It’s no surprise that we are taking our long trip soon. We also have a few other trips planned, including St. Thomas (we are there now!), Las Vegas (for my bachelorette party), and we need to plan our honeymoon as well.
Wow, that sounds like a lot of traveling for the next 6 months.
A question that I am often asked is how all of this is even possible.
Surprisingly we do a lot of our traveling for fairly cheap and our travel plans for the next 6 months won’t absolutely kill our budget. Of course none of it is absolutely free, but it’s pretty much as cheap as I will ever be able to get it. And, I’m of course perfectly fine with that.
It’s also very nice that we can travel and I am able to work from wherever. Being able just to open up my laptop and still make a living is a huge positive of what I do.
St. Thomas December 2013.
Yes, I do realize that this is not 2014, but it is something that I haven’t talked about much.
We are in St. Thomas right now. I have been to this same resort three times now, and I LOVE it every time. Some of you are probably wondering why I have been going here so often. Well, I am getting a really good deal.
I did some blog management for this resort, and in exchange I received a significant discount on my stays. I’m definitely a frugal traveler to St. Thomas.
I get comped all-inclusive rooms when we visit, which is super nice since this resort is amazing! Not having to pay for the room, food, activities, or alcohol means that we save a lot of money.
Paired with our extremely cheap airfare (explained below), a trip to St. Thomas costs us less than $500 for the both of us (and that is with us doing excursions and everything as well).
St. Thomas is also a fairly quick flight from our home. We can get to St. Thomas by about 1:30 p.m. from St. Louis (that would be 11:30 a.m. CST), and be at the hotel by 3 p.m.
So, visiting St. Thomas is an easy trip, and it is absolutely beautiful.
Our trip to Asia.
For our trip to Asia, I have been researching various hotels like crazy, and I have been able to score some awesome deals by asking hotels if they offer any media or blogger discounts.
And guess what? Many of them do! I have been able to get some nice discounts that will save us a good amount of money.
We also plan on staying in some Airbnb homes while in Indonesia, and these are surprisingly extremely cheap.
I have seen some homes on there for as low as $4 per night! We won’t be staying in that one though because I need reliable internet so that I can still work, but I have found some extremely awesome places for around $30 to $50 per night (these even include breakfast!). Indonesia seems to be very cheap no matter where you stay.
We are spending a good deal on our flights, but much cheaper than most would probably pay.
I wish I would have had enough saved in travel rewards points to pay for the all of the flights, but I am using all of my points to get me and my friends to Las Vegas for free. That’s 100,000 points right there, and well, I haven’t applied for enough credit cards recently to do more than that!
We will be flying to China from Chicago using my dad’s airline benefits that I inherited. We will most likely get to fly first class there and I believe it will cost around $300 for each of us. Definitely not bad for first class from here to China!
All of the flights within Asia will be covered entirely by us though because the airline he worked for does not have flights to the cities that we are going to. Then we will be flying home from Seoul and that will be on my dad’s tickets again for around $300 each. And hopefully we get on first class for that as well!
Our itinerary for our Asia trip is:
- Shanghai
- Phuket (we will be visiting various cities in Thailand though)
- Bali (we will be visiting various cities in Indonesia though)
- Seoul
The total for all of our airfare? Around $3,000.
AHH that is a lot.
If we were flying to just one city, not taking one-way trips, and spending all of our time in one city, then it would be much, much different. However, we are traveling to four countries which means that our costs will of course be much higher.
Since I am not used to paying for airfare because I always get tickets from my dad’s benefits, it is hard for me to let go of cash to pay for airfare. I have been stalking prices like crazy and I have planned our trip so that we can save the most money.
Here are my tips to save on airfare:
- Be flexible with your dates. I know that sometimes this can be hard. However, if you switch your traveling dates by just one of two days, you may find that you can save hundreds of dollars.
- Search around. You may start your search on the big travel sites, but in the end you may want to also compare these prices by going on the actual airline’s website to see what they offer. Many times I have noticed that it is actually cheaper to do it this way.
- Determine where you will travel to by what flights are the most affordable. We knew where we wanted to go, but how did we know in what order we would travel? Well, we searched around on different dates for different places to see what was cheapest. We figure we wanted to go to all of these places, so traveling in January or February didn’t really make a huge difference.
- Clear your cache. Airlines have been known to save your searches and thereby raising the prices when you search again.
- Save up rewards points. This is definitely a good way to save on airfare. You can get trips for free if you spend enough on cards and save enough rewards points! Do you use credit cards? Why or why not?
For our Asia trip, I am going to estimate that the total cost (airfare, hotels, food, etc.) will be around $10,000 for two months for the two of us altogether. Definitely not bad at all for a 2 month vacation. However, the amount does scare me a little bit.
I just have to keep thinking to myself “this is a ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY MICHELLE.”
Our honeymoon.
Since we are going on a fairly long trip right before our wedding, we are thinking about doing something more low-key for our honeymoon. We also want a place where we can bring our dogs and a place that also has a beach (similar to our Gulf Shores trip that we recently took).
Asking someone to take our dogs after we just had someone watch our dogs for two months just doesn’t seem right to me, and plus I want to spend more time with my fur-children anyways!
We have been thinking about taking a trip to Myrtle Beach right after the wedding. It’s a place that we have never been to, and we always like going to new places and beach towns! Have you ever been? If so, tell me all about it!
We do want to find affordable accommodation in Myrtle Beach, and like usual we will be researching like crazy in order to get the best deal. There are always cheap hotels out there that are a great value, which is what we will be looking for like usual, even though it will be our honeymoon.
On the other hand, we are also thinking about taking a vacation to possible a mountain town with a beautiful lake. We are just not sure where. Any ideas?
How do you try to save money when you are on vacation?
What are your travel plans for 2014?
G says
I really like your travel plan and savvy plan at same time, :P!!!
Michelle says
Thanks 🙂
Martin says
Life’s too short to be low-key! Just go all out for the honeymoon, you won’t regret it when you guys are old.
I save money on trips before the trip. I plan in advance. I save up for the trip. I’m flexible with my dates. I book my tickets in advance.
When on the trip, I behave as I normally would. I spend the same amount of money on food as I normally would. The only thing that increases is usually the drinking.
Michelle says
Haha we actually like to relax and be low-key!
Allison says
In a word…amazing! It’s going to be amazing!!!!!
Michelle says
I’m excited!
Matt Becker says
Wow, that asia trip sounds awesome! Where else in Thailand are you going? When I was 15 I spent a few weeks in Chiang Mai and had a blast. Such a cool country.
Michelle says
We’re not sure yet. I have heard awesome things about that place though!
Dee @ Color Me Frugal says
Oh my gosh, your trips sounds totally awesome! Thanks for mentioning the bit about clearing your cache when you’re trip searching- I had noticed before that prices seemed to go up with repeat searches and I had wondered whether something like that was happening. Thanks!
Michelle says
Yes, definitely clear it!
Financial Samurai says
Sounds like a blast to me! You guys might never return.
What was the strategy for your fiance to get so much time off?
Michelle says
He left his job so that he could focus on other things 🙂 He left on great terms though, most of the people at his old job are invited to our wedding.
Financial Samurai says
Ah, gotcha. That’s perfect then! I’ve been finding it hard for my companion to travel longer than 2 weeks at a time, so that’s good he’s got a lot of freedom in 2014 now.
Michelle says
Yes, freedom is important to us! 🙂
The Warrior says
Jealous am I.
My wife went to Bali and absolutely loved it. She said it was simple, peaceful and relaxing. She said every part of Bali was beautiful.
Have fun. I miss planning big trips now that we have Little Warrior in our lives.
The Warrior
NetWorthWarrior.com
Michelle says
I’m so excited to go 🙂
Brad @ RichmondSavers.com says
Sounds like a fantastic trip — I’m very jealous!
I was just about to tell you that the Bali Hyatt is a Category 1 hotel, which makes it only 5,000 points per night (10 free nights just for opening one of the Chase cards with UR points), but it looks like they closed for 24 months for renovations.
The Grand Hyatt Bali is still only a Category 3 (12k/night), but that would mean only 4 free nights for one card. Still a nice savings…
Michelle says
Thanks Brad!
Emily @ Urban Departures says
I am jealous! ALL your trips sound wonderful. Thanks the the tip about asking accomodations if they provide media discounts; I just might give that a try the next time I’m abroad. The husband and I are hoping to travel to Brazil for my 30th birthday in 2014; hope it all works out.
Michelle says
Yes, definitely do it!
Pauline says
Wow that will be a great trip to Asia! You should look at renting rooms by the week if you stay long enough, they have good discounts. Most places have reliable internet too now, even the budget ones.
Michelle says
Thanks Pauline! And yes, we are definitely looking at renting rooms by the week.
femmefrugality says
Myrtle Beach is awesome! Been there bunches of times. Pittsburgherd flock there. Mostly stayed in a condo with family, but one time I tried a hotel. Dont go as cheap as the days inn. When I walked in my room there was still another guest in there watching porn. Got my new room and the clerk was lurking outside all night. And it was nasty. But there is limitless stuff to do there. My favorite eastern seaboard beach vacation far and away.
Michelle says
Haha I don’t think I would ever go as cheap as the Days Inn. We always try to stay in 4 or 5 star resorts.
femmefrugality says
Lol that’s good. We’ve always scrimped on accomodations so we could travel more. Sometimes it doesn’t work out, but sometimes it does. Our honeymoon next year will be our first experience with that level of luxury. Congrats to your fiance for being able to be job free! Can’t wait to hear how school goes for him! So exciting!
Broke Millennial says
Please email me if you want any advice about things to do on your Asia excursion! I used to live in Shanghai for several years and I’ve been to Phuket, Bali and Seoul. Have so much fun. In my humble opinion, traveling is one of the best ways to spend your hard-earned dollars.
Michelle says
Thank you so much! I will definitely bother you with questions 🙂
Brian says
I think lounging in a rental in Hawaii is pretty low-key myself…
I’m also very jealous of you getting to fly long haul first class… lay flat beds make travel all that much more enjoyable
Michelle says
I wish we could go to Hawaii for our honeymoon! We have dogs though so that would be pretty hard to get there with them 🙂
Jason B says
Sounds like Asia will be fun. I have to remember to ask hotels if they have a blogger or media discount. I have a few trips lined up for next year.
Michelle says
Yes, definitely ask! I was just offered another really good discount this morning too 🙂
Michelle says
We really want to go to Ireland, Costa Rica and Aruba as well. We are hoping soon!
John S @ Frugal Rules says
Wow, that is a seriously awesome trip Michelle! I’ve not been to Asia yet, but it’s definitely on the list. We’re going to Vegas next month – all on rewards points. My Mom and Stepdad are taking us on a Disney cruise next Christmas, so I want to take the kids to Disney for 3-4 days after that. My wife has also been saying she wants to go back to Europe in early 2015. So, I need to get to some serious churning. 🙂
Michelle says
Thanks John! Have fun in Vegas! Disney sounds like a blast as well 🙂
This Life On Purpose says
You Asia trip sounds amazing! Have fun, I’m jealous 🙂
Michelle says
Thanks 🙂
DC @ Young Adult Money says
I really appreciate you explaining how you are getting such a great deal going to St. Thomas. I have considered doing something similar for a different resort but wasn’t sure whether they would be receptive, but this gives me a little more confidence to at least make a few pitches here and there.
Michelle says
Yes, make some pitches! I have made many and a few have always positively responded.
Katie says
So jealous of your travel plans! I have been to Myrtle Beach several times and it’s pretty nice. I would definitely say where you choose to stay and when you go has a big impact on the quality of trip. The beaches can get busy and some areas are a tad dirty. I don’t know the area enough to recommend a specific spot, but it’s something I’ve noticed in my visits to the area.
Michelle says
Good to know! I will definitely have to look into that.
Ashlee says
Your trip is going to be so amazing Michelle!! I’m getting excited for all the great posts you’re going to have while your there. Keep those St. Thomas pics coming!! 🙂
Michelle says
I will have TONS of awesome pictures 🙂
Holly@ClubThrifty says
Your plans sound awesome, Michelle!
We’re going to Jamaica in February (first time), Florida in April, then Europe in September.
Michelle says
Sounds like you have some awesome trips planned!
Practical Cents says
Very interesting your tip on asking for media/blogger discounts. Your trip sounds great and it’s totally worth the money!
Michelle says
Thanks 🙂
Grayson @ Debt Roundup says
Looks like you have a busy travel schedule. Nice to be able to get to all of those locations!
Michelle says
I’m excited!
Michelle says
Have you started churning cards yet?
Elroy says
Enjoy Bali! We had fun there last year. In fact, I love all of SE Asia. Not all places in Indonesia are “cheap.” Here is where we stayed (which I believe to be totally worth the cost). http://www.amanresorts.com
I’ve been to these places many times, so if you have any questions, let me know!
Michelle says
I definitely sound some expensive places, but luckily they all agreed to offering a media discount 🙂
Michelle says
Adding Lake Tahoe to my list! 🙂
Emily says
Your travel plans sound amazing! Just a heads up to you about Myrtle Beach…when you go and where you stay can really impact the quality of your time there. If you are definitely sold on MB, I would recommend staying a little more in the North Myrtle Beach area. It tends to be a little more clean and charming. The food at Sea Captain’s can be good but the atmosphere makes it truly special. If you are looking to up the ante of your trip to SC just a little bit, I would highly (highly highly!) recommend Isle of Palms, Edisto Island, Hilton Head Island, or Litchfield beach. They tend to be well taken care of, clean, and many activities are available.
Michelle says
Thank you Emily! This is kind of what another commenter just said. I will definitely have to keep that in mind.
eemusings says
Haha, I thought about asking for media discounts on our trip but given we didn’t follow a strict itinerary and usually only ever booked about a day ahead figured there was probably no point. In Asia we were spending about $10-20 a night anyway!
I know flights are a big ouch (are you booking separate legs? Our RTW tickets cost about that much) but it IS a once a in lifetime opportunity. Enjoy it!
Michelle says
$10 to $20 a night is awesome! And yes we are booking separately. I couldn’t seem to find anything cheaper. That is awesome that your RTW tickets were so cheap! Maybe it’s more expensive because we are visiting these places during their busy seasons?
Monica says
Wow, it sounds like you’ve got an incredible year coming up! And great tips for saving on cheap flights. Collecting points isn’t as big a thing in the UK but I’m trying to figure out ways to use it!
Looking forward to seeing how you get on in 2014 🙂
Michelle says
Thank you Monica! 🙂
Poor Student says
Your travel plans sound so exciting, I look forward to hearing more about them!
Michelle says
Thank you!
E.M. says
Your plans sound great! It seems like you are getting the most bang for your buck possible, and since you prioritize travel it makes sense to splurge. My parents live pretty close to Myrtle Beach and I’ve been there a few times myself. The summer is the worst time to go, obviously, it gets extremely crowded and touristy. One of my mom’s friends rents out a condo near there as well, and my mom was able to spend two weeks there for around $250. It’s definitely affordable. I found a room with decent internet right by the beach for around $50/night, and that was in August.
Michelle says
Ugh well I don’t think I want to go to an extremely crowded area. I want it to be laid back and relaxing.
KK @ Student Debt Survivor says
I had no idea that hotels and resorts offer blogger discounts. It actually makes a lot of sense, since a good stay could mean a nice review and some free exposure for them. I also had no idea that the travel sites save your searches (of course it makes sense, but wow, they think of everything these days). We’re going to Cancun in February and probably to Las Vegas (bf is dying to go and I promised) sometime in the spring.
Michelle says
If you go to Vegas in May then we should meet up! 🙂
Kim@Eyesonthedollar says
This is awesome and a great reward for working your butt off for so long. I think it’s perfect to take a long trip like this before you have kids.
Michelle says
Thanks Kim 🙂
Charles@gettingarichlife says
I love Asia, haven’t been to Shanghai yet. Great customer service is part of the culture, when you come back to the states you’ll realize how it doesn’t compare.
Michelle says
ooh excited for that! 🙂
Alexa says
This sounds amazing Michelle! I’ve never been much of a traveler but I’ve got to admit your plans sound exciting to me. Can’t wait to hear about the updates from China. Very exciting!
Michelle says
Thanks Alexa!
Tonya@Budget and the Beach says
Great trips, and that’s awesome that your trip to St. Thomas was that cheap. I’m going to Iceland, Fincon, and maybe Detroit again, but that’s about it. I need to save money for a new car and retirement.
Michelle says
Iceland sounds AMAZING! 🙂 When is that trip?
Darlene says
You will Love love bali! I lived tbere for a year next door to grand Bali beach hotel (where my dad worked) and it’s Gorgeous!! When you ask about blogger discounts, do you then blog about the hotel? Very interested for our trip to Sweden/Iceland trip as a family in June!
Michelle says
For a media/blogger discount, usually it is for nothing in return. They just offer it to the “media.”
However, sometimes they will give you a complimentary stay in return for a review on either your website or a site like Yelp or Trip Advisor.
Mike says
Travel is a once in a live time opportunity. You won’t regret the decision. I’m leaving my job in a few months to travel long term. I have a tentative itinerary for two years worth of travel.
If anyone wants to follow my travel it will be here: thefitworldtraveler.com
Michelle S. says
Awesome!
Tara @ Streets Ahead Living says
Your trips sound amazing! I wish I could get access to a free all-inclusive on the beach. 🙂
You are right about being flexible with your dates. Delta has a bit of mileage inflation but if you’re flexible with your dates, you can still find a great flight for 25,000 miles. My husband and I booked our JFK to LAX trip in February for $5 each because we’re flying Thursday-Tuesday.
Michelle S. says
That sounds like a great deal!
jefferson says
I would love to hear more about this “running the blog for an awesome Caribbean resort” gig!!
That sounds like something I would love to do!
How do you find such wonderful jobs?
Michelle S. says
Haha I will have to make a post on it soon 🙂
Mellisa Turner says
Perfect itinerary ! You Asia trip sounds amazing and refreshing.
Michelle S. says
Thanks! 🙂
Justin @ RootofGood says
All these trips sound so awesome! I can’t wait till our kids are a bit older so we can hit the road more.
My brother has been going to an oceanfront place at Myrtle the last couple of years. He found it on VBRO. Crazy cheap in the off-season, maybe $50-75/nt for 2 bedrooms. They have a small indoor waterpark inside the hotel. Maybe not the best place for a honeymoon… 🙂
And if you have a starwood preferred guest account, there’s a really low points cost hotel in myrtle that looks decent. Category 2 or 3 I think). We haven’t been there but almost went (we’re based in Raleigh). Or sign up for a Starwood Amex for 25,000 free points and you can stay free in Myrtle (or elsewhere).
Michelle S. says
Thank you Justin!
Megan J says
I can’t say that I love Myrtle Beach a ton (I think it was nicer quite a few years back), but if you’re not set on there yet, I would recommend Hilton Head Island. My husband and I went there for our honeymoon 2 years ago and it was great! The beaches weren’t super crowded and you can rent dog-friendly beach houses. We found a lot of fun things to do that were different, like riding horses and going on a crabbing boat (you catch them and they get thrown back). Email me if you want any more info 🙂
Joseff says
Nice reading about your great travel plans. There are really a lot of beautiful places to go to and it’s very important to really plan ahead and make good ones especially like me, I’ll be traveling soon with my kids for the first time and I should be prepared for it. Thanks for sharing this post!