Travel is a luxury and we all need a little down time. Californians have the distinct advantage of living in a state where there are national parks, sophisticated cities, deserts, Disneyland, and everything in between. For flying Southwest Airlines is my favorite, great fares, egalitarian seating, and for most fares you can make changes without a penalty.

They have several destinations in Southern and Northern California and a stop in Reno for the Lake Tahoe area. Lake Tahoe is a bargain during the spring and summers when non skiers can enjoy the beautiful lake, bike and hike the mountains.  Take the North Lake Express into town or if you wish rent a car (try fatwallet.com for good rates).

Now for the trains. Amtrak has great routes and prices throughout the state.  They have all kinds of specials so look for deals on their site. And remember, you can board a train with your shampoo and not have to go through security. Sit back, enjoy the scenery, pack a lunch, and arrive refreshed. There are bus connections from most stations.  While train travel does take longer, remember at the airport you have to arrive 2 hours early, wait in line, and sit on the tarmac while your plane waits for clearance. Train travel takes the same amount of time and you can relax the whole way.

Now as a Los Angelena, it is hard to separate me from my car. And what could be better then knowing you can leave anytime, stop anywhere, and come home anytime. With music or a book on CD (get them from your library), even four hour stretches on the freeway become pleasurable. This is the type of vacation where you can follow your whims, make reservations from the road, and check out yard sales, festivals, and diners. Find the lowest gas prices with GasBuddy.com, pack snacks and water, make sure your phone is charged, and your car is ready for the road.

Travel divas, let me know your favorite California destinations, deals on hotels, spas, and attractions.

Gift Card Granny has 81 student discounts savings.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are more than 19-million students enrolled in higher education institutions across the country. Whether you’re gearing up for your first day on campus or are counting the days until graduation, make sure to take advantage of your status as a student while it lasts.

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Besides the prize of a degree or just learning something, students get to partake in many savings around town and around the Internet. Here are some other ways to save as you pay your way through school.

JourneyEd.com has all the best software and fantastic prices for those enrolled at a degree giving institution.  They will need verification of your student status and then you are free to roam this site for Microsoft, Adobe, and some good deals on hardware.

Before you start the school week, take a break with the Laemmle Sunday Night Student deal.  For all shows that start after 6pm on Sundays, Students with ID are $7 and  popcorn is $1 for Small, $1.50 for Medium and $2.00 for Large.

Amtrak will help you get home for the holidays with a student discount.

Yapta.com will make sure that plane ticket is the cheapest even after purchase. Track prices for free.

Get the the Student Advantage Card, the nation’s largest student discount program, giving students access to thousands of discount locations across the country, near your campus and online. Get a full year of savings for only $20.

MOCA offer students half price tickets at $5.  The American Association of Museums allows you to quickly check if there is a discount in your area or a free day.

Stores and restaurants near your campus have plentiful discounts and coupons for students.  Remind them you are a struggling student who needs every break they can get.

Who knew how many things you could get for free if you were a kid?

You had them now you have to feed them.  Here are some places that give you free meals (please check with local stores as there are sometimes exceptions).

Quiznos give you one free Kidz meal with any adult entree. Children under 12 only so don’t bring your adult off spring and expect to get them a freebie.

Chevys kids eat free on Tuesdays.

Islands kids eat free on Wednesdays.

Not free but great prices and fresh fare at Souplantations and Sweet Tomatoes - kids 6 through 12 eat for $4.99, 3 through 5  eat for $3.49.

Lucille’s BarBQue kids eat free on Wednesdays.

Kids need culture. LACMA has a youth program for free. NexGen offers free general admission to anyone 17 and under as well as one accompanying adult. In New York check out the American Museum of Natural History where kids under 12 get in for $9.  At the Art Institute of Chicago, kids under 14 are free.

Amtrak loves kids and gives up to two children ages 2-15 are eligible to receive a 50% discount on the lowest available adult rail fare on most Amtrak trains with each fare-paying adult. Infants who do not get a seat travel for free.

Kids enjoy free classes at the LA Parks Recreational Centers.

And be sure to check out Jennifer Moss on free and low cost fun for kids.