With 2025 just around the corner, you may be already making a list of places you’d like to visit. And while traveling to new destinations can be expensive, there are ways to see the world that don’t break the bank.
Whether it’s a hotel deal, a flight sale, or choosing a location where your money goes a little further, you can plan your dream trip on a budget. If your 2025 plan includes checking off a new city or country, we talked to a few travelers for tips and tricks on how they took an affordable trip this year.
St. Martin, West Indies
Christane "Kris" Njatcha
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Christane “Kris” Njatcha, a digital creator based in Washington, D.C., recently traveled to St. Martin, a French island in the Caribbean that’s shared with the Dutch St. Maarten.
“I've been to the destination before and absolutely fell in love,” she says. “As a French speaker who loves French culture, Saint Martin is a 4-hour flight from Washington D.C., and you get a mix of beautiful beaches and superb cuisine.”
Njatcha says she spent a total of $1850 for a seven-day trip, and some of her trip highlights included dining at Villa Royale and checking out Pinel Island, a tiny island just a five-minute ferry ride from the French side of the island. Njatcha also says she saved money by flying out on a weekday, booking a direct flight to SXM on United Airlines for $400. She also rented a condo on VRBO, which cost $98/night, and rented a car for $118/week from Value Car Rental, which she says is an affordable way to see the tiny island.
“The best way to save money on travel is to choose a destination based on your budget,” she advises. “Open up Google Flights and check out some of the most affordable places based on destinations. Let the destination pick you, and not the other way around. When trying to save money, you have to be flexible.”
Charlotte, North Carolina
Branda Ayo
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If you need a little fresh mountain air, a trip to Charlotte, North Carolina, is a great option. It was the first pick for New York-based freelance writer and content creator Branda Ayo, who flew to the city to attend the Black travel conference NoMadness Fest after a work trip to D.C. She made the weekend affordable by staying in the walkable downtown area, carpooling with other festival goers, and ordering food to her hotel.
“My flights cost $304.95 for a multi-stop journey from D.C. to Charlotte and then back to New York,” Ayo says. “My hotel, Hyatt Place Charlotte Downtown, came to $643.41 with trip insurance. My Ubers were affordable, costing only $107.84 for the four days I was there.”
Ayo also recently signed up for an AAA membership, which includes complimentary breakfast at her hotel. Ayo’s other weekend activities included a rooftop social at Merchant and Trade, dinner at Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar, and brunch at Uptown Yolk, a cozy, Black-owned brunch spot downtown. If you’re looking to save money, she also advises traveling during the off-season, which can mean lower costs on flights and hotels.
“Start your trip planning early. The sooner you plan, the better your chances of finding good rates and avoiding peak season prices,” Ayo says. “If you’re flexible with dates, try to time your trip around the off-season. I’m sure if I’d gone a few weeks earlier, during Labor Day, prices would have been much higher.”
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Malikah Kelly
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Malikah Kelly lives in Hong Kong full time, and the marketing manager and travel content creator was recently able to take an affordable trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand, utilizing credit card points and rewards.
“Chiang Mai has always been on my bucket list. I had never been able to make the trip happen when I was living in the US, but I wasn’t going to miss it since I was so close,” she says. “Visiting Elephant Nature Park was one of the best parts of the trip. It cost $150 and was one of the more expensive activities, but the money goes directly to supporting operations and caring for the elephants.”
For the five-day trip, Kelly says she spent about $350 on flights and $700 on activities, while her hotel was free because of credit card points. Before her trip, she opened an IHG Rewards Credit Card with a $95 annual fee, and it came with a huge welcome bonus and a free anniversary reward night, which covered the annual fee.
“Don’t sleep on credit card hacking,” Kelly says. “It seemed so gimmicky for a while, but since I started about a year and a half ago, I have been to Vietnam, Thailand, and Bali, and I’m planning a longer 10-day multi-city trip to Sri Lanka, Bali, or Cambodia for February 2025. Just be sure only to charge your regular spending and pay off your balance. Don’t rack up credit card debt with irresponsible behavior and impulse purchases.”
Chicago, Illinois
Sierra Redmond
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The Windy City is one of the most beautiful cities in the U.S., especially during the summer when the city comes alive with concerts, outdoor dining, and free movie screenings.
“After hearing so many amazing things about summertime in Chicago, we decided to book it to beat the summer heat of Las Vegas,” says Sierra Redmond, a content creator and marketing director based in Las Vegas. “Some of the highlights were staying at the Kimpton Gray Hotel, visiting the world’s largest Starbucks Reserve Roastery, and trying some of Chicago’s iconic eats.”
Redmond says she spent about $1200 for a family of three for four days: $600 for round-trip flights from Las Vegas, $250 for the hotel and onsite restaurant (after redeeming Amex points), $300 on food off-property, $200 for attraction passes, and $150 for transportation around the city. Some of the ways she saved were by utilizing public transportation and using credit card points.
“The L train costs $5 per person per ride, saving us hundreds of dollars immediately,” she says. “Secondly, we used points from our AMEX platinum to book the Kimpton Gray. We also saved money by purchasing the Chicago C3 CityPass. It allowed us to pay one fee and choose the three attractions that were most important to us.”
Like other budget travelers, Redmond says to be flexible about where you want to travel instead of seeing your sights on a particular location.
“I always tell travelers to follow the deals and not the destination,” she explains. “We booked the trip with no destination in mind. Instead, we put some ideas that fit what we wanted to accomplish out there and chose based on the price of the flight and amenities of the city.”
Tirana, Albania
Vivienne Dovi
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If a romp through Europe is more your style, consider Albania, a Southeastern European country that’s been quietly gaining popularity. London-based journalist and content communications consultant Vivienne Dovi says she spent around £962 (about $1,225 USD) on her seven-day trip, including hotel, activities, and food. Her trip included stops in three cities: the capital, Tirana, and Himarë and Ksamil. The highlights were a speedboat tour to Grama Bay, visiting caves and secluded beaches in Ksamil, and paragliding for the first time.
“I’ve had Albania on my mind for a few years after seeing a photo of the Albanian Riviera,” Dovi says. “I love emerging destinations, and with tourism in Albania just starting to flourish, I wanted to experience the country before it becomes more popular.”
For Dovi, some of her cost-saving methods came down to booking hotels in person (one hotel offered her a discount and room upgrade), taking buses vs taxis, and choosing an inexpensive, up-and-coming destination.
“Try and choose destinations where the cost of living and tourism prices are reasonable,” she says. “You’ll enjoy more value for your money, which means fewer compromises and a better experience overall.”
Cartagena and Medellin, Colombia
Brittany Smith
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If you’ve been thinking about visiting Colombia, consider this your sign. Educator and freelance writer Brittany Smith traveled to Cartagena and Medellin, Colombia, on a week-long trip, and she was drawn to the destinations because of their affordability.
“Colombia has been on my bucket list for a while now because of what I've heard about its food scene, the scenery, nightlife, and more specifically, its affordable options,” she says. “When I researched Colombia, I realized Medellin and Cartagena offered incredible experiences at a fraction of the cost compared to other destinations. Plus, I knew if I could manage to visit both cities, I'd get to experience a perfect combination of city life, history, and spending time in nature.”
Smith says she spent under $800 for a weeklong trip, which covered her food, excursions, and hotel, which she split with two friends. Some memorable moments from the trip included island hopping in Cartagena and a day trip to Palenque, the first free African town in the Americas.
Smith attributed her low-cost trip to using credit card points to pay for her flight and comparing the excursions on platforms like Airbnb Experiences, Get Your Guide, and TripAdvisor.
“One of my best travel-saving hacks is to talk to the people that live there,” she says. “The locals know where the deals are and can hook you up with more authentic experiences if you genuinely connect with them. Also, traveling during shoulder season can help you avoid those peak prices and the big crowds.”
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It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Alistair Berg/Getty ImagesStep 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Getty ImagesStep 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
DMP/ Getty ImagesStep 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
However, to my surprise, I received an email that read: “It’s with great excitement that we announce your film, Super High: A Period Piece, has been selected for the 24th Anchorage International Film Festival.” After looking at the flight distance from Atlanta to Anchorage—a solid 10 hours one way— I’d decided this would be one I wouldn’t attend.
That was until there was a follow-up email that shared that the festival was sponsoring two excursions for filmmakers: A Northern Lights Tour and A Glacier Hike.
With that, I knew I had to make the trip to the 49th state! I flew Delta, which offered the shortest layovers—just 50 minutes each way. For a more comfortable flight on the longer legs that were about six hours between my layover city and Anchorage, I upgraded to first class with an in-app discount for $256 (the regular price of a first-class ticket runs about $2,100), which was so worth it for additional space and service for the six-hour trek.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
"So What’s Alaska Like? Did You Have To Wear a Snowsuit? What’s the Food Like?"
These are among the major questions I’ve gotten. Anchorage reminds me less of a bustling major city and more of a small town with an easygoing feel. When I arrived, they’d just had snow a few days before, so it was cold, and the streets were slick. So, I was so happy I’d invested in a pair of snow boots. For my first few days, the locals said it was warm. Warm to them being 20s at night and mid-30s during the day.
However, by the time I left, fresh snow was on the ground, and temps were well into the single digits—and it felt like it. Oh, the sun doesn’t rise until 10:30 a.m., and it sets around 4 p.m. That was among the most challenging things to experience because I felt like I never really woke up. So, between the lack of sun and the four-hour time difference, I felt tired the whole time I was there.
As for food, I didn’t explore a ton because I was so cold. But I found two gems! First was Whiskey and Ramen. If you enjoy ramen and exceptional service, this is a must-visit. I’d make a trip back just for their Wagyu ramen and their special take on an old fashion!
And, for coffee, I thoroughly enjoyed That Feeling Co. The coffee was great, and being surrounded by plants helped to perk up my spirits.
The Northern Lights
Iceland is one of the most popular places to see the Northern Lights, so I was very excited to know that Alaska also gets to see the Aurora Borealis light show. Typically, many people visit Fairbanks to see them, but there are tours offered in Anchorage too! When prepping for the late-night tour, we’d heard that the night we were heading out to see the lights, the cloud coverage likely meant we wouldn’t be able to see them. Bummer. I know. So, we could sit the tour out or still try. But, in my mind, I was like, why would I come all the way to Alaska not to try?
So, at about 9:30 p.m., we piled into vans and headed out to chase the Northern Lights. We traveled about an hour and a half from Anchorage, and when we stepped out of the van, it was cold and pitch black. And unfortunately, after a couple of hours in the cold, those clouds in the sky never parted for us. I know that when we see the posts of people who do get to see Mother Nature do her thing, we don’t have all of the context of the science, which is Aurora Borealis.
Sometimes, the weather just doesn’t do what we earthlings would like, which can lead to disappointment. However, our guide did give a recommendation. When you book a trip to see the lights, give yourself four to five days to see them. Don’t bank on one day because, at the end of the day, this is science.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
Now, On to the Glacier!
Just six hours after returning from the Northern Lights tour, we were up for the glacier tour because they were back-to-back! I was exhausted and so excited. If someone had told me I’d hike on a glacier, I would have given them a mean side-eye. I mean, where on earth does one climb a glacier? Let me share a few destinations with you, just in case you want to plan an icy adventure: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Chile, Argentina, and Alaska.
Aside from the fact the Matanuska Glacier is 22,000 years old, it’s the largest glacier accessible by car in the United States—27 miles long and four miles wide, making it one of the easier ones to see IRL. As a girlie with generalized anxiety disorder, I get anxious about doing this kind of thing because I know that to see these world wonders is usually a mountainous trek.
This one was two hours long, one-way, up snow-capped, windy, mountainous terrain. However, my therapist always reminds me to push myself to do what scares me (as long as it’s for a reason, of course). I held my breath for the journey there and back! And white-knuckled it from time to time, too.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
Once we got there, we were surrounded by fresh, fluffy snow, and it was COLD! In the negative cold. I was thankful, I’d over-prepared. If you even go on a glacier tour, I recommend a few things: Balaclava, heavy-weight gloves, cashmere socks, snow boots, and lots of layers.
Here’s what I wore. My first layer was Ann Taylor leggings and a Wolford Turtleneck. Then, I layered a cashmere turtleneck and cashmere joggers. A COACH down vest, which I’d recommend anyone own just for winter, in general, because it’s SO warm! For my feet, I wore Ann Taylor cashmere socks (I love these because they’re affordable and so warm) and Adidas Adifom Superstar Winter Boot and topped all of that with a Brandon Blackwood ankle-length parka. I know BB is known for his accessories, but the brand’s outwear is truly amazing and worth the investment. After two hours on the ice, I felt great!
If you’re open to adventure travel, I highly recommend putting a glacier tour on your list of things to do. There are a few reasons. First, standing on an ice age-old massive piece of glacier was my 2024 version of touching some grass. I was reminded that I’m a speck on this spinning rock and need to spend more time grounded in that fact as I move through the world. I looked to the sky and thought of how proud my ancestors would be, even though I know they’d be telling me to get my butt home and off a dog on a glacier!
Secondly, I gained an ever-large appreciation for Mother Nature as I learned that glaciers are the world's largest reservoir of freshwater, containing around 69% of the world's freshwater. Again, another fact that helped me gain perspective. Lastly, it’s just fun and stunningly beautiful!
After this, I’m looking forward to my next cold-weather adventure! Iceland and Argentina are at the top of the list!
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Featured image courtesy of Bianca Lambert