Bougie on a Budget-Travel Edition!

MAN! I know you look at those Real Housewives shows and think to yourself, "Damn I'd love to be THERE!" "Damn, I'd love to visit that country, AT LEAST!" I myself used to assume the same thing, It's out of my budget. Thanks to owners opening their homes to places like VRBO,

Air BnB and now travel agents, your dream vacation is actually accessible and affordable... if you do it right!

PLANS ARE NOTHING, PLANNING IS EVERYTHING!

Start planning for your upcoming trip, early. Like early AF! While you can't book a flight more than 331 days in advance, most hotels and excursions are already booking for your dates! You can always go back and add flights to your package when the schedules come out. Planning ahead gives you time to research your destination. Where to eat, the best way to get around, local experiences, and of course, dope things to do while you're on vacay!

BE FLEXIBLE!

Be flexible on the day of the week that you choose to depart. Typically, it's cheaper for domestic flights if you fly out on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday. For international flights, it's cheaper to fly out on a weekday, like a Wednesday or a Thursday. I encourage my clients to leave on a Wednesday, if possible, which saves them hundreds!

DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

Research matters! Let's use my future home #yallprayformyearlyretirement, Aruba, as an example. Aruba has so many food options throughout the island that all-inclusive resorts may not even be worth it. All-inclusive resorts tend to be much higher in cost and all resorts aren't created equally! If you're only comfortable in a hotel setting, opt for a hotel with a European Plan. Of course, your safety comes first! If your destination is one that would be best to stay near the resort, then absolutely, PLEASE get an all-inclusive resort.

The VRBO/Air BnB route is always good! Especially if you want to have the opportunity to live somewhat like a local and cook a meal or two to save. This definitely will help you stay on budget! Traveling with children? I'd go this route. Keep the routine and cook! Choose a property that's like a home away from home; that home away from home in your head should you win the lottery!

PAY FOR EXCURSIONS IN ADVANCE!

Never travel without having something to do on your itinerary. Get to know your dream destination by planning things to do, way ahead of time. Knowing that you can relax because your excursions are already paid for, WILL free up more money when you actually Plant Your Soles onto that land. Sites like Viator can assist in setting up your excursions in advance. Air BnB, has local experiences, where a local (vetted of course) will invite you into their homes for cooking experience and a host of other tours and things to do, by a local and I'm telling you, there's nothing like it!

Our recent trip to Aruba was absolutely magical and the flight, car, lodging, and insurance were approximately $1900 for two people. We opted for a privately owned property called Aruba Lagunita. This property is pretty pristine and had everything we needed. The fully equipped kitchen, allowed us to immerse ourselves with the locals and cook some of the freshest meat and veggies. That African chicken that's already seasoned? BABYYYYY!

We rented a car for our five days there, so we could visit all of the beautiful beaches and drive to those excursions that didn't pick us up.

Book your excursions, here!

Looking for an agent to help book your trip? Look no further, you're IN THE RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT CHERE! Fill out the questionnaire and let's discuss scratching off the next bucket list destination! xoxo

Janessa