How Moving from the West Coast to the Midwest Saved One Couple $46k

When the youngest child flies the coop, empty nest syndrome sets in.

Even for couples that aren’t yet retired, the change in atmosphere can be jarring. For some, it’s enough to inspire a big move. That’s the case for one couple, Julie Taylor and her husband, who recently made the big move from Los Angeles to Joplin, Missouri.

After sending their youngest child off to college, the pair turned their attention eastward. Lured by the promise of more space and fewer expenses, they made the decision to buy a home in Joplin, pack up the life they’d lived for twenty years, and head east.

The move involved more surprises than originally anticipated, especially in the way of lifestyle changes. Still, aside from a handful of unexpected challenges, most of those surprises have actually been pleasant for Julie and her husband.

If you’ve ever considered making a big move from the West Coast to the Midwest, consider this your case study.

Here’s how Julie and her husband did it, along with what they’ve saved along the way and what they’ve traded off in terms of lifestyle.

Moving from the West Coast to the Midwest: A closer look at the savings

Julie and her husband left behind one of the US’s most competitive housing markets for one of its least competitive. Homes in LA cost around $1.25 million, while the average ranch in Joplin sells for closer to $250,000.

So, their biggest savings come from a slashed mortgage. Best of all, their new mortgage is contracted for 15 years instead of 30. Despite shaving 15 years off their new mortgage, Julie and her husband pay one-third of the monthly payment they owed in Los Angeles.

That change alone has led them to save around $32,000 a year, which makes up the bulk of their annual savings. The pair is also saving big on property taxes and gas prices.

Some things in Missouri are actually pricier

Here’s the big catch… some costs in Missouri are actually higher than in California. Though living on a median salary will give you the keys to a comfortable life in Missouri more than the Golden State, costs like groceries are still comparable.

The same is true for other utilities. In Missouri, home insurance is pricier, along with energy costs.

For a couple with a hybrid car, those costs have added up. Still, despite these small hikes, Julie and her husband are still saving a whopping total of $46,000 a year living in Joplin compared to Los Angeles.

Moving from the West Coast to the Midwest: The lifestyle change

Financially, the move has made sense for Julie and her husband. Unsurprisingly, however, some of the biggest ‘costs’ have come in the way of a lifestyle change. Compared to Los Angeles, Joplin has a very limited entertainment industry.

Plus, food is a lot more limited. Despite the fact that groceries cost around the same amount, the range of restaurants in Joplin isn’t nearly as diverse as in Los Angeles.

That being said, things like movie tickets, dinners, and cocktails are much cheaper. That means Julie and her husband can splurge on date nights more often—and that’s a higher priority for the pair now that they don’t have any kids at home.

In fact, Julie’s husband has even been able to open a bar thanks to all their savings. That type of financial and professional freedom has meant a lot to the pair, and hasn’t prevented them from saving for their children’s college degrees, either.

The cherry on top? No hours-long traffic jams in Joplin.

Welcome to Heaven on Earth: Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in Brazil

With tens of thousands of passionate and qualified travel content creators out there, we’re constantly being served drool-worthy reels of exotic places.

From exotic beaches at the end of the world to sunsets over ancient cities, these images fuel our wanderlust.

But not all of these places are as visually striking as advertised.

And there’s nothing like showing up to a destination with high hopes only to be confronted with a subpar sight. The feeling is even worse if you’ve set aside a lot of time and energy into making that visit possible.

I’ve covered a few of these spots before, including the famous Elafonissi pink-sand beach in Crete. Though the sand is often pinkish, it’s hardly the bright pink scenes that you’ll see billed on many travel sites and accounts. It’s a gorgeous little detail that enriches the experience—it’s not the end-all reason to show up.

That being said, some destinations meet the hype.

The spare few even surpass it.

That’s the case with Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in northern Brazil. It’s a soft-sand dessert with gently sloped dunes that fill up during the rainy season with pools of electric-blue water. Last year, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, earning it even more acclaim, protection, and publicity.

It’s the most delicious landscape I’ve ever laid eyes on, and one of those places that photos don’t do justice.

I’m sure you’ll see it on your travel feeds sometime soon. Here’s what you need to know about visiting this stunning natural wonder.

Heaven on earth: welcome to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

There’s a lot of history and ecology behind the current state of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Here’s a quick rundown: monsoon rains blanket the region for half the year, creating interconnected lagoons of freshwater in the dune valleys. They provide shelter to over 100 unique species of flora and fauna, some as deep as ten feet.

The lagoons connect the dunes to other freshwater sources, such as rivers and aquifers. That means you can spot otters, manatees, and other unique mammals in the area.

When the monsoon season ends, the dry season begins. In quick order, the lagoons dotting Lençóis Maranhenses National Park dry up, and the area transforms back into an arid desert until the next rainy season arrives.

What is there to do at Lençóis Maranhenses National Park?

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is a popular tourist pick for domestic travelers and international visitors. But it’s a bit farther off the beaten track, meaning only the dedicated make the journey from Rio and São Paulo. Around 60,000 enter the park every year.

You can find tours offering jeep rides, sand surfing, swimming, stargazing, and plenty more. But keep in mind that this is a preserve that’s monitored by a certified biodiversity organization, meaning you can’t head into the park solo. (More on this below.)

Here’s where it gets a little tricky.

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park’s bright blue lagoons form during the rainy season, meaning you might need to dodge a few rainstorms to enjoy your visit. That being said, larger lagoons such as Lagoa Bonita, Lagoa Azul, and Lagoa Tropical are very deep, letting you swim even when the monsoon ends.

Try to book your trip from May to September when the lagoons are likely to have plenty of water and there are fewer rain showers. Be prepared for temperatures hovering in the 90s.

How can you get there?

Lagoon in the dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (Getty)

Like I mentioned above, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is far off the beaten tourist track in Brazil. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to reach. The best jumping-off point to get into the park is Barreirinhas, where you can find accommodation and also book tours with certified agencies.

To get to Barreirinhas, rent a car in São Luís and make the four-hour drive. The best way to get to São Luís is by taking a short flight from Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo.

Start planning your trip now

10 Beach Vacation Tips for Families: Small Details, Big Impact

Beach vacations are family favorites for many good reasons.

Parents get to lounge on the sand under the sun without the threat of work emails and morning drop-offs. Children get to run and scream and thrash in the waves and sand until it’s nap time. Grandparents get to soak up precious family time that probably doesn’t come around too often.

Aside from a family camping trip, there are few vacations that feel more American and nostalgic than the beach vacation.

That being said, planning a solid beach trip takes a little time and effort.

First, you need to find the right beach town, whether a newer destination like South Walton or a classic pick like Myrtle Beach. From there, you need to find the perfect rental or the right hotel for your family’s needs.

Last is figuring out how to unwind while juggling all the responsibilities of a beach trip. After all, though parents are technically on vacation, they still need to do things like feed the troops, buy tickets to the next adventure, and keep everyone entertained.

It’s a lot to figure out, even if you’ve done it all before.

Take a quick load off with these ten simple beach vacation tips. You’ll have every generation raving about the adventure for years to come.

10 beach vacation tips for families

Tip #1: If you’re flying, buy toys at your destination—but not the shade structure

If you’re driving to your destination, feel free to pack all the beach toys and umbrellas that you want. But if you’re flying, you’re probably worried about space—and packing those toys isn’t going to be nearly as easy when it’s time for your return flight. (Unless they’re inflatable—feel free to pack those!)

To avoid trying to stuff sandy pieces back inside your luggage, buy a few small beach toys at your destination. They’re usually easy to find and reasonably priced. By contrast, try to pack your favorite beach umbrella with you, if possible. They’re not usually nearly as cheap to pick up after you’ve arrived, and might not be very effective, either.

Tip #2: Bring bags—many, many bags

Keeping a spare plastic bag in your back pocket isn’t enough for a beach day. Even if you have a few with you, it always pays to have more. After all, you might need a bag to keep something dry in addition to isolating your wet, sandy items. The more children you have, the more other unexpected messes are likely to pop up.

**Tip #3: Apply sunscreen before getting to the beach**

This tip comes from parents who have kids with texture sensitivities. If your little one gets a little finicky about textures like sand and lotion, save yourself some fussing by putting on their sunscreen before heading to the beach.

Even if you don’t have kids with sand sensitivities, this is just good sense. Even if you love staying exfoliated, nobody likes putting on sunscreen after they’ve gotten sandy.

Tip #4: The nicer the beach, the earlier you need to head out

The earlier you get to the beach, the more likely you are to find the perfect spot. To be fair, this tip is geared toward travelers who are visiting more popular and traditionally crowded beaches.

But it also applies to vacationers who are heading into new territory or are driving further to see a new beach. When heading into the unknown, so to speak, you’ll always benefit by arriving early.

Tip #5: Bring one or two frozen waters

You’ve probably heard these types of beach vacation tips before: bring a cooler, ice packs, and other frozen options. Most beachgoers take a loaded cooler with them, which is one of the best ways to stay hydrated and fed throughout a long beach day.

Still, whether or not you’re taking a cooler, it’s always a good idea to bring a few frozen bottles of water. These are great for anyone who tends to overheat, and also gives you an ice-cold refreshment hours into your beach day.

Similarly, you can use and reuse bottled water as ice packs. No need to buy the reusable plastic ice packs unless you have a way to bring them home.

Tip #6: If you’re renting a car, bring a sand solution

The vast majority of beachgoers drive to their favorite spots. If you’re driving your own car, and especially if you’re renting, you need a sand solution to keep the car (reasonably) clean.

Regardless of whether the beach has public showers to clean off, you need a second line of defense. The best hack I’ve ever seen is someone dumping water into a plastic bag, then every member of the family sticking their feet in before entering the car. (It’s also another reason why you always want an extra bag in your arsenal.)

It doesn’t matter what solution you have in mind—just make sure you have a plan in place.

Tip #7: Avoid bringing electronics

Aside from smartphones and a Kindle (or another e-reader), there’s not much reason to bring electronics with you on a beach day. Not only are they liable to be stolen, but most devices can’t handle multiple hours of high temperatures.

Tip #8: Forget the nice shades—you need a flexible pair of sunglasses

Similar to avoiding bringing electronics, you might always want to leave those nice Ray-Bans at home. That’s doubly true if you’re heading to a crowded beach with a larger group. It’s easy for sunglasses to go missing, for someone else to pick them up by mistake, or for them to get crushed in the setup hustle.

Stick to those cheaper plastic sunglasses for a more stress-free experience.

Tip #9: You’ll save big by bringing your own snacks

If you’re heading out on a full-day beach excursion, you probably have a game plan for meals. But let’s not forget one of the most tried-and-true beach vacation tips out there: get ahead by bringing your own snacks.

While you might need to head to a restaurant for a proper meal, you’ll save big by avoiding those smaller beachside purchases. Even bottled water can go for exorbitant prices during high season.

Tip #10: Stand out from the crowd

Don’t let your setup or your family drift. Whether it’s a brightly colored t-shirt or cap, make sure you know what your ‘tribe’ looks like, especially when on a crowded beach.

This will make it easier to keep track of your kids, especially when they want to play in the water, along with helping you get back to your shady umbrella faster.

Lectures On Tap: The Coolest New Bar Concept in NYC

There’s always a new boozy venture in New York City. (Or in any good city, for that matter.)

When I was living in the city, there was a boom in hidden speakeasies. Before that, bars were made from blocks of ice, and you had to rent a subarctic coat to get in.

Now, we’re heading into new territory—one that combines the headiness of TED Talks with the affordable beers from a local dive bar.

Welcome to Lectures on Tap, a new venture that sells out bars around New York City by bringing on guest lecturers, professors, and experts who serve up 40-minute-long lessons on life’s greatest topics.

At the time of writing this article, the next series is taking place in East Village from a professor who will discuss the psychology of infidelity. (Talk about things you want to hear about with a stiff drink in your hand.)

Before that, there were courses on awakening one’s inner witch, myths about Grand Central Terminal, and the history of cannabis, just to give you an idea of what kinds of topics are popular.

That sounds like a tour de force of things New Yorkers are interested in—but I think this venture is also a unique opportunity for anyone visiting the Big Apple.

If you’ve got an interest in learning from experts while also sampling the cocktail menu at a new Lower East Side bar, you need to reserve your spot sooner rather than later.

Lectures on Tap: a closer look

Lectures on Tap started up in 2024 with the simple idea I laid out above: deliver the intellectual punch of a TED Talk in a casual, boozy setting.

(You do not have to drink to join—the bars where the lectures take place always include a mocktail menu and small bites to eat.)

The idea comes from a husband-wife duo who wanted to engage an older, more pessimistic demographic of corporate professionals. To bring back the magic of the golden days, they decided to combine the arts of socializing, drinking, and learning—in bite-sized, 40-minute segments.

Though the project has barely been off the ground for a year, it’s already proved hugely successful.

You can learn more about Lectures on Tap directly from their website, which includes information on how to sign up as a lecturer. Here’s what you need to know.

First, sign up for their newsletter (or follow them on Instagram). You’ll get first dibs on sign-ups when they release a new schedule.

You can look for a lecture that tickles your fancy, then buy tickets. As mentioned above, every lecture lasts 40 minutes and includes a 20-minute sign-in and socialization period.

If you want to sign up to offer a lecture, you can do so via the website. Along with experts and professors, the Lectures on Tap crew also signs on storytellers. Creatives are welcome!

Tips for enjoying your Lecture on Tap

The best way to enjoy your Lectures on Tap experience is to sign up for an event that suits yours needs. But remember that every lecture is hosted at a different bar—and New York City is a deceptively massive city.

Even if the trains are running at hyperspeed, it can take more than an hour to get across the city. If you’re visiting New York City for a few days, make sure you sign up for Lectures on Tap that are near your neighborhood.

That being said, I’ve only seen lectures available around Manhattan, from the Lower East Side to the Upper West Side—which are more than manageable for visitors.

Ready to be lectured? Follow the Lectures on Tap Instagram and purchase tickets to an upcoming lecture on Eventbrite.

10 Memorial Day Weekend Travel Tips

Memorial Day kicks off the start of summer with a long weekend bash.

It’s the perfect time to enjoy the sunshine and warm(ish) temperatures, kicking back with barbecue, good music, and plenty of outdoor games.

That being said, it’s a national holiday.

You won’t be alone in rushing out of town; last year, almost 50 million Americans packed their bags for a weekend-long getaway.

Each year, highways and airports are jam-packed, along with many restaurants and bars. Many hotels and rentals are booked out months ahead of time. Those who are late to booking their trip might be left with the scraps—but even those who get ahead on trip planning still need to contend with the Memorial Day Weekend rush.

Here’s how to keep your head above water, so to speak.

10 Memorial Day Weekend travel tips

Tip #1: Plan for traffic and make it fun

We’re usually pretty good at keeping ourselves entertained while on a flight. Road trips, on the other hand, are usually full of fun side stops and unexpected adventures.

Packing into the car to head to a Memorial Day Weekend celebration is usually a chore that involves lots of waiting in traffic.

Make the most of your trip by turning that traffic time into a fun game. Something as simple as a shared playlist can keep the momentum up, especially if you have a long road trip ahead of you. Or even a podcast can get the job done if everyone in the car can agree on a topic.

Tip #2: Don’t forget about staying local

Can’t find an affordable and alluring Memorial Day Weekend offer? Stay close to home. Even some of the US’s smallest towns host annual Memorial Day events, from bar crawls to hiking excursions to mini-parades. It’s the perfect time to rediscover your own town or area. (This is also one of my favorite takes on Valentine’s Day!)

Tip #3: Food first

When we think about the Memorial Day Weekend rush, we usually think about car traffic and air traffic. Highways and airports turn into madhouses on Thursday and don’t calm down until well into the next week.

The same goes for grocery stores and restaurants. You should be booking tables at popular restaurants and figuring out how you’re going to fill your fridge, especially if you want to barbecue.

Tip #4: Use traffic apps to see live updates

Americans are usually very loyal to their traffic apps. Whether you’re a Waze or a Google Maps person, check your app in real-time for live information on traffic. Bonus points if your app can point you to a detour route in case of an accident.

Tip #5: If you’re driving a long distance, get your car tuned up before

If it’s been a while since you’ve had your oil changed and your tires replaced, consider this the perfect chance—especially if you’re putting in a longer drive over the weekend.

The last thing you want is to see that Check Engine light flashing. Most shops will be closed for the weekend. Those that do agree to help you out are likely to charge out the wazoo.

Tip #6 Book your pet’s plans early, if necessary

One of the most sneakily helpful Memorial Day Weekend travel tips is not to forget about Fido. Just like hotels, car rentals, and other services will be booked up for Memorial Day Weekend, so will dog boarding and sitting options.

If you have a dog with special needs (like a reactive dog that needs solo care), then book your pet care out as far as possible. Many sitters book up their solo-care schedules early on.

Tip #7: Have a backup plan in place

All that traffic means one thing: you’re likely to experience delays. On the road, that’s not a huge problem. If push comes to shove, you should be able to pull off and find a hotel room for the night.

That’s not the case at airports. If you’re Memorial Day Weekend plans rely on catching a connecting flight, make a list of backup flights that you can potentially join if push comes to shove.

Tip #8: Don’t forget about trains

Amtrak is a delightfully unpredictable form of transportation, both in terms of the quality of the car and the routes available. That being said, you can still use a third-party service like Railbookers to get around the country. Don’t write off train trips if car rentals and flights are out of reach.

Tip #9: Leave on Wednesday, if you have flexibility

With Friday off, almost everyone leaves for their Memorial Day Weekend on Thursday. But if you have the option of taking off on Thursday, you can get ahead of the rush by heading to your destination a day ahead of schedule.

If you can also take off Monday, you’ve handed yourself a multi-day vacation that gives you a little extra time to get back home and relax before heading back to work on Tuesday. Best of all, you will have missed the vast majority of heavy traffic.

Tip #10: Or save your travel funds if Memorial Day isn’t your thing

My last Memorial Day Weekend travel tip? Don’t bother unless you’re actually excited about the trip.

I’ve noticed many of my American friends go on these types of holiday trips because they feel obligated. They say things like, Well, it’s Memorial Day Weekend, as if someone is forcing them to travel.

But as one of the most popular US holidays, it’s also one of the priciest. Worse, those high prices don’t guarantee a good trip, especially considering how crowded, loud, and drunk some crowds get on the big day.

If you’re dreading the idea of planning the trip, then stay home and funnel those travel savings toward another trip that actually speaks to you. Then loop back to Tip #2 on how to have a good time while staying local.

10 Travel Safety Products That Are Worth the Money

Safety is a hot topic in the world of travel.

Though it’s top of mind for solo travelers who are taking on the world without a partner in crime, you should be thinking about security during every trip. Yes, even when you’re going straight from the airport to a resort.

There are dozens of security factors to consider, from avoiding scams to nailing first date etiquette to knowing how to use public Wi-Fi.

But what about personal safety?

Overwhelmingly, my advice on staying safe abroad revolves around one concept: don’t get drunk (or messed up on other substances).

Women face a very familiar set of risks when we get drunk while traveling. Men, on the other hand, are likely less aware of the dangers that revolve around them—like being robbed or otherwise taken advantage of. In fact, men are sometimes more prone to these risks because they’re not as conditioned to be on the lookout for danger.

Regardless of your race, gender, creed, and other defining characteristics, you’re still a tourist—and nefarious people know how to pick us out of a crowd with lightning precision.

When it comes to avoiding robberies and other similarly unpleasant experiences, I’ve got a few tips in my back pocket.

This time around, I’m recommending travel safety products that will prevent mishaps while empowering you to tackle any issues that do arise.

7 travel safety products that are actually helpful

Phone tether

A phone tether is a wrap-around cord that attaches to your phone’s case. I like them because they’re convenient as hell when traveling. Above, you can check out a solid brand, Pulpo.

If you’re going to take a lot of pictures, for example, it makes sense to keep your phone in easy reaching distance. But tethers also prevent pickpockets from targeting you.

Most phone tethers are mostly functional and ornamental, meaning someone could break them if they wanted. But if the choice is between you (with the phone tether) and another tourist (without one), guess who’s more likely to walk away with their smartphone that day? If you’re worried about your precious smartphone, get a tether!

Carabiner

Mini carabiners are one of my most surprising travel safety products.

You can use them for a range of purposes, from attaching bags to hanging things up in your hotel room. In terms of security, you can use them to clip your bag’s zippers together while heading into a busy zone.

It will keep your zippers locked tight. Similarly, you can use them on buses and trains to keep your items attached to a pole, preventing thieves from carrying them off the carriage when you’re not paying attention.

Geolocator (AirTag, etc.)

Usually, geolocators are attached to pieces of luggage to help hunt them down in case of emergency. However, if you’re worried about losing track of any important item, you can use the same idea.

Though these products don’t prevent theft, they’ll make it easier for you to decide what course of action to take in case of emergency.

Portable lock box

If you want to prevent theft entirely, look into a portable lock box, like this one from SAFEGO. These are usually popular with travelers who wear nice jewelry and watches, and want to keep them secure when at the beach or even when leaving them at their rental.

A portable lock box is a small and (depending on how much you want to spend) lightweight box that you can attach to a fixed surface or object and open at your discretion. Just don’t lose your key, for the love of god.

Personal safety alarm

I recommend personal safety alarms to solo travelers and anyone who’s heading to a private rental. Birdie makes a great device that’s taken off over the last year, particularly for women.

Unfortunately, Airbnb and other private rental platforms don’t include a lot of information on the type(s) of locks used on the property. If security is top of mind for you, then go for a personal safety alarm.

These small devices are usually around the size of a key fob and are designed to be worn. When you pull the pin out of the socket, a screeching alarm sounds while a strobe light flashes. Some travelers wear them on their bodies to draw attention; some people also attach them to door locks in case someone breaks in.

A whistle

A personal safety alarm is great for drawing attention immediately when you’re in danger. But I also want to mention a good old-fashioned whistle, like this LuxoGear pick.

I’ve never personally carried a whistle with me, but I also don’t head out into the wilderness during my travels often. If you’re heading out into a more remote area or are going to be spending a lot of time outdoors, consider bringing a whistle with you for an emergency.

On a recent episode of Marooned, a podcast that covers stories of the ‘catastrophically lost’ who are often tourists, the hosts pointed out one crucial note. Your voice will run if you’re calling for help, but a whistle won’t.

Satellite messenger

Forget the whistle if you’re really heading out into the wild. If you’re going to take on remote safaris, go backpacking through the jungle, biking across a continent, and similar adventures, pay more for a satellite messenger from Garmin or a similar company.

They’ll beam your cries for help up to a satellite before sending it on to emergency authorities. I also recommend these bad boys for anyone who likes to improvise and tack on last-minute excursions to their trips; when you bring this with you, you can travel with total peace of mind.

**If you want to be extra safe, add these three travel safety products**

Pepper spray

If you feel comfortable using and handling pepper spray, know that it comes in travel sizes. However, pepper spray is illegal to carry in many places—so do some research before you pack it with you.

If it’s illegal, you could consider opting for a hyper-sleek lipstick version. Otherwise, the small handheld versions linked from SABRE should do just fine.

Cat defense key chain

Cat defense key chains are really cute and clandestine brass knuckles. They’re designed to protect your little fingers while inflicting maximum damage on your enemies.

Once again, these are illegal to carry in many places—but, like the lipstick pepper spray, they look cute enough that only street fighters will clock them as a weapon.

These are my travel safety products of choice because they’re small, unassuming, and designed to protect me during use. Also, I won’t live in fear that my pepper spray canister will pop open in my luggage and wreak havoc on planes, trains, and buses.

That being said, I wouldn’t recommend carrying them unless you’re comfortable with getting into a physical altercation; you can’t use these from a distance.

RFID-blocking wallet

If you have a credit card with a chip for touchless payments, then you have a credit card with an RFID chip. RFID stands for radio frequency identification, meaning it’s emitting small radio signals that a POS device can pick up… or savvy hackers.

If you’re worried about someone lifting your financial data from your wallet, invest in an RFID-blocking wallet, like this Buffway Slim Minimalist pick.