Wander Often, Spend Smart: How I Travel More Without Breaking the Bank

These days, I travel as much as possible, not because I have endless time or money, but because I’ve learned how to get creative within a budget.

Travel has become one of the best ways I care for myself. It gives me energy, inspiration, and a much-needed break from the everyday. I don’t need five-star resorts or first-class tickets. I just need a change of scenery, a little adventure, some relaxation, and a few smart travel hacks that help me stretch my dollars and go more often.

I’ve become intentional about how I plan and pay for trips. I use travel rewards credit cards for everyday spending and redeem points strategically, often saving hundreds on flights and hotels. My husband travels for work and stays loyal to one hotel chain, so we rack up points that we use for our own getaways. I also keep a close eye on fare calendars and deal alerts; sometimes, just being flexible on when or where we go makes a huge difference. For example, we just planned a weeklong trip to Cancun. Half of our airfare was booked using Capital One rewards, and the hotel, completely paid for with points. It even includes breakfast, so we’ll only need to budget for lunch, dinner, and maybe a Cerveza or two. I also pre-book trains when traveling abroad as the price can double as you get closer to your travel dates. In Italy we used Omio which gave us access to all of the main train carriers, saving us both the stress of finding a train and a ton of money.

We were originally planning a 10-day trip to Maui in mid-December, but pivoted to Cancun for early December and it saved us a bundle. We spent just $479 out of pocket for airfare (plus a little extra for a pet sitter) and nothing on the hotel. That shift in plans meant we still get sunshine and relaxation, without blowing the budget.

Staying on budget doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or fun. I’ve learned to pack light to avoid baggage fees, book early for better rates, and use apps like Expedia for hotel deals and package discounts. I also use the TripIt app to organize my travel details (you can grab it for free from the app store). The paid version even notifies me if airfare drops after I book, so I can snag the better deal (depending on the airline). Honestly, the planning is half the fun. I recently started using Viator to find fun activities to do and highly recommend it. I love the excitement of having a trip on the calendar, even if it’s just a spontaneous weekend away, a quirky nearby town, or an off-season destination with fewer crowds.

At this stage of life, I’m done waiting for “someday” travel. I want to go now, while I can, as often as I can. With a little creativity and a flexible mindset, travel doesn’t have to be expensive or extravagant. If you’re craving a getaway, don’t let the cost hold you back. The world is full of beautiful places, and with the right tools and a bit of planning, many of them are closer, and more affordable than you think.