Traveling With Some Piece of Mind

Ask anyone why they haven’t traveled more and almost every response will be “I just can’t afford it right now.” As much as anyone may relate to this statement, there should really be more consideration for how much desire there is to actually get out and see the world. I personally know individuals that state they would love to travel but end up buying new designer bags or bar-hopping all weekend, it makes leaves the wanderlust desire to be questionable. If the chance of seeing Rome or anywhere else in the world seems more important take the initiative to make it a goal. There are many different ways to save money that are easily done. “Keep the change” programs through banks make sure the leftover change on any purchase is directly deposited into a separate account. Even deciding to set aside a certain amount of money from each paycheck as soon as you receive it keeps you from spending it elsewhere. $20 a week gives you $1,040 within a year, and that amount leaves you capable of many different travel opportunities. As much as I can appreciate the finer things, I encourage everyone to really get out there and take in new experiences over material possessions.

In the past two years I have harbored an obsession with experiencing new things, seeing new places, and meeting new people. I couldn’t be happier with the direction that it has taken me! There are sites that are the secret gems of the travel world, creating the best budgets for even those on a budget. Apps such as “Travelzoo” will create fare calendars for your city, gathering most flight deals from all over and providing a sense of being spontaneous from simply reviewing prices. The other weekend, my friend and I went roundtrip to Denver for $38, stayed at a Westin in the best part of downtown for $89, and this all happened from Friday through Sunday, the time most people have available. All in all, seeing a new city, having a great new experience, cost us each around $150 for transportation and a hotel room. Wouldn’t you stay in for a week or two to have a great time like that?

“Travelzoo,” as well as other companies, have vacation packages for trips all over the world, some including flights, hotels, trains, and even tour guides. “Airfarewatchdog.com” will let you set up an email notification when flights come in that are within your budget from your current location. I’ve used “Groupon” for a trip to Vegas for a stay at one of the finest hotels, best rooms, complimentary club and drink tickets, and even a breakfast buffet. I had spent 4 nights 5 days in Vegas that trip and between hotel and airfare I ended up spending less than $400. I get emails all the time from Frontier airlines, Southwest airlines, or even Spirit airlines throwing numbers like “$17” for airfare or “$59 to Mexico.” These things actually exist, people! I am living, breathing proof of the deals. I am by no means guaranteeing the prices I have mentioned- they aren’t always available, but these are deals that are quite frequently seen. Some even have done analytics to determine the best time and day to look for your trip as prices tend to drop during the right moments. The idea is to be open-minded. Take an extra step to get those emails, take a look at deals, and get an idea of what you would love to do. Don’t shut down the idea of seeing the world or gaining new experiences just because there is a pre-conceived notion that it may be out of your reach. If you want something, there is nothing stopping you. Put an extra $20 aside from your paycheck, decide you want to see New York instead of heading to Brunch. There are so many opportunities awaiting everyone, you just have to work for it. Remember, nothing worthwhile comes TOO easily!