How I Afford to Travel in My Twenties

Paris, France March 2026

Every time I post a trip, I get some version of the same question: “How are you able to travel so much?” 

And the truth is, I'm not made of money. Trust me, I wish I was. And no, I don't have a sugar daddy either (although my Venmo is always accepting donations @averyswanson02).

Journaling in Paris

In reality, I am a hairstylist. I am a server. I pay rent, have a car payment, student loans, and all the normal adult expenses that come with being in your twenties.

Travel isn’t something I do because I have boat loads of money sitting in my account. I am able to do it because it is something I prioritize. 

I've learned that travel isn't nearly as expensive—or as out of reach—as people make it seem.

These are some things I do to make it a part of my life.

1. Decide What Matters to Me

The way I spend money may differ from you. Everyone spends money differently. And that is okay. 

Some people spend hundreds a month going out for nightlife. 

Some people upgrade to the newest phone each time it comes out.

Some people use their paycheck as soon as it is deposited in their bank account to buy a new wardrobe. 

But me on the other hand?

I would rather swipe my card on plane tickets.

Travel is not always about having more money. It starts with changing your mindset on money and deciding where you want your dollar bills to go.

I get it, financial anxiety is a real thing. I can talk about that topic for hours. It is something I struggle with–future blog post.

2. I Give Every Dollar a Job

My brain LOVES and THRIVES off of numbers. They don’t intimidate me at all. It is one of my superpowers.

That on time I packed the night before a trip and not an hour before leaving to the airport.

Before I click book on a trip, I know roughly what it is going to cost.

Flights.

Hotels/Airbnbs.

Food.

Transportation.

Experiences. 

I break everything down so numbers feel manageable instead of overwhelming.

A $1,500 trip sounds scary.

Saving $75 a week for a couple months sounds a lot more realistic. 

3. I Use Credit Cards Strategically

This is the biggest and best travel hack I have learned.

I don’t use credit cards to go into debt.

I don’t spend money I don’t have. 

I use them to earn points on money I was already spending. 

Those points have saved me hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars between flights, stays, and experiences.

The key is paying the balance off and treating it like your debit, it is NOT free money.

Two cards that have helped me tremendously are the Chase Sapphire and the United Explorer card. They've helped me earn points on purchases I was already making, which I've turned into flights and travel savings over the years. 

I will link the cards personally, in case you want to look into them.

https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19w/EPEKWVVGXN

https://www.referyourchasecard.com/215s/L3664RYE2F

4. Travel During Shoulder Season

One of the easiest ways to make a trip more affordable is being flexible with timing. 

Most people are booking trips during summer, holiday weekends, school breaks, or peak travel dates. But that does not mean those are the only times you can travel and enjoy it. It just means it is probably going to be more expensive and more crowded.

Instead, I look at what’s called “shoulder season”—the period right before or right after tourist season. 

Flights are usually cheaper.

Hotel prices are often lower.

Popular experiences and attractions are less crowded and more enjoyable.

And honestly, the overall trip experience is better in my opinion. Less stress. Less overwhelm. More time to romanticize your life and actually enjoy where you are.

Some of my favorite trips have been the ones where people assume it is not a good time to travel. A little google search on weather and local seasons can save you money, while still giving you an amazing experience, if not a more memorable one.

Bahamas 2025. Broke my foot first day of the cruise, but that did not stop me from exploring.

5. I Don’t Need Luxury Everything

This one sometimes surprises people.

I don’t need a 5-star hotel. 

I don’t need first class.

I don’t need the fanciest hotel.

Keyword: Need

I do this so that my money can go towards more experiences. Because I truly believe immersing yourself in experiences, culture, and new places create better lifelong memories than a boujee hotel.

I'd rather spend my money on experiences than upgrades. Years from now, I'll remember the horseback ride through the desert, the beach day with new friends, the cooking class, or the conversation I had with a stranger. I won't remember whether the hotel had marble countertops.

I probably won’t remember what color the hotel carpet was.

But there is a right time and place when it comes to booking a nice stay.

6. I Started Before I Felt Ready

One of the biggest things I have learned?

Most people aren’t even waiting on money.

They are waiting for reassurance.

They are waiting until they have more time.

More security.

More confidence.

More friends to go with.

More savings.

The perfect moment.

And you know what? Yes all of that sounds nice, but in a perfect world it is just not realistic. In a perfectly imperfect world, you just have to start.

Nuremberg, Germany 2023

Peace out Germany!

Travel changed my life long before I had the perfect budget. But that is only because I went in with a mindset that has a passion and love for travel. 

It has taught me confidence, independence, adaptability, and trust in myself.

And if there is one thing I want women in their twenties to know is this: 

You don't need to be rich to see the world. You don't need a trust fund. You don't need a perfectly curated friend group. You don't need everything figured out. Sometimes all you need is a plane ticket, a little courage, and the willingness to bet on yourself. The world is a lot bigger than your hometown—and you deserve to see it.

Downtown San Diego nightlife

Weekend trip with roomie

Who even is this?—What a fun trip! would love to go back to Cali