Disney, Universal, and World Travel on Pennies? Here is How I Travel on a Small Budget.
Enjoying Some Disney Magic!
How do I travel on a modest income while working very part time?
I get asked a lot, “How do you pay for it? I could never afford that.”
I travel frequently and there have been some assumptions as to what my income and especially my spending looks like. Honestly, they’re usually wrong!
I pay myself a very modest income, less than I would need or want in the United States. This is all I need for the awesome lifestyle that I chose. I’m living a simpler life and working less, something I’ve always thought was only a dream. Any remaining income goes back into the businesses, toward my kids’ future, and some in investments (real estate most recently) as well.
That said: I traveled at least 5 times in 2023 including an 8-day trip to Disney World and Universal Studios that cost me less than $1500 TOTAL. This trip is usually $5000 at the absolute minimum. Most families I know that take Disney trips spend 10-15k at a time, easily. So, how do I do it?
Leveraging Credit Card Points: Maximizing Travel Opportunities
Nurse Practitioner Entrepreneurs can leverage the power of credit card points to further enhance their travel experiences. Credit card rewards programs offer a variety of ways to earn points, including sign-up bonuses, spending bonuses, and ongoing rewards for everyday purchases. By strategically applying for credit cards with generous rewards programs, families can accumulate a significant number of points that can be redeemed for travel-related expenses such as flights, accommodations, rental cars, activities, and more.
When it comes to credit card points, the key is to be strategic and deliberate in your approach. NP Business Owners should research and compare different credit card offers to identify those that best align with their travel goals and spending habits. Factors to consider include sign-up bonuses, earning rates, redemption options, annual fees, and additional perks such as travel insurance and airport lounge access.
10x Points offers a free class to learn how to utilize points. This is really life changing for a small business owner!
Let me tell you more about my strategy with how I went to Disney and Universal Studios and had an incredible time for 8 whole days:
Every single possible business expense goes on my business credit cards.
I plan when I sign up for a new card and ensure I get the sign-up bonus which usually provides a large sum of points at a time. The sign up bonuses are almost always enough for a flight or three.
Our flights were free! We booked about 4-5 months ahead, all on points.
We used lounges on the way there and before the flight back. We used the United Lounge once, and one through priority pass the other time. This was covered
by my United Club business cards and my American Express Platinum though some other cards have priority pass as well. My kids love the club access.
Unlimited food and drinks AND comfort…I can travel economically but a special treat is gladly accepted.
First night was at Holiday Inn Express Universal. We got a double suite upgrade for free (kitchen, separate bedroom, HUGE). This was walking distance from
Universal but way too far for me given the upcoming days of tons of walking.
The next morning we packed up our stuff and went to spend two nights at an Universal hotel- Loew’s Portofino. We went in the morning though we were not
checking in until that night. We got express passes for that entire day and the next two days FREE. The hotel cost was less than the express passes alone would
have been. This is how the kids rode everything they wanted to multiple times (and because we went mid-September).
At Loew’s Portofino we also had a $100 resort credit from the Amex Plat. This covered the incredibly expensive breakfast buffet for both days.
I also got $200 credit back on my American Express Platinum for booking through their portal.
The room was around $500 and paid for itself 1.5x or more with the credit and express passes.
We also got a room upgrade with American Express Platinum. This was not remarkable but the late check out was nice.
We got to take the boat to the parks everyday.
After 2.5 days of Universal we went to Disney Springs Holiday Inn. I have an IHG business card and thus Platinum status. Here we had the following:
Free shuttle.
“Kids eat free” but I paid 25-30 something for me just for breakfast, yikes. We had a few free drinks. We had 4 days/5 nights paid all on points with no resort fee.
We received a room upgrade that was not really an upgrade (pool view) but I have zero complaints. We get bonus points for staying and the fourth night was
free. I made out like a bandit here.
All in all, we paid almost nothing for flights or hotels plus had a lot of extra perks.
I did pay for tickets, but universal was buy 2 get 3 days free. Disney was $$$. Use undercover tourist to get your tickets to save some cash.
It was a whirlwind and we almost feel like we were not there. The go go go was tiring but worth a one time trip. We love universal but feel no urgency to return to Disney, possibly ever.
House Hacking: Maximizing Housing Opportunities for Families
The concept of house hacking has gained popularity in recent years as a savvy real estate investment strategy. Traditionally, it involves purchasing a multifamily property and living in one unit while renting out the others to cover mortgage costs or generate passive income. While this approach is typically associated with investors and individuals looking to build wealth through real estate, it can also be a game-changer for families seeking affordable housing options.
Instead of purchasing a traditional single-family home, families can explore the potential of multifamily properties as a viable housing solution. By living in one unit and renting out the others, families can significantly reduce their housing expenses and create additional income streams. This extra income can then be allocated towards travel, allowing families to pursue their wanderlust without sacrificing their financial stability.
Moreover, the decision to house hack doesn't necessarily require purchasing a property outright. Families can explore alternative arrangements such as renting a multifamily property and subletting the additional units with the landlord's permission. This approach allows families to test the waters of house hacking without committing to a long-term investment.
The Benefits of House Hacking for Families
The advantages of house hacking extend beyond financial savings. For families, living in a multifamily property offers unique opportunities for community-building and shared experiences. By sharing common spaces with neighbors, families can forge meaningful connections and create a supportive network that enhances their quality of life.
Additionally, house hacking provides families with greater flexibility and control over their living arrangements. Unlike traditional homeownership, which often entails a long-term commitment to a single property, house hacking allows families to adapt to changing circumstances and explore new opportunities without being tied down by a mortgage.
We met a worldschooling family that own a few acres in Texas. They had multiple tiny homes on this property. They are able to pack up and leave their tiny home when they want to travel abroad. Their other rentals more than pay for their expenses in the meantime.
My family and I are currently investing in real estate and are excited to see what happens. I currently have a home that is making money on Airbnb but I will return to it soon for a visit.
Exploring Travel Hacking Options: House Sitting and Workaways
In addition to house hacking and credit card points, families can also explore alternative travel hacking options such as house sitting and workaways. These innovative approaches offer opportunities for families to travel affordably while immersing themselves in new cultures and experiences.
House sitting involves caring for someone else's home (and/or pets) while they're away, often in exchange for free accommodation. This can be a cost-effective way for families to stay in desirable locations without the expense of traditional accommodations. House sitting arrangements vary in duration and responsibilities, ranging from short-term stays to longer-term commitments. I use Trusted Housesitters both to find house sitters for my pets and home and find house sits for my family to see a new area.
Workaways offer another avenue for affordable travel, allowing families to work in exchange for accommodation and sometimes meals. Workaway opportunities can include a wide range of tasks and projects, from organic farming and animal care to teaching and hospitality. By volunteering their time and skills, families can experience authentic cultural exchanges while minimizing their travel expenses. The work is generally limited to 5 hours per day maximum.
The Rewards of Affordable Family Travel
The benefits of combining house hacking, credit card points, and travel hacking for families are extensive. Not only do these options offer a practical solution for reducing housing expenses and funding travel adventures, but it also provides opportunities for personal growth, cultural enrichment, and family bonding.
Moreover, affordable family travel offers opportunities for shared experiences and lasting memories that strengthen familial bonds and create a sense of belonging. Whether it's exploring ancient ruins, sampling local cuisine, or bonding over shared adventures, these experiences create a tapestry of cherished moments that families will treasure for years to come.
In Conclusion: Embracing the Adventure of Affordable Family Travel
In conclusion, the journey to affordable family travel begins with a willingness to think outside the box and explore innovative solutions. By combining house hacking, credit card points, and travel hacking, families (and singles alike!) can unlock a world of opportunities while staying within their budget.
From living in multifamily properties, leveraging credit card rewards, to house sitting and workaways, there are countless ways for families to make travel more accessible and affordable. The key is to be resourceful, flexible, and proactive in seeking out opportunities that align with your family's goals and values. I have personally used a number of these methods and thus have more money leftover to spend or save on other things that matter to me.
All of this can make your dollar stretch further as you’re starting up your business as an Expat NP!
