2018 Travel Goals

 

How is April already almost over? If you’re somewhat like me (a travel addict) at this point in the year you probably have already hit at least one place that was on your travel bucket list. My kickstart was delayed as I spent the 1st half of the year focused on my health and wellness. And if you’ve traveled anywhere, one of the most intriguing parts about new Cities, States or Countries is the opportunity to indulge in the foods that they are famous for. So because I know my weaknesses, staying local during the 1st quarter helped me to stay on target to achieve my fitness goals. But on to the purpose of this post…. although I may have taken a hiatus from hopping on the plane, that did not halt me from planning out the majority of my summer.

One of my goals for 2018 is to exceed the number of Countries I visited in 2017 by doubling it. In 2017, I traveled to 3 Countries (Italy, Greece & Mexico), so I figured doubling that would be financially realistic and achievable considering the amount of vacation time I have available. So, I’d like to share with you a few of the places that I currently have planned to visit along with some places that are on my bucket list for 2018. In addition, I’ll give you a little insight on how I captured some amazing flight deals to these destinations!

Currently scheduled:

• Honolulu, HI – $282 Round Trip
• Tulum, Mexico – $123 Round Trip
• Mexico City, Mexico – $200 Round Trip
• Belize City, Belize – $315 Round Trip
• Washington D.C.
• New Orleans, LA
• Miami, FL

Bucket List:

• Spain
• Nigeria
• Cuba
• Thailand
• Colombia
• Jamaica

This list could certainly continue,  but I’d be thrilled to visit any combination of these Countries listed above by end of year.

I bet you’re wondering, how in the world did you find such affordable flights?? Well, I’ll tell you that the only time I travel to a different Country or State is if I can capture a “flight deal.” My motto for traveling on a budget is, “Buy now, plan later!” There is not a feeling worse than missing a deal, I promise you that as it has happened a few times. For example, there was a Round trip deal to South Africa for $450. Yes! You read that right, $450! And I hesitated and waited as I tried to gather a group of friends that could go…. and as time progressed, the tickets creeped right back up to over $800. So safe to say I learned my lesson from that experience. I promise you it will all work out in the end, with the “Buy it now, plan later” mentality. (If you have anxiety about making that type of purchase, just include travel insurance into your purchase) I do this because these deals typically only last for 24-48 hours before reverting back to their original or typical cost. So, when you see it, find a date that works for YOU and book it!

So here’s a little insight into how I search for and find deals….

These websites below are my Favorites:

Fare Deal Alert

Targets deals from Atlanta, Charlotte, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, plus more

The Flight Deal

Targets deals from NYC, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Phoenix, Miami, plus more

Google Flights

Grants you access to prices to any destination at any time

I visit these sites religiously to find deals that can work for my schedule. I highly encourage you to use these websites in an effort to save $$$.

This summer cannot come soon enough as my severe diagnosis of WANDERLUST has kicked into full effect! Can’t wait to share more posts this summer about what I do on each of these trips!

More than anything, please share your travel goals for 2018 and any tips for the places that I am visiting in the comments below!!

Also, if you have some aspirations for trips that you’d like to take, however you need a little guidance on how to save some money on travel…let me know and I’d be happy to share a few tips that I’ve learned along the way!

Keep SHINING Friends 🙂

Wanderlust: (n.) A strong desire or urge to wander or travel and explore the world.

My 2018 Travel Bucket List