A while back, I started a program to help a diverse group of people plan their dream trips. I guided them through every step of the journey, from the initial planning to the execution. I also promised to share their stories to inspire and help others plan their own adventures. Four months ago, I introduced you to the participants, and now it’s time for an update!
First up is Jianne, a 27-year-old office worker from Manila. She’s aiming for a two-week vacation next year, but she’s facing some challenges. She can’t earn points for free flights, and her family won’t let her list her apartment on Airbnb. Plus, she’s a bit of a spender. So, we had to get creative. We started by changing her mindset and getting her on a budget. We tracked her expenses and cut back on non-essentials. She stumbled a bit along the way, but she’s back on track and working hard to save for her trip.
Next is Diane, a 59-year-old from Canada living on a fixed income. She’s always dreamed of traveling but didn’t think it was possible. Like Jianne, we started by tracking her expenses and finding ways to save. We also got her a travel credit card to earn miles for a free flight to Australia next year. She’s been working hard and has seen amazing results, saving over $500 CAD a month!
Unfortunately, Jeremy decided to leave the program. We wish him the best!
Sander and Jolien, a couple from the Netherlands, are doing great. They’re working until they leave for their trip and have more than enough money saved. They didn’t need much financial help, but I did help them track their expenses and create a budget for their trip.
Lastly, I’d like to introduce you to the Brandons, a family from Indiana. Michael is retired, and Jennifer is a teacher taking a year off to travel with their two young sons. They’re saving about $2,000 USD per month and have $10,000 already saved for their trip. They’re planning to spend extended time in Europe and are working hard to save and plan for their adventure.
That’s the update on everyone’s progress. The first step towards successful world travel is getting your finances in order. Now that everyone is on the right track and saving money, we can start planning the actual trips. That’s when the real fun begins! Stay tuned for the next update!