How I Afford to Travel Without Being Rich
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Let's clear something up really quickly.
No, I'm not secretly rich.
No, I don't have unlimited PTO.
And no...I don't just wake up and decide to book a trip to Boston on a random Tuesday.
Every time I post a trip, I get some version of the same question:
"Girl...how do you afford to travel so much?"
Honestly?
I'm making less at my current job than I ever have post-graduating from college; however, I learned how to play the game.
Travel has become one giant puzzle to me, and once I figured out how flights, hotel points, and rewards actually work together, everything changed.
So here's exactly what I do.
Rule #1: I NEVER book a flight without checking Google Flights first.
If you're opening an airline's website before Google Flights...
You're making life harder than it needs to be.
Google Flights lets me compare almost every airline at once instead of opening twelve tabs and hoping for the best.
But here's what most people don't know.
I don't just use it to book flights.
I use it to stalk flights.
Yep.
I'll track prices weeks—or even months—in advance. Google literally emails me when prices change, which means I don't have to obsessively check every day.
Another feature I love?
The Explore map.
Sometimes I don't even care where I'm going.
I just know I want a vacation that won't destroy my bank account.
The map shows me exactly where I can fly within my budget, and honestly...that's how some of my favorite trips have happened.
Rule #2: My credit card works harder than I do.
I know. Credit cards have a bad reputation. But if you're paying your balance in full every month, they're one of the easiest ways to earn free travel.
Personally, I love my Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card because I'm already flying Delta most of the time.
➡️ If you're interested in the card I use, here's where you can learn more.
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Here are the perks I actually use—not just the ones that sound good in commercials.
✈️ My first checked bag is free. As someone who always says she's packing light and somehow still checks a bag... This alone saves me money every trip.
Speaking of luggage...
This is the luggage brand that I bring on almost every trip.
I also earn miles while doing things I was already going to do anyway.
Buying groceries?
Miles.
Going out to dinner?
Miles.
Booking Delta flights?
Even more miles.
One of my favorite perks is the annual Delta Flight Credit after meeting the spending requirement because it's basically future vacation money.
There are also rideshare credits, Delta Stays credits, and discounts when booking award flights with miles.
Little savings start adding up.
Rule #3: I treat points like cash.
This is probably the biggest mindset shift.
Some people collect points. I spend them. That's literally what they're for.
One of my favorite travel wins?
My mom gifted me some of her Marriott Bonvoy points, so our combined points gave me a FREE three-night stay in Boston.
Three nights.
Zero dollars.
Instead of spending hundreds on a hotel, I had extra money for lobster, coffee shops, and an impromptu Salem trip.
➡️ Planning a trip? Here's my favorite travel rewards program.
Marriott Bonvoy
That's what I love about travel rewards.
They don't just save you money.
They buy you more memories.
My Biggest Travel Lesson
You don't have to make six figures to see the world.
You don't need luxury everything.
You don't need to wait until retirement.
You just need a plan.
Every trip I book starts with the same questions:
Can I use points?
Can I earn points?
Can I stack rewards?
Can I save money somewhere else so I can spend it on experiences instead?
Because if I'm choosing between a cheaper hotel and another amazing dinner in a new city... I'm picking the dinner every single time.
Final Thoughts
Travel has become one of my favorite investments—not because it's always glamorous, but because every trip teaches me something new.
And the best part? You don't have to figure it all out overnight.
Start with one rewards program.
Learn one airline.
Track one flight.
Book one trip.
Then do it again.
Trust me.
Your future passport will thank you.
➡️ Shop everything I travel with here.
Kay's Amazon Storefront
🌎 Travel insurance I recommend
Safety Wing