Loading...
Skip to content
She Saves She Travels
  • Home
  • Saving Money
  • Travel Tips
  • Destinations
  • Dreamers Club
  • About
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Category: Destinations

Iowa bed and breakfast view of the hills of Iowa
December 9, 2019
Destinations

Best Iowa Bed and Breakfast (a Hidden Treasure in the Midwest)

Possibly Iowa’s last hidden treasure – the perfect Iowa bed and breakfast. Okay, that may be a tad dramatic. But hear me out. Wine. Live music. Quaint bed and breakfast. A cozy room. All overlooking a farmstead. Oh, and rustic charm like you’ve never seen.…
Read more
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
Google+
LinkedIn
Picturesque and budget-friendly beach, boat and pier in Belize
December 3, 2019
Destinations

How to Visit Belize on a Budget: Money-Saving Tips and Tricks

Ahh, Belize. The country is known for excellent snorkeling and diving, lush jungles and ancient Mayan ruins. Beautiful palm-tree lined beaches await you in Belize. But is it possible to go to Belize on a budget? Yup – sure is! It’s 100% possible to visit…
Read more
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
Google+
LinkedIn
Visiting Tikal Ruins Tikal Temple 1
November 27, 2019
Destinations

Visiting Tikal: Everything You Need to Know About the Tikal Ruins

Up for an adventure so incredible it feels like it’s out of this world? Then visiting Tikal in Guatemala has to be on your list of things to do in Central America! Tikal is an incredible archeological site and one of the most impressive ever…
Read more
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
Google+
LinkedIn
southern California shore - 2 days in San Diego
October 21, 2019
Destinations

2 Days in San Diego: Your Perfect San Diego Itinerary

San Diego is one of my favorite cities in the USA. Okay, it might just be my very favorite city. After venturing to this city many times in the last decade, I’ve seen a lot of it. But how do you soak it all in…
Read more
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
Google+
LinkedIn
white sand of turks and caicos walking on beach
September 16, 2019
Destinations

How to Do Turks and Caicos on a Budget

Turks and Caicos is absolutely breathtaking. White sand that feels like you’re walking on clouds. Vivid turquoise water that’s genuinely perfect. But does all that beauty come with a price? Is Turks and Caicos expensive? And can you travel to Turks and Caicos on a…
Read more
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
Google+
LinkedIn
Channel Islands National Park view from the top overlooking the ocean
August 28, 2019
Destinations

28 Underrated Travel Destinations in the US You Need to See

You’ve seen the list of the top destinations in the world, right? Those ones with insta-worthy backdrops, but will likely be packed with tourists and cost you thousands to get there? Well those are fun to look at and certainly inspire wanderlust, but I wondered…
Read more
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
Google+
LinkedIn
des moines river with trees alongside and bridge in background
August 22, 2019
Destinations

15 Best Reasons You Need to Visit Estherville, Iowa

If you’re asking yourself…what is there to do in Estherville, Iowa? Well your answer is a lot! Estherville is a charming Midwestern town, filled with family-friendly activities for all who visit. Estherville is an unknown secret in Iowa. It’s the kind of town perfect for…
Read more
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
Google+
LinkedIn
things to do in Maui on a budget drone shot looking down
July 22, 2019
Destinations

Things to do in Maui on a Budget: 20 Cheap or Free Activities that Don’t Suck

So you want to take a Hawaii vacation on a budget? Well it’s a lot easier than you think! While all the Hawaiian islands are beautiful (ahem, expensive), you can absolutely have a great time in Maui on a budget. I’ve traveled to Maui several…
Read more
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
Google+
LinkedIn
horseback riding turks and caicos high five on horseback in turquoise waters
July 1, 2019
Destinations

Horseback Riding Turks and Caicos (what you need to know before you go)

Just when you think Turks and Caicos can’t get any dreamier, you realize you can ride horses on the beach! Yassss! *catches breath* Here’s everything you need to know about horseback riding Turks and Caicos. First let me just say that being an animal lover,…
Read more
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
Google+
LinkedIn
most instagrammable spots in Omaha in front of brick wall
June 11, 2019
Destinations

Most Instagrammable Spots in Omaha (with photos)

Omaha is a simple Midwestern city with a mix of green space and trendy neighborhoods. Where small town means big business and the people are kind and generous. The city and it’s suburbs are filled with places to take pictures. Here’s a list of the…
Read more
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
Google+
LinkedIn

Posts navigation

1 2

Nikki of She Saves She Travels

 

Hey! I’m Nikki.
I’m here to help you MAKE. TRAVEL. HAPPEN. I’ll show you tips, tricks and strategies to save money and travel. It’s time to stop dreaming about the beautiful photos on Instagram and Pinterest, and save your way to the travel of your dreams.

Read My Story

250x300 Get Quote

she saves she travels top reviewer award - top 1% Omaha blogger

shesavesshetravels

🏝Travel + personal finance
💰Tips, money-saving strategies + inspiration to MAKE.TRAVEL.HAPPEN.
✨Dreamers welcome 👇🏻

Instagram post 2194794591931290421_8396832276 I stepped off the plane + immediately fell different...new...alive. ✨
.
A year ago I was just arriving to Bangalore, India. I can’t really describe why I felt refreshed, especially after traveling for 28 hours straight, but I did. .
I’ve felt this lightness - joy in my heart when traveling. It’s been going on for years now. But my trip to India was different. It was extra...joyous?
.
Maybe it was because I’d just flown to the other side of the world by myself. (My husband was already there + I was meeting up with him.) Maybe it was because I was about to explore a place I never thought I’d get to in my lifetime. 
Maybe it was because I was ready to push myself further out of my comfort zone.
.
Wherever the feeling came from, I’m thankful it made such a profound difference in my life.
.
As I look at 2020, there’s so many destinations I’m excited for - near + far. ✨
.
Where are your travels taking you next year?
.
📸 Bangalore Palace .
.
#discoverindia #discoveryourself #2020travel
Instagram post 2193328307552997318_8396832276 It’s been 10 years since we made the agreement. No gifts for each other. 🚫🎁
.
Not at Christmas, not at birthdays, not on Valentine’s Day, not even at our anniversary. 
Why? So many reasons! Top 3:
🖤less stress finding the ‘perfect gift’
🖤less money on unnecessary things 🖤we spend quality time together on special days instead of giving physical possessions .
Ya know what? I don’t miss it! I know it might sound bizarre, but it works for us!
.
If you have a significant other, do you buy each other gifts? Love it? Find it stressful? I’d love to hear your thoughts on it!
.
📸celebrating our anniversary in Kauai earlier this year
.
.
.
#minimalismforthewin #celebrateeveryday #nogiftmorelove
Instagram post 2192596110219143043_8396832276 Guess how much I spent in Belize...❓
.
Ok so you may have heard me mention my trip to Belize was a budget trip.💵
.
A few months back I challenged myself to spend as little as possible on this trip, without sacrificing a good time. .
Well, I did it. I hiked ancient temples, learned how to make chocolate like the Mayans, spent the day on a tiny island soaking up the sun. Not to mention countless other memories! 😍
.
I tallied up every penny I spent + guess what? It was more than what I planned. BUT I built myself a buffer in my vacation savings so it was no big deal. .
I spent $824 on airfare, accommodations, travel insurance + a rental car before I got there. So obviously I had to eat, plus 2 of those tours were over $100 each. 🤷🏻‍♀️
.
What do you think the total was? Drop your guess below then head on over to my recent blog post to see it. (Link in bio!)
.
.
#budgettraveller #belizevacation #shesavesshetravels
Instagram post 2191152187042833755_8396832276 Nebraska sunsets have been spectacular this fall! 💜❤️🖤
Honestly it’s making it just a little easier to adjust to this cold weather.
.
If you had to choose just 1, are you a beach bum or fan of the snow?
🌴🤔❄️
.
.
#nebraskaphotography #omahanebraska #purplesunset
Instagram post 2189720606293941385_8396832276 What an adventure! It stopped me in my tracks...to think about all that happened here. 
Tikal in Guatemala truly was breathtaking.
Not in a beautiful island sort of way, but in an unbelievable kind of way.😳
.
I mean, how could an ancient civilization with next to no tools build structures the equivalent of 14 story buildings?💪🏻
Why did so many people voluntarily (or not 😬) subject themselves to human sacrifice for the gods, which are actually planets + stars?🤯
.
I can’t even pretend to understand ancient Mayan culture, but I certainly have a lot of respect for it.
.
Here are the top 5 things I loved most about Tikal:
1️⃣ Climbing ancient temples
2️⃣ Learning the history and culture of the city
3️⃣ Feeling the energy of the Grand Plaza, where the most iconic temples stand
4️⃣ Experiencing the wildlife roaming freely in the Guatemalan jungle
5️⃣ Squeezing 16 people in the back of a pick-up truck to avoid the long walk in the jungle
.
New on my blog is my overview of my experience in Tikal National Park. If you like history, adventure, or active travel, I highly recommend it!
.
Head over to my bio to check it out➡️
.
.
#tikal #travelguatemala #adventuregram
Instagram post 2186810024297432936_8396832276 Wishing you plenty of rest + relaxation over the holiday!
🦃🍂🥧
Oh, + that your bank account is plentiful for the busy shopping weekend! 😉
.
#thanksgivings #eatallthethings #restandrelax
Instagram post 2185371963390930005_8396832276 Feeling so freaking grateful ✨
Thinking through all that I have to be thankful for this week. It’s hard to remember gratitude when we’re so busy all the time. Seems like in America we glorify being busy, even if it’s not intentional. .
Practicing gratitude is something I’ve been working on this year. I love this season of reflection because it causes me to slow down + focus. 🙏🏻
.
I’m realizing the older I get, the faster life seems to go.
Do you ever feel that way?
.
.
.
#practicinggratitude #seasonofthanks
Instagram post 2183179982581445654_8396832276 Tips for acclimating back to ‘normal’ life after vacation:
😴sleep through your alarm clock + start your day as late as humanly possible
🍌forage through your entire fridge, freezer + pantry for food until you have nothing left that resembles a meal before finally going to a grocery store
🧳avoid unpacking your suitcase in hopes that you’ll just leave on another trip soon enough anyway
🤳🏻look through vacation pics on your phone, reminiscing of the great experiences you had just days -or hours- earlier 🏝play any music that reminds you of vacation at all times (gentle beach waves count)
✈️start a countdown to your next trip
.
.
.
🙊I may or may not have done 1 or several of those things this week...
.
In all seriousness though, coming back to reality with the responsibilities of #adultlife is hard. I haven’t mastered it yet, but when I do, I’ll be sure to share some advice you can use. 🙃
.
#vacationsarethebest #travelingtheworld #sarcasmintended
Instagram post 2181025696074326270_8396832276 *THE REAL BELIZE* 
I feel like so many travel bloggers show the pretty pictures. I mean, I love them too, but that creates a certain portrait of a country or destination in your mind, without seeing the rest. It’s important that I show you as much as of Belize as I can for you to understand the country.
......
Swipe for: 
1️⃣ cabanas on the beach in Placencia
2️⃣ street vendors waiting for tourists to come buy souvenirs from their shop near Xunantunich (Mayan ruins)
3️⃣ the little boy, who couldn’t have been more than 3 or 4, learning to use wood-working tools like his dad. I walked past his father’s shop earlier...beautiful art.
4️⃣ the strings of laundry I saw in almost 50% of houses. Having a dryer is a luxury...not an essential part of living.
5️⃣ beautiful country side. I happened to grab this pic after driving down 35 miles of the most treacherous driving conditions I’ve ever been on (thank you, google 🙄). The country is gorgeous! PS- ask a local for directions!
6️⃣ throughout our travels, I saw more stray dogs than I could count. As an animal lover, the conditions of the dogs broke my heart 😢
7️⃣ a gas station that was under construction so the tank was above ground. Plus gas was over $5/gal...ouch.
8️⃣ fry jacks - a food Belize is known for. Depending on the meal, they’re either plain or stuffed with meat, beans, eggs, etc. They have the texture of a funnel cake. 
9️⃣ watching cocoa beans turn into chocolate at a chocolate making class. I learned ancient Mayans drank cacao like hot tea. (+ that sugar, dairy was added by the Europeans)
🔟 watching school age kids crossing the border from Guatemala to Belize so they can get a bilingual education. Parents pay for kids to go to school in Belize in hopes they’ll someday get a good job in America. (Something we totally take for granted!)
....
I truly enjoyed traveling to Belize over the last week. I’m so glad I didn’t just go to a fancy hotel + sit on the beach for a week. Although that’s nice too, I loved learning about this country.
.
✨Being back home, I’m feeling grateful, humble + fulfilled.✨
. 
Save this post or share it if you feel moved to share the real Belize. 💕
.
Which pic surprised you the most?
Instagram post 2179532815757069312_8396832276 Is Placencia a good time? You’d better Belize it! 😆
👆🏻always wanted to say that! .
.
There’s so much to do in #belize I will definitely be back. It’s a relatively small country in size, but packs a lot in that amount!
.
.
In the Placencia/Hopkins area, there’s great beaches, restaurants + bars. You could spend the afternoon at a waterfall inland, or enjoy the ocean with a day trip to a caye. 
We passed up a howler monkey tour, swimming with manatees, more Mayan ruins + about a dozen other things that look like a good time.
.
.
What would you do 1st on a trip to Belize?
.
.
#belize #belizeit #placencia
Instagram post 2178114805662182370_8396832276 Sending colorful jungle vibes your way to kick off the weekend 🦜☀️🍃
.
San Ignacio in Belize has some pretty fun architecture...swipe to peek at the most colorful places I found! .
Which of these houses would you live in? I’ll go for pic #4 🌈
.
.
#travelbelize #belize #sanignacio
Instagram post 2177397508014253194_8396832276 Selfie with an ancient Mayan ruin today. NBD 🤷🏻‍♀️
.
I arrived in Belize yesterday + came straight to Guatemala this morning to tour this incredible archeological site. Tikal is about 2 hours from San Ignacio, Belize.
.
Here’s some fun facts about Tikal:
☀️There’s over 4000 structures in Tikal National Park
☀️Temple 1 (behind me in 1st pic) is the most important on the site. It was built by the most powerful king in 600 AD. ☀️Most of the structures in Tikal are under “vegetation” meaning they’re not exposed, but instead covered in dirt, shrubs, trees, etc. The exposed pyramids, temples, acropolis’, palaces, etc. were all dig up before 1979.
☀️In 1979, Tikal was declared a UNESCO world heritage site, so the excavation stopped. All the buried structures will remain buried forever. The exposed structures are deteriorating + maintaining them is difficult. Weather + people are causing erosion so they don’t want that to happen to the other structures.
☀️Tikal was one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya.
☀️ Tikal was featured in a scene from Star Wars: a New Hope
.
.
So would you consider going to Tikal??
.
.
.
Swipe for some of the wildlife I saw in the jungle today!
#tikal #tikalnationalpark #tikalruins
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Explore

  • Destinations
  • Dreamers Club
  • Saving Money
  • Travel Tips

Follow Me

Come with me as I travel the world!
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Stay Connected

Navigation

  • Home
  • About
  • Privacy Policy & Disclosures

Search

Copyright © 2019 | She Saves She Travels | All Rights Reserved
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy Policy