Travel as a Choice

Again I repeat, travel as a choice.

So I’m sitting here in my new apartment in Cincinnati, OH, USA. Big move for a girl who has lived at home for all of my 25 years, minus the 4 years of living in the college dormitories. I’ve got my couch ($175 and $30 for pillows), free coffee table from a family friend (Thanks Joe!), and my wifi. What more does a freelance personal vacation planner need?!

Back to making choices. Living at home was pretty great for a few reasons.

1. I have a 12 year old brother who I’m obsessed with. Love you Adam!  And if you can’t tell, that portrait is made from Lego. Yes LEGO! Artist Nathan Sawaya’s exhibit “Art of the Brick” is on display at the Cincinnati Museum Center. Shameless weekend place of employment plug…BUT the exhibit is seriously stunning!

2. I have been able to spend my hard earned money on experiences rather than things. Like this past Sunday, I tried the sport of curling for $10! Thanks Cincinnati Curling Club for hosting an awesome Open House! Looking forward to throwing some stones* again soon.

3. No rent equaled money for traveling! My friends and family make fun of me, but before I spend money on something, I think, would I rather have “x” (normally a purse or new gym shoes), or can I put that money towards a future trip? Most days saving for a new adventure wins out, but other times I just really want a new pair of kicks! Did you notice how nicely my blue Brooks tennis shoes ($50 at Gabriel Brothers, saved me $100 off the retail price!) match the rocks*?

*rock or stone is the term for those large heavy slidy things in the picture above.

Clearly I’m all about those savings! Sounds like a popular Meghan Trainor song…And I’m thankful my parents still let me eat the food at their house. See refrigerator below.

Circling back to the title of this post, travel as a choice. My choices are very deliberate. Save my money where I can, and use it to travel. If you are like me, and want to see and experience new places, I have some advice. Take a brief look at your personal finances. That can be your credit/debit card statement, bank account, or the cash in your wallet.

Reflect on how you are spending your own hard earned money. I promise there are plenty of ways to save money and use it to travel!

Keep reading to find out.

Cheers!

Bridget

P.S. If you read carefully, you’d have noticed that I called myself a freelance personal vacation planner. Interested in learning more? Email me at travelismyeverything@gmail.com. I’ll be the one getting back to you.👍🏻