3 Things You Could Do In Order To Travel More Often

If you know me, then you know, all I want to do is travel and I recently decided that I have to put money where my mouth is so I stepped out on faith to get my family of 4 to New Orleans for our Summer vacation. This could've been very expensive, however, not for us (THANK GOD). As we get closer to our date to get this trip poppin' I am feeling as cool as a cucumber and here is why:

1. Preparation is Key. Know exactly how you are going to get where you've planned to go; car, plane, train etc. including hotel costs, these are a first and a must. This is very important because this is the meat of your trip. There are so many ways to get around costs, for instance, in planning this trip to New Orleans our airfare leaving from where we reside was about $400 a person (Nope, can't do it) so I searched like any other rational person would and found out that we save $200 a person if we drive to Chicago and depart from there. As our parents used to say, "there are so many ways to skin a cat", definitely exercise all possibilities, use all of your discounts (or family discounts, just ask and you shall receive), especially when your traveling for several hours or overseas. Once you know the final costs of those items, I would suggest starting a vacation fund and booking hotel accommodations at least 6 months to a year in advance, this will help you in locking in really good and low rates (also if you travel in a group you already know that the savings are mind blowing). Depending on the trips total costs I

would also suggest searching for "Vacation Fund" charts that suit you and your income on the

internet -don't get discourage, "I know you can!

2. Make a list of your "Must Haves". If you ask my husband, he'll tell you that I am crazy (but I am not). If we are planning a trip that is within the United States I am preparing 14 days in advance, If it is overseas to visit his family in Senegal I prepare 30 days in advance (remember I have a family of 4 and forgetting things can become very critical). I've noticed that this is where people spend a lot of money because when you wait until the last minute to shop for the items you want to travel with, you end up buying things that are NOT ON SALE and that's a major: NO, NO! I absolutely love Dollar Tree, Dollar General, Big Lots and Kmart they have everything you need and at a competitive price which will leave you more money in your account. Airfare and hotels are already costly so don't spend more money on buying "knick knacks" make a list and check it twice, weeks before you leave. There are helpful apps that can assist you in keeping the costs low, and TripList is my favorite!

3. Sightseeing. I hate nothing more than to travel somewhere without having at least 2-3 "Must See's", So make sure you have those adventures listed, and as ironic as it might seem, at the same time I also really enjoy just walking aimlessly into some great locations (at no costs) that make you just want to take pictures. sightseeing can be expensive, so know the costs up front #teamnosurprises.

All in all, when you turn away from this blog, know that you can travel and go to all the places your heart desires, if your prepared- preparation is key! My family vacation is currently underway and I am SUPER EXCITED, we will drive to Chicago and fly Southwest Airlines to New Orleans (4 people all under $1100.00 (hotel included) #winning, check out our photos that I'll be uploading on my twitter page and Instagram. Cheers to traveling, family, good food, good times and GUMBO!

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