07/24/2025
The moment I sat down at a local restaurant with Julie, I knew we had a connection, shared vision, and heart for our clients. I am grateful we can support each other in our businesses. Here’s the article Julie wrote last month, which features her Interview with me. If you need financial planning expertise, Julie is your girl. Her website Is posted at the bottom of the article.
“The start of every summer stirs up a familiar itch—the urge to pack a bag, hit the road, and chase something new. For me, it started with a little pop-up camper and a white Nissan truck, trailing behind like a promise of adventure.
Some of my favorite childhood memories come from a few summers when we’d head out to nearby campgrounds. As soon as the camper was set up, I was off exploring and on the hunt for other campground kids. Sack races, marshmallow roasts, and the same damp swimsuit all week were the norm. And when it was time to leave? My new friends and I would exchange addresses—and promise to keep in touch.
Those trips were simple and inexpensive, but looking back, they gave me so much more than entertainment—they gave me a sense of adventure. That little camper sparked something in me that still runs deep: a love of new places, new faces, and a good old-fashioned road trip.
But in today’s economy when everything is inflated—travel can feel like an indulgence we just can’t afford. I know—between groceries, gas, and, well...everything just feels expensive. But travel doesn’t have to derail your budget. Planned just right, travel can still deliver memorable experiences—without breaking the bank.
I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years to stretch a travel dollar—like packing smart (I’ve been that person buying overpriced sunscreen and sun hat at the hotel store… don’t be me), or setting up a travel fund. Even $50 a month adds up. Pick one splurge, and skip the rest.
But if you’re looking for the really good stuff—the kind of tips that make a trip feel luxurious and affordable—I’ve called in backup to share a few insider tips from a pro. My friend Jana is a seasoned travel agent who knows how to plan trips that feel effortless without blowing the budget. Here are a few of her favorite travel tips:
🚢 Best Budget-Friendly Travel? Try a Cruise.
“Cruises are a great way to get the most bang for your buck. You’ve got lodging, meals, entertainment, and transportation all bundled in one. It makes budgeting easier because your big expenses are known up front—no surprise costs while you're out exploring.”
🌍 Underrated Destination: London.
Jana’s go-to for budget-conscious travelers dreaming of Europe? London. “It’s often cheaper to fly into than other major European cities and makes a perfect jumping-off point if you want to train over to other destinations.”
💸 Common Mistake to Avoid: Skipping Travel Insurance.
“I see this one way too often. People think insurance only matters if you cancel, but it actually covers delays, lost baggage, even getting sick abroad. I will never travel without it anymore.”
🧭 Travel Hack: Go in the Shoulder Seasons.
“Want to visit a popular destination without paying peak prices? Go in spring or fall—outside of holidays and spring break. Flights and hotels are often half the price.” And here’s my two cents on that one—I’ve found traveling off-season not only saves money, but also helps you avoid crowds and chaos.
👩🦳 Traveling Solo or Over 50?
“Look for cruise lines like Virgin Voyages or Amadeus River Cruises that offer single cabin rates. Or consider group travel with companies like Globus—they handle the logistics and offer better package pricing than booking everything à la carte.”
✨ Want Travel That Feels Luxe Without the Price Tag?
“Book a private airport transfer. It’s a small upgrade that makes a big difference in comfort, reliability, and peace of mind—without breaking the bank.”
If you’re feeling inspired to travel but don’t want the stress of piecing it all together, reach out to Jana. She uses her firsthand knowledge of hotels, excursions, and destinations around the world. She takes the time to get to know you—your budget and your idea of a great vacation. And yes, you’ll even have her personal cell while you’re traveling—so if anything goes wrong, you won’t be stuck on hold with a 1-800 number.
👉Plan Your Trip with Jana
If travel feels hard to justify this year, I get it—life is expensive. But here’s a reminder we all need: rest isn’t a luxury. It’s a requirement.
As a financial advisor, I want you to be smart with your money—but I also want you to make room for the things that truly matter.
And here’s something we sometimes forget: travel isn’t just fun. It’s good for your health.
I recently read an article from the Washington Post, people who take regular vacations reduce their risk of heart disease by 30% and their overall risk of death by 20%. Just one extra vacation a year can cut the risk of metabolic syndrome by nearly 25%. You can read the full article here.
In plain terms? Taking a break is good for your body, your brain—and your future self.
But honestly, we don’t need a study to tell us what we already know. Travel gives me clarity. It challenges my problem-solving skills (especially when GPS fails us).
And without fail, it strengthens my marriage, too. We’ve learned to laugh through flight delays and really bad Airbnb locations. (Eventually.)
It’s never just about the break—it’s about reconnecting. With each other. With the world. With God.
Travel pulls me out of the rinse-and-repeat of everyday life. It creates space for creativity, connection, and sometimes even quiet awe.
Travel has a way of bringing us back to ourselves. And that’s always worth budgeting for.
Closing Thoughts
In the end, the best trips don’t come from big budgets.
They come from being present, intentional, and open to adventure.
Some of my richest memories have come from the simplest adventures.
Have any travel plans this year? Or a favorite travel tip you swear by? Hit reply and drop me a quick note! I’d love to hear it.
And if travel’s on your heart but not in your budget yet—let’s talk about how to change that.”
-Julie Jenkins
https://www.redesignwealth.com/about
📧 [email protected]
