How to Travel This Summer for Cheap

We are all eager for the chance to travel again and have some fun, especially when the weather starts getting warmer. After an extended period of struggling with the effects of the pandemic, how excited will you be when you can hit the shores again? Or go to a beautiful lakeside cabin with your besties and sorority sisters? Breathing fresh air and enjoying nature’s beauty.

But how can you travel on a budget? It is exciting to get away, and do something different. It is even more exciting when you’re able to save a few dollars.

Here are some tips for how you can travel this summer for cheap.

Set Aside Lots of Time to Peruse Travel Sites

Part of the fun of planning a summer trip is spending time looking for the best deals. Who would want to spend top dollar on a hotel and flight that turns out to not be so great after all? You can find some wonderful deals on hotels and airfare if you take some time to do research.

There are countless websites you can browse to find good deals that are more than happy to give you discounts so that they can fill those seats and rooms. Also, look for flights or bus seats that guarantee you space to socially distance.

So, grab a cup of tea or cocoa and dedicate an hour or two to look for the best deals possible. You can save a lot of money when you take the time to look at multiple travel sites instead of settling for the first one you find.

Also, ask the people you know if they have any tips on where you can find an affordable vacation package.

Buddy Up

When things get safer after the pandemic, most people get vaccinated, and you know that you have a responsible buddy that you can trust to be around, consider taking a trip together to save money. 

Link up with a sorority sister or fraternity brother who you are close with and share a hotel. Bring your Greek lettered mask, hand sanitizer, and make sure you’ll have your own area to relax. If you hang out, take it to the balcony so that you both can enjoy some fresh air. Always wear your masks and socially distance, even if you’re vaccinated and tested.

Also bring your disinfectant wipes or spray to wipe down high touch areas (door knobs, tables, dresser drawers, toilet handle, etc.) as soon as you arrive in your hotel room.

Bring Your Own Lunch

One of the most expensive things about traveling is spending money on restaurants and fast food. You can easily spend hundreds just on eating out. Go to the grocery store instead and pick up food that is easy to prepare or microwave in your hotel room. Here are some ideas for things you can grab for your trip at the local supermarket as soon as you land at your destination:

• Lunch meat, cheese, rolls, lettuce, tomatoes, and condiments.
• Your favorite soups (easily heated in a microwaveable bowl).
• Fresh salads.
• Burritos (also easy to heat).
• Can’t say this enough: get paper bowls. Get plenty of bowls for heating up food, as well as an assortment of utensils.

Also, pick a hotel that has free breakfast in the morning and load up your plate for the day.

Pack Light

An easy way to save money on your upcoming summer trip is to pack a small bag as a personal item with the most important items you will need while you are traveling. Some airlines will charge you $50 or more just to have an extra bag. What is the point of saving money on a fare if you’ll have to spend more money on luggage? As long as it fits under the seat in front of you, it’s normally considered a free personal item.

Think about it. You will most likely only wear two or three outfits the entire time you’re away, so only pack for that. You can also buy things that you need when you are at your destination. So, pack light—just the basics.

For top quality Greek merchandise and clothing that you can wear on your summer trip this year, shop GreekGear.com.

Have you ever wondered about sorority lingo? The terms that are used throughout the rush and recruitment process that is. These are a few of the terms that you might want to know about — a little dictionary to Greek life.

PNM

PNM is short code for a potential new member. This person is also referred to as an interest, rush, or candidate. These are people who have a serious interest in joining the organization.

Spec

Not every sorority uses this term, but a spec is short for a special. It is someone who you take a special interest in when they are joining. A spec can be someone from the same chapter, the same sorority at a different chapter, or someone from a completely different organization. A spec may get mentored or just receive the occasional snack.

Chapter or House 

A chapter is a group of the people at a sorority house at a specific school. Sometimes it might be at a group of schools that are nearby each other. A house is pretty much the same thing.

Bid Day

One of the most exciting days for sorority members and potential new members is bid day. This is the day when bids or invitations are handed out. It’s the day when people are confirmed to become a new part of the chapter or house.

The Para Game

As you can imagine, sorority members can be a little mischievous at times. The para game is a way for members to have fun with each other. Paraphernalia, which is Greek Gear like jackets or even small trinkets that include sorority letters, is treasured. Members sometimes take each other’s para and then brag about it in jest. Eventually it is returned. 

But please only do this with someone who has a good sense of humor!

Legacy

A legacy is someone who gets into an organization because they know someone or are related to someone who is already been initiated into the organization. It is usually someone who is a close family member.

Bis Sis or Lil Sis

When someone becomes a serious candidate for membership, they are assigned a big sister. And you become their little sister. it is so that you are guided to understand how to be a good sorority sister.

Neo

Neo is a short term for a neophyte. It is someone who has just joined the organization and still doesn’t know all of the traditions. It is also someone who has a lot of opportunities, such as joining the chapter board in some capacity.

Initiation

initiation is the process of making you a fully official member of the sorority. It is a beautiful time when everyone welcomes you into the organization. It is a time for Greek gifts, sorority paraphernalia, and lots of hugs.

So that’s some sorority lingo. There are so many more terms you’ll learn over time while navigating the rush and recruitment process. This is a start.

Just know that the most important thing is for you to love and be good to your sorority sisters. Be there for your community and care for others. These are bonds that can stay strong and long for many years, decades.

Understand what others are going through and care for yourself as well.

For Greek merchandise, clothing, and home goods that you can be proud of and that will promote your organization for many years, shop at Greek Gear.

You’ll soon learn that your experience as a high school student and your experiences in college are completely different. For one, you no longer have someone to give you instructions and guidance each day. You have to become your own person, make your own decisions, and learn how to stay on track.

College is more than just a way to learn book knowledge so that you can get a good job — you also gain invaluable knowledge about how to live. This learning experience is amplified when you become a member of a fraternity or sorority in your first or second semester. Cherish every moment and use what you learn to become the best possible version of yourself; now and in the future. Remember these five tips to help you transition from your high school life to becoming a successful college student and eventually, a productive member of the Greek community.

1. Design Your Dorm Room for Comfort

There is a good chance that you’ll be spending most of your time in your dorm room at college, whether writing papers or hanging out with friends. This is amplified when you’re a member of a sorority or fraternity and living in the chapter house. So, when you’re transitioning from high school to college life, make sure that your dorm room will be comfortable with all of the necessities. Those necessities may include a desk and chair, a Greek afghan blanket (which could also double as an area rug or wall decor), writing utensils, and sorority or fraternity cups for your tea, hot cocoa, and ice water. And don’t forget a shelf full of snacks for late night study sessions! Your bedroom should be an extension of our personality — just as it was when you were in high school.

2. Be Prepared for the Freshman 15

Do you know why you gain about 15 pounds when you become a freshman in college? It’s because you go from eating minimalist high school lunches to full buffet style meals in college, courtesy of your paid meal plan. And those meals come three times a day with regularity. But just because you can pile on your plate at breakfast, lunch, and dinner doesn’t mean that you should. Make healthy choices in what you eat and only splurge on a few goodies once in a while.

3. Get Used to the Idea of Living in Close Quarters with Someone Else

You may have had to live with a sibling in your childhood home when you were in high school, but at least you had your own room. When you are in college you are going to have to get used to the idea of living in very close quarters with another person who is most likely a complete stranger. Be a good roommate: clean up after yourself, respect study times, and understand that everyone has different personalities.

4. Be Active in Your Fraternity or Sorority

One of the best ways to transition into college life, especially if you are going to be away from your high school friends and siblings for the first time is to join a Greek organization. One of the exciting things about going Greek is that you gain a new family while you’re away at college. You gain new brothers and sisters — a new community of people to stay in touch with. You also get to wear some cool fraternity or sorority paraphernalia while you’re on campus!

When you do join a sorority or fraternity, make an effort to be active and social. Make friends and be a genuine friend to others. This will help you to come out of your identity as a high school senior to an ambitious college student and eventually a full-fledged adult.

5. Enjoy Your Freedom, but Remain Self-Disciplined

For many college students, going away to university is the first chance they have to truly express their personal freedom. But sometimes that freedom can come at a cost — especially if you don’t have a sense of self discipline. Discipline includes setting a schedule for yourself and sticking to it. It’s having a time designated for work and a time set aside for fun. As you may have learned in high school, temporary decisions can have long term effects — be smart and resourceful.

It may take some time for you to mentally and physically transition from high school to college life. But it happens eventually, and you’ll be ready for the next adventure. Keep a positive mindset and join in with like-minded people so that you can make the best of those four or more years in college.For Greek merchandise, clothing, and home goods that you can be proud of and that will promote your organization for many years, shop GreekGear.com

Details matter, especially when you are in a room full of sorority women. Women tend to have a knack for noticing small things, like a pretty pedicure, a cute pair of earrings, or a purse that perfectly matches your belt or shoes. You might have your outfits lined up for sorority recruitment week, but no outfit is quite complete without the ideal accessories. No matter how you choose to dress for your upcoming Greek recruitment event, there are a few sorority accessories that you’ll want to have on deck.

Stylish Sorority Bracelets

You’ll likely be spending a lot of time talking to potential new members at sorority recruitment events. When we talk in these settings, we tend to use our hands to accentuate our points and add personality to the conversation. So, wear a cute sorority bracelet on your wrist that displays your Greek letters, symbols, or mascot. Some bracelets also make a gentle jingling sound that attracts people to you. One or two bracelets should be sufficient — you might want to pick out an array of options to wear throughout sorority recruitment season. You’ll probably get a lot of comments when you wear this Silver Dangle Bracelet or a Sorority Mascot Jewel Bracelet.

An Elegant Sorority Lavalier

Lavaliers are necklace charms that have traditionally been passed from fraternity members to their girlfriends as a symbol of their dedication. The charm displays the organization’s Greek letters vertically (sometimes called a drop necklace), diagonally or horizontally. But you don’t have to wait for a guy to give you one — you can order one for yourself displaying your own Greek letters. Some sorority lavaliers are silver, some are gold, and others have delightful accents like Swarovski crystals. If one of your sorority recruitment outfits includes a V-neck sweater or blouse, that is a perfect opportunity to wear your drop necklace. It will glimmer, shine, and attract plenty of attention from PNMs.

Lettered Wallet or Purse

When you’re walking around the venue at your sorority recruitment event and meeting new people, you’re probably going to need something to carry literature, as well as personal items. Make sure you’re holding a cute little sorority bag that matches your recruitment outfit and includes images or letters that identify the organization you belong to. You’ll probably love the Mini Sorority Jute Bag, which is small and compact, yet large enough to hold important items throughout the day. Best of all, it’s designed with your sorority crest and colors.

Mask Up, Sorority Style

At a time when it is crucial to be safe and protect yourself as well as others, there may be no better accessory than a sorority mask. These masks are uniquely designed for each sorority organization, including the official colors and letters. Masks have become sort of a fashion statement. Unique designs allow you to stand out from the crowd while looking like a responsible and sensible sorority member. Make sure that you and all your fellow chapter sisters have a mask to wear at all of your upcoming recruitment events this semester.

Remember the little details when you are planning your sorority recruitment outfits for the upcoming semester. Choose accessories that are not only cute but also pay homage to your Greek organization. First impressions are everything, and you should make every effort to look your best when meeting potential recruits.

For lovely sorority jewelry, accessories, and merchandise that will arrive in time for the upcoming recruitment season, shop GreekGear.com.

One of the most important subjects you’ll learn while you’re in college is how to live on a budget. After covering your textbooks, supplies, late night convenience store trips to stock your dorm with snacks, you might need to live a bit more frugally. But you can still be sorority chic while you’re on campus this semester without spending a lot. Here are a few simple style hacks for sorority girls to keep in mind before you go shopping for the upcoming school year.

Sorority Jewelry

You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on custom made jewelry that displays your Greek letters. Not when you can get a beautiful gold-plated sorority necklace or an attractive dangling silver-plated sorority bracelet for around $25. A nice piece of sorority jewelry will help take any outfit to the next level and attract plenty of attention.

Sorority Tees

You can’t go wrong with a new Greek t-shirt or figure-flattering tank top and a pair of your favorite blue jeans when dressing cute for a long day on campus. You can find an array of tees for sorority girls that are under $15. They’re colorful, come with a variety of screen-printed designs, and allow you to express your love for your organization whenever you wear them.

Colorful Flip Flops for Sorority Members

When you want to show off your latest pedicure, a pair of fancy sandals would be nice. But if you want to keep to a budget and look cute but casual while you’re on campus, a pair of sorority flip flops will do. Since you’ll be traversing your school’s halls and walkways almost daily, it’s important that you get a good strong pair made of high quality materials, including a solid rubber tread. Your sorority colors and symbols are imprinted on your flip flops, making them a unique yet affordable shoe to wear all semester long.

Cute Sorority Tote Bag

Some days, when you have a heavy class load, you’ll probably have to bring your backpack or a briefcase. But on those days when you only have one class, a meeting, or you’re just heading to the dining hall with your sisters, bring a custom sorority tote bag. They feature your sorority letters, symbols, and colors. It doesn’t matter if you’re wearing a pair of old sweatpants—throwing an eye-catching Greek-lettered tote bag over your shoulder will add appeal to your outfit. Best of all it will fit right into your shopping budget for the school year.

You’ll find so many cute and affordable things to wear at GreekGear.com that will help you represent your Greek organization in the best possible way, whether you’re partying with your sisters or hosting recruitment events. See more of the awesome deals available for members of your sorority.

We are seeing change and understanding in many places, but we have such a long way to go. The single biggest thing you can do over the next few weeks is VOTE! Vote to make a change – vote the candidates who see the importance of change. From your local politicians to the POTUS. What happens in November can hopefully finally start us on the path to healing. We all need that – Life is hard in 2020 – and harder for those without a voice and without fair opportunities. Vote to help open those doors that have been previously closed.

Be sure and check to see you are registered to vote:

https://www.usa.gov/confirm-voter-registration

Sorority rush is a period of time during either the fall or spring semester when sorority chapters choose new potential members. They want to get to know the ladies who may be joining their ranks. Not everyone will be fit for the sorority recruitment process, but if you feel that you may be a good candidate these are some possible questions (and the corresponding answers) you may have.

How Is It Being Around So Many Women All the Time?

One thing that you’ll have to understand is that when you are around a lot of women, there are a variety of personalities that you will encounter. Some sorority sisters will be nice and friendly while others will be difficult and challenging to deal with.

But the great thing about being in a sorority with a lot of women is that you are more likely to meet someone who you really get along with. Many sorority members meet lifelong friends during the rush process and beyond.

How Difficult Is it to Answer Questions Asked by Current Sisters?

During sorority rush and recruitment you should expect to be asked a lot of questions by the current members. They want to get to know you and what you are all about. They want to ensure that you will be a hard-working member of their organization if accepted. Be prepared for questions like “why do you want to join this specific sorority?” That answer will require you to do some research on the background and history of their organization. You’ll also be asked questions about yourself, like how you’re doing in school, and what are your priorities.

Think of it as an informal job interview. If you were accepted into college, you will generally know what to say when you’re being interviewed, so relax and let the words flow. Be honest and authentic. Also, be prepared with solid questions of your own to ask members.

How Long Does the Sorority Rush Process Usually Take?

The length of the sorority rush process varies depending on the organization and chapter. But in a lot of cases you can expect for it to last for at least a couple of weeks. Be prepared to spend a lot of time attending sorority-hosted events during that period.

How Can I Improve My Chances of Getting a Bid?

Be yourself. Do not feel that you have to put on an act in order to impress the members, because they can see right through that. Always dress to impress, smell good, and take care of the details (such as hair, nails, and light makeup), but don’t overdo it. Try to make a strong connection with at least one of the members, who will most likely advocate for you in the bid selection process.

What is the Most Exciting Part of Rushing a Sorority?

Young women join sororities for all sorts of reasons, but the main reason is that they want to be social and have an exciting experience while in college. One of the most exciting parts of rushing a sorority is that you get to meet new people who you may not have met under any other circumstances on campus. You have a chance to expand your social skills, which will help you in the future. And of course, there are the parties and gatherings you’ll be expected to attend with a sea of women wearing their colorful sorority paraphernalia and Greek lettered clothing.

Hopefully some of your questions about sorority rush and whether it is right for you have been answered here. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get to know a large group of women who you might fall in love with.

For quality sorority gifts, clothing, and merchandise, that will arrive in time for the semester ahead, shop GreekGear.com.

When you’re both a college student and sorority or fraternity member living in the dorms, you probably won’t have much time to make normal sit-down breakfasts, lunches, or even dinners when you’re on the run. But you still have to eat. A good diet is important if you want to do well in school, pay attention in class, and still have energy to keep up with your duties as a member of a Greek organization on campus. Here are a few ideas for healthy on-the-go recipes you can make and take in a matter of minutes.

Avocado and Eggs

One of the simplest on-the-go breakfasts you can make is a couple of eggs with a few slices of avocado on top. You get a quick dose of protein, healthy fat, and fiber. And there’s no need to pull out a pan—just crack a couple of eggs in a bowl and microwave for a minute or two. Add your avocado slices and some salt and pepper on top.

Bananas and Strawberries

Fruit is always a good choice for a healthy breakfast. One tasty fruit combination is sliced strawberries and bananas. Add a dollop of yogurt on top to give some probiotic power to your fruit breakfast for the day. Yogurt is good for your digestive system, is high in protein, and has a lot of the nutrients your body needs to get through the day. You’ll need those nutrients when you’re sitting in a sorority or fraternity meeting that runs long after a full day of classes.

Quick Wrap

When you want a meal on-the-go, you want it to be easy to carry and eat no matter where you are on campus. One simple meal idea is to make quick wraps. You can pick up a pack of about 10 tortilla wraps for a few dollars at your local grocery store. Then grab a couple of cans of tuna fish or chunk chicken (which also comes in a can). Finally, get a bag of lettuce that has all of your favorite veggies. Insert everything into your wrap (along with your favorite condiments), roll it up in aluminum foil, toss it in your school bag, and go!

Black Beans, Chicken, and Cauliflower Rice

If have a night class or a late-night commitment with your sorority or fraternity group, you’re probably going to want to bring a little dinner with you so that your stomach isn’t rumbling at the quietest moments.

Make a serving of cauliflower rice (it usually only takes a few minutes). Sear some sliced chicken in a pan, add a half a can of low sodium black beans, and then mix in the rice. Scoop the mixture into small containers to take with you each day. This is a filling on-the-go meal that will give you a healthy serving of vitamin C, protein, iron, and fiber.

Quick Healthy Casserole

If you visit your local dollar store, you’ll find small casserole pans made for baked meals. A quick casserole for one is surprisingly easy to make—just chop up the ingredients and put it in the oven on 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. Then you can scoop some out into a storage container before heading out each day. You can enjoy it in your car or while walking to class. Here are a few ideas for healthy casseroles that are packed with nutrients:

• Sliced potatoes, sliced red peppers, chopped white onions, and shredded provolone cheese or parmesan. This is a good source of potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
• Chicken sausage, broccoli, and spinach topped with mozzarella cheese. This a good source of calcium, fiber, vitamin C, and more.
• Asparagus, cauliflower, broccoli, and tomatoes with ground turkey or sliced turkey sausage topped with cheddar cheese. This is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and protein.

Make sure you add granulated garlic, salt, and pepper to your casserole mixtures for the best flavor. Also, use dairy-free cheese and omit the meat if you want a vegan option.

Having a healthy meal on-the-go will be easier if you take the time to meal prep at the beginning of each week, putting the food you prepare into containers for storage in your fridge. Do whatever you have to do to ensure that you are getting healthy meals each day before you attend classes, meetings, and sorority or fraternity recruitment activities.

For quality sorority and fraternity gifts, clothing, and merchandise, that will arrive in time for rush season, shop GreekGear.com .

When you see this list of 5 products that you and your sorority sisters or fraternity brothers might not be able to live without in the summertime, it might inspire you to pick out a few things before your next outing.

1. Super Large Beach Towel

If you’ve ever gone to the beach on a 90-degree day, you know how hot it is stepping into that piping hot summer sand. Imagine having to sit on it! That’s why an oversized sorority beach towel is something you ought to have packed in your trunk and ready to go if you’re an official beach bum. If you bring a beach chair, get a striped beach towel for Greeks to drape over it and dry off after a dip in the ocean.

2. Sorority and Fraternity V-Necks

The last thing you want in a t-shirt when it’s really hot outside is a tight collar that doesn’t allow you to get some air around your neck and shoulders. That’s why a sorority or fraternity v-neck is a must-have for the summertime. GreekGear.com has them in all sorts of colors (for both the t-shirt and your Greek letters) and styles to ensure that you have plenty to grab for road trips, picnics, and barbecues.

3. Greek Face Masks

In today’s world, we all have a new concern to be aware of every time we walk out of the door. We need to ensure that we protect ourselves and others by wearing face masks when we’re in public and around large groups of people. Order up a box of Greek Face Masks for you and your chapter to wear this summer (while you’re socially distancing outdoors, of course).

4. A Proper Fraternity or Sorority Visor

You want to feel the wind blowing in your hair, but you don’t necessarily want the sun’s potentially harmful UV rays beaming down on your face all summer long. A Greek visor is the best compromise. It allows you to cover your eyes, forehead, and much of the rest of your face while allowing your hair to air out (or dry out after you’ve left the water).

5. Easy to Stuff Sorority or Fraternity Tote or Bag

Sure, you have so many ideas of where you and your sorority sisters and fraternity brothers will travel together this summer, but what are you going to carry all of your stuff in? There’s no need to pack up a large luggage bag when you’re road tripping or heading to the beach. All you need is a good tote bag to carry a few colorful sorority or fraternity shirts, a few pairs of shorts, and your most crucial electronics. Check out these sorority and fraternity tote bags from Greek Gear and pick out a few to keep on deck when you’re ready to head out with your crew.

Of course you can technically live without them, but these 5 Greek-lettered products definitely will make you feel better as you enjoy some sun and fun with your sorority sisters and fraternity brothers this summer. They are also an easy way to promote your organization for the upcoming fall recruitment season.