Let me clear something up real quick… traveling is NOT just for “rich people.”
Because I used to think that too. I used to look at folks on vacation every other month like, “Must be nice…” 😩
But then I realized something:
Most people aren’t traveling more because they’re richer… they’re traveling more because they plan better.
And once I started looking at travel like a strategy (instead of a luxury), everything changed.
So if you’ve been wanting to travel but you keep putting it off because of money, time, or life being life this post is for you. I’m gonna break down how I plan trips in a realistic way, how to cut costs without sacrificing the experience, and how to travel more often without stressing yourself out.
Resort Escapes: Stay longer and save up to 35%
1) The First Rule: Pick a “Type” of Trip (Not Just a Destination)
This is where people mess up. They start with “I wanna go to Miami” or “I wanna go to Vegas,” but they don’t decide what kind of trip it is.
Ask yourself first:
Are we doing relaxing (water, spa, naps, good food)? Are we doing adventure (ATVs, tours, hiking, exploring)? Are we doing city vibes (shopping, shows, restaurants, pictures)? Are we doing family time (memories, easy schedule, comfortable stay)?
Because the second you know the vibe, it gets easier to plan everything: hotel, budget, activities, and what you actually need to pack.
2) I Don’t “Hope” I Can Afford a Trip I Build a Trip Budget
I used to just book things and pray 😭😂. Now I do it like a grown woman.
Here’s my simple travel budget breakdown:
My “Trip Money” Buckets:
Hotel/Airbnb Transportation (flight, gas, Uber, rental) Food Activities Extras (souvenirs, shopping, emergencies)
Even if you only put a little in each bucket, it adds up faster than you think. And it helps you avoid coming back home stressed out with a credit card bill that makes you want to cry.
3) Travel Cheaper Without Traveling “Broke”
There’s a difference between budget travel and struggle travel. 😩
I like comfort. I’m not sleeping on the airport floor on purpose. Okay?
Here’s what I do instead:
How I Save Without Missing Out:
Travel mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday stays are often cheaper) Pick a hotel with free breakfast (that’s one meal handled) Do one “big” paid activity, then fill the rest with low-cost stuff Use price alerts for flights and hotels Choose a location where you can walk to a lot of places (saves on Ubers)
And my favorite move?
I plan the hotel first because that’s usually the biggest cost. If I get a deal on the stay, the whole trip becomes easier.
4) Stop Trying to Do Everything in One Trip
Listen… you don’t need to cram 27 activities into 3 days. That’s not a vacation. That’s a job. 😭
A good trip has balance:
one day for exploring one day for relaxing one day for something fun and memorable
Your body will thank you. Your mind will thank you. And you’ll actually enjoy the trip instead of just taking pictures and being tired.
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5) My Packing Rule: Be Cute, But Be Comfortable
I love a look. I love being cute. But I also like having peace 😌
So here’s my rule:
Pack outfits that mix and match Bring shoes you can actually walk in Always pack a “just in case” outfit (something simple and cute) Don’t overpack “maybes” (if it’s a maybe, it’s a no)
Because nothing ruins travel like heavy bags, uncomfortable shoes, and feeling unprepared.
6) The Real Reason I Love Traveling (It’s Not Just the Trip)
Travel resets me.
It gives me something to look forward to. It reminds me that life is bigger than errands, bills, stress, and routines. It’s like my brain can breathe again.
And I love traveling with my daughter and my man because it’s not even about where we go it’s the memories. It’s the laughs. It’s being in a new place together and doing something different.
Even a short trip hits different when you’re with people you love.
If You Want to Travel More, Start With This One Simple Plan
Here’s what I want you to do:
Pick a destination (or a vibe) Pick a realistic date (even if it’s 3–6 months out) Set a weekly “trip money” goal (even $10–$25 counts) Book the big thing first (hotel/flight) when the price is right Build the rest around it
That’s it. That’s the strategy.
Because you don’t need to be rich to travel.
You need to be intentional.
And you deserve to see more of the world without waiting until “someday.”