includes four interchangeable brush heads — all-over powder, complexion, blending and precision tapered — to create any and every look while you’re away from home.

Price: $24 (orig. $84) at Laura Geller

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Best Travel Beauty Tools

MR.GREEN Grooming Kit

Image: Amazon

Some personal care kits might have a few more tools than this, but TSA checks are always a crapshoot when it comes to those sharp and pointy objects. That’s why we’re loving this simplified kit with the three beauty tools you’re most likely to reach for: a nail clipper, tweezers and a glass nail file. These are high-quality and made with surgical-grade stainless steel, and they all stash neatly in a sleek and sturdy case.

Price: $21.99 at Amazon

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Lighted Travel Mirror with Cover

Image: Target

Anyone who has tried to do their makeup in a hotel room knows that bringing your own tabletop mirror is a must. This slim and clever travel mirror lights up with just a touch and offers three LED temperatures so you can check your look in every light. Its snap-close cover keeps it safe in your bag, and it swings open to stand on its own at any viewing angle you want. Plus, it charges via USB so you don’t need to worry about packing batteries or anything like that.

Price: $20 at Target

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Kitsch Mini Spa Rollers

Image: Target

These mini spa rollers are smaller than a dollar bill, but they’re indispensable tools for any traveler. The grooved silicone roller promotes healthy blood circulation and is ideal for relieving stress and headaches after a long day of travel. And if you pop the smooth stainless steel roller into your hotel mini fridge, it’s perfect for soothing jet-lagged, puffy eyes — or a mild sunburn on your next beach vacation.

Price: $16 at Target

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Related: Mark your calendar! From March 5-9 we are hosting our annual Spring Savecation event. We’re bringing RetailMeNot exclusive deals up to 70% off and massive cash back on hotels, flights, and travel must-haves. 

The post Beauty Packing Hacks: 14 Compact Finds That Do It All appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.

Dreaming of your next getaway but dreading the Tetris-esque challenge of stashing all of your necessities into a TSA-approved carry-on? No worries — we’ve got your covered! Whether you’re gearing up for your spring break beach vacay, cramming in a late-season ski trip or jetting off for work, the last thing you want to worry […]

The post Beauty Packing Hacks: 14 Compact Finds That Do It All appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.

The Work-From-Anywhere Setup That Lets You Stay an Extra Week

Once upon a time in 2017, I sub-letted my apartment, donated everything I couldn’t fit in a suitcase and boarded a flight to Medellín, Colombia. I spent the next three years bouncing around Latin America, Europe and Asia, living and working remotely as a freelance writer. 

Back then, my experience of traveling and working remotely was considered unusual — eccentric, even. These days, however, the “digital nomad” lifestyle is increasingly the norm. In the aftermath of the pandemic, the number of Americans living abroad and working remotely has skyrocketed. Now, an estimated one in 10 U.S. workers identifies as a digital nomad. 

Are you considering joining the growing body of remote workers traveling the world? In addition to a reliable internet connection and solid laptop, there are a few tech essentials I’d recommend packing. 

Note: Prices reflect the amount at the time of publication

Digital Nomad Tech Essential Top Picks

Arzopa Z1FC Portable Monitor

Image: Amazon

Once you’re accustomed to a multi-monitor workstation, it can be frustrating to try and transition back to a single laptop screen. With this portable monitor, you don’t have to. The Arzopa Z1FC  is slim enough to fit into a laptop bag and light enough to journey from Airbnb to coffee shop to coworking space without weighing you down. For such a crisp, high-quality screen, this second screen is also super cheap. 

Pro tip: A dual monitor setup can take up substantially more space than a single laptop. If you work out a cafe or coworking space, make sure it has generous-sized tables. 

Price: $109.99 (orig. $129.99) at Amazon

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Sony Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones

Image: Amazon

Speaking of working in coffee shops and coworking spaces — if you plan on getting work done, a solid pair of headphones is essential. 

Choosing the right pair of travel headphones (or any kind of tech, for that matter) can be tricky. On the one hand, you want a quality pair that will last the duration of your adventure. On the other, it has to be something you’re willing to see lost, stolen or damaged in transit. The Sony WH-CH720N Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones are a solid compromise, balancing quality and an affordable price point. The slim headphones feature a handy adaptive sound control that automatically adjusts your volume based on your environment. 

Price: $98 (orig. price $179.99) at Amazon

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EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

Image: Amazon

For years, I bought a new travel adapter in every destination with a different plug type. Then, I discovered the Universal Travel Adapter: a genius piece of tech designed to plug into the sockets of the world. The nifty tool features plug type C (used in most of Europe) type G (the UK, Malaysia and Singapore) type I (China, Australia, New Zealand and Argentina) and type A (the USA, Mexico, Canada, and Japan). 

Keep in mind: No universal travel adapter is truly universal. This particular option leaves out South African and Indian pugs. If your travel plans include these regions, you’ll need an adapter with type M (which includes India, South Africa and a few others). 

Price: $22.99 at Amazon

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Satechi USB Hub

Image: Amazon

Modern laptops are slimmer than ever, but portability comes at the price of extra USB ports.

Enter the USB hub, a portable version of the USB docking station that you plug into your laptop to get extra ports. I recommend the Satechi USB-C Multiport 8K, which includes several USB-C ports, an HDMI port and an SD Card reader. 

Price: $99.99 at Amazon

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Lifelong Upryze Ergonomic Laptop Stand

Image: Amazon

Great for productivity on the go, laptops are nevertheless horrible for ergonomics. 

Stands like the Lifelong Upryze Ergonomic Laptop Stand are designed to reduce back, neck and wrist strain by keeping the top of your screen above eye level, and your keyboard just below elbow height. The laptop stand can be used standing or standing, with the option to raise it up to 20 inches tall.

Price: $69.99 at Amazon

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AeroPress Go Portable Travel Coffee Maker

Image: Amazon

Coffee is the fuel that keeps digital nomads going — so it’s important to be able to brew your own cup in a pinch. The AeroPress Go might be the only coffee maker out there that bridges the gap between the needs of digital nomads looking for value and portability, and coffee lovers who demand top quality with every cup. It uses a French press–like system, with a cylindrical plunger that manually pushes water through coffee grounds and a filter. The result is a low-acidity, smooth coffee with a never-bitter flavor.

Price: $49.95 at Amazon

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Related Tip: From March 5-9 we are holding a Spring Savecation event. This is a great time to start planning your next trip as we’ll be featuring incredible travel deals and cash back rewards across flights, accommodations, experiences and more!

The post The Work-From-Anywhere Setup That Lets You Stay an Extra Week appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.

Once upon a time in 2017, I sub-letted my apartment, donated everything I couldn’t fit in a suitcase and boarded a flight to Medellín, Colombia. I spent the next three years bouncing around Latin America, Europe and Asia, living and working remotely as a freelance writer.  Back then, my experience of traveling and working remotely […]

The post The Work-From-Anywhere Setup That Lets You Stay an Extra Week appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.

6 Travel Products to Avoid — And What to Bring Instead

Packing correctly is an art. Luggage space is precious. So is your money. 

With carry-on allowances shrinking and checked bag fees soaring, it’s more important than ever to pack prudently.

As a former digital nomad, I’ve gotten plenty of practice trying to squeeze months’ worth of belongings into a backpack. I learned quickly that packing is a balancing act. There are some items worth splurging space on (say, your cutest pair of cowboy boots) and some things where you can compromise (like, maybe bring a Kindle and leave your copy of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” at home.) But there are certain items that are almost never worth your luggage space (or hard-earned money, for that matter). 

Here are 6 travel products that are probably not worth bringing with you — and what I’d recommend bringing instead:  

Don’t Pack: Your Old Dingy Suitcase

We all have the old suitcases that we wish were also reliable but they are basically falling apart. If your once trusty bag is now flimsy and you can see the seems around the zipper about to burst, don’t take the risk. It’s time to upgrade!

— Editors’ Pick —

Pack This Instead:  Best-Selling Suitcases & Bags From Away

Image: Away

When it’s time to upgrade your suitcases and bags, opt for Away to ensure you get well-designed bags that will last long and help you see the world with ease. We love these bags because they are designed for travelers by travelers. This means features like a lightweight feel, 360-degree wheels, an underside grab handle and more. Plus, each bag comes in several colors so you can find some that suit your travel style. Shop now to get $50 off any best-selling suitcase and bag combo. Hurry! Availability may be limited. For more savings, activate 1% cash back for purchases sitewide with RetailMeNot.

Price: Starting at $157 at Away

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Don’t Pack: A Traditional U-Shaped Neck Pillow

Truthfully, I have no major beef with the traditional U-shaped travel pillow. I will take it over an airplane headrest or tray table any day. 

However, the classic plane pillow — first patented in 1929 — is not without problems: The toilet-seat cover-esque pillow is bulky, taking up valuable carry-on space while providing limited neck support. In some cases, the pillow can even force your neck into unnatural positions. 

Pack This Instead: Trtl Travel Pillow

Image: Amazon

The good news? In the decades since the U-shaped travel pillow was invented, tons of superior options have been designed. My personal favorite is the Trtl, a cleverly designed scarf-like pillow with an internal support brace. In addition to being the most compact option on the market (it’s about the size of a thin, soft-cover book), the Trtl holds your neck in a comfortable, ergonomic position. 

Price: $59.99 on Amazon 

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Don’t Pack: A Luggage Lock

In 2014, the Washington Post notoriously made the mistake of publishing a photo of the TSA’s master keys (the photos were since removed from the article). Shortly after, 3D printing plans for the keys were posted online.

But even before the WaPo made the fatal error, TSA-approved locks weren’t stopping any motivated luggage thieves. As WonderHowTo explained, a robber only has to use a pen to separate the zipper teeth and open and close your bag without a trace. 

Pack This Instead: Pacsafe Carry-On EXP45

Image: REI

While traveling abroad, I’ve lost a total of three phones and one passport to pickpockets. As such, I’m a big advocate for making every effort to keep your belongings safe while traveling. 

Instead of relying on the flawed and flimsy luggage lock, I recommend investing in the Pacsafe EXP45. The carry-on-size bag features cut-resistant fabric and puncture-resistant zippers with lockable pulls. The lockable zippers make opening and closing the backpack enough of a hassle to discourage a hasty thief. 

Price: $289.95 at REI

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Don’t Pack: A Passport Holder  

Sure, a cute passport holder can be stylish. However, many immigration officers will demand that you remove your passport from its holder to check its validity. This is not only annoying — it holds up the line. 

Pack This Instead: Peak Gear Travel Money Belt 

Image: Amazon

While passport stylishness is an unnecessary luxury, passport theft is a real problem. To avoid losing your passport, your safest option is to leave your passport in your hotel or Airbnb (ideally in a safe) and always pack several photocopies. 

If you must carry your passport on your person, a money belt is your best bet. I appreciate the fact that this one from Peak Gear is slim, inconspicuous and comfortable. As a cherry on top, the money belt comes with $250 worth of theft protection. 

Price: $21.99 at Amazon

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Don’t Pack: Mini Iron 

I get the appeal of bringing an iron. No matter how carefully you pack, your clothing is going to wrinkle — which can be a significant problem if you’re traveling for work or a special occasion. However, even the tiniest mini travel iron can cost you a lot of luggage space. Happily, it’s not your only option for tackling wrinkles. 

Pack This Instead: Nori Press Travel Steam Iron

Image: Amazon

Your easiest option is to stay in a hotel or Airbnb with an in-room iron. However, if that’s not on the table, consider this tiny travel steamer. Unlike traditional irons, travel steamers offer quick and easy wrinkle removal without an ironing board. Clocking in at a mere 1.4 pounds, the Nori combines the benefits of an iron and a steamer, allowing for quick wrinkle removal on both sides of clothing simultaneously.

Price: $119 on Amazon

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Don’t Pack: The Wrong Toiletry Bag

Toiletry bags aren’t one size fits all. Some travelers prefer to travel light with just a toothbrush. Others — like myself — have a complex, time-tested makeup regime that basically requires a tackle box. 

Put another way: The “wrong” toiletry bag makes your life more complicated and doesn’t fit into your luggage. The “right” toiletry bag is one that makes your life simpler and slides into your space.

Pack This Instead: BAGSMART Toiletry Bag

Image: Amazon

Ultimately, the best toiletry bag is one that fits your preferences. But if you’re looking for a recommendation, the BAGSMART Toiletry Bag is a good one. The toiletry pouch is small enough to be squeezed into a carry-on by a strategic packer. One of my favorite features of the BAGSMART is its hangability. Hanging your toiletry bag makes it way easier to find what you need, particularly when you’re applying makeup. 

Price: $17.99 at Amazon

Shop BAGSMART at Amazon

The post 6 Travel Products to Avoid — And What to Bring Instead appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.

Packing correctly is an art. Luggage space is precious. So is your money.  With carry-on allowances shrinking and checked bag fees soaring, it’s more important than ever to pack prudently. As a former digital nomad, I’ve gotten plenty of practice trying to squeeze months’ worth of belongings into a backpack. I learned quickly that packing […]

The post 6 Travel Products to Avoid — And What to Bring Instead appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.

5 Easy Ways to Stretch Your Travel Budget Abroad

Traveling full-time seems like a glamorous lifestyle—and while it certainly has its perks, I’ve found that being financially conscious is the only way one can make it work in the long term. I’ve been a full-time digital nomad for about three years now, and I’ve learned the hard way that making travel a sustainable lifestyle looks a lot different, financially speaking, than going on a prolonged vacation.

The following budgeting tips are what I personally practice in order to make regular travel work. And for the record: My budget is modest. I’ve picked these tips and tricks up while traveling as a digital nomad, but they can just as easily translate to making any trip a little bit more affordable.

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Avoid Airport Cash Exchange Bureaus

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The first thing to avoid once you get off the plane is exchanging currencies at the airport. I tend to use mainly credit and debit cards when I’m traveling—but if I know I’m going to be somewhere that has a lot of cash-only venues, I will always wait until I’m in the city center before exchanging any cash. This way you’ll get to compare exchange rates and avoiding being taken advantage of for convenience.

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Choose an E-Sim Over Your Home Phone

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Depending on your home cell phone plan, roaming fees while abroad can cost anywhere from $5 to $20+ per day. I’m not suggesting that you forgo using data while traveling; I couldn’t imagine being without Google Maps and WhatsApp while on the go.

Instead I always opt for an e-sim over using my data from back home. I use the brand Airalo, and while the prices vary based on the country I’m in, I’ve never spent more than $10 for an entire trip. The best part is that the sim is automatically added to your smartphone, so you don’t have to worry about tracking down a physical sim card while abroad.

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Find Out What Locals Eat and Drink

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Hotel food and drink is tempting—rooftop bars, colorful brunch menus, and room service are always a fun experience. However, hotel food and tourist restaurants in general are always way more expensive than going to the local haunts, or eating the way locals do.

For example, while living in Istanbul, I always bought my morning simit (Turkish bagel) from a street seller, the way my local friends did. It cost me less than a dollar to have an authentic Turkish breakfast, whereas Turkish breakfast restaurants in tourist areas can cost upwards of $50+.

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Capitalize on Credit Card Points

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I’m not suggesting you go over budget just to get credit card points—but I’ve found that putting everything on my credit card and paying it off in full at the end of the month has been a great way to rack up points that can go toward free flights.

You’ll want to make sure you opt for a co-branded airline credit card to make the most of this and shop around before opening anything, as many credit cards offer great welcome bonuses (as in, enough bonus points for multiple free flights).

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Book Accommodations With a Kitchen

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It doesn’t matter if I’m traveling long term or short term—I always try to book accommodations with a kitchen. It doesn’t mean I always cook while I’m traveling, but having the space to store things like coffee, wine and beer, fresh fruit, and even breakfast pastries, means that you won’t be as tempted to spend on unnecessary food items while out and exploring.

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The post 5 Easy Ways to Stretch Your Travel Budget Abroad appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.

Traveling full-time seems like a glamorous lifestyle—and while it certainly has its perks, I’ve found that being financially conscious is the only way one can make it work in the long term. I’ve been a full-time digital nomad for about three years now, and I’ve learned the hard way that making travel a sustainable lifestyle […]

The post 5 Easy Ways to Stretch Your Travel Budget Abroad appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.