When my 18-year-old son asked for a family vacation to Paris for his graduation gift, I had no idea that he was the one giving me a gift: He helped me find my next career. Sounds odd, I know, but here’s what happened…
Sticker shock. Me to travel agent: “You want HOW MUCH to book a week-long trip to Paris for five?”
Too stubborn to give up, I regrouped, researched and resourced. And you know what? Our family went to Paris—and we cut the cost by almost half what the travel agent initially quoted me. And that included everything: airfare, lodging, food, shopping, museums, souvenirs, and metro tickets.
I’ve planned numerous trips over the years, but it was the Paris vacation that really inspired me. I had such a great time planning that trip and felt such gratification knowing we maximized every dollar we’d budgeted, that I realized I wanted to help people plan their dream vacations—whatever their budget. That excitement led to this blog where I share my favorite trip-planning strategies and tons of money-saving ideas.
My tried-and-true vacation planning process is easily customizable to fit the vacation you have in mind. Much more than a cookie-cutter approach to vacation planning, I offer what other travel books and vacation-on-a-budget blogs don’t:
✔ Step-by-step “how to’s” for each element of the vacation process
✔ Practical advice on how to evaluate your options in light of your family’s needs, wish-lists, and limitations
✔ Destination-specific planning aids like eBooks, worksheets, and checklists
Stop by! I look forward to traveling with you!