My name is Jeremy Branham and I love to travel. Check out my stories, tips, guides, and adventures on travel. If you're a new visitor, check out my getting started page. Or if you have an idea or question, send me an email budgettravelsac@yahoo.com

8 things to do in Kauai when you’re not lying on the beach

The sun is shining.  The waves are crashing.  And the cares of the world are far behind you.  You are lying on a beach in Hawaii.  So why would you want to find things to do in Kauai when paradise is right in front of you? I like a beautiful beach as much as the [...]

Scottish clans, a Maori tribe, and a World War II hero

“So where are you from?” As a traveler, this is a question you get asked by many people when traveling in a foreign country or even close to home.  The answer to this question may vary based on who you ask – country, region, state, province, and/or city. Where we are from says a lot [...]

A northern California hiking guide and photo essay

Mountains, trees, lakes, waterfalls, warm sunshine, and some of the best natural beauty in the world.  While this isn’t the Swiss Alps and you won’t hike to Mount Everest, northern California hiking trails offer some of the best scenery and views in the world. Picture a canvas with brushstrokes of green and brown going to [...]

Can your best travel experience really change your life?

Can the people we meet on our travels or a once in a lifetime travel experience change our lives? In 2000, I saw him for the first time.  He didn’t look like much of a travel guru.  He was a bit dorky.  However, he inspired me. Back then, I didn’t get a lot of TV [...]

Bograč Festival – bringing cultures together through Slovenian food

Ever since that trip to Eastern Europe, I have been fascinated with Slovenia.  The country isn’t very big and probably isn’t on the radar for many people when it comes to visiting Europe. I think part of my love for Slovenia has to do with where I grew up.  South Carolina isn’t a big state [...]

In a land of giants, we put on our kilts one leg at a time

I am not a small guy.  I am average, maybe slightly larger in terms of my physique.  Height-wise, I think I am average height.  As for my body, I am in decent shape and slightly bigger and may be a little more athletic than the average guy. I am not a weakling, have a decent [...]

  • College Football Travel Tour

  • College life at the University of Washington – an interview with tour guides

    College life at the University of Washington – an interview with tour guides

    April 14, 1865. The US was still divided in a Civil War.  Yet on this day, the country lost a President as Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.  People mourned and were shocked at the news. On the campus of the University of Washington, the bells rang. __________________________ I’ve been to Seattle a couple of times visiting [...]

    Feb, 06 2012 14 Comments Full Story
  • The College Football Travel Tour – my radio interview

    The College Football Travel Tour – my radio interview

    Football and local culture.  It’s a story of “sports meets travel.”  My love of college football and travel has helped shape my life and opened the door to new opportunities and experiences. Welcome to my College Football Travel Tour! The idea behind this tour was simple – take my love of college football, share my [...]

    Jan, 10 2012 19 Comments Full Story
  • A rivalry renewed – a look from the other side

    A rivalry renewed – a look from the other side

    Rivalry. This word can have a variety of meanings and connotations for people.  Sibling rivalry.  Family rivalry.  Competitiveness.  Leaders in an industry (Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Larry Ellison). Some may see it as a positive thing.  Others may think that there is a very negative side to the word with passion, hate, and a ‘win [...]

    Jan, 04 2012 11 Comments Full Story
  • A clash of cultures and a beautiful state of disunion

    A clash of cultures and a beautiful state of disunion

    South Carolina.  Smiling Faces, Beautiful Places.  Southern hospitality at its best. The coastal charm of colonial Charleston.  A sun soaked beach paradise in Myrtle Beach.  The elegance of Hilton Head and the low country.  Greenville and the Upstate tucked under the arm of the Appalachian mountains.  Famously hot but a pleasant place to live and [...]

    Dec, 30 2011 18 Comments Full Story
  • Tears, goosebumps, and passion at the US Naval Academy Ball Run

    Tears, goosebumps, and passion at the US Naval Academy Ball Run

    Iraq war.  War on Terrorism.  Al Qaeda.  The Persian Gulf.  Weapons of Mass Destruction.  Civilian casualties.  World War I.  World War II.  Vietnam. These are just a few of the images and stereotypes associated with the US military.  Regardless of how you feel towards US politics or military policy, here is my plea – set [...]

    Dec, 18 2011 2 Comments Full Story
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  • Travel Tips

  • 5 reasons why airline mergers may be bad for travelers

    5 reasons why airline mergers may be bad for travelers

    With the recent news of a potential US Airways and American Airlines merger, this would be the third major airline merger in the US in the last two years.  In 2010, Southwest Airlines and AirTran merged while in 2011, United Airlines and Continental joined together. What effect do airline mergers have on passengers? Many travelers [...]

    May, 03 2012 9 Comments Full Story
  • In a land of giants, we put on our kilts one leg at a time

    In a land of giants, we put on our kilts one leg at a time

    I am not a small guy.  I am average, maybe slightly larger in terms of my physique.  Height-wise, I think I am average height.  As for my body, I am in decent shape and slightly bigger and may be a little more athletic than the average guy. I am not a weakling, have a decent [...]

    May, 01 2012 29 Comments Full Story
  • Celebrate National Parks Week with free entrance to national parks in 2012

    Celebrate National Parks Week with free entrance to national parks in 2012

    Have you ever been to a national park?  If you have, you have seen the natural beauty and stunning landscapes that are a part of this great country. If you haven’t been to a national park, here’s your chance.  April 21 kicks off National Parks Week as you can get free entrance to national parks [...]

    Apr, 16 2012 11 Comments Full Story
  • Travel deals of the week: early deals for summer airfare

    Travel deals of the week: early deals for summer airfare

    This week marked the start of Spring – and the beginning of summer vacation plans!  Fall and summer airfares went on sale this week along with other travel deals for vacations, cars, and more. While some of those airfare deals end today, there are still plenty of cheap flights for summer that are on sale [...]

    Mar, 22 2012 2 Comments Full Story
  • 2012 Fall and summer airfares are on sale

    2012 Fall and summer airfares are on sale

    The first day of Spring turns the daydreams of warm weather, beaches, and summer vacations into reality. And today also brings the summer airfare deals as airlines launch airfares on the first day of Spring for the first days of summer! Numerous airlines are offering cheap flights for summer travel through early June.  Some airlines [...]

    Mar, 20 2012 4 Comments Full Story
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