2025 was the year we started traveling smarter, not more. We took fewer trips but made each one count. By planning with intention and spending points and money where they made a real impact, we elevated our experiences without blowing the budget. So for 2026, we’re carrying that mindset forward with a clear list of things we’re no longer doing. Some of these mistakes cost…
We’ve spent years mixing and matching airlines, hopping between programs, and chasing the best redemptions. Being flexible helped us travel for as cheap as possible. But we’re not really budget travelers anymore. We want comfort and as little stress as possible – all for a reasonable price. Our themes are traveling smart and finding luxe for less, so committing to one airline alliance for most…
We know we’re not alone. Dining out has become frustrating for a lot of people. So we wanted to share what led us to cut back and what we’re doing instead. These cost-saving alternatives are available in many locations, not just DC.
We ride Amtrak almost every month, usually along the Northeast Corridor between DC, Philly, NYC, and Boston. Over time, we’ve fine-tuned our habits and figured out the tricks that save time, reduce stress, and stretch our travel dollars. Some of these are obvious, others are less so, but they all come from our real-world experience. Here are our top tips for making your next Amtrak…
We’ve spent years testing, researching, and perfecting the art of “luxe for less.” With a little planning and some strategic splurging, you can get a five-star feel while keeping things affordable. These 10 practical tips show you how to upgrade your trip, stretch your budget further, and enjoy a taste of the good life (without the hefty bill).
We see travel tips all the time for packing light and think: That’s still too much! In fact, we pack so light that we’ve been stopped at customs and asked if we forgot our bags. Nope! We just don’t like to be weighed down. It doesn’t matter how long or in what season we are traveling. Sometimes we just bring a backpack that fits under…
When we booked our first business class flight, we figured we knew what we were getting: champagne, spacious seats, and maybe a better meal. Those things are definitely part of the experience (and honestly, we still love them). But what we didn’t realize at the time is just how many extra perks come with a business class ticket that make the whole travel experience smoother…
These things can seem scary if you’re not used to them happening, but we’ve experienced each one quite a few times, and now we know they are completely normal situations that happen all the time.
We’ve been fortunate to have adventures in the US and around the world for many years. In our 20s, we stretched our dollars by staying in hostels, taking budget flights, eating street food and convenience store meals, and sometimes sleeping on chairs in airports. A lot has changed since then – though we still love street food. And we still look for the best deals,…
Lately I have been a little spoiled when it comes to flying. Thanks to travel credit cards and elite status, I have enjoyed perks like complimentary extra-legroom seats, priority boarding, and even the occasional upgrade. But I am also cheap, and paying for all the extras can add up to hundreds of dollars. So, sometimes I have to strip things back and go full basic…
