5 Ways to Travel Cheaply

With a few upcoming trips in the work I decided to compile a few tips on how to travel cheaply. It's true - I am not a baller.

1. Book an Airbnb or Hostel
When my sister and I backpacked through Australia we stayed at different hostels - it was such an awesome experience! We got to meet lots of travelers from around the world and exchanged tidbits of information on where to eat or what to see. The hostels we stayed at weren't dingy but resemble dorms, you could share the room or book a private one. If you feel "too old" for hostels another option would be airbnb or a likeminded company. Both are cheaper options compared to hotels, in fact we booked an airbnb for our stay in Paris this September!

2. Book with a Budget Airline
Yes, they exist! One that comes to top of mind in the states is WOW Airlines with a flight to Iceland from Boston averaging $400. And while you're at it - try not to check in any luggage if there is a fee.

3. Do the Free Walking Tours
Most major cities have walking tours, here and abroad of good samaritans that love sharing their country's history. A great one to check out is Free Tour by Foot - they tend to break them up by theme or neighborhood. 

4. Use Public Transportation
When it comes to the cabs versus public transportation - public transpo will always win. It's significantly cheaper than being chauffeured so aim for this whenever possible. Of course not every city or country is safe so use your judgement when it comes to this.

5. Check the Web for Reviews & Discounts
I google everything and because of that I tend to find really great deals. Here's a tip whatever place, restaurant, etc. you google make sure to add an "discount" or "deal" at the end to help filter through the search results. Another thing is to read up on the local blogs and see if those bloggers have recommendations on what you can do for cheap (or free). Last thing, if you haven't already sign up for tripadvisor.com - this website lets you read reviews, compare prices, and gives you full access to a forum were likeminded travelers can discuss nearly anything! It's pretty amazing and has been a key tool for me when it comes to planning out an itinerary.

Do you travel cheaply? Share your bits of advice down below!

Dermatologist Are Expensive

Edit: This brand is now going by the name of Curology - different name, same great service.

And co-pays. Which is why I've signed up for PocketDerm. After a few months of putting them to the adult acne test I had to share my seamless experience. Let's be honest adult acne is ruthless and stops for no one, so when a product actually works I'm in awe (praise the lord awe).

In case you're wondering what PocketDerm is, it's a subscription based service that sends you a custom prescription based on your skin's needs. Yep, they send you a prescription with unlimited one-on-one consultations with a certified dermatologist for only $19.95 a month. And no, there are no hidden charges and they send you a fresh prescription whenever you run out.

I first found out about this magical service on one of my favorite reddit forums -  skincareaddiction (basically how all of my skincare addictions start). Intrigued, I signed up and went with the acne subscription as opposed to their anti-aging one. After filling out a questionnaire and submitting photos of my problem areas they promptly sent over my first bottle and a few samples of product to go along with my routine. My dermatologist also messaged me a recommended routine for AM & PM.

During the second month I really started to see results on my problem area - the acne was worse on my jawline. Now, the acne has sporadic flare-ups which tend to appear after "stress-outs" but less of it. Marks have also faded and my skin feels & looks smoother. 

All-in-all, this is a service that I will continue to use due to it's accessibility, affordability, and because it plain works. If you're dealing with acne but can't afford a Dermatologist or their prescriptions - I highly recommend you use this service. To get you started with your first month free sign up here.

I finished filming my PM routine for YouTube and hope to share it soon so stay tune!

Introducing the New Body by Victoria

Six months after the end of January I tend to go on the hunt for new bras. Not any bras in particular, but one that fits perfectly and wont make this summer hotter than it is. Being the daredevil that I am, I took the Body by Victoria Challenge before stocking up on my mid-summer basics (nude, white, black) and a few fun pieces.

It's a lot easier than it sounds (trust) and you don't even a measuring tape. The Body by Victoria Challenge will make assessments about the current bra you're wearing and it's fit. This risk-free challenge offers free shipping and returns if you purchase the recommended bra size as well.

For me, I wore one of my regular bras (the no-frills basic kind) and went through the questions. I clicked on my current size, whether my straps fall off or stay on (they tend to fall), how the band feels and how the cups fit. After a few questions the quiz gave me my right size and I had the option of building my boutique or going straight to the shop. Obviously I went for the shop.

In the end I received the perfect shape, demi, and lounge bra - all of them were spot on, smooth (no lines) and incredibly soft. One of them had a lace detail and it was pretty close to a no-show underneath my top as well. You'll be impressed with their array of colors and styles - something for everyone.

I will admit my favorite addition to V.S.'s collection is their Lounge Collection. I legit bought a few (read: a lot) more of these incredibly soft bras in nearly every color. They are being marketed as bras to chill in but I think you can wear them under anything.

Sidenote: earlier this year I learned its not good to wear one single bra daily and instead let it breathe for a full day after being worn... Mind blown right? For that reason alone, it's good to bookmark Victoria's Secret next sale (August 8th thru 11th) in which you'll get a $25 gift card with every three bras purchased from their new line. Even better, when you shop Victoria Secret through ShopAtHome.com you get 2% cash back until the 31st and then 1% after that.

While you're on the site taking the challenge don't forget to enter the Body by Victoria Sweeps. With the purchase of any Body by Victoria bra you are automatically entered to win a Jaguar - click over to enter here.

Have you taken the Body by Victoria Challenge yet? Let me know how it goes in the comments!

Today's post is sponsored by ShopAtHome.com + Victoria Secret - thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible! And as always, all opinions are my own.

Photos by Lydia Hudgens.