Make Travel Happen - She Saves She Travels

Welcome to She Saves She Travels

Launched in 2018 as a community of dreamers, this site is a quickly growing collective of women who want to MAKE. TRAVEL. HAPPEN. You’ve found the right place if you want to travel but simply don’t think you can afford to do so.

I’ll share my best savings tips and strategies to help you start – and fund – that vacation account. I’ve got travel hacks to help you in every phase of your travel – researching destinations, saving money to travel, packing and even during your trip. I hope to inspire you to see that the world is beautiful, traveling is fun and it truly is within your reach.

Saving money to travel isn’t as difficult as it may seem – really! I’ve worked in the personal finance and travel industries for nearly 15 years and have collected tons of saving strategies and travel memories over the years. And I created the She Saves She Travels blog to share them with you!

she saves she travels travel blog — Kayaking in Key West several years ago

Enter She Saves She Travels

I believe this world was made to be explored. Traveling has the power to change perspective and gives us the ability to see life through a different lens. Traveling expands the mind and warms the soul.

Being an avid traveler, I personally prefer beach destinations, but I’m always up for a great adventure, too! Although I have several ways I regularly save money to go on vacations, I’m always up for learning new techniques.

I’ve seen first-hand how common it is for people to dream about traveling, but don’t actually do it for financial reasons. I also believe there’s a common misconception that traveling is expensive. It absolutely can be, but it doesn’t have to be! I truly believe traveling is financially attainable for anyone, especially if the right strategies and lifestyle practices are put into place. Friend, I’m here to show you it is possible!

How I Caught the Travel Bug

Every summer when I was a little girl, my grandparents packed my entire family into a 1970’s RV and drove around the country. My grandmother and aunts were great at bowling and went to the national tournament every year in a different state. Our camper was packed full of my cousins, aunts and uncles so some of my fondest memories of my childhood started on the road.

family trip to yellowstone national park — Family trip to Yellowstone National Park in the late 80’s. I’m in the pink pants! 🙂

Thin Mints & Funnel Cakes

Then in high school I was part of a Girl Scout troop that worked very hard to earn money to save up for trips. I spent winters selling Girl Scout cookies (thin mints, anyone?). Then in the summers I was cooking and selling funnel cakes at festivals and county fairs. So at the age of 15, I worked hard at saving my money and spent 22 days in Mexico with the girls.

The first part of the trip we stayed at a service camp, where we joined other countries and girls around the globe to experience the culture in Cuernavaca, Mexico. All the troops took part in activities and festivals learning about the other parts of the world. I specifically recall girls from the Dominican Republic, Spain, all over Mexico and the U.S. Our service project was to help out a local school. So we spent time painting furniture for the kids and painting murals on their walls.

After we left Cuernavaca, we traveled around more of Mexico including Mexico City, Merida and Cancun. We saw the ancient Mayan temple of Chichen Itza, and the ruins of Tulum, amongst others.

she saves she travels Nikki at Tulum — Visiting Tulum ruins in Mexico. No judgement! It was the 90’s.

That experience opened my eyes to the world of travel. After all, as a 15 year-old from a small town in Nebraska, I got to see a new perspective on the world. I didn’t know it then, but the trip shaped my future and love of travel!

Fast Forward to Today

As I entered adulthood, I knew travel would be part of my life. I absolutely love exploring new places, seeing the sights and understanding the locals. Oh, and food. I love trying new flavor combinations and eating native cuisines.

My travel partner, AKA my husband, and I take several trips a year, and we do it all by saving money to travel. We’re average hard-working people from the Midwest (hello Omaha!) who have a passion for travel. We have two young children and a feisty golden retriever, who all actually love traveling, too.

she saves she travels to the beach — My family’s favorite travel destination: the beach!

My bucket list is more like a dump truck at this point. I’m crossing off destinations quicker than I ever imagined. With each new destination, I feel humbled and satisfied, but at the same time encouraged and teased for what else awaits.

So it’s your turn, dreamer. Tell me in the comments below – what are your top three bucket list destinations? And don’t hold back! As Walt Disney said, “if you can dream it, you can do it.” After all, what good are dreams if they don’t motivate you?

And if you ever need to contact me please reach out on Instagram or send me an email – I really read all of them! I’m at nikki@shesavesshetravels.com

Nat

Thursday 8th of June 2023

Hi Nikki! Unfortunately the reservation dates for getting a camping permit for kalalua trail are booked for the days we'll be there. Bummer as we really wanted to do a long hike. Do you have any other recommendations for similar trails in Kauai that are challenging/long? Any recommendations would be great!

Nikki

Ah bummer! Those passes sell out lightening fast! I've really only done 2-5 mile hikes in Kauai, so I'm not really sure about something longer. However, you could do multiple hikes in a day or area to see a lot! I'd highly recommend the Waimea Canyon Trail and pair that with the Pihea Trail or Awa'awapuhi Trail. You'd get massive canyon views then right down the road in Koke'e State park, you'll get amazing NaPali Coast views! What an awesome day! I have a written guide on the Waimea Canyon Trail (but not the others yet) if you want to check it out: https://shesavesshetravels.com/travel-destinations/waimea-canyon-trail/

Mari Kyle

Sunday 7th of May 2023

I would like to take my family to an island next March for Spring Break. We have three kids who will be ages 13, 15, and 18.

Friday 26th of May 2023

Yay! That sounds like fun, Mari. Did you see this guide? Might inspire some ideas for your spring break adventure! https://shesavesshetravels.com/travel-destinations/cheapest-island-vacations/

Israel HS

Friday 22nd of July 2022

Nice blog! My wife found your post about Puerto Morelos, thanks for the recommendations, we’ll be arriving tomorrow to that beach.

My destinations are: Italy, Japan and Patagonia

Ah thanks so much for the compliment! I hope you have the best time in Puerto Morelos! I hope you make it to your other dream destinations soon, too! Those are all incredible - I'm especially a fan of Italy :)

Christine

Tuesday 12th of April 2022

Caye Caulker, Belize and Turks and Caicos, pretty much anywhere there are awesome beaches and blue waters

Saturday 16th of April 2022

Ahhh all those spots have amazing turquoise water! Love that list ❤️

Lee @mango_tree_travel

Saturday 18th of December 2021

I'm also a beach lover and currently dreaming about Dominica, Curacao, and the Bahama out-islands. You should add Grenada to your list if you haven't been yet!

Oh those all sound beautiful! I haven't been to Grenada but it's definitely on my list! I feel like most of the Caribbean is 🤣