Intro
In this episode of the “Financial Feminist” podcast, host Katie Nastro explores the world of travel and shares tips for affordable and fulfilling trips. She is joined by guest Katy Nastro, who shares her experience working with international brands in travel and sport. Together, they debunk travel myths, discuss the concept of roots versus wings in travel, and provide valuable insights on how to make the most out of your trips regardless of time constraints.
Main Takeaways
Tips for Affordable Travel
- Travel deals to Ireland are cheaper than meat in New York or Los Angeles
- Off-peak seasons offer better deals and less tourists, with no need to limit travel to warm weather
- There is no magic number or secret sauce for finding the cheapest flights, but booking between one and three months for domestic flights and two to eight months for international flights gives the best odds
- Be flexible with travel dates to find the best deals, try to travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays
- Take advantage of airline policies that allow for refunds or changes if a better deal becomes available
- Having a travel fund can help prioritize and save for future trips
- Travel can be affordable, and cheap flights are abundant
- Shoulder season and pent-up demand from the pandemic are making travel more affordable
- Exploring new places, even if it’s just a road trip, can be a fulfilling travel experience
- Competition is the biggest factor in airfare prices
Empowering Solo Travel
- Traveling alone can be scary at first, but it can also be incredibly empowering and boost your self-confidence
- Traveling with others can be a different experience than traveling alone, but both can be enjoyable in their own ways
- Women may feel hesitant to travel alone due to safety concerns, but it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions
- Not all places are unsafe for women to travel alone, but it’s important to research and plan accordingly
- Taking a solo trip at least once in your life can be a magical experience
- Encourage women to work through their lack of confidence and take solo trips with other women
- Joining a tour group can be a great way to travel with other women and gain confidence
Exploring Underrated Destinations
- Off-the-beaten-path locations can be just as memorable as popular destinations
- Underrated destinations suffer from under-tourism and would welcome visitors to experience their culture and food
- Prioritizing different places and second cities can lead to more travel opportunities
- Don’t brush off under the radar places, they can end up being the best trips
- To truly experience a country, it’s important to venture outside of the big cities and visit smaller towns and natural landmarks
Tips for Better Sleep on a Plane
- Sleeping on a plane can be difficult due to discomfort and unfamiliar surroundings
- Body positioning and adjusting to the time zone of your destination may help improve sleep on a plane
- Sleeping well the night before a flight can lead to better sleep on the plane
- Retrofitting all planes with new seats will take time and airlines won’t stop operations to do so
- The Quantas Hammock in economy is an easy solution to improve comfort on a plane
Future Travel Trends
- Underserved countries like Albania and areas of Turkey with crystal clear water may become popular destinations
- Trans-Pacific travel and tourism to India may increase in the next few years
- Riga, Latvia is becoming a big deal for remote work and digital nomads
- Scandinavia may have its moment next summer, with its incredible summers and archipelagoes
- Bermuda is a welcoming destination with beautiful beaches
Summary
Traveling on a Budget and Empowering Solo Adventures
Katy Nastro, a travel expert, joins host Katie Nastro to discuss affordable travel and the empowering experience of traveling alone. They debunk travel myths and provide tips for finding the best deals on flights. They emphasize the importance of flexibility, taking advantage of off-peak seasons, and researching destinations to ensure safety. They encourage women to embrace solo travel and gain confidence through group tours. Exploring underrated destinations and venturing outside of popular cities is also highlighted as a way to have unique and fulfilling travel experiences.
Enhancing Sleep on a Plane and Future Travel Trends
Katie and Katy share insights on improving sleep on planes, including adjusting body positioning and prioritizing rest before a flight. They also discuss emerging travel trends, such as the potential popularity of underserved countries like Albania and the rise of remote work destinations like Riga, Latvia. Trans-Pacific travel to India and the allure of Scandinavia’s stunning summers are also mentioned. The episode concludes with a discussion on the Going.com platform, which offers free flight deals and travel content to help people explore the world affordably.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to travel on a budget, embark on a solo adventure, or stay up-to-date with emerging travel trends, this episode of the “Financial Feminist” podcast provides valuable insights and tips. By prioritizing affordability, empowerment, and exploration, you can make the most out of your travel experiences and create lifelong memories.
