A preview of my affordable dream vacation planning method (coming Spring 2025)

I’ve always tried to be a smart spender, but my trip to see Taylor Swift at the Eras Tour in Edinburgh triggered a whole new vacation planning methodology for me, and I’m excited to share it with you! In my Dream Trip Planning Method Course I go through my methodology in brutal-yet-satisfying detail, but this post is really meant to be just enough to send you in the right direction.

So here’s the gist of it…

1. You’ll visualize your dream vacation

   Focus on the feeling and vibe that would want from your trip rather than bucket list items. When it comes down to it, do you reeeeally want to see the Mona Lisa?? Or do you actually just want to have magical moments all around Paris? I’m guessing it’s the latter (unless you’re a HUGE Leo da Vinci fan).

   The best trips, and ultimately your best memories, have nothing to do with paid experiences and everything to do with the people around you and your collective moods and vibes.

2. You’ll build the scaffolding

   Yes, you’ll have to do some research for this, but it’s worth it. We’re trying to plan our dream trip for a good price, and that doesn’t just happen without some extra effort. BUT, this part can be so fun (that’s coming from a Type A eldest daughter, so maybe take it with a grain of salt??).

   Anywho, the point here is that there will be some anchors in your trip like flights, hotel bookings, maybe a concert or some other harder-to-get locked in event. These are usually the big ticket items, so you’ll want to make sure 1) they are refundable to the extent that’s possible and 2 ) they are a great deal. Not just a good deal or a relatively good price, but a deal that makes you want to tell your friends because they’ll be jealous that you found that price. It’s possible, just do. that. RESEARCH! (I go into more detail in the course about my tips and trips for this part.)

3. You’ll fill in the details

   Back to the whole Mona Lisa thing… this is not where you start spending all of the money you saved on flights and hotels. This is where you tap back into your orignal visualization of your dream trip.

   For me, I’m almost always picturing walking around a beautiful city or landscape with a yummy latte in hand. That’s usually my favorite part of every trip. For you, it might be seeing a cool historical landmark with your best friend or shopping in a unique boutique with your mom, sisters, and nieces. Whatever it is, be honest about it and don’t force the expensive touristy bucketlist stuff if it’s not really your vibe. The sense of peace and lowered pressure is worth skipping the pricey touristy thing.

   Another key part of this step is to keep it flexible. Sure, book the dining reservation or get tickets for the museum, but try to build in flexibility. Many tickets have flexible options or don’t need to be purchased in advance. And believe me, if you book a nonrefundable bike tour on a rainy day and nonrefundable museum tickets on a beautiful day, you’ll be kicking yourself for sure. Opt for peace of mind.

And that’s the gist. Again, I go into so much more detail in the course, but this should give you an idea of how to get started right away! And if you want to get into the nitty gritty with me, you can take the leap (for a price that’ll you’ll very likely make back in savings with my method). But seriously no pressure. I ultimately just want people get unstuck and go for it. Go to the places you’ve dreamed of and have a fun, low pressure, core memory trip. It’s so within your grasp, and I really hope you take the leap.