If you’re like many in our Millionaire Insider® community, you may be dreaming of travel. If so, you want to know how to make it affordable.

You’ve worked hard, saved diligently, and now you want to enjoy your life. But there’s one catch: you want to be smart with your money and travel without sacrificing your future financial security.

Let’s talk about how to make affordable travel a reality, whether you want to explore new places before retirement or map out your “slow travel” lifestyle after you’ve retired.

Because yes, you can travel the world and still protect your nest egg.

Why Travel Matters More Than Ever

In my 35+ years advising clients, I’ve heard it all.

Examples include:

“I’ll travel when I retire.”

“We’ll start exploring once the mortgage is paid off.”

“I want to see the world—but I don’t want to run out of money doing it.”

Here’s the truth: Travel isn’t just about luxury or leisure. It’s about fulfillment. It’s a way to connect with your loved ones, reset your mindset, and find meaning beyond the day-to-day. And it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

With the right plan, you can travel more and spend less.

Step 1: Create Your Travel Budget

Before we dive into cheap flights and hotel hacks, we need to talk about planning—because you know I believe in having a solid plan for everything, especially your finances.

Ask yourself:

• How much can I safely spend each year on travel?
• How does that fit into my larger financial plan and retirement income strategy?
• What types of travel bring me the most joy—cruises, national parks, international cities, or slow travel in one location?

Once you identify your priorities and financial comfort zone, you can make decisions without guilt or stress. If you need help with this, click here.

Insider Tip: Many of my clients use a separate “Lifestyle” account for discretionary spending like travel. That way, it doesn’t interfere with essentials or long-term investments.

Step 2: Travel During Shoulder Seasons

Want the same experience for 30–50% less? Travel during shoulder seasons—those magical windows right before or after peak season.

For example:

• Europe: Late April to early June or September to mid-October
• Caribbean: May or early December (before holiday pricing spikes)
• U.S. National Parks: Late spring or early fall

Not only are prices lower, but crowds are smaller, and the experience is more relaxed. For my clients who want peace of mind and serenity, this is a no-brainer.

You’ll also want to check the weather and reduce the chances of unpleasant surprises. For instance, ensure you are not heading to the Caribbean Islands during hurricane season.

Step 3: Get Smart About Flights

One of the fastest ways to overspend is to book flights last-minute or without comparison.

Here are my favorite strategies for affordable flights:

• Use tools like Google Flights, Hopper, or Skyscanner to compare rates.
• Set up alerts to track price drops.
• Be flexible with your departure and return dates—it can save hundreds.
• Consider nearby airports or alternate routes. Sometimes flying into a smaller or secondary city (then taking a train or bus) is much cheaper.

Insider Tip: Tuesday and Wednesday are typically the cheapest days to fly. Try searching for mid-week departures!

Step 4: Stay Like a Local

Hotels can quickly eat up your budget—but they aren’t your only option.

Explore these affordable travel alternatives:

• Airbnb or VRBO: Especially if you’re staying for a week or more, this can reduce costs and give you a kitchen (saving even more).
• Home exchanges: If you’re open to swapping your home with another traveler, this is an amazing way to explore new destinations without paying for lodging.
• Trusted House sitters: Watch someone’s pets and stay in their home for free—perfect if you’re an animal lover like many in our community!

Step 5: Travel Slowly and Save More

The biggest secret to affordable travel? Slow down.

When you move less, you spend less:

• Less transportation
• More time to cook meals rather than dining out
• Fewer “tourist trap” expenses

Plus, slower travel gives you deeper connections to local culture—and more time to rest and reflect, which many of my clients appreciate in this stage of life.

One of my peers’ friends spent a month in Portugal and spent less for the month than she would have on a 10-day road trip around the U.S.—— because she stayed in one Airbnb, shopped at local markets, and walked everywhere. She came back energized and under budget.

Step 6: Use Points and Travel Rewards (Wisely)

If you use a credit card regularly, consider switching to one that earns travel rewards. But (and this is a big one): only use this strategy if you pay off your balance monthly.

Some good options:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred
• Capital One Venture
• American Express Gold

Use points for flights, hotels, or upgrades. I’ve helped dozens of clients turn regular spending into free vacations using this strategy—but only if it fits their financial discipline.

Step 7: Travel with a Plan—Not Just a Dream

A trip becomes “affordable” when you consciously plan for it.

Start by setting a travel savings goal—monthly, quarterly, or annually. Even $200/month adds up. Combine that with thoughtful planning, and you’ve got the beginnings of a wonderful trip in the works.

And remember: Travel is part of your life plan, not separate from it. If you want to explore the world, make it part of your strategy—just like guaranteed income or estate planning.

Additional Affordable Travel Tips:

• Separate your traveling and retirement savings accounts
• Create a plan for health care when you travel
• Save your Social Security and use that account for travel

Final Thoughts: Affordable Travel: Smart Strategies to Save and Travel

I want you to live a life you love, one filled with joy, purpose, and experiences that matter.

Our goal at The Millionaire Insider® is to help people like you simplify the money game so you can focus on what matters most.

If you want to:

• Sleep better knowing your money is in order
• Travel confidently without overspending
• Create a financially secure retirement you love

Start by grabbing my free resource:

Support Request

Because a clear financial plan gives you more freedom to explore the world with confidence, start here:

You can have an abundant life and afford to travel—without financial stress. Let’s make it happen.

While it takes some extra time to plan wisely, the savings can be well worth it.

Disclosure

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