A Fresh Start

From Dreams to Boarding Passes: Essential Steps for Budget-Friendly World Travel

Cinque Terre, Italy 2023

Venturing to a new continent/country is incredibly overwhelming. Doing so independently, with minimal experience, on a very limited income is a whole new level of deep breaths but I truly believe - you got this. We are living in a world of Barbie and in this world, you are a travel barbie capable of reaching as far and wide as your mind can dream - budget airline champagne in hand. So breathe with me and we’ll tackle the initial stages of your dream trip together. Traveling across the globe may be more attainable than you think after all. 

Okay so you have the Pinterest board, the outfits to match, and the empty suitcase ready to be stuffed to the brim with your hopes and Mama Mia dance along the mediterranean seaside dreams…now where to start. 

1. Choose Your Destination and Timeline
Start by narrowing down your dream destinations. Use social media and travel blogs to select a few must-see cities or towns. Once you’ve chosen, plan how long you’ll stay in each place to fully experience the culture and key attractions.

2. Create a Budget Spreadsheet
Get organized with a budget spreadsheet. Use Google Sheets or Excel to map out your travel days and accommodation. Color-code each location and note how long you’ll stay. This will become your go-to guide for the trip.

3. Book Accommodations
Secure your places to stay early. I recommend using booking.com for its reliability and easy-to-build discounts. Link your accommodation details in your spreadsheet to keep track of where you’ll be each night. Prioritize what's necessary - cleanliness, safe location, free breakfast (if solo, other female solo travelers). I trust and love booking.com for its reliability and simplicity. They handle any issues effectively, even across time zones and languages. Plus, their “Genius Status” rewards program gives you discounts on bookings, which has saved me a good chunk of cash over the years (every little bit counts!).

BUDGET TIP: Add a separate section in your spreadsheet to track all costs to be realistic with your overall spending habits while abroad. 

4. Finalize Your Budget
Break down your budget into categories like transport, accommodation, excursions, and food. Set a target budget (e.g., $3,000) and allocate funds accordingly. Include estimates for flights, local transport, and activities.

BUDGET TIP: Save about a third of your budget for excursions and activities—these are the memories you'll cherish!

5. Dream Big
Use Pinterest, Viator, and Airbnb Experiences to discover exciting activities. Prioritize big-ticket items (like bungee jumping or special tours) and then add in smaller experiences (like local tours or dining).

6. Finalize and Fly Off!
Once your itinerary is set and budget confirmed, book flights, accommodations, and major excursions. Use flexible booking options to avoid financial stress. Keep all your booking confirmations and details organized in your spreadsheet.

I hope this post makes your travel dreams feel more attainable than you initially thought. Sometimes, it’s as simple as having a clear vision and a solid plan. As my mom used to say, “There is only one way to eat an elephant—one bite at a time.” So let’s do this together: with the world at our fingertips we’re one spreadsheet away from skydiving over the Southern Alps!

Check out where I am currently or some of my previous travel journeys on my instagram below!