My 2018 Recap

I did a lot of things this past year! My 2018 resolution was to travel more- mostly just find a way to get back to Ireland. And that was legit the first thing I did- and I stumbled upon the trip by accident whilst looking up information about a blog post on deal apps. Magical things happen!

A quick summary of my travels for 2018, both big and small:
  • Boston to Rhode Island to Dublin
  • Dublin to Amsterdam
  • Amsterdam to a layover in Iceland where I basically just ate and drank and walked around
  • Flew to Maryland, drive through DC, Virginia, ALL of Maryland, I swear- Delaware for lunch, drive through West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio and home. Made a stop in every state, purchased food and/or goods in each and took pics!
  • Went Upstate Michigan, Traverse Bay area
  • Flew to San Diego
  • San Diego to Mexico for the day
  • Drove to Los Angeles/Santa Monica/Venice Beach
  • Took a bus from LA to Las Vegas
  • Vegas to the South Rim Grand Canyon and back to Vegas
  • Boston to Salem
  • Train to Chicago
  • Grand Rapids for a Harry Potter party
  • Lexington, MI for theatre work

People ask me how I "do it all". Popular questions I'm consistently asked:

How do I plan a trip to Europe for less than $500 total? 
 -Research and good timing. I detail most of my research and findings in my blog. I don't starve myself but I don't go out to restaurants much either. I'm a cheap date so in Dublin I got some bread and cheese and was fine. I probably spent more money on Red Bulls. I don't mind hostels and I don't overspend on souvenirs.

How do I only bring one backpack for a week-long trip?
I tell you, it's ALL in the planning and in how real you can get with yourself. When I left for Europe for my solo trip I only wanted my backpack to avoid luggage fees. One personal item, that was it. I used to be one of those gals who would live on a whim, pack an extra outfit our two just in case I didn't feel like wearing something I had planned. There's no need for that. I'm not a fashion blogger, I'm a cheap travel writer. I can wear the same two pairs of jeans and not think anything of it. I can pack only one jacket. It's fine. I'm not being photographed and I'm perfectly comfortable in yesterday's shoes. So, that's how I pack now.
Are there any must haves on your trips to fit with just a backpack?
I usually pack 175 pairs of socks and undies, and I try to have my mom's gold necklace on big trips, or my Finch Finery citrine stone necklace or my Michigan cut out/Irish harp combo for luck. I deffo pack portable chargers, ear buds, a notebook and pen and books. I wouldn't care if I wore the same pair of jeans the whole time, as long as I have things to do.
Don't you like being home?
Of course I do! I also like being away from home! But not away from my cats. Chris is fine because I can still talk to him all day. We have an excellent phone plan.

What does your husband think of you being away so much?
Like any good marriage, we talk about it and make sure it won't be a financial burden for our home life, and I do everything as frugal as possible, plus I use my own funds. So, basically, it's my money, I do what I want. He buys bikes. I buy trips.

Your boss is okay with all of this time away?
Yes. He trusts me, we don't run a traditional office workplace, and I still stay in communication with everyone every day. For anyone who wants to travel but not lose a job they love- be honest and open. Best advice I can give is that; don't be afraid to ask for what you want, be it time away, for help or for a much needed morale building high five!
Some of my amazing coworkers

I don't do resolutions- but goals. My aim is to keep traveling. I can't decide what my next solo trip will be- NYC, London, somewhere else? Gotta get those Frequent Flyer miles, baby!

As always, be kind!

Comments

  1. Great post! Sounds like you did a lot last year!

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  2. I love this! I am all about finding ways to travel cheap!

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    1. stick with me, maybe i can help you get some ideas!

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  3. Sounds like you had one heck of a year! And I love how 'to the point' and honest you are with advice in this post!

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  4. You had a blast in 2018. Cheers to more travels in 2019. I wish my boss allowed me to do that too then I wouldn't have go MIA. lol

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    1. thank you, yeah, i got lucky. But my boss also works remotely, so he cant really say no! But we all work so well together and trust one another, so it's pretty fine.

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  5. You sound like you had so many great adventures that you'll treasure forever. I used to live in MD/DC and Chicago! Great cities ;)

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  6. What a year for you!! I love your FAQ as well. Great advice!! I'd be curious to see what you have planned for 2019!

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  7. Wow, what a year 2018 was for you! I'd love to travel more! xo

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  8. Hey! This was an amazing post! Loved it!

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  9. This is an awesome post! I’m so envious of your travels!

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  10. You got around quite a bit during the year and for a reasonable price! I always tell people that budget travel is doable, it just takes planning

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    1. Absolutely, Bryan! Can;t be afraid to make a sacrifice for the payout!

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  11. Wow, what a busy year! I hope one day I'll be able to travel more!

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  12. This is stunning. It inspires me to travel more, haha. Keep it up with this blog and may the best of luck always be with you :)

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    1. Thank you, to you as well! May 2019 be a year of discovery!

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