Rent a pool with Swimply

Swimply, founded in 2018, is an online marketplace for pool rentals and is available across many large U.S. cities, as well as in Canada and Australia. Similar to Airbnb, you’ll enter your location and desired date, and then browse available listings in that area for the specified time frame. Added filters also let you narrow down your options based on size, amenities and price range. Once you find a property you like and the booking is approved by the owner, you’ll receive the property's address and any additional information concerning your reservation. Unlike Airbnb, however, rentals aren’t made on a daily basis, but on an hourly basis.

Swimply is a good option if you’re looking to cool off with a solo swim or host a pool party with friends and family — without having to shell out for a nightly hotel rate (for a pool you'll have to share with other guests, anyway). Another benefit: you can even search for pet-friendly pool rentals, so your dogs can cool off by taking a swim as well. Listings range from simple, basic pools, to properties with BBQ grills, hot tubs, waterfalls and kiddie pools. And while the main draw of the site is, obviously, its pools, you can also browse tennis courts and pickleball courts if that’s more your vibe. Just be aware that prices will vary depending on the listing.

How much does Swimply cost?

Since hosts set their own hourly rates, the cost of pools on Swimply varies from listing to listing. Prices can range anywhere from just $20 an hour, to several hundred dollars an hour, depending on location and amenities. However, a quick search in the Atlanta area shows many highly rated listings around $30 to $60 an hour. 

Available listings

Here are a few pictures and profiles of currently available listings in various locations to give you an idea of what properties are out there and how much they cost.

Resort Style pool and event space

• Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
• Price: $35 per hour

Club Oasis

• Location: Rochelle Park, New Jersey
• Price: $58.50 per hour

30 foot waterslide pool

• Location: Huntington, New York
• Price: $90 per hour

Mad Men pool

• Location: Portland, Oregon
• Price: $80 per hour

Private Bal Harbour waterfront pool/hot tub

• Location: Bal Harbour, Florida
• Price: $150 per hour

Make money by renting out your pool

Maybe you have a private pool, but you don’t use it as much as you should. You could make money on that. And no, you don’t have to rent out your entire home, either. You can rent out your personal pool by the hour on Swimply, all you have to do is create an account, list your space, set an hourly rate and establish your house rules. Approve guests at your discretion and get paid within 24 hours after a completed reservation.

Hosts earn between 70% - 85% of the total booking price (excluding guest fees) from each reservation. And the Swimply Protection Guarantee protects all bookings done via Swimply for up to $2 million for general liability claims and $10,000 of property protection per occurrence.

Not only is listing your pool on Swimply an easy way to help cover your standard pool maintenance costs, but it can also become a new revenue stream for you and your family. Some hosts make over $10,000 a month by simply sharing their pool with you when they aren't using it.

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Amazon is once again America's second favorite retail giant (just behind Walmart), according to the National Retail Federation's 2023 Top 100 Retailers report. And, for good reason. 

Not only can you find a huge selection of products and services, and if you're a Prime member, you'll also get free, two-day shipping on all eligible items, as well as access to digital storage for your photos, video streaming and much more — just a taste of what keeps customers coming back often.

But, since Amazon hiked the price of its subscription in 2022, you might have been thinking about canceling your Prime membership. Before you pull the plug, take a look at these 10 money-saving hacks.

1. Shop Woot! deals

Woot! is Amazon’s daily deals site where you can get deals and discounts on everything from clothing to home items and electronics. But check back daily to see what’s available, because offers change all the time. If you're a Prime member, you’ll get free standard shipping on all Woot! purchases.

2. Use Amazon coupons

Amazon offers coupons  — clippable coupons (yellow buttons or orange tags), link coupons and promo codes that automatically apply to your cart or require you to enter the code during checkout. But the easiest way to find Amazon coupons is on Amazon’s Coupon Page.

New coupons are added daily and you can search by brand or category. If you’re about to order an item and you're not fixed on that specific brand, check to see if there’s a similar item that has a coupon attached.

3. Find lightning deals

You can find lightning deals throughout Amazon, as well as in the Today’s Deals section. Although many of these deals are temporary, you can usually score big bargains. You’ll see a status bar that indicates when the deal expires — either when enough customers claim the deal, or when the timer runs out. 

4. Subscribe and save

There are certain items that you always need around the house, like coffee, vitamins and paper towels. These are often available at a discounted price through Amazon’s Subscribe & Save program. If there's a discounted price, you'll see it on the product page, so you can see how much you'll save by signing up vs. a one-off purchase.

There are thousands of qualifying products available. Just pick the quantity and delivery frequency that works for you. You have the option to cancel or change your preferences at any time. Plus, once you order five or more Subscribe & Save products in a month to a single address, you’ll unlock extra price discounts.

5. Select no-rush shipping

If you don't need your Amazon packages right away, choose no-rush shipping on your order.  By doing so, you will receive an immediate discount or rewards — like digital credits for movies, books, and music — to use later on.

But although discounts are available to everyone, rewards are only available to Prime members and you don't get to choose which you want. The rewards depend on the offer.

6. Get free shipping without a Prime membership

If you don't order from Amazon often enough to warrant spending $139 a year for Prime membership, there are a couple of other ways to get your occasional orders delivered free. When you order $35 worth of eligible products, your entire order qualifies for free economy shipping, which typically takes five to eight business days.

7. Shop Amazon Warehouse deals

When eligible used, pre-owned and open-box products are returned to Amazon, they go through a quality check before being sold in Amazon’s Warehouse Deals section. You can find deep discounts on everything from computers and household goods to tools and pet supplies. However, the used price may not be a better deal than buying new so compare before you buy.

8. Search by discount

Amazon doesn't allow you to sort by the "percentage off" discount on items, which can make it challenging to find the best deal. And sorting by price can bring up dozens of pages of irrelevant results. To find hidden discounts, enter a product in Amazon's search bar and add &pct-off;=50- to the URL. This will show you items that are discounted by 50%. 

This little hack works for any discounted amount. Although the results aren’t always perfect, you'll never know if it works on a specific item unless you try it out...

9. Check out the Prime Visa credit card

You may be hesitant to apply for another credit card, but if you shop a lot on Amazon, the Prime Visa card comes with many benefits worth checking out. First, you'll get 5% back on Amazon purchases and at Whole Foods Market. You'll also get back 5% off at Amazon Fresh and on Chase Travel. 

Amazon offers 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and local transit and commuting, and 1% back everywhere else. This all comes with no annual fee or international transaction charges.

10. Add another adult

There's a way for some folks to reap the benefits of Amazon Prime without having to fork over the $139 annual membership fee. Prime members are allowed to add one adult in their household to their Prime account free of charge. The second adult must have his or her own Amazon account and must use the same billing address as the primary Prime account holder. 

(Caution: Both individuals will have access to credit card information associated with the Prime account.) Once the new household member has been verified, he or she gets access to free two-day shipping, video streaming, online photo storage and the Kindle owners' lending library.

Good luck, and happy shopping!

Read more

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Amazon Music Prime Day offer

Amazon Prime members get access to Amazon Music for no additional cost with a Prime subscription. The service lets you listen to an impressive 100 million songs ad-free, as well as podcasts, playlists and stations, on a range of devices.

This deal is for Music Unlimited — Amazon’s premium music subscription service. Music Unlimited gives you access to everything you’d get with Amazon Music but also has heaps of features designed to enhance your listening experience and find more music. Features include tracks in HD and Ultra HD audio quality, a growing catalog of Spatial Audio songs offering “a multidimensional audio experience,” and new releases from today's most popular artists. 

Music Unlimited can also build playlists for you and make recommendations based on your listening habits. Crucially, it allows you to turn off "shuffle mode" so you can listen to your chosen songs in the order you want — a feature that’s not available on the lower tier Amazon Music subscription.

Just remember to cancel at the end of the five months if you don’t want to keep listening, or the subscription will automatically renew and you’ll end up paying the $9.99 a month charge. If you’re not an Amazon Prime member, once the deal ends, the monthly subscription charge will be $10.99.

While Amazon runs trial offers on its subscription services throughout the year, this five-month Music Unlimited trial is worth considering if you’re a die-hard music fan. It gives you almost half a year of a premium music subscription service and saves you almost $50 — that’s music to our ears.

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Many parts of the United States, however, are heating up. Experts believe that there’s a good chance this summer could be one of the hottest on record, with Accuweather predicting that from June through August, temperatures will reach 2 degrees above historical averages across more than half of the country. In fact, a recent heat wave has already set new daily high-temperature records from Washington D.C. to Maine, reports Forbes. 

If you're finding the summer heat unbearable, you can escape these record-breaking temperatures by traveling to one of the best vacation spots to escape the summer heat.

 1. Denali National Park, Alaska 

• July average high temperature: 59°
• August average temperature: 54°

If you want to stay cool and escape the heat this summer, consider heading to Denali National Park, where you’ll get up close and personal with unspoiled wilderness and wildlife. The best part? The average summer temperature ranges from only 33 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. We recommend taking a bus tour of the park, where you'll have the opportunity to look for wildlife like bears, moose, caribou, foxes and wolves. There are plenty of guided hiking tours as well. Take advantage of the cool summer air while you can!  

It takes 5.5 hours to get to the park from Anchorage by car or 8 hours by train, and only about 2.5 hours by car or 4 hours by train if you leave from Fairbanks. If you really want to get off the grid, you can even stay inside Denali National Park at one of its remote, exclusive wilderness lodges.

2. Amsterdam, Netherlands

• July average high temperature: 71° 
• August average temperature: 71°

If you’re not the outdoorsy type, a vacation in the city might be more your speed. Throughout the year, the temperature in Amsterdam usually ranges from 34°F to 71°F, rarely reaching below 22°F or above 81°F — great news if you’re looking to escape the heat this summer. Plus you’ll have plenty of daytime to sightsee. Amsterdam sunsets take place after 10 pm for much of June and July, according to Eating Europe, and traces of light can be seen up to 11 pm or later almost the entire summer. 

If you like art or history, make sure to stop by several of the city’s famous museums, including the Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum. You can also enjoy the city’s many canals by taking a guided canal cruise. 

3.  Reykjavík, Iceland 

• July average high temperature: 56°
• August average temperature: 56°

Although June, July and August are technically Iceland's warmest and driest months, don’t expect the weather to be warm or dry — average summer temperatures in Iceland range between 50-59° F, rarely reaching over 80°. And thanks to Iceland’s “midnight sun,” where the sun never fully sets, you’ll have almost 24 hours of daylight to enjoy all the country has to offer — which is a lot. 

Start your adventure in Reykjavik, where you can rent a car and start on what’s known as the Ring Road — an 800-mile loop circling the country. On this route, you’ll find waterfalls, glaciers, national parks and black-sand beaches. While you're in Iceland, also check out some of the best natural scenery on the planet in the Icelandic Highlands, which are inaccessible in the winter but can be explored in the summer. You’ll find breathtaking mountains, lava fields, hot springs and glaciers.

4. Cape Town, South Africa

• July average high temperature: 68°
• August average temperature: 68°

While we Americans try to beat the heat from June to August, countries in the Southern Hemisphere are enjoying their winter season. So if you’re looking to escape record-breaking high temperatures, travel south. At this time, Cape Town experiences a cooler and wetter climate, so expect temperatures under 70° as well as plenty of rainy days.

The benefit of visiting in winter? It's the off-peak tourist season, meaning fewer crowds and tourists while you go whale watching, hike Table Mountain, delve into the city’s famous culinary scene or embark on a safari. 

South Africa also made Kiplinger’s list of Best Places to Visit Where the Dollar Is Strong and The 10 Cheapest Countries to Visit.

5. South Island, New Zealand

• July average high temperature: 46°
• August average temperature: 50°

New Zealand is another great vacation spot to escape the heat, especially for those who love snow. Winter will be in full swing, so expect alpine scenery, snow-capped mountains and crisp, cold air. The South Island in particular is home to many popular ski resorts, making it well-suited for snow sports enthusiasts. From Queenstown, you'll be able to travel to some of the best ski fields in the South Island within just a 20 to 90-minute drive. Coronet Peak, for example, is one of the most popular ski resorts on the South Island, featuring varied terrain for both beginners and experts.

If you're not a skier, no worries. You can still explore the region by taking a train ride through the Southern Alps, exploring glaciers, going on a dog-sledding or snowmobiling adventure and stargazing at the world's largest Dark Sky Reserve. For those who just want to relax, you can enjoy a cozy winter escape while staying in Queenstown.

6. Vancouver, British Columbia

• July average high temperature: 72°
• August average temperature: 72°

Vancouver summers are very mild and pleasant, with temperatures typically ranging from 66˚F to 73˚F throughout the day and dropping at night; the average low temperature for both July and August in Vancouver is 58°. Summer weather in Vancouver is also dry, so expect sunny days with only a small chance of rain — perfect weather to explore the city. 

Make sure you head over to Stanley Park to explore the 400-hectare natural West Coast rainforest, attend the Richmond Night Market, the largest night market in North America, and eat seafood on Granville Island. The city also hosts several summer festivals, including the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, Vancouver Greek Fest and Granville Block Party. 

7. Stockholm, Sweden

• July average high temperature: 75°
• August average temperature: 72°

Stockholm weather is perfect for sightseeing. Temperatures are comfortable and mild, with lots of sunshine. And during the summer months, the city experiences a total of 18 hours of daylight. 

Stockholm is rich with culture, offering 89 museums, 423 libraries, 80 cultural and community centers and 93 venues for theatrical performances across the 14 islands the city is situated on. The Vasa Museum, the most visited museum in Scandinavia, is a must-visit, housing the world's only preserved 17th-century ship. At the Swedish History Museum, browse 10 million artifacts from Sweden's history, organized by era. Also, take a ferry trip to explore the Stockholm archipelago of 30,000 islands. 

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Florida is a bit more complicated than just beaches, Disney World and the massive retirement community known as The Villages. You'll want to consider all aspects of the state before packing up and heading South. In fact, we recommend you "try before you buy" — spend an extended period of time in the Sunshine State to get to know the place before you make a move.

Here's what you need to know about moving to Florida. So grab an OJ and dive on in. The water’s warm, but...complex.

1. Prepare for harsh weather

Sure, Florida has great weather. After all, it is called the Sunshine State. But don't expect every day to be sunny. Thunderstorms in Florida are frequent and intense. The Atlantic hurricane season lasts for six months, from June 1 until November 30, and peaks between mid-August and late October. Since 1850, all of Florida’s coastline has been impacted by at least one hurricane.

The most recent hurricane to wreak havoc on Florida was Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, bringing winds of 125 mph and seven to 12 feet of storm surge, before making its way toward Georgia and the Carolinas. Streets flooded, houses were destroyed, trees snapped and 300,000 individuals were left without power. 

The likelihood of harsh weather can affect the financial benefits of moving to Florida. Florida residents end up paying a lot more in insurance in order to protect their property. More on that below. 

2. You'll need plenty of insurance in Florida

The risk of hurricanes makes insuring your home in Florida much more complex and expensive than it is in many other areas. In many hurricane-prone areas, insurance companies often require property owners to not only purchase homeowners insurance but also flood insurance and sometimes even windstorm coverage. 

“The cost to insure a home without wind mitigation features could be four times higher than a home with wind mitigation,” says Chris Heidrick, an independent insurance agent in Sanibel, Fla.

Floods aren't covered by a standard homeowners policy, but you can get coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program. According to Policy Genius, flood insurance costs an average of $888 per year from the NFIP. You may also be able to find flood coverage from private insurers.

However, many insurance companies in Florida are leaving the state entirely. Others are choosing to significantly raise rates, limit coverage and even cancel policies. For example, last summer, AAA announced it would no longer be renewing policies with home, auto and umbrella bundles in Florida, and Farmers Insurance pulled out of Florida entirely, affecting 100,000 policies. 

For this reason, the availability of coverage and cost of premiums can vary a lot by insurer in Florida. Plus, expect to pay a higher deductible for hurricane damage — generally, 5% to 10% of your coverage amount for damages caused by a hurricane. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has a great Rate Comparison Tool that provides premium estimates from insurers in your county.

Overall, It’s important to find out about a house’s insurability before buying it, so you don’t end up with annual premiums that are several thousand dollars more than you were expecting to pay.

You can use our tool below — powered by Bankrate — to compare home insurance policies today.

3. Florida’s a lot less taxing

Moving to the Sunshine State could save you a lot of money in taxes. Florida, one of our 10 most tax-friendly states for retirees, has no state income tax. That means no state taxes on Social Security benefits, pensions, IRAs, 401(k)s and other retirement income. It also has no inheritance tax or estate tax.

But snowbirds who maintain a second home in a colder state can’t just tap their heels together to establish residency in Florida for tax purposes. You’ll need to show that you spend more than half the year — 183 days — in Florida. But don’t expect state tax auditors to take your word for it. For starters, keep a diary or log showing the number of days you spend in each state during the year, says Tim Steffen, director of financial planning for Robert W. Baird. Here's what else to do:

• Register to vote in Florida, and if you receive a jury summons, perform your civic duty
• Apply for a library card
• Change your driver’s license and car registration
• Establish relationships with health care providers in your new location
• Open an account at a local bank, and keep receipts of ATM withdrawals
• Shopping locally is also a good idea: State tax auditors sometimes review credit card records to determine where you were during the year
• File a Declaration of Domicile with your local county court

4. The state's population is growing fast

Retiring to Florida? Expect lots of company. Florida is already the third most populated state and just keeps growing.

Florida was the second fastest-growing state in the nation in 2023, growing by 1.6% to reach a population of 22,610,726. Before that, between 2021 and 2022, Florida’s population increased by 1.9%, making it the fastest-growing state for the first time since 1957. And out of the top ten fastest-growing metro areas (between July 2022 and July 2023), Florida is home to four.  

Depending on where you land, expect to be surrounded by people who look like you. By 2030, the number of seniors in the Sunshine State is expected to increase by several million.

“Everything is geared toward retired, older people,’’ said one resident, a January 2012 transplant from upstate New York who owns a home in Fort Myers Beach (Gulf side). “All the commercials are about things like walk-in bathtubs, insurance, Lifeline, i.e. ‘I've fallen and I can't get up.’ So many volunteer activities are during the workday. It's like they don't think people move down here to work.”

5. Florida’s tourists can slow you down

Don't underestimate the amount of tourists who pour into Florida every year. If you visited Walt Disney World when you were a kid you probably marveled at the crowds. As a resident, you’ll probably only be annoyed by them.

In 2023, Florida tourism reached unprecedented levels, with the state welcoming more than 140.6 million visitors, an increase of 2.3% from 2022. Approximately 137.6 million tourists visited Florida in 2022, setting a record for the highest visitation in state history at that time. In 2019, Florida had 131.42 million tourists, and the state has had more than 100 million visitors a year from 2010 to 2019 converging on the state’s famous theme parks, beaches and destination spots such as the Keys and Everglades National Park.

Think of all those tourists on the road as you try to run errands. Major headache.

6. Yes, there's such a thing as TOO much sun

Many of you beach bums in the swingin' '70s knew nothing of SPF. It was baby oil, baby, slathered on your tender skin to enhance rays of sunshine to deepen your tan. Little did you know. 

The sun on exposed skin was dangerous then and is dangerous now, especially if you're a tenderfoot moving from the Midwest or Northeast to year-round sunshine in tropical Florida. Sunburn can cause premature wrinkling and uneven skin coloring. And too many sunburns or too much sun will cause your skin's texture to change. 

"The skin can become tough and leathery," according to the Florida Institute of Neuroscience. "You may also notice more wrinkles. The sun can also cause brown, red, yellow, or gray spots in the skin called sun spots." 

And the most serious result of too much sun, of course, is skin cancer. Your risk for getting skin cancer increases the more sun exposure and sunburns you have. So be careful. A study found that Florida was the second in the nation for the highest rate of new melanoma cases. And at the time of the study, approximately one in ten Floridians had been told they have skin cancer (9.2%).

Sun worshippers are urged to stop sunbathing, avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (when the sun's rays are most damaging), and use broad-spectrum sunscreens. And when you are on the beach, sit under an umbrella or some other shaded protection from the sun.

7. Housing supply is increasing

Previously, Florida, like elsewhere in the country, was low on inventory in this seller's market. But recently, Florida has faced the opposite problem — an increase in inventory and not enough buyers. There has been a surge in the number of homes for sale on the Gulf Coast of Florida, according to Redfin. Specifically, the number of homes for sale in Cape Coral, FL and North Port, FL surged roughly 50% from a year earlier in March — more than anywhere else in the country. 

Of the 10 metro areas that experienced the largest year-over-year increases in supply, six are in Florida. As mentioned, Cape Coral, FL saw the biggest jump in homes for sale (51%), followed by North Port-Sarasota, FL (48%), Fort Lauderdale, FL (30%), Tampa, FL (29%), Orlando, FL (23%) and West Palm Beach, FL (20%).

The consequence of this? Sellers are slashing prices in these areas.

“Out-of-town homebuyers no longer see Florida as a place to get amazing value. Now they’re moving to North Carolina or Tennessee to get a good deal," Eric Auciello, a local Redfin sales manager says in the report. He goes on to say: "My advice to sellers is to price your home fairly; the comps from six months ago don’t exist now. And if you’re a buyer, know that the odds of getting an offer accepted below market value are pretty high.”

Of course, you're still going to find luxurious waterfront homes for several million in many Florida communities, but the average Florida home value is $399,944, up 3.2% over the past year. For comparison, the average United States home value is $360,681, up 4.3% over the past year.

8. Life’s not always a beach in Florida

There’s often a major misconception about Florida as a retirement destination: Many think the state is one big beach. An easy-to-reach beach. Not so. Those world-famous theme parks? They’re in Orlando, in the middle of the state, an hour or so car ride to the beach.

“People who are thinking about a move to Florida should really explore the state,” says Dania Perry, a real estate agent with Century 21 Jim White & Associates in St. Petersburg. “Each of Florida's metro areas has its own vibe. The east and west coasts of Florida are very different — as different as the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. North Florida features vast stretches of rolling hills and countryside.”

You already know the big destinations: Orlando, home to Disney World, Universal Studios and their smaller ilk; Miami, if you want to live out your “Miami Vice” or “Golden Girls” fantasies (whatever floats your boat; we’re in a no-judgment zone); and the Florida Keys for a laid-back lifestyle as far south as you can go in the state.

But other Florida towns belong on your Florida Retirement Planning Tour. Fort Myers Beach, for example. You’re right on the Gulf (or close to it), there are plenty of 55-and-older communities, yet it remains youthful during the high season, with plenty of young people flocking to the resort area with its boardwalk and bars.

Sarasota has plenty of beaches, and the small city moves a bit slower than some of the larger towns in Florida. There is a wide array of restaurants and stores in St. Armands Circle, the island shopping center. Another bonus: access to the Sarasota Memorial Health Care system, which is one of the largest medical centers in Florida.

Is retiring to a college town — to teach part-time, take courses (free for folks age 60 or older) or just hang out with the young’uns — a must for you? Check out Gainesville, home of the University of Florida. But bear in mind that Gainesville is deep in the heart of Florida, 75 miles from any beaches.

9. Florida has lots of creepy, crawly things

Florida is its very own ecosystem, and the state’s various creatures may do more than make your skin crawl. They might also eat into your budget.

For instance, dealing with termites is just part of the routine for Florida homeowners. Of the top 10 U.S. cities where Orkin performed the most termite treatments from February 1, 2022 to January 31, 2023, Florida scores three: Miami, Tampa and Orlando. As you can see, Miami scored the #1 spot on the list.

A termite inspection by a pro ranges from free to $325, with an averaging of around $150. The average cost for the treatment of termites is $575. 

Then there are the rats — on the beach, in the trees, and perhaps on your roof, too. Yes, they are the same rats you know and loathe; they've just adapted to the climate and are called, among other things, palm rats and roof rats. Rat control can cost homeowners upward of $300 a year.

As a Floridian, you’ll also have to keep an eye out for alligators, panthers and pythons. Oh my. Florida has an estimated 1.3 million alligators of the approximately five million in the U.S., and you might encounter them slinking across a golf course or gliding in backyard swimming pools. 

“Beware of Alligators” signs are posted at lakes, lagoons, parks, ponds, golf courses and elsewhere throughout Florida. Alligator attacks are rising partly due to rising temperatures, development and people visiting their habitat more frequently, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission experts say. 

Panthers, the state animal of Florida, are another tale. While there have been no documented panther attacks on humans, they do dine on pets and livestock.

And Burmese pythons, which aren’t native to Florida, are growing in numbers in Everglades National Park — and showing up in homeowners’ pantries, cars, laundry rooms and other spots.

Related Content

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Save money on energy bills the easy way

During an especially warm summer, homes can consume around 82% of their normal energy even when unoccupied — averaging an unnecessary expense of about $590. And, since a typical electricity bill can average about $173 a month, up from $168 last year, it would help to know these seven easy steps you can take to save on your energy bills.  

1. Program your thermostat

Setting your thermostat at a higher or lower temperature when you leave can save you money on your utility bill. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, set it to ‘vacation’ mode. Adjusting your manual unit a few degrees up or down can also have a significant impact. In fact, according to Duke Energy, a change of just three degrees for 24 hours a day can save 30% on your energy costs. Or, if you’re not leaving for an extended time and the forecast calls for mild weather, consider turning the system off. 

2. Unplug appliances and electronics

When electrical appliances, "energy vampires," are plugged into an outlet, they use energy even when turned off, which can account for up to 10% of your energy bill. To save money, unplug all large and small electrical appliances, such as your computer, cable box, coffee maker, microwave, printer, television and toaster. 

3. Turn off or turn down the water heater

“Water heating accounts for up to 25% of the energy a home consumes, and you won’t even be there to use it,” says Mark Feygin, founder and CEO of PowerSetter. “Switch off the water heater at the breaker while your home is vacant … but remember to leave yourself a note to turn it back on again when you return.” Turning off your water heater also prevents any unexpected malfunctions while away, like a water leak and flooding. 

Many water heaters also have a vacation setting, usually found on the temperature dial. Adjusting it to 50 degrees Fahrenheit or the lowest setting available can help you save money while away. 

4. Put lights on timers

Although simply turning off the lights saves you money while on vacation, many people choose to keep the lights on for security reasons. Instead of leaving the lamps lit all day and night, install timers and take the worry out of how much energy you’re using. Keep in mind that while incandescent bulbs can get hot and overheat, LED lights save more energy and can be left on for extended periods of time without overheating, according to energy.gov. 

5. Keep window coverings half-way or all the way closed

Your house will stay cool, and you’ll save energy by keeping window shades and blinds closed when the temperature climbs. Feygin recommends keeping window coverings closed while away. “If the sun has had weeks to raise the temperature in your home uninterrupted, it’s going to take a whole lot of work for your air conditioner to cool it once you get back.” Plus, the afternoon sun can make your home hot and unbearable for pets if left alone. 

Similarly, Feygin adds, “Reflective film can stop heat from entering your home by bouncing back the sun’s rays, making it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature. Less heat buildup while you’re away means less reliance on air conditioning once you return.”

However, you may not want to advertise you are physically away, and closed curtains can give the impression that nobody is home. So, before you leave on an extended vacation, the experts at Duke Energy suggest leaving your curtains or blinds halfway open and investing in a smart security system.

6. Keep your refrigerator half-full

A fully stocked refrigerator stays colder than an empty one. Although you may want to remove all the food from your fridge when leaving town, keeping your refrigerator and freezer at least half full is actually more energy efficient.  But if you just can’t fathom the thought of coming home to sour milk, fill your fridge and freezer with full water bottles or ice trays, and adjust the thermostats on your refrigerator and freezer to a higher setting — 38 degrees F for the refrigerator and 5 degrees F for the freezer. If you leave for more than four weeks, you will probably want to empty and unplug your fridge. 

7. More ways to save while away

Before you walk out the door, add these other “to dos” to your list and save even more on your energy bill. 

1. Turn off both ceiling and personal fans.
2. Drain and winterize your hot tub, or unplug the hot tub heater.
3. Turn off or lower the temperature on the heater for your swimming pool, but leave the pool pump on.
4. Unplug your window air conditioner.
5. Unplug any landscaping water features if not absolutely needed, or set them to come on less often or for a shorter period of time.

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That’s a lot of money on hot dogs and potato salad. But don’t worry, you actually don’t have to spend a fortune to keep your guests happy and full. Many grocery chains across the country are offering deals and discounts on cookout staples — like hot dogs and potato chips — to make July Fourth grocery shopping a bit easier on your wallet. 

One deal in particular that stands out is Walmart’s Summer Cookout Basket. With it, you can feed a party of eight for under $50. The basket, which includes 18 classic cookout items, costs just $45.43 before tax, a little under $6 per person. 

But is it a good deal? Or just a well-designed marketing tactic? We compared similar products from both Publix and Kroger to see if Walmart's Fourth of July cookout basket gets you more bang for your buck, as well as to identify items that you can get cheaper from somewhere else. Here's what we found. 

Fourth of July cookout basics

After comparing prices per item, Walmart came out as the cheapest option for Fourth of July cookout essentials, costing just $45.43 (pre-tax). If you shopped at Kroger you'd pay almost $10 more ($55.10) and if you filled up your cart at Publix, you could expect to pay almost $25 more ($69.54) than you would at Walmart. And that includes any additional coupons, sales or BOGO promotions both Kroger and Publix offered. Keep in mind that for all stores, additional pick-up, shipping or delivery fees may apply.

Another plus side to Walmart's deal? You don't have to search for each item individually (like we did sourcing these prices). Just follow the link, hit "add all to cart" and checkout. On the other hand, if you have some extra time, you could strategically shop at all three stores to get the cheapest option for each individual item. For example, you could forgo the watermelon and hot dogs from Walmart and buy them at Kroger, which will save you a couple of dollars.

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One way to ensure you get the space you need is to fly with the airlines with the most legroom. You could also monitor the type of plan a prospective flight is scheduled to use. The specific aircraft used on your flight plays a pivotal role in determining the amount of space you will have to stretch your legs. 

A study by travel site Upgraded Points revealed the best airlines and planes to fly in when legroom matters. How did the site crunch the numbers? To calculate the average legroom for each airline, Upgraded Points analyzed planes across the 10 busiest domestic flight routes, focusing on economy seats on the listed flights. The analysis looked at the seat pitch, the distance between a point on one seat and the same point on the seat in front of it, and calculated the average across each airline. 

What is seat pitch? 

Seat Pitch is the distance between a row of seats — the measurement from the same position on two seats, one behind the other — it is not the legroom area. However, It’s a key determinant of the legroom available to passengers, influencing your overall comfort during a flight. 

The measurement is typically expressed in inches, and a higher seat pitch generally implies more legroom and space you’ll have between your seat and the one in front of you, offering a more roomy and relaxed travel experience.

American, Delta, Southwest, and United have lost anywhere from 2 inches to 5 inches in legroom pitch, and 2 inches in seat width since the 1980s, according to Conde Nast Traveler. The average legroom pitch today clocks in at about 31 inches; keep that in mind when you see how much legroom is offered by the nine airlines included in the survey. 

Legroom by airline

1.  JetBlue leads the pack in legroom with an average seat pitch of 32.3 inches. The abundant legroom is owed to their more modern fleet that includes spacious Airbus A320 and A321 models. JetBlue's expanded European itineraries means more legroom on transatlantic flights. 

2.  Southwest Airlines is a close second with 31.8 inches. This economy airline has many traveler-friendly perks. Southwest offers free checked bags and no change fees in addition to more legroom than most other airlines. 

3. Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Line tied for third in the rankings. Both airlines provide 31 inches of space between you and the passenger sitting ahead of you. 

Alaska Airlines is the fifth-largest airline in North America and operates a route network primarily focused on connecting cities along the West Coast. 

Delta has a lot to brag about. It was the most on-time North American airline in 2021, 2022 and 2023 and Kiplinger readers recently voted the Delta SkyMiles credit card program outstanding for customer service.

4. American Airlines offers seats that offer a seat pitch of 30.2 inches; this is slightly below the industry standard of 31 inches. American has a diverse fleet that includes Boeing and Airbus aircraft. To get the most space on an American flight, check the type of aircraft being used and choose a flight with the larger planes — you're likely to enjoy bigger seat pitch. Take note that the airline has raised checked bag fees for the first time since 2018 and cost varies by destination. 

5. United Airlines isn't far behind American Airlines in offering 30.1 inches of room. They may not have most legroom but they are trying to improve the boarding process. United implemented the window-middle-aisle (WILMA) boarding method last October. Using the WILMA method passengers in United’s economy boarding Group 4 with window seats will board first, followed by those with middle seats to be followed by passengers with aisle seats. 

6. Hawaiian Airlines seating pitch is only 29.0 inches. The below standard legroom might be forgivable when your destination is south pacific paradise. To it's credit Hawaiian Airlines is the airline least prone to holiday flight delays during the winter holiday season.

7. Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines both come in last with 28.0 inches of room. Both of these ultra-low cost airlines cater to the budget-conscious traveler who may be more impressed by the low price of a fare than temporary comfort. Spirit Airlines has the distinction of being the first U.S. airline to charge passengers for carry-on bags. 

In 2023, Frontier eliminated its customer service phone line completely. Customers looking for information or help must now utilize an online chatbot, social media, or WhatsApp. Those wishing to speak with a live agent can use the carrier's 24/7 chat tool.

Bottom line

Travelers keen on optimizing their air travel experience should consider seat pitch measurement when making flight choices. Airlines often publish standard seat pitch information on their websites but if you want something more specific, SeatGuru is a great resource for researching a specific plane’s layout.

You can generally assume that low-cost airlines will offer the least amount of pitch. Though economy class offerings have made a public transportation mode that used to be reserved only for the wealthy and business travelers more accessible, it's a ticket class that comes with some downsides.

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Best Summer Travel Deals 2024

Here's a look at the best airline, hotel and resort, car rental, cruise, package and other deals available right now.

Airline deals on flights 

Delta. Delta has dozens of deals on flights this summer, depending on the flight origin and destination. Skymiles members can use or receive points on their summer flights. Traveling from places like Chicago to New York in July? You may qualify for fares as low as $175 round trip. Or, enjoy sandy beaches and endless sun at the Villa La Valencia Beach Resort and Spa, in Los Cabos, Mexico. Kids stay & eat free or, enjoy a free daily breakfast for the whole family. Book your flight by July 8 and travel anytime from June 4 to December 19, 2024. 

United. United is offering package deals, weekly deals and promotions to people traveling to countless destinations this summer. And, if you book your next trip by June 25th, you can earn up to 30,000 bonus miles. Fly from Houston to Las Vegas late in  July and book a two-night stay at the Rio Hotel and Casino for only $312 per person. Or, stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge in Orlando, FL, from August 10 - 13 for $763 per person. Flight, hotel, taxes and fees included.   

American. Vacationing around the world just got better with American Airlines Vacations and the AAdvantage program. Book your flight by June 30th and earn 20,000 bonus miles when you stay at a Jamaica resort. Soak up the sun for as low as $732 per person. Traveling across the country? Save $100 when you book a vacation using promo code JUNE2024 with a minimum stay of three nights from June 1 - June 30. The average total price per person is based on round-trip flights in the Main Cabin and double occupancy hotel stays. 

Southwest. Southwest Airlines' summer sale has landed. Save up to $500 anywhere Southwest flies. Plus, save an additional $100 when you book by June 18. Or, plan your dream vacation with RIU Hotels and Resorts and save up to 65% when you book your travel from June 14 - June 20 and travel from June 15 - March 5. Flight and hotel included.

Hotel and resort deals

Hyatt Hotels. Enjoy your Hyatt stay in Mexico or the Caribbean with savings of up to 20% off at participating resorts. Activities such as snorkeling and live entertainment are all included in your room rate. Offers vary per destination and availability.  Rather take in the luxe skyscrapers of Tokyo or the lush gardens of Thailand? Save up to 15% on stays between June 12 and January 4 when you book by July 9 and use special offer code STAYNOW. 

Wyndham. Join Club Wyndham and book your flight, hotel, car rental and package deals all in one place. With Wyndham, you can also save on cruises, tours and more. Not ready to join? You can still take advantage of dozens of discounts on your hotel stay at places like Florida and Tennessee. Celebrate SeaWorld's 60th Anniversary with an unforgettable summer at SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, or Aquatica. Now through August 27, save 10% on your hotel and receive a complimentary theme park ticket to a park of your choice. 

Hilton. Plan your next getaway with Hilton and enjoy resort credits to personalize your experience. Book early and save up to 40%, or stay longer in paradise and save even more at many beach, golf, ski, spa and luxury resorts. Choose from Ocean City, Maryland, Virginia Beach, Virginia, Myrtle Beach, SC and more. 

Marriott Bonvoy. Whatever your travel style, you are sure to enjoy your stay at one of Marriott’s 7,300+ hotels around the globe. Right now, if you book by June 19, and use promotional code ES7, you can stay 4+ nights and receive 25% savings and up to a $400 Resort Credit on your Atlantis Paradise Island stay.

Car rental deals

Enterprise. Whether you’re heading off on a romantic break or getting in some much-needed time with the family, consider Enterprise. Travel to New Zealand and get 10% off your car rental plus a free additional driver if you book your rental by July 31, 2024. 

Hertz. Save up to 15% on worldwide rentals when you book your car rental through Hertz by June 25 and pick up between July 1 and September 30, 2024. You can even save on rentals picked up from June 1 in Mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands.

Alamo. Alamo has daily and weekly specials for last-minute travelers and vacationers planning ahead to destinations in the U.S. and Canada. Both last-minute specials and plan-ahead specials require a one-day minimum rental with a four-day maximum. Price varies on pick-up and final destination. 

Budget. Ready for a summer getaway with a Budget car rental? Plan it now and save up to 35% on your car rental reservation from Budget when you select Pay Now. No discount code is needed—simply input your travel information and choose Pay Now to get the discount.

 More ways to save on summer travel

You can also find dozens of summer package deals, including airfare, hotels and car rentals, from Priceline, Kayak, Expedia, and more. Or search for a summer-time deal on Going. Or try Google Flights, the Dollar Flight Club, Thrifty Traveler, Airfarewatchdog or Momondo. 

Ready for a cruise? Check out the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and score incredible offers and last-minute deals on weekend getaways to the tropics, week long Euro discoveries, adventures in Alaska and more. Or find other summer deals on cruises at Cruise Critic. Plus, if you’re heading out this summer, we can help you navigate an extra-busy summer travel season. Where will you go next?

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Domestic airfare dropped 5.9% in May 2024, from May 2023 levels, according to the latest Consumer Price Index data. Gas prices are still up modestly from a year ago, but are down from recent weeks, falling to an average pump price of $3.43 per gallon in mid-June from $3.58 a gallon at the end of May, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. And U.S. hotel rates declined nearly 2% from a year ago, the CPI found. 

Now is also a good time for international travel: similar price declines are playing out at many destinations abroad, too.

Both domestic and international travelers can cut costs even farther by finding free things to do at their destination. Here are 12 ways to discover free activities for your next vacation.

1. Find a Meetup group

From hiking and cycling groups to improv troupes and artist collectives, the Meetup website and mobile app can help you connect with like-minded locals. Many of these groups host free events, giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local community with people who share your hobbies.

2. Go couch surfing

For free accommodations, consider using Couchsurfing, a global community of 14 million people in more than 200,000 cities that offers travelers free places to stay. The mobile app also provides access to free events, such as dance classes, live music, and city tours.

3. Take a walking tour

For many travelers there’s no better way to explore a new city than on foot. Search for free walking tours through Free Tours By Foot, GuruWalk, Freetour, or the International Greeter Association.

4. Find activities on Eventbrite

You’ll find no shortage of free things to do using Eventbrite, which lets you search for events by interest, offering access to a variety of fun gatherings — everything from bird watching excursions and picnics to photography classes and air guitar competitions.

5. Attend music, art, and food festivals

Many cities offer free music, art, food, and other outdoor festivals year-round. If you’re traveling in the U.S., explore the events calendar at the local chamber of commerce or tourism office.

6. Hit up museums

Some of the best museums in the world — the Smithsonian in our nation’s capitol, the Getty in Los Angeles and the British Museum in London, to name a few — offer free admission. And some paid museums offer free admission on certain days of the week or the month.

7. Chat up locals

Striking up conversation with people who live in the community is totally free. It’s also a great way to learn about hidden gems you won’t come across on a travel guide book or website. Consider connecting with the locals at coffee shops, outdoor parks, or other informal settings.

8. Take advantage of reciprocal memberships

Some museum memberships offer free admission to other museums in their network. For instance, members of the Cincinnati Museum Center get free admission at participating science centers in the Association of Science & Technology Centers.

9. Mine social media

Social media sites can be gold mines for finding free things to do. On Instagram, search using the hashtag #freeevents and the city you’re traveling to. On Facebook, click on the “events” tab in the left rail of the homepage and filter by your destination and travel dates.

10. Go on a photo scavenger hunt

Draw up a list of the landmarks that pique your interest and spend a day snapping pictures at these locations.

11. Check your credit cards' benefits

Some credit cards offer access to free attractions. Eligible Capitol One cardholders can get a six-month complimentary Enthusiast membership, which provides free admission to more than 50 museums around the world.

12. Google it

Don’t forget to do an old-fashioned Google search. For best results, search “free events in…” or “free things to do…” and the city you’re going to.

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