Happy Wednesday, friends!
It’s another edition of LET’S LOOK!
If you don’t know what this is, once a month, Erika and I do a little link up where we “look” at different aspects of our lives (and then if you blog, you share and link up too!). We have been doing this little linky party for years now, and it’s always one of my favorite posts each month because most of the topics are YOUR suggestions!
So far in 2023, here’s what we’ve “looked at”…
In January, we looked at HOW WE ORGANIZE FOR THE NEW YEAR.
In February, we looked inside OUR MEDICINE CABINETS.
In March, we looked at our ALL TIME FAVE AMAZON FINDS .
In April, we looked at MY PET PEEVES.
In May, we looked at MY MORNING ROUTINE.
And today, we’re LOOKING AT MY BEST TRAVEL TIPS.
Here you go, contact Mix and Match Travel Agency and let us do it for you.
The end.
See you tomorrow!
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Ha! Okay, yes, please do that, but also, I have some tips regardless of whether you’re traveling domestically, internationally, in the car, on a plane, with your family or your friends.
These are just some of my basic, solid travel tips. I do offer many more if you’re my client, but these are just the basics that you probably do too…but who knows? Maybe one or two will be new/helpful to you in the future.
These are in no particular order, just the first TEN TIPS FOR TRAVELING I thought about when I sat down today:
#1: PLAN EARLY
We like to book our trips in advance. Even before I was a travel professional (I just celebrated my 11 year anniversary by the way!), we would book in advance. I like to keep a list of places I want to visit. Some are bigger/bucket list spots, some are smaller. If I watch a travel show or read about a destination in a magazine, I jot that down so that I don’t forget. For instance, years and years and years ago, I heard about this island off of France that sounded so cool on a travel show. I’m hopeful one of these days, I’ll get there, but I have it written down so that I don’t forget. I always find that planning in advance not only saves you money (it really does!), but it allows you first dibs to so many things (hotels and cruise staterooms before they fill up, certain seats on planes/trains, tickets to excursions and events…the list is long). Plan, plan, make a list and then book it as early as you can. Another benefit to doing this is…
#2: SAVE/PAY IN ADVANCE
First we save (by setting aside vacation funds to be used for future travels), then we plane early and then, instead of paying for the entire trip at one time, we break up the payments and make installments. I always do this!! We currently have our spring break vacation booked for March 2024, and I’ve been making monthly installment payments towards it. Before spring break, I’ll have the entire trip paid in full. Who doesn’t want to approach their vacation with the trip mostly (if not entirely) paid?
#3: GET REFERRALS, TALK TO FRIENDS
I love when my clients are new referrals because that’s the ultimate compliment for a business owner. Ask friends if they had help, ask them about destinations you’ve seen them visit on their social media, ask, ask, ask! People are the best source of random information about locations and destinations.
#4 GO DURING THE RIGHT SEASON
I always try to encourage people to visit destinations during the ideal season. For example, if you really want to see the snow, make sure you go to a snowy spot in the winter and not on the edges even if the price is a little better. Do you want to spend any money at all if it’s not what you’re going for? Why spend x amount and not see snow if the only reason you’re going to this spot is for the snow. You can apply this to a lot of places. If you really want to see the Northern Lights, go during that peak season. If your husband does not like the heat and will be miserable standing in line at Walt Disney World in July, then go during a cooler time of the year. Who wants to spend the money to go just for your husband to be miserable? If you’re wanting a hot beach vacation, probably don’t go during their rainy season. Basically, really think about what you’re wanting and make sure that if you’re spending your money, you’re spending it to go during the exact right time.
#5: LEAVE ON A GOOD NOTE
You can read my full post on MY 18 KEYS FOR PREPPING FOR A TRIP , but in a nutshell, you can sometimes really hurt your vacation just by the way you departed your house/job/normal life. Make sure your ducks are in a row before you go so that you can fully be in the moment and enjoy your trip.
#6: GO WITH THE “RIGHT” PEOPLE
Not all of your friends and family are meant to travel with you.
Read that again.
Just because you love them as people doesn’t mean you’re compatible to travel together.
I’ve heard way too many horror stories from families and friends who “didn’t realize how different we were until we got on this vacation”. People are particular about the way they travel. From how much money they want to spend (or not spend) to their expectations of when/what we eat, when we get started, when we stop, what we see, how long we spend here, when we go back and rest, when we shop, when we see historical things, and on and on and on. One of these days, I’m going to write a book about the things clients say to me. You guys, go with the right people or for the sake of your family/friendship, don’t go.
#7: GO WHERE YOU WANT TO GO (NOT YOUR KIDS)
I’ve been saying this for years, and I’m going to keep saying it, when your kids are really little, take them where you want to go. So many times, I have people reach out and say “Well, even though we don’t want to go ___, our kids are 2 and 3, so I guess we should”. Um, why would you spend thousands of dollars if you don’t want to go there and your kids aren’t going to remember? You go where YOU want to go. If you want to go to Walt Disney World with babies even though people keep telling you “wait until they’re older, they won’t remember”, you go. If you want to go to London and have the time and the money, take them to London. Your kids might not remember, but they’ll have fun while they’re there nonetheless. There are parks, attractions, yummy food, friendly people, and fun family adventures…take them. My kids have been to almost 30 countries and can’t remember probably 10 of them. I don’t care one bit because I do remember. I have the memories and I was paying the tab, so it’s a win/win. Only spend your hard earned money and much loved time off on places that you want to visit because trust me, your kids will have fun.
#8: PACK FOR YOUR COMFORT
Listen, if you’re a light packer, that’s awesome. Carry on and carry on! If you’re not, don’t force yourself to pack light. Pack what will make you comfortable while you’re away. Truly, there are only a few places with really tight luggage restrictions. For the most part, if you need x,y and z to be comfortable away from home, bring it. If you must sleep with that fan/pillow/etc, bring it. Why sleep miserably on your much anticipated vacation? Don’t follow anyone else’s rules for what you should be bringing.
#9: REALLY CONSIDER THE DAYS OF THE WEEK
For me, certain days of the week are just so much easier for leaving on trips and returning home. Now, it’s not always possible to do this, but I try my hardest not to return home on a Sunday (or heaven forbid a Sunday night). I like to have at least one day to “get my life together” before going back to work on Monday. I also find it hard to leave for a trip on a Monday. I like to leave at the end of the week as my work is mostly behind me. Little details like this really add up when you’re traveling, so if you can, plan accordingly for your schedule.
#10: DON’T BE AFRAID
Be brave! Take that trip! I talk to people every day that would love to go to Europe or South America or Asia or Australia or on a cruise, but it’s something new and unknown and honestly, they’re nervous and afraid. The world is big and beautiful and amazing, go. Do it. Don’t let fear get in the way.
Now, also, please, please, please don’t forget to check out these posts here:
MY 12 KEYS FOR LEAVING KIDDOS WHEN YOU TRAVEL
MY 18 KEYS FOR PREPPING FOR A TRIP
MY 9 KEYS TO RETURNING FROM A TRIP
Seriously, read the three above posts. I share way more info and go into way more detail about each topic which will *hopefully* make your next trip easier before, during and after!
Whew! Okay, my girl Erika is in Iceland today (talk about traveling!!), so it’s just me. If you also blogged Let’s Look, make sure you link up below.
Have a wonderful Wednesday! xx
Elspeth Mizner says
I always love reading about your travels and advice! Such great tips today!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Danielle says
I love this post! Especially number 8. We my 2 year old has already been to Turks and Caicos and we just got back from the Dominican Republic. So many people think I’m crazy for taking him to places ‘he won’t remember’ I am having to constantly remind them this is what camera are for! I don’t regret it one bit and man, it was SO fun each time! I have a running list of places I want to take him (and his baby sister due in 7 weeks!!) and my husband and I cannot wait!
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!!! You’re doing it for YOU! I’ve always enjoyed traveling with my kids. I’m enjoying it, and I have the memories. I’m so thankful now that they’re older that I can look back on those.
Vee says
Hi Shay! These are great tips. How you pay for dinners at restaurants when you vacation with friends. Do you take turns paying, split the bill evenly, get separate checks or some other method? My husband and I recently traveled to Europe with another couple and we did a combo of all of these methods but I am curious to know what others do!
Mix and Match Mama says
We travel with the Slaughters the most and always split it 50/50. Erika and I both eat the same (and often split things) and Tab and Andrew eat the same. I think it depends on the people…if you are eating out with people who didn’t order a cocktail, then I wouldn’t split the entire meal (or vice versa), but overall, I kind of feel it all typically evens out.
Nicole says
We have a set of friends that we travel with all the time and we just alternate paying. We find that it evens out for the entire trip and it just makes meals out easier!
Karina says
Love these tips😊I really hope that you one day can have clients from out of state😊
Mix and Match Mama says
We have clients all over the US and Canada. In fact, most of our clients are out of state. We would love to work with you!
Karina says
Sorry,I put that out wrong. Live in Norway.
Sheaffer says
I’m sure these are all fantastic tips, not that I would know. Hahahaha! My tips for going to the ranch: who cares what clothes you pack, just make sure you have good food and good drinks. The end. 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I just lol! Love you so much, friend!
Morgan Pierce says
I love this! I am going to Mexico in July thanks to your awesome employee, Clare, and we can’t wait!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay! Thank YOU for allowing us to be a part of your vacation. I hope you have the BEST time!
Nikki says
#6 is KEY!!!
sandi says
As the wife of a financial planner I love that you plan and pay in advance. So many people despise the word budget, BUT if you include FUN budget items like travel, play money for shopping etc. you are spending money that is already in that category. You also don’t have remorse the following month when you get the credit card bill because it is already funded!
If I can get my husband on board, I think we would love a European Cruise like you guys took last year maybe. This is a great post with lots of fun and practical ideas.
Erin H says
Yes, yes, yes to #7! I’m a solo mom by choice and when I told some people about my plan to have a child they thought I was crazy because I love to travel and I’d “never get to travel again”. Um, what now? My daughter is now 4 and she’s been to 8 states and countless road trips.She’s the best little traveller because sh’s been on the go since she was a baby. And maybe she will forget when she’s older, but she still talks about some of our trips and is always asking where we’re going next. She even has her own list!
Mix and Match Mama says
Good for YOU!!! What a fun mom you must be?!
Erin H says
Well, she’s 4 going on 13 so it depends on who you ask! haha. The other day I wouldn’t let her wear socks with her sandals to church (sometimes I choose weird hills to die on, but it was HOT and I get veto power on church outfits) and she told me that I “take all the fun away”. Yes, dear girl, I do. hahahaha
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my gosh, how cute! I personally think the world needs more spicy girls 😉 .
Alissa says
Hi Shay! My family of four is getting ready to travel to Sri Lanka in a few weeks. It’s a 12.5 hour time difference and wondering how you beat jet lag especially with kids? I’ve only traveled that far once before and wanted to go to bed at 5pm the whole trip! Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
You have to join the local time ASAP! You have to make yourself (and your kids). If you arrive at 8:00 AM, allow yourself a two hour nap TOPS and then get up, shower, eat and go outside. If you arrive at 10:00PM, go to sleep. The key is making yourself hop on the right time immediately. The good news (in my experience) of going 12 hours away is that your body will be so messed up that it’s even easier to adapt (where only going 5 hours seems harder for me).
Caitlin LeMaster says
Great post! Can you do one on traveling with little kids?
Mix and Match Mama says
I actually have two (the pros of blogging 16 years!). You can see the most recent one here: https://mixandmatchmama.com/2017/01/traveling-with-kids/ . I should probably update it soon as well!
Andrea says
I’ll definitely be sharing #8 with my husband who is trying to convince me to do carry on only for a 12 day trip to the UK. 🤦🏻♀️
Mix and Match Mama says
Give him my email 😉
Sally Ratcliff says
That just made me laugh! Get him, Shay!! 😂
Beth Knecht says
I love to plan and save in advance! I think half of the fun it talking about the trip and the anticipation before you go!! Plus, who wants to come home and still pay on their vacay?! Plan and save!!
Amanda Glass says
Great tips! Traveling to Boston for the first time in July. If I have a day to ferry out to Nantucket, I would LOVE to! Is that feasible? Advice? Love your blog!
Mix and Match Mama says
Hyannis is about 1 hours and 30 minutes from Hyannis (without traffic) and then the ferry is another hour over. I know people ferry over for the day quite often from the Cape, but if you’re coming from Boston, that’s a lot to fit in. It’s doable, I would just make sure you’re not on the last ferry out that night back to Hyannis because should they cancel it (and that does happen), you’re stuck…without a hotel.
Laura says
“Not all of your friends and family are meant to travel with you” Omgosh I was cracking up!! That’s a really nice way to say a hard truth! Much appreciated!! Great post, and seriously, write that book! (when the time’s right, of course!) You’ve got the knowledge and the stories for it!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh the stories I could tell… 😉
Sally Ratcliff says
I love all of these tips! I always pack for me to be comfortable and have the things I need! We are going back to Turks & Caicos for our 20th anniversary in July. We went for our 12th anniversary and loved it!! Anything you would recommend since you just went there?
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwww! Congratulations! Have you made dinner reservations? We really loved the first two restaurants we ate at on our trip.
Emma says
So, any chance you’d be willing to share the name of that island of off France?? 😀 Thanks for the tips!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! Ile de Re. I’ve always wanted to go!
Danielle says
OK you’ve convinced me with tip #1 to get going on our trip for next year! It’s been on my to do list for a while, but stuff always pops up that’s more immediate, and it just keeps getting put on the back burner. What you said about getting first dibs was the kick in the pants that I needed! I’m going to reach out tomorrow!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay!!! We’d love to help!
Caroline says
Is the island of the coast of France Ile de Re? If so I went last year and it’s beautiful. I would love to go back.
Mix and Match Mama says
It is!!!! See? I need to visit!
Caroline says
It’s definitely worth a visit. We stopped for two nights on the way down to biarritz, but could have happily stayed for longer.
Alaina says
Does your travel agency allow people to pay with points for trips?
Mix and Match Mama says
For flights, yes! For certain hotel chains, sometimes. Rental car, etc is all case by case. It’s definitely an option we can discuss.
Jenn says
How does one pay for a trip with installments? Flights are paid when booking right? Hotels are paid upon check out, is that right?
Mix and Match Mama says
Well it depends on the vacation (cruise/land/tour/etc). If you, for instance, book a trip to Hawaii, you would pay the deposit amount up front (so that would be air plus the deposit to reserve your resort) and then have a balance due. We can apply installment payments at your discretion for that remaining balance. Some clients (like myself) want us to make monthly payments for the remaining amount (maybe you travel in 8 months, we can divide the remaining balance by 8 and apply that on the 1st of the month) or if you would like us to apply larger ‘chunks’ when it’s convenient for you, we can do that anytime you let us know. Easy as that! You arrive on vacation and are paid in full 🙂 .
Islam Berkemajuan says
Saved my day with this information! thank you