Trips, Points, Plans, and Chaos: My Family Travel Guide Starts Here

I’ve had a love for travel for as long as I can remember. There’s something about getting away from the usual routine, discovering new places, and collecting experiences that feel like little bookmarks in the story of my life. Growing up, most of my adventures stayed close to home in Florida. We didn’t travel far; we couldn’t afford it, but that only fueled my desire to travel more. As an adult, that quiet craving for newness turned into a full-on passion; one I keep chasing through road trips, family adventures, and the occasional plane ticket to somewhere beautiful.

a Big Family & with a Real Budget

Let’s be honest; with five kids, traveling isn’t exactly effortless. It takes planning, saving, scheduling (and rescheduling), and a whole lot of flexibility. But even when life is full and the budget is stretched, I’ve learned that travel doesn’t have to be expensive — it just has to be intentional.

I’m a planner at heart. I want to enjoy every second of our trips, not spend half the time figuring out what we’re doing next. That is why I spend so much time in the planning phase: to ensure the trip kicks off without any issues and we can just enjoy the time together. Years ago, I was searching for ways to budget travel and found pretty much nothing for what my family needed. I then discovered the world of points and miles. It’s been a total game-changer in how we approach budgeting for travel. I’ve been able to make big trips happen without blowing up our savings account.

Ireland + Vegas/UTAH: Two Big Wins

In 2023, my husband and I spent eight amazing days on a road trip through Ireland. We explored castles, walked through quiet coastal towns, and soaked in the kind of beauty that stops you in your tracks. What’s better than that? We did it all for $2,600 total — flights, car, food, lodging — EVERYTHING! Travel rewards helped make that dream possible, and I still think about that trip more often than I probably should.

In the summer of 2024, we took a 12-day family + friends trip to Las Vegas and Zion National Park with a group of fourteen. It was a big trip in every sense of the word. I managed to book airfare for under $50 per person (for 10) and used points to cover four nights in Vegas across three rooms. Yes, it still required spending, but the savings made a huge difference. More importantly, the memories — from riding dune buggies in the Nevada desert to hiking in Zion and ending the days with laughter and stories — were the kind of experiences that brought us closer, and ones we’ll be talking about forever.

Where we’re headed next

What’s on the agenda for 2025? We’re planning another trip to Ireland — but this time, the whole family is coming. Grandma’s joining too, and it’s already shaping up to be a very different (but equally exciting) kind of trip. I’ll be sharing more details soon — it’s one I’m especially looking forward to documenting.

As for 2026, ideally, we’d love to plan one more big family trip before our oldest heads off to college. That’s the dream. But right now, it’s just not in the budget — and that’s okay. This is the season of college applications, sports showcases, and really slowing down to enjoy what little time we have left with him at home. We’re still planning something meaningful for that summer, even if it’s smaller and closer to home. But in the meantime, you better believe I’ll be saving, stacking points, and keeping the vision alive. Who knows — maybe with the right planning (and a little luck), I’ll be able to pull off that long-awaited trip to Italy… or even Switzerland.

Craving More Travel and Less Stress?

If you love travel but also need it to fit your budget, schedule, and real life, you’re in the right place. Inside the TRAVEL SECTION, I’m sharing:

– Itineraries from our favorite trips
– Destination guides
– Travel inspiration
– Tips for using points + miles to save money
– Planning strategies that help you enjoy the moment, not stress through it.
– And so much more!

You don’t need a perfect life (or a perfect budget) to create unforgettable experiences. You just need a plan, a little flexibility, and a reason to go. Because sometimes the best memories come from stepping away from everything — even just for a while — and reminding yourself what it feels like to live fully.