Let me tell you about the travel revelation that changed everything for our family. You know how we are always juggling schedules, trying to make the most of school breaks, and wondering how to afford those precious family getaways? Well, I discovered a complete game-changer, and I’m excited to share it with you.
Here’s the thing: we were doing it backward. Like most families, we used to pick our destination first, then try to find flights that worked with our schedule. Sound familiar? But then I learned about this brilliant “backwards” approach that has totally transformed how we travel.
The Two Rules That Changed Everything
The first rule is almost embarrassingly simple: start with great flight deals and plan your trips around them. I know, I know – it sounds too basic. But think about it: instead of forcing expensive flights to fit your predetermined plans, what if you let amazing deals guide your adventures?
The second rule is equally powerful: always keep a stash of flexible credit card points. This way, when you can’t find those jaw-dropping deals, you’ve got a backup plan to fly for free. (And who doesn’t love free?)
But What About School Schedules?
I hear you – we’re all tied to those school calendars. But here’s what I’ve learned:
First, those teacher workdays? They’re golden opportunities! We now turn many of those random Fridays off into long weekend adventures. We’ll fly out Thursday evening and get a whole extra day to explore somewhere new.
Second, you don’t have to follow the crowd. Sure, you might need to travel during spring break, but who says you have to go where everyone else goes? Some of our most memorable trips have been to places we’d never considered until we spotted an amazing flight deal, like our trip to Iceland & Ireland this spring break. I had the idea of Ireland, but the best flights were on Icelandair (and Iceland is totally on my bucket list!) – so we’re doing BOTH! And notice – we’re NOT going to the beach at Spring Break, because that’s where everyone else will be going. There are better deals when you don’t go where everyone else goes – and you’re not fighting crowds and traffic.
The Math That Made Me a Believer
Here’s what really hit home for me: saving even $50 per ticket might not sound earth-shattering, but multiply that by a family of four. Suddenly you’ve got $200 extra in your pocket – that’s a nice dinner out, a cool excursion, or part of another night’s stay. And if you have flexible points – you can get a hotel room for no money out of pocket – cha-ching!
Making It Work for Your Family
The biggest mindset shift for me was embracing the “just get out of town” philosophy. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” trip, we look for opportunities. I start looking for good deals for spring break and summer 6-12 months ahead for our big trips – then when I see a great option for cash or points – I book it! Then I’ll figure out the details. But I also keep an eye out for those surprise opportunities – a random long weekend here, an unexpected deal there.
And you know what? Our kids’ teachers have been surprisingly supportive. When your child can write about actually visiting historical sites or experiencing different cultures, it brings their learning to life in a way no textbook can match.
The Real Impact
The most beautiful part? We’re traveling more than ever. Our child is seeing more of the world, we’re building incredible memories, and we’re doing it without breaking the bank. These aren’t just vacations – they’re investments in experiences that will shape our child’s worldview.
So here’s my challenge to you: stop thinking about travel as something you do once or twice a year when everything aligns perfectly. Instead, start thinking about it as an ongoing adventure where deals and opportunities guide your way. Trust me, once you make this shift, you’ll never look at family travel the same way again.
Ready to learn more about this approach? I discovered these game-changing principles through the JGOOT Way of Travel, and it’s been absolutely worth it for our family. You can check out the book that started it all right HERE.
Full disclosure: If you purchase the JGOOT Way of Travel book through my link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend resources I personally use and love!
Keywords: Travel deals, family travel, deals, flights, JGOOT
