Join Me at Meet Plan Go in Minneapolis, October 16

Last Updated on September 27, 2012 by Jody Halsted

 

I’m asked- often- how my family can afford to travel as much as we do.  The simple answer?

We make travel a priority.

What exactly does that mean?  That answer is not quite so simple…

• It means that my husband works long hours when we are home so we can pay for our travels with cash and not credit cards.
• It means that my car is nearly 10 years old and has over 150K miles on it.
• It means that my girls clothes come from “Once Upon a Child” and not the mall.
• It means that we don’t have cable TV or DISH, we shop at Costco, and rarely eat out.
• It means that we stick to a very tight budget (al á Dave Ramsey).
• It means that we homeschool our girls to avoid conflicts with the school and the state due to unexcused absences.

Nothing about any of that is simple, or easy.  There are (many) days when I would rather drive a nice, new convertible than my old minivan that seems to need something repaired every time I turn it on.  But, the car payment that would come with it would easily pay for 4 trips to Ireland for my family.  And the days I just don’t want to make dinner… I have to force myself to think about eating at a pub overlooking the ocean and how much nicer that would be than a crowded, noisy restaurant here at home.

On top of that, we travel cheap.  In the US we drive instead of fly.  We travel in the “off season” when weather is less desirable and costs are lower.  We don’t eat in restaurants often when we travel.  We search for lodging that include free amenities like breakfast and wifi.  We don’t check bags when we do fly.  In other words, we don’t travel with luxury in mind.  Which is how I can take my family to a country not known for being a budget destination (Ireland) in June (high season), and make $2000 last for weeks 2 weeks and still come home with $600 in my pocket (costs included lodging, food, attractions, petrol, airport taxes, car insurance and a few souvenirs).

Meet… Plan… GO!

Have you been dreaming of a career break or extended vacation, but just don’t know how to make it happen?

Do you need that little push toward your dream?

Join me at Meet… Plan… Go! in Minneapolis on October 16.

The event will offer participants the opportunity to MEET inspirational speakers and like-minded travelers; get motivation, contacts and resources necessary to PLAN the trip of a lifetime; and start taking concrete steps forward to GO on that global adventure.

Tickets are only $20 and you will leave inspired, energized and informed – and ready to make your career break happen!

What is my role at Meet Plan Go?

Though I haven’t been notified of my “topic”, I will be leading a round table session on either budgeting or road-schooling.

Take a look at the Minneapolis speakers and panel- then buy your ticket and join us!

Not in Minneapolis?  You’ll find Meet… Plan… Go! events across the US!

Will you be attending a Meet… Plan… Go! event?  What is your travel dream?