Last year, 2025, I finished quite a few bucket-list trips:
Portland, or + Cannon Beach + Silver State Falls
San diego, ca + la jolla
chicago, il (food heaven)
colorado springs, co + pikes peak + manitou springs
glenwood springs, co
moab, ut + canyonlands + arches
oklahoma city, ok (I Regret this one.)
This year, I have a few big trips on my radar…
My Biggest Travel Plans of 2026
Athens, Greece + Thessaloniki
Badlands, SD + Custer + Black Hills + Rapid City + Wall (1-week)
Pinnacle State Park, Arkansas
Kansas City + St. Louis (1-Day Weekend Trips)
Seattle, WA + North Cascades + Mt Ranier + Olympic National Park (1 week)
Charleston, SC + Savannah, GA (Historic Downtown)
New Orleans, LA (French Quarter + JAzz Club)
2026 Travel: Inflation? Gas Prices? Budgeting? Oh My!
Money is tight. Between rampant inflation, pitifully low wages, and increasing taxes, there’s very little breathing room for taking trips – or anything else!
Oh, and the merciless corporate price gouging. Forgot to mention that one.
Achieving budget-friendly, rewarding travel experiences isn’t easy. But it is possible!
You might have to sacrifice time and comfort. But you can still squeeze a lot of juice out of your excursions and build some memorable, powerful experiences.
Lucky for you, I have a few tips on how to save some serious $$$$ on your next trip.
Here are a few.
Meal Prepping & Planning
For this year’s South Dakota trip, I plan to prepare all of my meals ahead of time, and boondock by sleeping in my car (dangerous, I know).
Travel in the Off Season & “Odd” Hours
Travel on the shoulder season – NOT peak times, like in the Summer!
Sacrifice comfort. Yes, you can save hundreds of dollars by getting up way before dawn and rushing to the airport to catch a 6:00AM flight.
Is it worth it? You be the judge.
Grocery Stores and Refillable Water Jugs
Leverage grocery stores and take jugs of water with you (refill them).
Use Apps for Deals and Cheaper Prices
Use the Gas Buddy app on your phone (to find the cheapest gas).
Go Early and Visit the Free Stuff & Avoid Crowds
Prioritize “free” local attractions.
Get up early. Get to your destination before the crowds start flooding in. This will save you SOO much time.
Do not travel during big weekend events. I travelled to Chicago in 2025. It was during a film festival. Parking was a nightmare. Getting around was hell.
Avoid this. Do a simple Google search ahead of time.
God’s Speed on Your Travel Plans for 2026!
Seriously. I wish you all the luck in the world. You will NEED IT!