Up, up, and away, but with a plan.
For the last two years, I’ve utilized a way to travel that saves money, lightens the load of planning, and helps me make the most of the time I have on this giant floating rock.
Today, I defend to you travel seasons, particularly the travel season that I’ve found most useful.
For 2022 and 2023, I have executed a 7 month travel season. This involves traveling for 7 months and staying on the ground for 5. For me, that looks like starting the season in March (3), ending it in October (10), and taking one rest month off between the two.
Then when I’m on the ground, I’m focused on connecting with my community.
I find this way of organizing my travel experiences every year helpful in feeling my best, preserving balance in my life, and keeping my money tight.
Traveling during warm months allows me to look and feel better (most of my cute clothes are for warm weather). Feeling better allows me to perform better in the midst of traditionally chaotic experiences (stresses of flying, navigating new cities, pumping out show-stopping itineraries, etc).
Building rest into my travel season ensures there is adequate time for recovery, physically and financially. That rest month in the middle of the season? That’s for me to sit down, eat the food at the house, and go kayaking in my own local river.
A consistent travel season makes my money predictable. Once I know how much I’m willing to spend on travel per year (and the average cost of a trip), I can save confidently and, as Jill said, live my life as golden as possible on my 5 months off. Because my season is planned and booked 6-12 months in advance, I get the cheapest fares and the bestest deals!
At the end of the day, I stay focused on what it is I really care about and not act up for stuff I don't. This looks like reminding myself I always have food at home so I can make sure I’m on that plane when March comes around.
So why do I think travel seasons are better than just sporadic traveling year-round?
Bon voyage!
