Just because you live in a small bedroom, doesn’t mean you need to skimp on style. Here are 7 small bedroom ideas to liven up your space.
When living in an apartment, you might be a little short on space. However, you do not need to be short on style! While you can’t magically expand the parameters of your bedroom, you can add some pizzazz with these seven small bedroom ideas.
If you’re craving some feng-shui and want to update your tiny room with a new decorating style, here are several ideas that will be sure to optimize your space and make you feel like you’re in your own personal haven.
7 small bedroom ideas to freshen up your space
Regardless of your decorating budget, you can utilize any or all of these small bedroom ideas to jazz up your space. Let’s get started with the transformation!
1. Paint a wall
Color is one of the best ways to liven up any space, regardless of size. On one side of the color wheel, you could go with neutrals, like white or beige, to create a blank slate. The fresh white walls can add a clean look and brighten up the space. It also leaves room for you to add a statement piece of art that really stands out.
On the other side of the color wheel, you could go bold and paint one wall a signature color that will add a splash of color. If you choose to go with a color, choose it wisely. Sometimes, dark colors on all four walls could make the space appear smaller. You can find a paint finder tool to choose the right color for your room.
2. Hang some art or a decorative mirror
A picture is worth a thousand words, right? If you’re looking for small bedroom ideas to spice up your space, consider going art shopping and finding the perfect piece of art to add to one wall. You could buy a large statement piece or purchase several prints and make a photo collage. The idea here is to use art to make a statement in your small space.
Another thing to consider is adding a mirror to a wall. This could be a wall mirror or a standing mirror, but make it big! The mirror can help amplify the space and make it seem larger than it is.
3. Get some greenery
You don’t need a green thumb to add some greenery to your bedroom. Go to your local nursery and find a cactus, succulent or even a small tree to bring home to your room. You’ll want to consider things like how much light your room gets and how often you need to water the plant, but there is a plant for almost any situation. Greenery adds life, literally, to your space and that can make your small bedroom feel like a retreat.
4. Become creative with storage
One of the biggest problems with small spaces is the lack of storage options. Don’t fret, though! You can and must get creative when living in a small space. First, make use of the available storage you do have. Add boxes or bins to any shelf to reduce visual clutter. Next, consider propping up your bed to add more under-the-bed storage to hide and store items. You can also add furniture — like a dresser, bookshelf or desk — to decorate and organize.
Remember, clutter makes any space look smaller. So, you need to be organized and get in touch with your inner Marie Kondo to make your small bedroom appear larger.
5. Upgrade to multi-purpose furniture
Make your furniture multi-task! If you have the budget to buy some new furniture, invest in multi-functional furniture. For example, can your shelves double as a desk? Or can you buy a bed frame with built-in storage? Multi-purpose furniture is cool and it helps save on space, which is key to upgrading a small bedroom.
6. Add some height
It might sound counter-intuitive to add large furniture to a small room, but sometimes, larger furniture in a small space actually makes the room seem bigger. For example, we mentioned adding a mirror to your room earlier. Why not make that mirror tall and large to add some height and dimension to the space? Or, consider adding a piece of ladder furniture that adds height and doubles as storage?
7. Make use of tight spaces
The seventh small bedroom idea for decorating is to think of tight, small spaces in innovative ways. For example, do you have an extra closet in your room? Consider taking down the closet doors and converting that space to a mini office complete with a desk and chair. Do you have tall ceilings? Add a high shelf and use that for boxes and bins.
General tips for small bedroom living
Living in a small space can be frustrating if you aren’t organized. But, you can make it work and live in a fabulous small bedroom by following these three tips.
Stay clean and organized
Clutter is distracting and stressful and makes any place, regardless of size, seem smaller. If you live in a small apartment or have a small bedroom, make it part of your daily or weekly routine to clean and organize regularly. By keeping an orderly space, you’ll have a cleaner house and head.
Live minimally
Less is more, right? One thing to consider is the “one in, one out rule.” For example, if you purchase new clothes or a new piece of furniture, donate something old instead. This makes it so that you aren’t adding more stuff to your space but remain with the same amount of items, creating less clutter.
Add light and fresh air
Dark spaces can seem dreary, so make sure to turn on lights, add lamps or open window shades to bring in light. Likewise, prop open a window or add a fan to avoid a stuffy, cramped feeling in your bedroom.
Create your dream small bedroom
By incorporating one (or seven!) of these small bedroom ideas, you’ll create the cozy room of your dreams. Friendly reminder to check with your landlord and lease, though, before making any permanent alterations to your apartment. Once you get the green light, grab your paintbrush and paint away!
Still looking for that dream apartment to decorate? Start here.
Reaching financial independence is like the holy grail of financial goals. After all, the ability to no longer need to work for money to live on is incredibly enticing.
Just imagine what you could do with that newfound freedom!
But the path to financial independence (or FI for short)is usually not glamorous. It requires hard work and dedication to make steady progress towards your ultimate goal of FI. But there are some strategies that can help you achieve your goal of financial independence.
Let’s take a look at these expert tips from people who have actually reached FI, or are seriously dedicated to the path of achieving it. You might find a tip that helps to transform your financial trajectory.
What’s Ahead:
1. Identify your “FI number”
Financial independence happens once you have enough money saved and invested to never need to work another day in your life. Although you might decide to work at a job you love, there is great freedom in knowing that you’ll never have to work another day in your life.
A big part of the financial independence journey is determining just how much money you’ll actually need to make this dream a reality. That number is your FI number, the goal that you should strive for when you decide to seriously pursue FI.
Although there are a few different schools of thought about how to calculate your FI number, this general rule of thumb is a great place to start:
Your annual expenses x 25 = your FI number
Personally, I am at the beginning of my journey to FIRE (Financial independence/retire early). I’m only a small part of the way to achieving the FI number that I have in mind.
But having mine in mind has helped me stay motivated to save extra diligently. I highly recommend nailing down what your FI number is, too. You might be surprised by how much having a concrete goal in mind keeps you focused on the savings goal — at least that has helped me so far!
2. Pay down debts that stand in your way
Net worth is a big part of achieving financial independence. When you check out your net worth, the debts you have will drag this number down.
With that in mind, David Alyor, recommends paying off your debts as soon as possible. As a lawyer in the final stretches of his financial independence, he says,
“After almost a decade of post-secondary studies, paying off student debts was painful, but I stayed the course and paid as aggressively as I could to get rid of my debts as quickly as possible.”
Alyor says the key to his success with debt repayment was to make a written repayment plan. Additionally, he regularly checked in with his shrinking loan balances to stay motivated along the way. He expands,
“If you’re finding it tough to make as much progress as you’d like, it’s time to look for a side hustle to increase your income earning potential and drop your debt even faster.”
3. Avoid lifestyle inflation
Lifestyle inflation is easy to justify. After all, shouldn’t you take advantage of the best that your paycheck can buy as it increases? If you are trying to achieve financial independence, then saying no to lifestyle inflation is critical.
James Diel, CEO of Textel, achieved FI several years ago. Diel says:
“Saying no to keeping up with the Jones’ helped me stick to a moderate budget that included saving 30% of my monthly income toward retirement and avoiding unnecessary big purchases that get in the way of saving.”
He recommends putting this into practice by:
“making some smart money moves early on in your career and keeping your budget low without severely depriving yourself of the things you want helps you maximize your investment profits, so you can save less now and still end up with an ample nest egg.”
4. Prioritize savings
Saving for a big goal is easier said than done. This is especially true when life throws expenses your way.
But it is possible to boost your savings by making those savings a priority. Or in other words, making it a point to pay yourself first.
Minesh Patel, CEO of thePatel Firm, is so close to FI that he hopes to achieve this big goal within the year. But when he was just starting his journey to FI, he says,
“The most critical way I could save for financial freedom, even as a young graduate with a tight budget, was to pay myself first.”
Paying yourself first sounds like a great idea. But what does it actually look like in practice? For Patel, the journey began by automatically investing some of his earnings into retirement savings every month. With that, he knew that savings weren’t being compromised. Patel says:
“Somehow, being aggressive with savings up-front and seeing less in your checking account during the month makes you feel like you don’t have the money to spend frivolously.”
5. Spend on what matters to you
Kara Metcalf and her husband reached FI in their mid-thirties and left corporate jobs to RV full-time. One of her tips is to spend with purpose.
“Every dollar you spend is a dollar that you’ll never get back.”
She encourages those on the path to FI to consider every purchase as a choice to exchange time being FI in the future so that you can have that item now. She says:
“That perspective helped me adopt a minimalist lifestyle and reduced my consumerism greatly. I really didn’t need another pair of jeans when there was nothing wrong with all of the others in my closet.”
Before you make a purchase, make sure that the item is worth it to you. You’ll have to decide for yourself what is ‘worth it.’ But taking the time to think through your purchases could lead to a decrease in spending.
6. Boost your income
The savings you create must come from the difference between your spending and your investing. Unfortunately, frugality will only get you so far.
At some point, you may need to look at the other side of the equation and boost your income to increase your savings.
Sam Zelinka, the creator of Government Worker FI, is 86% of the way to his FI goal. For his family, increasing their income was a big part of working towards financial independence.
“We’ve primarily raised our income by earning promotions in our traditional job. At the same time, we both have some small side hustles that we have used to help pay off our mortgage more rapidly.”
7. Take care of yourself along the way
It is easy to let your determination to achieve FI push you beyond your limits. But pushing yourself too hard could lead to premature burnout.
Avner Brodsky achieved financial independence through entrepreneurship. He recommends taking the time to understand your limits and learning how to play within these limits. Brodsky says:
“Understanding your limitations and being okay with admitting weakness will only benefit you in your journey of learning. Taking care of your mental health is essential when working toward FI because if you are struggling, your work will struggle.”
Take whatever actions you need to take care of yourself along the way. Remember, it is absolutely okay to slow down on your journey. Don’t push yourself beyond a healthy limit.
8. Invest for the future
Adam Garcia, the founder of the Stock Dork, is well on his way to financial independence. His tip is to consider a smart investment strategy that goes beyond savings. Garcia says:
“The idea of financial independence can easily turn on its head if you follow it blindly. For most people, the most intuitive way to start is by scrimping and saving as much as they possibly can – some even manage to set aside half of their earnings every month!”
But simply saving won’t supercharge your path to financial independence. Garcia expands:
“If you want an efficient FI strategy, you need to complement your saving efforts with investment. In other words, for every penny you save, it’s good to invest another penny so that it could eventually turn into two pennies.”
For Garcia, this concept is what he calls:
“having your cake and nibbling at it, too. It’s only possible and viable if the cake is growing at a sufficient rate that your nibbling will never cause it to disappear.”
9. Don’t try to sprint to the finish line
Financial independence is a major money goal. In most cases, it will take years (or maybe even decades) to achieve.
Anthony from The Investor Handbook wants to remind us that:
“personal finance is not a sprint, it’s a marathon.”
When you are just getting started, the difference might not be noticeable. But over time, you’ll see real progress.
As you approach your journey to financial independence, Anthony recommends thinking about the journey like working out.
“A single session working on your abs won’t give you a flat stomach, but keep at it for ten years, and you’ll definitely be rocking that six-pack.”
Imagine where you could be in ten years by choosing to make progress towards your FI goals with every paycheck. The commitment to FI could transform your life through small efforts over time.
10. Focus on your own journey
Throughout every facet of our lives, it is easy to get caught up in comparisons. That holds true for personal finances, as well.
Kara Metcalf (waiting on link) recommends focusing on your own journey. She says:
“If you compare your life to your friends, family, or coworkers, you’ll usually feel deprived or lacking because you will be saving money rather than going on extravagant vacations, buying a new wardrobe each season, or eating out every day.”
For Kara, she also says that:
“In my 20s, I hated eating my packed lunch every day while my coworkers were going out to lunch. But in my 40s, those friends still get up before the sun rises every day to commute to full-time, oftentimes soul-sucking jobs. I wake up naturally (without an alarm) and spend my days exploring beautiful new places every day.”
Remember that everyone’s journey is different. Make it a priority to focus on your own goals, and stop comparing your life to others.
Summary
The path to financial independence will look different for everyone. As you navigate the journey, tailor your spending patterns to strike a balance between your current needs and your future desires.
What steps are you taking to achieve financial independence? Let us know in the comments!
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Welcome to the epitome of luxury living in the heart of Washington D.C. The Barbara at 2401 Penn is a two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom apartment, boasting 2,600 square feet of pure opulence. From the breathtaking views of DC to the elegant marble-tiled bathrooms with whirlpool bathtubs, no detail has been overlooked in these stunning apartments.
As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by the impressive wood-burning fireplace in the living room, which sets the tone for the lavish lifestyle that awaits. The spacious floor plan of The Barbara also includes a formal dining room, an eat-in kitchen, a private balcony with French doors, and an abundance of natural light, making this the perfect space for both entertaining and relaxation.
The primary bathroom of The Barbara is a work of art in itself, with a stunning soaking tub and a linen closet. Both bedrooms are generously sized, providing ample space to create your own private oasis within your apartment.
In addition to the meticulously designed interiors, The Barbara comes with an array of amenities that are unparalleled in Washington D.C. The full-service concierge is always available to assist with everything from arranging local restaurant reservations to booking event tickets. Need a life coach or a fitness trainer? They’ve got you covered. And for pet owners, The Barbara is a pet-friendly community that even offers pet-sitting and walking services.
If all of this sounds too good to be true, we invite you to take a virtual tour and see for yourself. Simply click on this link: https://cdn.styldod.com/360/the_barbara/app-files/index.html. The Barbara at 2401 Penn is truly a gateway to a lavish DC lifestyle, and we can’t wait to welcome you home.
Ready to see The Barbara in person? Schedule your personalized tour today.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. Rental providers will not refuse to rent a rental unit to a person because the person will provide the rental payment, in whole or in part, through a voucher for rental housing assistance provided by the District or federal government.
A country house built in 1690 in Old Lyme, CT, is the oldest home on the market this week on Realtor.com®.
Offering “peek-a-boo” views of the Connecticut River, this charmer boasts period details like wide-plank flooring, wood paneling, and built-in bookshelves.
Other vintage gems to hit the market this week include a property with history in New Hampshire, an affordable Colonial in Connecticut, and a pre-Revolutionary War farmhouse in New York.
Scroll down for a full look at this week’s 10 oldest homes.
Price: $615,000 Year built: 1690 Country charmer: This 2,802-square-foot dwelling has been thoughtfully updated.
The cozy family room has a fireplace and lots of built-ins. The dining room features wood-paneled walls, an exposed-beam ceiling, and wide-plank flooring. The bedrooms are upstairs, with the primary featuring windows that overlook the backyard.
The 3-acre property comes with two barn-style garages, including one with a sauna, and the stone patio is equipped with a pizza oven.
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Price: $629,000 Year built: 1700 Charter Sycamore Farm: This restored, stone farmhouse offers built-in cabinets, a wood-burning stove with a wood mantel, and detailed millwork.
The four-bedroom home has a living room with wide-plank flooring and a fireplace. The dining room features a wood-burning stove, wainscoting, and built-in cabinetry. The family room has a wood-beamed cathedral ceiling with skylights, an exposed brick wall, a wood-burning stove, and a built-in bar. The updated kitchen features French doors that open to a multilevel deck.
The oversized primary bedroom upstairs boasts a cathedral ceiling, a walk-in closet, and a sitting area.
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Price: $699,000 Year built: 1702 Stoney Croft Farm: This four-bedroom Cape has been updated over the years and offers 2,640 square feet of living space.
It features “wide-plank chestnut floors, exposed wooded beams, a center chimney, beehive oven, and five fireplaces,” according to the listing.
The kitchen has custom cabinets, soapstone countertops, and stainless-steel appliances. A modern, two-story addition offers a bright and airy den, which opens to an oversized patio designed for entertaining. Two primary bedrooms have their own private bathroom.
The 69-acre lot comes with a stable with a hayloft, and a carriage garage with storage space.
———
Price: $1,998,000 Year built: 1714 Cedar Hill Farm: This 75-acre parcel is anchored by a sprawling farmhouse with four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms.
The original brickwork and woodworking, as well as wide-plank flooring, run throughout the 3,500 square feet of living space. A guest suite with a separate entrance can be found at the back of the house.
“This land was originally settled by John Bigger and the property was known as Bigger Plantation,” the listing notes.
The property also comes with a one-bedroom guesthouse and a one-bedroom cottage. There are two wooden bridges and multiple outbuildings, including a carriage barn, a six-stall horse stable, and an indoor riding arena.
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Price: $895,000 Year built: 1720 Bartlett Homestead: This four-bedroom beauty is the former home of Mary Bartlett, wife of Josiah Bartlett, the second person to sign the Declaration of Independence.
The 3,644-square-foot space features period highlights, including exposed-beam ceilings, three fireplaces, wide-plank flooring, and built-in cabinetry.
The updated kitchen offers high-end appliances, custom cabinets, and a large center island with seating. The sunroom is surrounded by windows and opens up to a roomy patio. The former root cellar nearby has been transformed into a stunning wine cellar.
The 4.7-acre property includes a skating pond and a barn with stables.
———
Price: $1,100,000 Year built: 1720 Sweet stone home: This adorable abode on 33 acres comes with lots of charm and character.
A look back at the three-bedroom home’s history can be found throughout the 3,610 square feet of living space. There are preserved, wide-plank floors, a built-in window seat, arched ceilings, and wood-paneled walls.
Restored to its original grandeur, the dwelling also features a living room with an original fireplace. Another fireplace can be found in the dining room.
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Price: $925,000 Year built: 1725 Expanded antique: This three-bedroom home offers exposed beams, wide-plank floors, and three fireplaces.
The 3,946 square feet of living space includes a modernized kitchen with skylights, a wood stove, custom cabinets, and stainless-steel appliances. The cozy living room has a stand-alone fireplace, and the two-story addition offers extra space for entertaining.
The primary suite comes with a gas fireplace, built-in shelves, a soaking tub, and access to a private terrace.
The home has an attached four-car garage, and there’s a chicken coop on the 1-acre parcel.
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Price: $1,795,000 Year built: 1726 Hidden Pond: Offering views of the Delaware River Valley, this three-bedroom farmhouse has been thoughtfully preserved.
The beamed family room features wide-plank flooring and built-in bookcases. The formal living room has a fireplace, and the first-floor office comes with a private entrance. The newly renovated kitchen has a large center island, Mexican terra-cotta flooring, and French doors, which open to the terrace. The bedrooms are upstairs.
The 73-acre property includes a one-bedroom stone cottage, two barns, a tack room, and other outbuildings. The grounds feature beautiful landscaping, and there’s also a pond, stream, and pool.
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Price: $399,900 Year built: 1730 Three-bedroom Colonial: This affordable abode is one of the oldest homes in town. It comes with wide-board chestnut flooring and three fireplaces.
The structure will need some restoration work. The cozy living room has a walk-in fireplace, the library features built-in bookcases, and the bedrooms have arched ceilings.
The 5-acre property is surrounded by a nature preserve, the listing notes.
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Price: $2,395,000 Year built: 1759 Nord Farm: This stunning, pre-Revolutionary War farmhouse features historic details and luxurious amenities.
The New England-style, 3,360-square-foot home comes with restored chestnut flooring, original wood-beam ceilings, an original staircase, and five fireplaces. Luxury appointments include stone flooring, a built-in dog bed, and a chef’s kitchen with a marble-top island and high-end appliances.
The primary suite is upstairs and has original beams and flooring, and the family room could be used as an additional bedroom.
The 11-acre property includes an original barn, which is being used as a gardening shed that features a full-size golf simulator.
Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further
Whether you’re religious or not, Easter can be an incredibly fun time of year — delicious candy, beautiful eggs, fluffy bunnies, and pastel everything.
But if you’re not careful, it can also be an expensive time of year.
A lot of things that people love to do to celebrate Easter will come back to bite them in the financial behind sooner or later (most likely “sooner”).
Here’s a quick rundown of things to avoid doing, if you want to keep your Easter under budget:
Hire an Easter Bunny
The world is chock-full of entertainers that will gladly dress up as the Easter Bunny for your child’s party — for a price, naturally.
Usually, this price is a rather hefty one. There is absolutely no need to hire any of these people, even if they’re really, really good at hopping.
Either create your own Easter Bunny costume, find a mall or shop where the kids can get free pictures with the Bunny, or just sit back and fire up some old Bugs Bunny cartoons for an afternoon.
That wascawwy wabbit is the gift that keeps on giving.
Buy Too Much Chocolate
As blasphemous as it may sound, there is such a thing as too much chocolate, especially when that chocolate can run you a pretty penny.
If you buy a dozen chocolate bunnies at five bucks each, that’s $60 on chocolate rabbits alone.
That’s way too much candy for any family (kids should probably just have a few small pieces each, holiday or no,) and that money could easily have gone to other, more important matters, like bills or ingredients for a delicious, homemade Easter dinner.
Hey, speaking of …
Eat Easter Dinner at an Expensive Restaurant
Any restaurant higher up on the food chain than McDonald’s will have an Easter dinner ready for you to enjoy. Of course, it’ll cost you some dough.
Depending on the size of your family, you could easily drop $50-100 on one night’s meal.
What’s the point, when you can just as easily create your own meal at home?
Buy the meat you want, cook it the way you like it, garnish it with whatever sides suit your fancy, and top it off with a dessert that’s bound to be way better (and cheaper) than whatever the local eateries would whip up.
Rent Top-of-the-Line Church Clothing You’ll Never Wear Again
Pastel dresses and formal tuxedos aren’t usually found in your typical closet, and so many people rent them for their Sunday church activities, return them the next day, and not think about it until next year.
Or, until the next credit card bill comes along, either or.
It doesn’t matter how cute or precious your little girl looks in a $90 outfit. It’s still a $90 outfit that ultimately doesn’t matter much.
Most people (well, the good ones anyway) will welcome and embrace you and your family regardless of what you wear to church. Just wear what you normally do and everyone will be happy.
Well, the rented formal wear company probably won’t be happy, but too bad.
Buy a Pet Bunny (if You’re Not Ready)
This could be the single dumbest purchase of your Easter, in addition to being the most expensive.
Unless you were planning to get a bunny for a while, knew what you were getting into, had all the right supplies, and budgeted accordingly for it, bringing home a pet rabbit for Easter is a horrid idea indeed.
The actual rabbit might not cost a lot, but caring for it, feeding it, bringing it to the vet when need be, and just being a good pet owner in general can cost a ton of money.
If you are truly ready to bring a bunny into your world, and have budgeted accordingly, then Easter is a tremendously symbolic time to begin.
But otherwise, just stick with chocolate bunnies. Just don’t get too many, since they’re not exactly cheap either.
Mary Hiers is a personal finance writer who helps people earn more and spend less.
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Editor’s note: TPG’s Erica Silverstein accepted a free trip from Oceania Cruises to attend the unveiling of Vista. The opinions expressed below are entirely hers and weren’t subject to review by the line.
“Is this a luxury cruise ship?” That was the question on everyone’s lips during the maiden sailing of Oceania Cruises’ Vista, the first new Allura-class vessel to debut for the upscale cruise brand.
We gawked at the beautifully designed public spaces, with their detail-oriented accents, eye-catching light fixtures and highly textured materials. (Yes, I petted the walls of the elevators and stroked every chair.) We luxuriated in enormous standard cabin bathrooms and sumptuous Tranquility Beds. We dined on exquisite freshly made pasta, perfectly cooked fish and decadent desserts. We ordered smoked, bubbled, herbed and ice-balled cocktails at the ship’s craft cocktail bar and took photos of each creative concoction.
Vista is clearly a ship for travelers who love to explore new destinations, prioritize fine dining and premium beverages and immerse themselves in chic surroundings. However, in the cruise space, this ship is clearly in the upscale category and not true luxury.
Then again, when you’re curled up on a circular day bed, drink in hand, on a resort-style pool deck in the Mediterranean, Vista might just provide all the luxury you need.
Overview of Vista
Vista debuted in May 2023, the first new ship for Oceania Cruises in a decade and the flagship of the line’s new Allura class. It carries 1,200 passengers in cabins and suites that all have either a true balcony or a French veranda (meaning you can open doors to the fresh air but can’t step outside).
The ship’s target demographic is well-off, mature couples who are looking for destination-focused itineraries on a ship with elevated dining. For a small, 67,000-ton ship, Vista wows with eight restaurants, plus a bakery and private dining rooms for wine-paired meals. It also stands out for its expanded Culinary Center, for cooking classes and demos, and Artist Loft, where passengers can get crafty under the tutelage of resident artists.
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Fans of the line will appreciate that Vista is modeled from sister ships Marina and Riviera, and the layout is strikingly similar.
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Vista is not an all-inclusive ship, but it’s more inclusive than lines such as Celebrity Cruises or Holland America. Its fares cover all dining (except for private, wine-paired dinners), fitness classes, nonalcoholic beverages and in-port shuttles. Its booking promotions may offer additional inclusions, like free Wi-Fi, airfare, excursions, beverage package or shipboard credit.
What I loved about Vista
Dining choice
Some people love to return again and again to their favorite restaurants; others prefer to try a new venue every time. I fall into the latter category, so I loved that I could eat at a different restaurant each night of my cruise on Vista.
I could get dolled up and go to a steakhouse or Italian restaurant, or I could play it casual and eat on the buffet’s outdoor terrace or at the pizzeria. I could enjoy a multi-course sit-down lunch or take my pick of eight burgers at the grill. Vista also had plenty of options for between-meal grazing – a quiche from the Bakery, a scone at Horizons’ afternoon tea, or a cookie from the Concierge Lounge.
Not only did Vista’s large selection of eateries keep my meals interesting, but there wasn’t a bad option in the bunch. Sure, sometimes I didn’t order the right dish, but I enjoyed every meal I ate on board.
Design
Vista will wow you with its gorgeous looks from the moment you step on board. The atrium gives a knockout first impression with its stunning floor-to-ceiling sculpture with a changing light display.
The bold center archway of the Grand Dining Room will immediately catch your eye, as will the ceiling design of the intimate Privee dining room. Each specialty restaurant has been designed with care, from the brick oven-inspired ceilings of Ember to the pagoda-style floor lamps in Red Ginger.
The noteworthy Grand Lounge sports geometric chandeliers and glass shelves of vases and glass sculptures, while the faux wood paneling on the pool deck sets it apart from any cruise ship Lido you’ve ever seen. The glam settings make you feel like you’re a movie star and add to the decadent feeling of being on vacation.
Cocktails and mixology program
The new mixology program on Vista is one of its standout features. I happily ordered cocktail after craft cocktail at the Founders Bar in the name of research, trying drinks with smoke bubbles on top, frozen fruit balls in their center and unique ingredients (like tea) in their centers. The concept turns your standard pre-dinner drink into a playful and exciting event. It also makes a ship carrying mainly retirees feel hip and trendy.
Vista also carries a line of nonalcoholic “liquors” to make zero-proof cocktails that taste like the real deal, as well as nonalcoholic beer. It’s a fabulous option for sober cruisers or travelers who need to rest their livers after a lively evening. Unfortunately, not all bars carry nonalcoholic cocktails. On my cruise, I found them on the menu at the new Aquamar restaurant and Horizons observation lounge.
What I didn’t love about Vista
Nightlife
I failed to find anything serious to critique about Vista, so what I didn’t love about the ship is more about my personality than any real failing of the cruise line.
Evenings on Vista do not offer a variety of pursuits. You can go to a bar, with or without music. You can try your luck at the casino. You can attend the one show each evening, but only if your dinner time allows for it. That’s pretty much it.
My cruise did not offer karaoke night, evening trivia and games, or a pool deck party. I missed the two special-guest acts, a pianist and a guitarist, and the song-and-dance performances by the onboard cast failed to impress. The ship didn’t offer any secondary shows at night — no comedians or musical acts you came to listen to and not talk over.
To be fair, small-ship upscale cruising isn’t about nightlife, and most travelers on Oceania are perfectly content with a long dinner, an evening dancing or drinking in Horizons and an early bedtime. The library does have some board games you can borrow, so consider that as an alternative activity.
Service
One should never judge a ship’s service based on its first sailings when the crew is still getting used to each other and the layout and procedures of a new ship. I mention service solely to answer the question of why Vista isn’t considered a luxury ship.
In terms of hardware, Vista is one fine ship, which rivals the vessels belonging to luxury lines like Silversea Cruises and Seabourn, even nipping at the heels of over-the-top sister line Regent Seven Seas Cruises. It’s in the “software,” so to speak, where the line relegates itself to the upscale sector. And that’s fine.
In addition to not offering truly all-inclusive fares, Vista doesn’t offer the personal, often fawning service you find on true luxury lines. I barely met my room steward. No one offered to carry my plate at the buffet. The chefs weren’t offering to make me dishes off-menu, and on occasion, I had to work to flag down a waiter to bring me a drink. Personally, I’m fine with this level of service, but it does not put Vista in competition with ultra-luxury ships.
The few service issues will improve over time. But Vista, by nature, will never offer the crew-to-guest ratio or over-the-top service levels you’d expect to find on a more expensive cruise line.
Vista cabins and suites
Vista has only eight major cabin and suite types, making cabin selection a relatively straightforward process. Its three main non-suite cabin types – French Veranda, Veranda and Concierge Level staterooms – have identical interior layouts, so you’re really only choosing between perks and exterior space.
New and noteworthy on Vista are Oceania’s first dedicated solo cabins, 270-square-foot balcony cabins with a twin bed, smaller bathroom and slightly narrower design than a regular veranda room. They’re Concierge Level rooms, so solo travelers get extra benefits, such as access to the Concierge Lounge and Aquamar Spa Terrace.
My cabin was a regular Concierge Level room with a private veranda. At 291 square feet, it was the same size as a Veranda room, but with a slightly nicer interior design. (French Veranda rooms are identical to Veranda rooms in design, but where the Veranda cabins have a private balcony, French Veranda rooms have floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a railing; you can get fresh air but you can’t step out.)
I was very happy in my Concierge Level room on Vista. Oceania’s Tranquility Beds are some of the best in the business, and I loved falling asleep between a snuggly duvet and 1,000-thread-count sheets. Even better, the bed is flanked by three-drawer nightstands, 100V plugs and USB ports and reading lights.
Storage is decent with a two-door closet, two deep drawers in the desk, two coat hooks on the wall and a few additional shelves. It was the perfect amount of space for me, but I could see how a couple might fight over the drawer space.
The room had a mostly forgettable love seat, other than it looked nice and pulled out into an extra bed. The oval marble table was a perfect size for room service breakfast.
The highlight of the room, in my opinion, was the spacious, marble-tiled bathroom. Here, there was storage in spades: two glass shelves in the large shower, one large drawer and shelf space in the vanity and a corner unit with four deep drawers and three shelves in a mirrored cabinet. The shower had a rain head and a wand on an adjustable mount. The large no-fog mirror lit up at the touch of a button, perfect for putting on makeup.
I also appreciated the comfortable, padded balcony furniture. Standard balconies on Vista come with two upright chairs and a round drinks table, but the cushions made the seating comfier than the mesh-and-metal versions you find on many big-ship cruise lines.
Other thoughtful touches in the room include an electronic thermometer and do not disturb sign touchpad, quiet-close drawers, wooden hangers and carafes of Vero water, plus reusable water bottles to take on tour (to reduce single-use plastic water bottles). The mini fridge was stocked with soft drinks, though my cabin attendant didn’t seem to notice that I was drinking exclusively club soda. You’ll also find the requisite safe and hair dryer (neither of which I used), an umbrella and a shoehorn.
Concierge Level rooms come with extra perks, most of which are useful but not necessary. You get access to the lovely Aquamar Spa Terrace, with its hot tubs, day beds and thalassotherapy pool. You also get access to the Concierge Lounge on Deck 9; I don’t know why you’d want to watch TV in this windowless lounge, but I appreciated the 24/7 drinks and snacks and access to a concierge.
Other amenities include a welcome bottle of Champagne, pashmina-style cashmere lap blankets for use in your cabin and a tote bag. Perks include priority embarkation, lunch and dinner room service from the Grand Dining Room menu (I totally missed this one), priority specialty restaurant reservations, and complimentary laundry (up to three bags), pressing (on embarkation day) and shoeshine service.
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Penthouse Suite on Vista. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
For those with an urge to splurge, Oceania has four additional suite categories, each with butler service and access to an Executive Lounge. The Penthouse Suites are simply an expanded version of the balcony rooms, with additional closet and seating areas. The Oceania Suites have a full living and dining room, a separate guest or TV room, large balcony, guest bathroom and marble-clad master bath and dressing area. They are mostly found on Deck 12, but two on Deck 11 aft have wraparound corner balconies.
The eight Vista Suites, which I didn’t see, are even bigger than the Oceania Suites and located at the front of the ship, so they have extra-long wraparound balconies. The three Owner’s Suites span the entire aft width of the ship, with two balconies, and are designed by Ralph Lauren Home. A light-filled grand foyer opens onto the living, dining and bar area on one side and the enormous master bedroom with king-sized bed, walk-in closet and generous bathroom with soaking tub and ocean-view shower.
Vista restaurants and bars
Oceania prides itself on being a foodie cruise line, and Vista carries on the line’s tradition with six major dining venues included in the cruise fare, over-the-top extra-fee wine-paired private dinners and a new mixology program that goes above and beyond what its competitors are offering.
It’s hard not to nitpick a line that brags it has “the finest cuisine at sea” (and has even trademarked that tagline). Each meal may not be the best you’ve ever had on a cruise ship, but each meal you have will be solid, with plenty of choice of both where to dine and what to select from the menu. Vista is certainly a ship foodies will appreciate.
Restaurants
I made a point to try every restaurant on board during my weeklong cruise, and it actually took some scheduling to make it happen. It’s a good thing most of Vista’s sailings are 10 days or longer, so you have ample time to sample all the dining venues and even make repeat visits to your favorites.
You are allowed to make at least one advance reservation for each of Vista’s four specialty restaurants — possibly more depending on the length of the cruise and the type of cabin or suite you book. Once on board, you can ask if there’s walk-in availability for additional meals.
The Grand Dining Room is perhaps the most gorgeous main restaurant I’ve ever seen on a cruise ship. The design, with white archways in the center of the room, is also functional; it separates the giant venue into nooks, so it doesn’t have that hotel ballroom feel.
At breakfast, you can order everything from grilled lamb chops and broiled kippers to omelets, pancakes and lighter fare, such as yogurt parfaits. The highlight of the lunch menu is the “Taste of the World” sampler platter themed around a different country each day.
The dinner menu makes three suggestions for themed meals: selections from Jacques Pepin’s namesake French restaurant on Vista’s sister ships, global cuisine and Aquamar Vitality cuisine (ie lighter dishes). Don’t miss the creative Humphry Slocombe ice cream for dessert, with flavors like Elvis the Fat Years and Harvey Milk & Honey Graham.
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Terrace Cafe on Oceania’s Vista. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
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The Terrace Café is Vista’s buffet venue with indoor and outdoor seating. The stunning wall mosaics set the tone for the sophisticated spread you can sample here. Think daily sushi, an array of fine cheeses, made-to-order omelets, pasta and steaks and premium ice cream (including one Humphry Slocombe flavor at lunch and dinner). The vegetarian options weren’t always the best at the Terrace Café, though it often had gluten-free pasta.
On either side of the Terrace Café are several new and returning casual dining venues that should not be overlooked.
Waves Grill has always been one of my favorite grill venues at sea. Midday, it serves sandwiches, hot dogs, grilled entrees (mahi mahi, cajun chicken) and a huge selection of burgers, including Wagyu, veggie and salmon, in addition to the classic cheeseburger.
In the morning, it offers a downsized breakfast buffet with made-to-order omelets. At night, it transforms into a pizzeria with Italian-style pizza, a burrata menu (do not miss the burrata and tartufo dish) and a sinful Nutella pizza dessert. Pro tip: You can place an order at Waves and ask for your dish to be delivered to your table at the Terrace Café, so you don’t have to choose between the options.
Past Oceania cruisers might wonder where Waves’ famous smoothies and power bowls got to. The answer is Vista’s new “healthy” dining venue, Aquamar, set up on the opposite side of the Terrace Café from the Waves Grill.
In the morning, don’t miss Aquamar’s selection of avocado toast or its freshly made juices, unusual lattes and smoothies. (You haven’t lived until you’ve spiked your morning OJ with turmeric and cayenne pepper.) Energy bowls, banana pancakes and omelets round out the breakfast menu.
The lunch menu at Aquamar is vast. You can order poke-style bowls or compose your own, do a breakfast repeat with omelets and avocado toast, or order sandwiches from around the world, including tuna tacos, falafel pita, a Mexican chicken wrap or an Impossible burger. Wash it all down with a nonalcoholic cocktail that will have you convinced you’re drinking the real thing.
All the previously mentioned restaurants allow you to dine at will, but Vista has four reservations-required dinner spots that are the stars of the show. Three return from sister ships Marina and Riviera, while one is new, replacing French restaurant Jacques.
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Ember restaurant on Oceania’s Vista. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
The new entrant to Oceania’s food scene is Ember, serving inventive American fare. Though the venue is one of Vista’s signature restaurants, it has a more casual vibe than the others, and meals here don’t take quite as long. Consensus on my sailing is the standout dishes are the spinach and artichoke dip, lobster mac and cheese (with an actual hunk of lobster-in-the-shell on top) and the triple chocolate brownie sundae.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is Polo Grill, Vista’s fanciest restaurant, where dinners can take hours. It’s a classic steakhouse in a dimly lit setting with an enormous menu where protein is the star.
While it was perhaps not my favorite dining venue on board, the salmon I ordered was cooked perfectly, so moist and tender that I raved about it for the rest of the cruise. Folks at my table ordered everything from filet mignon to a whole Maine lobster, and everyone was satisfied with their choices.
Also, you may be understandably tempted to order the Polo Quartet of four desserts to finish your meal. I will save you the trouble by telling you the key lime pie is hands down the best of the bunch, and you should order the full-size version and skip the tasting plate.
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Polo Grill on Oceania’s Vista. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
Toscana is Oceania’s long-standing Italian restaurant, but on Vista, it’s newly enhanced with dishes created by the ship’s godmother, Italian food star Giada De Laurentiis. If you enjoy veal, this is your spot; nearly half of the secondi menu consists of veal dishes (you can also order lamb and roast suckling pig here). I tried Giada’s branzino and wasn’t wowed.
Whatever you order, make sure to order at least one pasta dish with Toscana’s incredible ship-made pasta. You can’t go wrong with Giada’s lemon spaghetti or the pesto gnocchi. If you need to skip dessert at one specialty restaurant, this is where I’d pass … unless you are a die-hard tiramisu fan.
The final specialty restaurant is Red Ginger, a pan-Asian dining experience. Perhaps it’s because I love Asian food, but I have a hard time choosing what to eat at Red Ginger because everything looks so good. You could make a meal on appetizers alone.
To start, try the sushi, duck and watermelon salad or summer rolls. For your main, consider the miso-glazed sea bass, lobster pad thai, bulgogi ribeye steak or red curry chicken. You might think dessert is a non-starter, but the caramel tapioca was tasty, and the soft ice cream with Japanese togarashi is a fun mix of sweet and spicy.
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Red Ginger on Oceania’s Vista. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
Vista also offers multiple options for intimate or private wine-pairing lunches and dinners on board. They include a wine-pairing lunch at Ember and wine-themed dinners in private dining rooms attached to Toscana and Polo Grill. Hidden between those two restaurants is Privee, another intimate dining room where two special dinners are held: Odyssey (described as a “gustatory journey for the senses”) and the Dom Perignon Experience that pairs special Champagnes with equally special dishes.
But the food options don’t end with the restaurants. The Bakery by Baristas was a popular spot for daily beignets, quiches and pastries. Afternoon tea in Horizons is an Oceania specialty, with your choice of Twinings tea, scones with jam and clotted cream, tea sandwiches and cakes and petits fours all wheeled around in glass carts by formally dressed waiters.
Bars
Vista’s bars are hopping before and after dinner because there’s not much else to do on board at night.
The Martini Bar is the most happening lounge, located near the Grand Dining Room, several specialty restaurants and the casino. A pianist performs here on and off throughout the evening. You can find all your standard mixed drinks here, as well as a special martini menu. At peak times, you might not be able to find a seat.
On the other side of the casino is the Founders Bar, a new concept for Oceania, dedicated to creative craft cocktails. If you like your drinks topped with smoke bubbles, frozen balls of fruit or sprigs of herb or dried fruit slices, this is your spot. Seating is limited, but you can request your drink be delivered around the corner to the Grand Lounge, a stunning scenery area where a classical string quartet plays in the evening.
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Founder Bars on Oceania’s Vista. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
Be careful — it’s so fun trying out all the crazy concoctions that you might bust your drink budget if you haven’t upgraded to the premium beverage package.
Horizons is the observation lounge at the top of the ship, looking forward. We heard rave reviews of the live band here and some choice words about the resident DJ, but if you want to watch the sunset or get your groove on after deck, Horizons is the bar for you.
Baristas is the coffee bar by day and aperitif bar by night. Get your daytime caffeine fix with Illy espresso, macchiatos, cremas and more, including coffees spiked with booze. After 6 p.m., you’ll find an Italian-influenced list of aperitifs and digestifs (amaretto, Campari, limoncello), as well as wines and cocktails (such as an Aperol spritz or negroni).
The pool bar serves all the daiquiris and coladas you can drink while lounging on Vista’s gorgeous, resort-style pool deck. You can also order drinks at any of the restaurants. Aquamar has a lovely menu of nonalcoholic cocktails, fresh juices, lattes and smoothies.
Vista is also introducing new immersive cocktail experiences for the cruise line, which unfortunately had not yet debuted on my sailing. These will include a customizable Bubbly Bar in Baristas, a Bloody Mary Bar at lunch in the Terrace Café, a Macallan whisky and chocolate pairing, and cocktail-making seminars pairing Brugal 1888 rum with ice cream or tea.
Vista activities and shows
An Oceania cruise is a destination-focused trip, so onboard activities are kept to a minimum. You’ll find trivia contests, spa seminars, casino tournaments and technology classes at the LYNC Digital Center, such as travel photography and photo editing for social media.
Where Oceania excels in onboard activities are with cooking classes and demos in the Culinary Center and art classes at the Artist Loft. Oceania brings on real chefs and working artists to lead the workshops. Sign up as soon as you get on board because these popular classes fill up quickly.
I tried a “drip technique” painting class where we decorated glass plates, and it was a far cry from the watercolor or needlepoint classes you might find on other ships. The two-part class explored a unique technique, and even though I’m not experienced in crafting and my plate looked pretty bad after the first class, the artist knew what he was doing, and my final product was surprisingly good. It’s also a fun way to socialize with other passengers and the artists in residence.
Vista’s culinary center is three times larger than the versions found on sister ships Marina and Riviera. In addition to the test kitchen with 24 individual cooking stations, a second room can be arranged for lectures or even dinners. Classes are themed, often related to the ship’s destination, and yes, you can eat what you cook. They do cost extra; fees start at $79.
On a warm, sunny day, Oceania’s gorgeous resort-style pool deck is the place to be with padded loungers and day beds, a main pool with a wading area around it and a couple of hot tubs. Sporty types should head to the ship’s topmost half decks for an outdoor running track, shuffleboard, croquet/bocce, pickleball, mini-golf and a golf-driving cage.
The Aquamar Spa on Deck 15 offers a barber shop, salon, fitness center with aerobics studio and sauna and steam rooms in the men’s and women’s locker rooms. Concierge Level and suite guests receive complimentary access to the Aquamar Spa Terrace at the front of the ship, with two hot tubs and a thalassotherapy pool.
If it’s cool and rainy, consider decamping to the nook- and book-filled library, where you can borrow games, settle in with your laptop or peruse guidebooks. Baristas is right around the corner. The ship also has the requisite shops selling fine jewelry and logo items.
In the evenings, you can find a singer-pianist in Martinis, a string quartet in the Grand Lounge and a band followed by a DJ in Horizons. I heard great things about Vista’s Music Station Band, but somehow I was always eating dinner when they were performing.
Each night, there’s a show in the Vista Lounge, either a guest performer or a typical cruise ship song and dance show by the onboard performers. One of the new shows on Vista was choreographed by Britt Stewart, a professional dancer who’s worked with “Dancing with the Stars.”
Vista itineraries and pricing
Vista will spend its summers in the Mediterranean and winters in the Caribbean. In fall 2023, the ship will also visit Canada and New England and transit the Panama Canal twice. Cruises range in length from seven to 90 days, but most are one to three weeks in length.
Cruise-only prices start from $1,799 for a French Veranda cabin or $2,049 for the lowest-category balcony room on a seven-night Caribbean cruise. Alternatively, you can choose Oceania’s more inclusive and expensive OLife fares; these start from $2,599 for the French Veranda cabin or $2,849 for a regular balcony room.
The current OLife promotion runs through June 30 and includes round-trip airfare and transfers, plus your choice of four shore excursions, a beverage package or $400 onboard credit per cabin. Starting in July, the line will offer a set of included perks, without the need to choose, but the actual inclusions may change during promotional periods.
What to know before you go
Required documents
The travel documents you need for your Vista cruise are determined by your itinerary and homeports. For most cruises, you will need a passport that is valid for six months after your trip ends. For round-trip sailings out of U.S. homeports, a birth certificate and government photo ID will suffice. It’s up to each passenger to determine if any of the ports of call require additional visas.
When you finish checking in online for your cruise, Oceania will email you a boarding pass that you should print out and bring with you to the terminal.
Gratuities
Crew gratuities are added to your onboard bill and amount to $18 per person, per day, in Concierge-class rooms and below, or $23 per person, per day, in upper-level suites. Gratuities can be prepaid. You are always welcome to tip above the auto-gratuity for exceptional service. All tour guides should be tipped in cash at the end of a tour.
A 20% gratuity is added to onboard bar and spa bills.
Wi-Fi
Vista is one of the first Oceania cruise ships to use Starlink high-speed internet. I can attest to the speed of Oceania’s premium plan after attending a 90-minute Zoom meeting with only the slightest of lag.
Every cabin comes with one free Wi-Fi login (for one device at a time), or you can pay to add additional devices or for the premium plan that accommodates music and video streaming.
Carry-on drinks policy
Passengers can bring up to six bottles of wine per cabin for consumption in their room. If you wish to drink your own wine in a restaurant or public area of the ship, you will need to pay a $25 per bottle corkage fee.
Smoking policy
Vista offers designated areas on the Deck 12 pool deck (forward, starboard corner) and in the smoking lounge on Deck 14 forward, outside Horizons. The latter is a gorgeous space with forest-green walls, but it is entirely indoors. This policy applies to e-cigarettes, pipes and cigars, in addition to regular cigarettes.
Smoking is forbidden everywhere else on board, including in cabins and on private balconies. Passengers who are caught in violation of the smoking policy will be disembarked at the next port of call and may also be required to pay additional fees to cover costs for cleaning or replacing damaged furniture or decking.
Laundry
Vista has complimentary self-service launderettes on decks 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. Each is outfitted with a detergent dispenser, washers and dryers, an ironing board and a seating area with a TV if you choose to wait for your load to finish. You can walk away while your load runs, but set a timer because folks will remove your clothes if you don’t pick them up in a timely fashion.
Alternatively, you can pay to send out your clothes to have them washed and/or pressed.
Electrical outlets
Vista’s cabins and suites offer electrical outlets and USB ports on both sides of the bed and by the desk. You’ll find both U.S. 110V and European 220V outlets. Americans may want to bring an adapter for charging devices in public rooms where the outlets are all European-style.
Currency
The onboard currency is the U.S. dollar. The reception desk can change dollars for the local currency.
Drinking age
You must be 21+ to drink alcohol onboard all Oceania cruises. When the ship is in international waters, young adults ages 18 to 20 may purchase and drink beer or wine (as well as the House Select beverage package).
Dress code
Oceania does not have a complicated dress code with specific attire required on certain evenings. Instead, the line suggests “elegant casual resort wear” for evenings and requests that guests do not wear casual jeans, shorts, T-shirts, baseball caps, casual sandals or sneakers in the restaurants after 6 p.m.
For casual dining, choose the Pizzeria or Terrace Café for your evening meal. Shorts and baseball caps are allowed; athletic wear is not.
Elegant casual resort wear translates into date-night dresses (but not full-on cocktail attire), skirts and blouses or dressy pants and tops for women, and collared shirts and slacks for men. Jackets and ties are not required.
During the day, casual attire is fine, but please don’t wear swimwear, bathrobes or pajamas in public areas. You’ll need footwear if you leave the pool deck.
Bottom line
Vista is an elegant mid-size cruise ship that’s the perfect home base for travelers who appreciate dining variety, enjoy interesting cocktails and fine wines and wish to explore the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.
Cabins and suites are thoughtfully designed, though, for longer voyages, you might need to take advantage of onboard launderettes as cabin storage might be tight.
Vista offers a high-end experience on a beautifully designed ship, but you’ll have a choice in how you spend your vacation budget rather than paying upfront for all-inclusive fares.
The holidays are about six months away. Why wait until the last minute to shop? Answer: You shouldn’t. And you won’t have to if you have a decently stocked gift closet. Some people I know keep their eyes open starting on Dec. 26 and are finished by mid-summer.
It’s more than just the December holidays, though. A small selection of “evergreen” gifts (non-perishable, non-trendy) means you’re prepared for any birthday, anniversary or new baby that comes along.
Building your gift closet doesn’t have to cost much. I always trot out the example of the puzzle depicting the Sistine Chapel ceiling, the perfect gift for a jigsaw-loving relative. Still shrink-wrapped when I found it on half-price day at a thrift shop, it set me back a whopping 35 cents.
If you wait until the last minute, you’re likely to spend more. On the afternoon of the baby shower, you might be tempted to stop at the first store you see and grab the item that’s closest to the door. Compare that with, say, the 89-cent newborn outfit that I bought at a post-holiday clearance sale.
(It wasn’t junk, either, but made by Carter’s. And it was cute as hell. I made the girl-noise when I saw it.)
Incidentally, it doesn’t really have to be a closet. I keep my stash in a cedar chest that I bought for $15 at a garage sale. Not only are my gifts cheap, they’re guaranteed moth-free! Here are some ways to build an evergreen gift stash without breaking the bank.
Clearance tables. Both post-holiday and everyday “last chance” sales can yield amazing finds. In late December the department stores want to get rid of unsold hat-and-scarf sets, gloves, slippers and “executive” gifts (e.g., day minders or business card holders) — and all of these can be held until next year’s Christmas or this year’s Father’s Day. Classic toys (stuffed animals, puzzles, books) can be had for a song if you’re patient enough to wait until Target or Walgreens really wants to get rid of them. (I’ve seen discounts as deep as 90%.) Remember that clearance sales happen in a lot of places: hardware stores, craft shops, drugstores, souvenir stands, supermarkets, office-supply stores.
Tip: If you see a gift set (foodies, spa items) wrapped in a Christmas-y way, break it down and repackage the elements for a January birthday or for Valentine’s Day.
Deal sites. Dealnews, Eversave, My Bargain Buddy and other money-saving sites can be dangerous if you’re a compulsive buyer. Pick your spots, though, and you might see a lovely package of fancy teas that would be perfect for your sister, or a swell set of socket wrenches that would be perfect for your other sister. You’ll spend relatively little to get them, especially if you get site credits for having referred other members.
Social commerce sites. Whether you’re buying a gift item or a discounted gift certificate you can use to buy a gift yourself, Groupon et al. can really stretch your buying dollars. Recently I saw a $20 Old Navy gift certificate for only $10, which could translate into shorts, tank tops or other items (especially if you wait for clearance sales). You could also give the certificate itself, if it has a decently distant expiration date — a massage or a spa day would be a great gift for a babysitter, housecleaner or teacher. And a middle-school-aged niece or nephew might love to get $20 worth of buying power at Old Navy.
Thrift shops. It’s amazing what you can find in the secondhand store — and as noted above, some of it has never been opened. Extra frugal points if your finds are “tag color of the day” specials or found during half-off sales.
Note: GRS readers discussed at great length whether it’s okay to give thrift-store gifts. If this really makes you uncomfortable, don’t do it. But here’s my advice: Get over yourself. Nobody has to know where you bought the present unless you choose to tell them.
Yard sales. We’re heading into the prime garage-sale season. I’ve found beautiful books, stationery and card sets, candles, book-and-toy combos, journals and other items — all new or seemingly unused — that became birthday or Christmas gifts. None of them cost more than $1.
Tip: Toward the end of the day, go back to the yard sale — they might be ready to haggle.
Rummage sales. The ones held indoors are even better than garage sales, because you’re not sweating in 95-degree heat while you shop.
Social media giveaways/contests. Companies will do anything to get noticed — including hand out free clothes, books, sporting equipment, jewelry, TVs, computers or big bundles of cash. (Believe it or not, I once saw a contest whose prize was a year’s worth of health insurance.) To find such contests, try using Twitter hash-tag searches (“#giveaway” or “#freebie”) or checking a Facebook app called “Wildfire.” Or do it the easy way: Find yourself a good freebie blogger and watch for the giveaways you really want.
Tip: Free software such as Roboform will fill in contact info automatically, making your entries more efficient. Also: Google “second-chance drawing” — contest junkies, aka “sweepers,” know that the odds are much better than in the initial drawing.
Take online surveys. You have to be choosy, since some companies ask for a lot and give back relatively little. But some people make a decent little side income answering questions. Depending on the site, you can redeem points for physical prizes, gift cards or even cash. I’ve had a lot of luck with Clear Voice Surveys and Valued Opinions, through which I’ve obtained dozens of Amazon gift cards in the past few years. (These days I don’t keep them, though; I give them away on my website.)
Rewards programs. Got a credit card that gives points? Cash some in for gift cards you can use to shop or that you can give outright. Or join a rewards program like Swagbucks or MyPoints, which let you earn gift cards, prepaid debit cards and other items. I’m particularly fond of Swagbucks, myself; right now I’m squirreling away Amazon gift cards until Black Friday. I’ve also given Christmas gifts obtained through My Coke Rewards: magazine subscriptions, a NASCAR hat, a set of barbecue tools, T-shirts, movie tickets.
Tip: Ask family or friends to save My Coke Reward points for you. Check the recycle bins at work, or outside your apartment house, too.
Gift swaps. Got a gift you don’t want? So do a lot of people. Invite family and friends to bring over items, then trade to your hearts’ content. Try not to be sad, though, if someone brings a package of teas or socket-wrench set that look awfully familiar.
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This post was updated June 2023
With most rentals, the phrase, “all utilities included” means the building or landlord pays for water, sewer, trash, electric, heat, and gas. One of the best ways to keep your housing budget in check and predictable is to rent an apartment with all utilities included. Read more…
Baystate Apartments
1701 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington, DC 20036
Are you in search of apartment features that evoke a sense of storytelling and capture the essence of a captivating book? Look no further than The Baystate, where we offer stunning studio apartments in various floor plans. What’s more, all utilities are included, relieving you of any worries about additional bills.
Situated in the vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC, The Baystate places you just two blocks away from a world of local culture and flavors. Immerse yourself in the fascinating surroundings and discover the hidden gems that await. Plus, with the convenience of the Red Line Metro within walking distance, the entire city of Washington, DC becomes easily accessible for exploration.
At The Baystate, you’ll find subtle touches of extraordinary in your everyday life. Indulge in the charm of our thoughtfully designed apartments, where every corner tells a unique story. Experience the convenience of having all utilities included, providing you with a hassle-free living experience. Allow yourself to be enchanted by the enchanting allure of The Baystate.
2800 Woodley
2800 Woodley Ave NW Washington, DC 20008
Welcome to 2800 Woodley, where you’ll find a variety of large floor plans designed to suit your lifestyle. Each apartment offers ample closet space, central air conditioning, and stunning hardwood floors that exude elegance. The unique touches, including expansive windows and a secretarial desk, add a touch of charm to your new home.
Nestled on a tranquil side-street, 2800 Woodley provides a serene living environment while being just steps away from the vibrant heart of Woodley Park. Immerse yourself in the neighborhood’s captivating ambiance, with a plethora of popular restaurants and trendy shops within easy walking distance. If you’re in the mood for a change of scenery, simply hop on the Metro from the nearby Woodley Park station, and the entire city of D.C. is at your fingertips.
2800 Woodley offers the perfect blend of convenience and comfort, making city living a breeze. Enjoy the tranquility of your surroundings while relishing the easy access to all that Washington, D.C. has to offer. Experience the best of both worlds at 2800 Woodley.
Brunswick House
1414 17th St NW Washington, DC 20036
Cambridge Square Apartments
4909 Battery Lane Bethesda, MD 20814
As Downtown Bethesda flourishes, Cambridge Square stands proudly at the center of it all, offering a hidden gem of a property nestled against a tranquil park setting. Immerse yourself in the array of new and exciting shopping and dining options that surround you, while enjoying the utmost convenience.
Cambridge Square presents an effortless commute to Washington, D.C. via the nearby Bethesda Metro Station, connecting you seamlessly to the heart of the capital. Whether you seek the bustling energy of the city or the tranquility of nature, Cambridge Square caters to your desires.
Discover the spacious and affordable one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartment homes available for rent at Cambridge Square. Each thoughtfully designed floor plan features large walk-in closets and elegant hardwood flooring, offering both functionality and style.
Experience the perfect blend of convenience, affordability, and comfort at Cambridge Square. Embrace the dynamic growth of Downtown Bethesda while enjoying the peaceful retreat of your home. Cambridge Square invites you to indulge in the best that this thriving community has to offer.
Hampton Courts
2013 New Hampshire Ave NW Washington, DC 20009
Immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Hampton Courts, a meticulously crafted architectural masterpiece constructed in 1926. This historic building exudes the allure of early 20th-century design, captivating you with its elegant appeal.
At Hampton Courts, modern amenities blend seamlessly with classic architecture. The building features two elevators for your convenience, a controlled intercom entrance ensuring security, and a well-equipped laundry room with a convenient card payment system.
Indulge in the comfort of our studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments, where updated appliances and spacious floor plans await. Each residence combines the essence of the past with modern comforts, creating a truly exceptional living experience. Best of all, all utilities are included in your rent, alleviating any concerns about additional bills.
Convenience is paramount at Hampton Courts. The U Street Metro Station, offering access to the yellow and green lines, is just three blocks away, providing seamless transportation options to explore the city. Additionally, you’ll find Capital Bikeshare bicycles, only a block from the building, offering you endless means of transportation to navigate the vibrant surroundings.
Embrace a vibrant neighborhood where a plethora of amenities awaits. The Saturday Farmer’s Market, Yes Organic Market, Trader Joe’s, Vida Fitness, and numerous yoga studios are all within a few blocks from your front door. Explore the culinary delights, wellness centers, and vibrant community events that surround you.
Come and experience the essence of city living at Hampton Courts. Allow yourself to be captivated by its timeless allure and discover a lifestyle that seamlessly combines historic charm with modern convenience.
Congressional Towers
261 Congressional Lane Rockville, MD 20852
Experience the perfect blend of comfort and convenience at Congressional Towers Apartments, ideally located just off Rockville Pike. Situated in the heart of Rockville, our community offers residents unparalleled access to a host of amenities.
Just three blocks from the Twinbrook Metro, our residents enjoy seamless connectivity to shopping, entertainment, and a diverse range of dining choices. Whether you’re in the mood for a shopping spree or a night out on the town, everything you need is within easy reach.
Our spacious apartments are designed with your utmost comfort in mind. As a resident of Congressional Towers, you’ll enjoy an array of free amenities, including parking and extra storage, ensuring you have ample space for your belongings. Additionally, you’ll receive a membership to Rollins Congressional Club (RCC), a resort-style water park featuring a club-style gym and fitness center. Embrace a healthy and active lifestyle without ever leaving the comfort of your community.
At Congressional Towers, we believe in providing a hassle-free living experience. That’s why all utilities are included in your rent, eliminating the need to worry about multiple bills. Simply move in and enjoy the convenience.
Call or schedule a tour today to discover your perfect apartment home at Congressional Towers. Experience the unparalleled convenience, exceptional amenities, and a vibrant community that awaits you.
Hilltop House
1475 Euclid St NW Washington, DC 20009
Nestled in the vibrant Adams Morgan neighborhood, Hilltop House awaits, offering a collection of studio and one-bedroom apartments for rent. Step into a world of charm and comfort, where each apartment boasts large windows and inviting breakfast bars, creating a cheerful, open, and bright atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.
Simplify your apartment living and budgeting with ease, as all utilities are included with your rent at Hilltop House. Experience the convenience of a worry-free lifestyle, allowing you to focus on enjoying the vibrant surroundings.
Hilltop House boasts an enviable location facing the picturesque Meridian Hill Park. Immerse yourself in a variety of social and cultural events that unfold within its lush green spaces. From kickball leagues and yoga classes to Frisbee sessions and drum circles, the park offers endless opportunities for recreation and community engagement. Experience the vibrant energy that fills the park every Sunday as it comes alive with a multitude of activities.
Just a couple of blocks away from the Hilltop House apartment community, you’ll find the Columbia Heights Metro station. This convenient transportation hub provides access to both the green and yellow lines, effortlessly connecting you to all that Washington, D.C. has to offer. Explore the rich history, iconic landmarks, and diverse neighborhoods of the capital city with ease.
Hilltop House Apartments offer the perfect blend of a tranquil oasis and access to the excitement of the city. Experience the best of both worlds as you soak in the cultural offerings, culinary delights, and vibrant community of Adams Morgan and beyond. Your perfect home in Washington, D.C. awaits at Hilltop House.
Klingle Apartments
2755 Macomb St. NW Washington, DC 20008
Nestled at the prime corner of Connecticut Avenue and Macomb Avenue, The Klingle awaits with its stunning landscaped grounds and meticulous upkeep. This coveted property offers unrivaled convenience and a lifestyle that caters to your every need.
Situated at the intersection of Connecticut Avenue and Macomb Street, The Klingle places you within easy walking distance of Cleveland Park’s most popular shops and restaurants. Indulge in a variety of culinary delights and explore a vibrant local scene right at your doorstep. Additionally, the Cleveland Park Metro Station, National Zoo, and the locally-famous Uptown Theater are just moments away, ensuring endless entertainment and cultural experiences.
Immerse yourself in a thriving community where convenience and charm harmoniously coexist. The Klingle invites you to experience a lifestyle that seamlessly blends accessibility, natural beauty, and an abundance of local attractions.
Parkside Apartments
1702 Summit Place NW Washington, DC 20009
Discover well-designed apartments that maximize every inch of space, offering a thoughtful layout that meets your every need. Step inside and be greeted by the gleaming hardwood floors, which come to life as natural light streams through the windows, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The arched doorway details add a touch of architectural interest, showcasing the attention to detail that sets these apartments apart.
Embrace your inner chef in the kitchens, equipped with gas stoves that allow you to prepare gourmet meals with ease. Enjoy the pleasure of culinary creativity in a space designed to inspire.
Beyond the allure of these exceptional apartments, the location is truly unbeatable. Situated just blocks away from both Adams Morgan and Columbia Heights, you’ll find yourself in the heart of two vibrant neighborhoods that offer a wealth of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. With a Walk Score of 91, every amenity and convenience is within easy reach, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of city living.
Welcome to a life where thoughtful design, affordability, and prime location intersect. Experience the best of urban living in these apartments that redefine what it means to feel at home.
Pleasant Hills Apartments
100 Fort Drive NE Washington, DC 20011
Escape to Pleasant Hills, a hidden gem just off North Capitol Street, where beauty awaits your discovery. Immerse yourself in a collection of spacious and affordable apartment homes that exude charm and comfort. Step onto the beautiful hardwood floors that grace each residence, admire the built-in shelves that add a touch of sophistication, and delight in the renovated kitchens that ignite your inner chef.
Pleasant Hills enjoys a privileged location, situated across from Archbishop Carroll High School and a mere two blocks from Catholic University. Experience the vibrancy of the neighborhood as you become part of a thriving community filled with academic excellence and cultural richness.
For effortless commuting, the Brookland Metro station is within easy reach, offering seamless access to all the wonders the city has to offer. Indulge in a myriad of dining options within the thriving Brookland community, where culinary delights await at Col. Brooks Tavern, San Antonio Grill, Brookland Cafe, and more.
Pleasant Hills is where unexpected beauty unfolds, where spacious living, affordability, and a sense of community intertwine to create a truly remarkable experience. Embrace the oasis that awaits you at Pleasant Hills and discover a world of serenity and enchantment.
Sherry Hall Apartments
2702 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC 20007
Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Glover Park, between the coveted areas of Georgetown and Cleveland Park, you’ll find Sherry Hall. Situated on one of DC’s primary arteries, this exceptional residence offers an ideal location that embodies the essence of urban living.
Indulge in the culinary delights of Wisconsin Avenue as you explore the multitude of popular restaurants within walking distance from your doorstep. Delve into a world of flavors and gastronomic experiences, all conveniently close to your new home.
Step inside your apartment sanctuary and be greeted by the elegance of beautiful hardwood floors that grace your living space, adding a touch of sophistication and warmth. Immerse yourself in the modernity of brand new kitchens, thoughtfully designed with stainless steel appliances, including a gas range, granite countertops, and stylish light wood shaker cabinets. The large windows invite an abundance of natural light, illuminating every corner of your home and creating a welcoming ambiance.
At Sherry Hall, we believe in simplifying your life. That’s why all utilities are included, providing you with peace of mind and transparency in your monthly expenses. Say goodbye to surprises and complex calculations—here, you can focus on enjoying the comfort and tranquility of your new home.
Discover the perfect harmony of serenity, convenience, and modernity at Sherry Hall, where every detail is designed to enhance your living experience. Embrace the unmatched lifestyle that awaits you, where vibrant city living meets the comforts of home.
Clarence House Apartments
4530 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20008
If you’re seeking a studio, one, or two-bedroom apartment that combines convenience and comfort, look no further than Clarence House apartments. Located within walking distance to the metro, Giant, Whole Foods, pharmacies, dry cleaners, restaurants, shopping hubs, and esteemed schools, this is where your apartment search begins.
Living at Clarence House means unlocking the treasure trove of hidden gems in our vibrant neighborhood. Immerse yourself in a world of cultural experiences as you stroll to a captivating concert at the Austrian Embassy or indulge your passion for music by enrolling in a class at the renowned Levine School. Let your literary soul flourish as you become a regular at the iconic Politics and Prose bookstore, where new discoveries await on every shelf. And for a glimpse into the fascinating history of art and gardens, the Hillwood Museum is just a short trip away.
Beyond the convenience and cultural richness, Clarence House offers a haven of comfort and tranquility. Explore the versatile floor plans of our studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, each thoughtfully designed to meet your needs. Experience the joy of coming home to a welcoming and spacious environment that nurtures relaxation and a sense of belonging.
Begin your apartment journey at Clarence House, where the vibrant pulse of city life meets the comforts of home. Embrace the limitless possibilities and experiences that await you in this dynamic neighborhood.
The Norwood
1868 Columbia Road NW Washington, DC 20009
At The Norwood, the perfect fusion of old-world craftsmanship and modern sensibilities awaits you. This historic building has been meticulously upgraded to offer the epitome of apartment living. Immerse yourself in a world where timeless charm meets contemporary convenience.
Step into your new home and be greeted by the allure of hardwood floors, evoking a sense of warmth and sophistication. The high ceilings create an atmosphere of openness and grandeur, while central air conditioning ensures your comfort throughout the year. Experience the harmonious blend of The Norwood’s grace, elegance, and modern upgrades that culminate in a truly distinctive living space.
With an impressive Walk Score of 97, your new home places you at the center of it all. From the vibrant restaurants and nightlife of Adams Morgan to the tranquil beauty of Rock Creek Park, every facet of city living is within your reach. Indulge in culinary delights, explore cultural treasures, and immerse yourself in the energy of the surrounding neighborhood.
At The Norwood, you’ll discover a sanctuary that seamlessly combines history and contemporary living. Unwind in a space that reflects your refined taste and appreciate the convenience of a location that offers endless possibilities. Experience the best of both worlds at The Norwood, where timeless allure meets modern comfort.
Wakefield Hall
2101 New Hampshire Ave NW Washington, DC 20009
As you gaze upon Wakefield Hall’s ornate facade, you’ll soon discover that the beauty continues within. Step into a world of elegance where exquisite apartments await. With hardwood floors, updated kitchens, and walk-in closets, every detail has been carefully curated to create a charming and comfortable living space.
Convenience is at your doorstep at Wakefield Hall. Located near the U St./Cardozo Metro Station, you have effortless access to all that Washington, DC has to offer via the yellow and green lines. Immerse yourself in the vibrant pulse of the city and explore its cultural treasures, all just a few steps away from your front door.
Indulge in the captivating energy of your neighborhood as you venture out. Discover local art galleries, savor the flavors of eclectic cuisines, and embrace the lively atmosphere that surrounds you. Wakefield Hall places you at the center of cultural vibes and offers a gateway to the rich experiences that await in the city.
Embrace a lifestyle that seamlessly combines convenience, charm, and cultural immersion at Wakefield Hall. This is more than just an apartment; it’s a place to call home and an invitation to be part of a vibrant community. Welcome to Wakefield Hall, where timeless beauty and contemporary living intertwine.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. Rental providers will not refuse to rent a rental unit to a person because the person will provide the rental payment, in whole or in part, through a voucher for rental housing assistance provided by the District or federal government.
This guest post from Ian is part of the “reader stories” feature at Get Rich Slowly. It’s the extended version of the story he shared in his prize-winning entry to this year’s GRS video contest. Some reader stories contain general advice; others are examples of how a GRS reader achieved financial success — or failure. These stories feature folks from all levels of financial maturity and with all sorts of incomes.
It dawned on me in college, having experienced several different summer jobs, that I really didn’t like being employed. Sure, the money is nice — but it’s just no fun at all to spend your days working to reach some boss’s plans or goals. I’m sure there are some folks out there who find a 9-to-5 job fulfilling, but that sure ain’t me. There’s too much fascinating stuff out there to learn and do to spend 40 years in a cubicle. The mere thought makes me shudder, and I wanted nothing to do with a career.
Most of the financial advice out there is geared towards building up a big account to retire on. I figured that I would enjoy taking a different route — reducing the total income I needed to live on. With a significant reduction in expenses, it becomes feasible to live very comfortably on a part-time income, or even just income from hobbies. How do you reduce your expenses that much? Live off the grid.
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Planning
By “live off the grid”, I don’t mean abandoning all your possessions to live in a shack in the woods. I mean taking control of your necessities and providing them yourself instead of relying on other to do it for you (and paying them to do so). Going offgrid requires a greater up-front payment, which is rewarded by great benefits in the long term (sound familiar?). Building a house yourself is a huge investment in time, sweat, and cash — but it allows you to enjoy freedom from rent or mortgage for decades. Like cooking at home instead of going out, but writ large (hundreds of thousands of dollars large).
Note: My decision to follow this path was not purely a financial one — I simply am happiest out in the boonies. There are too many people in the city, and it’s just not enjoyable for me. I want some space. You may be different — and probably are.
The more I looked at the offgrid option, the more financial advantages I saw in it. By choosing an earth-bermed home design, I could minimize heating and cooling expenses, as well as exterior maintenance. Having my own well and septic system eliminate the water bill, and having my own photovoltaic system for electricity cuts out another bill. My consumable fuels for the home are limited to some wood for winter heating (easily collected from the property) and propane for cooking (for which a couple hundred gallon tank is nearly a lifetime supply). Add some food production on the land, and you can also reduce grocery expenses.
Does this mean intentional poverty? Absolutely not. It means that I can have great quality of life, make $10,000 per year with a part-time or online gig, and have more disposable income than most middle income debt-ridden wage slaves.
Execution
At the time I put this notion together, I was in the middle of getting a fancy engineering degree from a fancy university. I had been losing interest in engineering as a field to work in, and opted to jump to a more hands-on field of study and get the fastest two-year degree I could. I judged that it would be better to leave with some sort of diploma than drop out altogether.
At the same time, I started looking for affordable rural land. I had a small inheritance from a great grandparent that I had been saving for something significant and meaningful, and a piece of land seemed like the perfect use for it. I eventually found a 40 acre parcel in the Southwest for less than $500/acre. I ditched school for a week to camp out on it, and fell in love. It had a good southeast facing slope for my passive solar house plan, and everything else I wanted in a parcel.
Ian’s parcel of land
On the third day, I signed a bill of sale, wrote a check for the price (10% off since I wasn’t financing it) and made it mine. And then (sadly) headed back to school. A year later, I came out with my degree and a $35,000 bill from Sallie Mae. That student loan was my only debt, and it meant a monthly payment of something like $250. Not bad at all, by most standards.
I packed all my belongings into my truck (a paid-for beater of a 1970s Chevy) and embarked to find a job in the little windblown town nearby and build my house. Jobs were sparse, though, and I wound up making less than minimum wage as a commission mechanic. That $250 loan payment was a massive chunk of my income, and it became clear that I wouldn’t make any progress unless I changed my situation. So I packed up again, and moved to the big city (ugh). Not what I wanted to do, but it was necessary. After a couple false starts, I landed a bartending job that paid pretty darn well. Now that I was finally making more than I needed to just scrape by, I set about making some real progress.
Saving was immediately gratifying, because I brought home my day’s earnings in cash every night. I budgeted out what I needed to live on (rent, gas, food), and put that much in my living expenses envelope each evening. The loose change (a couple bucks worth usually) became my “fun” spending money, and everything else went into the student loan envelope. Every time the envelope crossed the $1000 threshold, I took it down to the Post Office and sent a money order to Sallie Mae. I didn’t eat out, I didn’t go to bars, I replaced my big beater truck with a little beater truck that got much better gas mileage, I didn’t have a TV, and I split an internet connection with a neighbor in my apartment block. I grabbed every extra shift at the bar that I could manage. It paid off. In 53 weeks, I zeroed out that student loan. (I have the closure notice from Sallie Mae framed.)
Then came a big moment of truth. I’d been focusing intensely on paying off that debt, and the house plan was a bit of a nebulous thing that I would do later, after the loan. Well, now the loan was gone, I had the good-paying job, and I was used to living on not very much. I could go do anything now! I could buy a slick new car, or a bunch of cool gadgets, or anything I wanted. Or I could make the earth-bermed, offgrid house a reality. It didn’t take much reflection to conclude that the house was what I really wanted. So I replaced my “Loan” envelope in the closet with a “House” envelope and went right on with the same budget. Soon the envelope filled up, and I replaced it with a shoebox. Eventually the pile of cash in the shoebox started making me a bit nervous, and I got a safety deposit box at my bank.
When my second year on the budget netted me as much as the first, I crunched some numbers and concluded that a third year would be enough to get me enough money to build the house. I informed my manager at the bar that I would be leaving on May 31st of the next year, when it had warmed up and I deemed that building season was in full swing.
During that third year, I started spending some of my savings to pay for some initial infrastructure that I had to hire out, like the installation of my well and septic system and the kit for my house (purchased from Performance Building Systems — a company I highly recommend). When I finally quit the bartending job (on exactly the day I’d selected a year earlier), I headed back to the property with a wad of about $40,000 in cash and a sturdy pair of work boots.
Ian has his work boots on
I spent that summer living in a neighbor’s barn and building. The house I’d decided on was a monolithic concrete arch, 24 feet wide and 36 feet deep. It came to 800 square feet total, and would be covered with 2-4 feet of earth when finished. The sides would be completely underground, and the front wall would be fully exposed, with a lot of glazing to let in light and warmth (you can see photos of a bunch of these homes at earthshelter.com). I first needed to dig into my hillside and lay a slab foundation, then construct the framework of the the house, build the front wall with concrete block, and then have the main framework shotcreted (concrete sprayed with a high pressure air hose, to form rounded structures). Once the shotcrete set, I began building wall framing inside, and running water and electrical lines.
It’s not finished yet — some things cost more than I’d expected, and by the time winter really set in, I had a lot of interior work still left to do and had run out of savings. So I moved back to the city to find another job, and I continue to work on the house on my weekends.
However, the house is complete enough that I could live in it if I had to. I’m working my current job (I leveraged my offgrid experience into a position in the solar power industry) because of a conscious decision that the income is worth the time, and I have an alternative option should I decide that I really dislike the employment. That option makes a big psychological difference.
I can reflect on my job and know that I’m working it for a specific goal. I already have enough saved up again to finish the house interior, and what I’m doing now is saving up to build and stock a good workshop. With a good selection of woodworking, metalworking, and automotive tools I will be able to indulge in fairly technical hobbies. I can easily live on the proceeds of custom niche machine work, or have fun restoring and selling an antique vehicle from time to time. In addition, things like building my own furniture and maintaining my own vehicles will save a lot of money, and be more rewarding than hiring others to do the work for me.
Thanks to the planning and hard work, I will retire by the age of 30 — if not sooner. That doesn’t mean I’ll spend my time watching TV and playing golf, it means I will be able to actually live life instead of sacrificing all my time to a job making money.
Questions About the House
Living off the grid isn’t what many people expect. With the dramatic recent reduction in solar power costs, you can really have every modern convenience without a power pole. You really can’t tell an offgrid home from the inside. The keys to doing this effectively are putting more attention into efficiency, and choosing the right power sources. Electric heat, for example, is extremely inefficient. Propane is a far cheaper way to cook, and a wood stove is a great inexpensive, renewable source of heating. Thoughtful home design to utilize solar exposure, prevailing wind currents, and other environmental factors can significantly reduce the amount of artificial heating and cooling needed in the first place. Modern efficient appliances and lighting further reduce electrical needs.
Because of my high altitude and sunny climate, I chose to use a solar hot water heater instead of an electric or propane type. It’s a simple system with an 80-gallon tank (which should be able to supply comfortable hot showers through 3 days without sun), and it reduces my propane needs to just cooking. Internet can be provided by either satellite or wireless broadband (my cell phone reception is iffy at the house, but my Blackberry can get a pretty decent signal).
What about my social life? Am I going to be some sort of loner hermit? The answer is definitely not.
I’m not someone who needs constant social interaction, but you get plenty of it in the boonies. It’s clear from both my own experience and talking to other folks living in similar situations, that there is much more community socialization when there aren’t many people than when there are lots. I’ve never known more than one or two neighbors when I’ve lived in a city with dozens of people within shouting distance. But when there are only five families in a square mile, you know all of them, and their dogs, and often their friends and relatives who occasionally visit. It’s true for my house now — there are a few permanent residents and a few weekenders and we all socialize regularly.
The other question I always get is about family. The short version is that I have no desire for marriage or children. The house isn’t big enough for a family, and it wouldn’t be feasible to put on an addition. If I wake up one morning and suddenly can’t live another day without offspring, I’ll just have to build a new house. But I don’t envision that happening.
Tips
If you’re considering doing something like this, I’d like to offer a couple quick tips from my experience. Just as a good financial decision now can have magnified implications down the road, time spent planning a house can prevent huge problems in construction. An hour spent fixing something in the foundation can prevent a day’s work in construction or a week’s work in finishing.
My other suggestion is to not let the traditional rule your decisions. If you’re putting this much work into a place to live, you clearly plan to be there for a long time. So don’t worry about building a house that will be easy to sell — build the house you really want to live in. My bedroom is minuscule by most folks’ standards, because I like the idea of a cozy sleeping space. (I also ran a small water line and drain to the bedside table, so I don’t have to get out of bed for a drink of water at night.) The pantry is huge, though, because I will be growing and preserving food. I’m building a house to live in, not to sell, so I don’t care if it appeals to a real estate agent or bank loan officer.
Most of all, if you have a dream, you should do it. Stop fantasizing and start planning. No matter how many years it might take, it won’t ever happen until you start. And once you do start, you’ll be amazed at what perseverance and dedication can do for you. There’s no better feeling in the world than deciding how you want to live and making it happen.
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Finding affordable one-bedroom apartments in DC can be a daunting task, considering factors such as limited availability, skyrocketing prices, and navigating through various listings and potential scams. However, we’ve done the hard work for you and curated a list of 10 one-bedroom apartments available for rent today, all priced under $1900. Don’t hesitate, as these budget-friendly options are sure to get snatched up quickly. Take swift action and secure your ideal one-bedroom apartment under $1900 before they’re gone!
1400 Van Buren Apartments
1400 Van Buren NW Washington, DC 20014
Apt #34 — $1705
Located in the Brightwood neighborhood of Washington, DC, you’ll find this charming brick building offering spacious one and two-bedroom apartments. Less than a ten-minute walk from 1400 Van Buren’s front door you can find over 15 casual dining options including Julia’s Empanadas, Serengeti Restaurant, and Haydee’s Restaurant. When it’s time to head to the grocery, Safeway is only .4 of a mile down the road. Commuting is a breeze with bus routes 52, 53, 54, S2, and S4 stopping right outside the property. The Takoma Metro station is just under a mile away.
2 Forrester Street SE Washington, DC 20032
Apt #202 — $1210
We make budgeting so much easier at Colonnade Apartments! You pay your rent; we pay your utilities. The Colonnade offers sunny one-bedroom apartments for rent with hardwood floors and updated oak kitchen cabinets. Each apartment has a walk-in closet, ceiling fans in each bedroom, and a separate dining area with chandelier. The Colonnade apartments are located in southeast Washington, DC. Your new affordable apartment home is just minutes From I-295, walking distance from local schools, hospitals, and shopping. Best of all, all utilities are included.
Hillside Terrace Apartments
1812 23rd Street, SE Washington, DC 20020
Apt #211 — $1345
Looking for an apartment to rent, but want to live in a quiet neighborhood? Fall in love with Hillside Terrace. Our apartment community is nestled in the tranquil neighborhood of Randle Highlands. Randle Highlands is best known as a small residential neighborhood in Southeast Washington, DC. Hillside Terrace’s garden-style apartment buildings are charmingly situated on professionally landscaped grounds. The studio, one, and two bedroom apartments feature updated kitchens and baths, as well as ample closet space and some of the utilities are included with the rent. The Hillside Terrace community is just a short car trip from all of downtown Washington, DC’s entertainment and shopping.
Shipley Park
2532 Southern Avenue SE Washington, DC 20020
Apt #3432-25 — $1231
Shipley Park has worked to bring function and design to your apartment’s kitchen and bathroom. We invite you to visit and see Shipley Park’s range of practical features designed to make your every day experience even more delightful. Experience the new hardwood floors, oak kitchen cabinets and a breakfast bar in your one or two bedroom apartment. Enjoy easy access to shopping, the Town Hall Art and Recreation Campus (THEARC), a neighborhood splash park and the Suitland Parkway.
Archer Park
1200 Mississippi Avenue SE Washington, DC 20020
Apt 227 –$1435
Welcome Home to Archer Park Apartments, brand new one and two-bedroom apartment home tax credit community. Each home was designed with you in mind; Energy Star Stainless Steel appliance package, laminate flooring throughout, stackable washer and dryer in each home. The community has a fitness facility, business center, and concierge.
Pleasant Hills Apartments
100 Fort Drive NE Washington, DC 20011
Apt #6–$1650
Find beauty in the unexpected. Just off North Capitol Street, discover Pleasant Hills. Offering spacious and affordable apartment homes that feature beautiful hardwood floors, built-in shelves and renovated kitchens for that inner chef. Pleasant Hills is across from Archbishop Carroll High school, two blocks from Catholic University, and a short distance from the Brookland Metro station. Brookland’s thriving community includes plenty of dining options including Col. Brooks Tavern, San Antonio Grill, and Brookland Cafe.
Jetu Apartments
2100 Maryland Ave NE Washington, DC 20002
Apt #4–$1430
Discover our beautifully landscaped community located in the heart of Northeast, near Langston Golf Course and National Arboretum. Jetu Apartments offers affordable one and two bedroom apartment homes for rent. Featuring gas range stoves, upgraded kitchens, frost-free refrigerators, mini-blinds, and wall to wall carpet. Each apartment offers a separate dining area with chandelier lighting. The grounds include two new playgrounds, a community room, and a community garden.
3101 Pennsylvania
3101 Pennsylvania Ave SE Washington, DC 20020
Apt #403-$1396
Situated in Randle Highlands, 3101 Pennsylvania presents a feline-friendly apartment community in Southeast Washington DC. We provide one and two-bedroom apartment homes adorned with hardwood floors and modernized kitchens equipped with energy-efficient appliances. Additionally, you have convenient online access to your resident account 24/7. Uncover the comforts offered at 3101 Pennsylvania.
Juniper Courts
7701 Georgia Ave NW Washington, DC 20012
Apt #303-$1395
Discover Juniper Courts, your destination for affordable and stylish one-bedroom apartments in the Takoma neighborhood of Northwest Washington DC. Situated on Georgia Avenue, this completely renovated building offers a range of apartment options, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. Step into spacious floor plans adorned with beautiful hardwood floors, ample natural lighting, and central A/C, creating a welcoming and dream-like atmosphere. At Juniper Courts, convenience and enjoyment are paramount, with outstanding community amenities such as on-site maintenance and management, laundry facilities, dry cleaning services, and a community room equipped with computers. Plus, the prime location grants easy access to Downtown Silver Spring and the entire DC area. Experience the perfect blend of affordability and convenience at Juniper Courts.
Juniper Courts
7701 Georgia Ave NW Washington, DC 20012
Apt #303-$1395
Discover Juniper Courts, your destination for affordable and stylish one-bedroom apartments in the Takoma neighborhood of Northwest Washington DC. Situated on Georgia Avenue, this completely renovated building offers a range of apartment options, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. Step into spacious floor plans adorned with beautiful hardwood floors, ample natural lighting, and central A/C, creating a welcoming and dream-like atmosphere. At Juniper Courts, convenience and enjoyment are paramount, with outstanding community amenities such as on-site maintenance and management, laundry facilities, dry cleaning services, and a community room equipped with computers. Plus, the prime location grants easy access to Downtown Silver Spring and the entire DC area. Experience the perfect blend of affordability and convenience at Juniper Courts.
Juniper Courts
7701 Georgia Ave NW Washington, DC 20012
Apt #303-$1395
Discover Juniper Courts, your destination for affordable and stylish one-bedroom apartments in the Takoma neighborhood of Northwest Washington DC. Situated on Georgia Avenue, this completely renovated building offers a range of apartment options, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. Step into spacious floor plans adorned with beautiful hardwood floors, ample natural lighting, and central A/C, creating a welcoming and dream-like atmosphere. At Juniper Courts, convenience and enjoyment are paramount, with outstanding community amenities such as on-site maintenance and management, laundry facilities, dry cleaning services, and a community room equipped with computers. Plus, the prime location grants easy access to Downtown Silver Spring and the entire DC area. Experience the perfect blend of affordability and convenience at Juniper Courts.
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