Let’s use my next international trip as an example: Spain. I was lucky enough to study abroad there in college, and I try to go back every few years to revisit the cities I fell in love with—and to see how both they and I have changed. I’m no longer joining a botellón (a casual, chaotic street party where each person brings a giant bottle of alcohol and a few hundred “close” friends, I guess like an early version of a borg?) at midnight before heading to clubs. But I will absolutely take my travel companions to the old spots—this time during daylight hours!
In the lead-up to the trip, I focus on trimming my everyday spending. I try to book flights and hotels early, aligning those purchases with my broader financial goals. In my twenties, I gravitated toward hostels to stretch my budget. These days, I’m willing to spend a bit more for a centrally located, comfortable hotel. I usually estimate that flights and lodging will make up 40–60% of my total travel budget. Once those are paid off, I shift my focus back to saving—cooking at home, baking my own desserts, shopping my own closet to rediscover old favorites, and creating a detailed packing list to avoid impulse purchases.
One of my favorite ways to start a trip is with a food tour. I try to schedule one early in my visit to each city. A good food tour checks so many boxes: it introduces me to different neighborhoods, provides enough food for at least two meals, supports local businesses, and helps me scope out spots for buying gifts. Best of all, it’s something I can pre-book—so it’s one less expense to worry about while I’m actually traveling.
Food tours also offer amazing value. They’re not just about tasting delicious dishes—they’re immersive experiences that help me feel connected to the culture and rhythm of the city. Kicking off my stay with a food tour helps me feel less like a tourist and more like a temporary local.
Am I already budgeting for my trip next spring? Absolutely. I want it to be a luxurious, unforgettable vacation—without putting unnecessary strain on my day-to-day budget. What can I say? I’m a planner. Preplanning spreads out the cost, making it easier to afford the trip without a huge financial hit all at once. And the last thing I want after a beautiful getaway in Spain is a financial hangover that overshadows the memories.