I’m on a journey to visit all seven continents. So far, I’ve seen five out of seven, still with Asia and Antarctica left to explore. I dream of taking a cruise to Antarctica someday and I also hope to visit China before I turn 45, though my current grad school commitments could be a hurdle.
Still, I’ve managed to travel quite extensively. I’ve lived in London, worked in Saudi Arabia, and even had fun trips, like a girlfriends’ getaway to Niagara Falls and Montreal. I’ve ticked off visiting every state in the U.S. except North Dakota, all thanks to my various national tours.
Using reward points from my credit cards, I’ve saved lots of cash on big trips like Eastern Europe, Iceland, and Hawaii. And that’s a money travel tip I learned – if you can pay your credit cards bills in full every month, rewards cards can be a game-changer, helping you accumulate points and also earn bonus rewards.
Another tip – if you have a top travel card, you might not even need travel insurance. A favorite tool of mine is the Global Entry for international travel. Skipping the long immigration lines has definitely justified the cost.
Having a solid suitcase can save you loads of hassle. Also, resources like airport lounges that come as a part of good travel cards can help you save on airport expenses.
One important pointer, and it’s not about money, but more experiential. Exploring foreign cultures, especially working in multicultural settings, has enriched me beyond comparison.
Lastly, if you’re curious about how I’m progressing on my other financial goals, here are some: paying off all debt, tithing 10%, building up a $10,000 emergency fund, maxing out my IRA every year, and learning more about the stock market and REITs to make informed investments. Another fun goal? Write a book about a little man named Jorge who lives in a jar in an antique shop. Stay tuned for more!