Travel Blog


Two Trips, One City: Falling in Love with New York, Again and Again
Melody Anderson Melody Anderson

Two Trips, One City: Falling in Love with New York, Again and Again

New York City is one of those places you can visit a dozen times and still feel like you’ve only just begun. I’ve been twice—once for Christmas magic with my husband and brother, and again for a quick weekend with Jake—and each trip left me more in love with the city’s energy, diversity, and endless stories. From sunset walks across the Brooklyn Bridge to Irish coffee pit stops in Midtown, this post dives into my favorite moments, tips, and why I’m already planning my next visit this fall.

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How Much Does It REALLY Cost to Travel? (And How to Make It Affordable!)
Melody Anderson Melody Anderson

How Much Does It REALLY Cost to Travel? (And How to Make It Affordable!)

Many people assume that travel is an unattainable luxury, but the reality is that with the right planning, it can be far more affordable than you think. The cost of a trip depends on several factors—destination, travel style, seasonality, and how strategically you book. Flights often make up 30-40% of a trip’s cost, while accommodations and activities account for the rest. Smart travelers reduce expenses by using points and miles, booking during off-peak seasons, and mixing budget-friendly stays with luxury experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of a five-star honeymoon or a budget-friendly backpacking trip, understanding what travel really costs can help you plan smarter and make your dream trip a reality.

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How to Plan the Perfect Honeymoon Without the Stress
Melody Anderson Melody Anderson

How to Plan the Perfect Honeymoon Without the Stress

Your honeymoon should be the trip of a lifetime, not a last-minute stress fest! Between wedding planning, budget balancing, and endless travel options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. In this guide, I break down exactly how to plan a seamless, stress-free honeymoon, from booking at the right time to choosing a destination that fits your style. Plus, I share insider tips on saving money, maximizing travel rewards, and making sure every moment is unforgettable. Or better yet—let me handle the details so you can simply enjoy your first adventure as newlyweds! ✈️

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Why Using a Travel Planner Is the Smartest Decision You’ll Make for Your Next Trip
Melody Anderson Melody Anderson

Why Using a Travel Planner Is the Smartest Decision You’ll Make for Your Next Trip

Planning a trip sounds exciting, but the reality of researching flights, comparing hotels, and organizing logistics can quickly become overwhelming. A travel planner takes the stress out of the process by handling the details—securing the best deals, curating personalized itineraries, and ensuring every part of your trip runs smoothly. Instead of spending hours second-guessing your choices, you can relax knowing that your vacation is expertly planned to maximize your time, budget, and experience. Let’s make your next trip effortless—message me to get started!

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Travel Now, Pay Smart: How to Use Travel Reward Cards & Flex Pay to Make Trips Happen
Melody Anderson Melody Anderson

Travel Now, Pay Smart: How to Use Travel Reward Cards & Flex Pay to Make Trips Happen

Dreaming of your next adventure but worried about the cost? The truth is, you don’t have to wait years to save up—with the right strategy, you can travel now and pay smart!

By leveraging travel reward credit cards, we’ve booked flights for as little as 5K points, flown to Egypt for just $92, and saved thousands on dream destinations. Plus, with flex pay options, you can lock in your trip now and pay over time—often with low or no interest.

While saving up is always a great plan, sometimes it’s just not realistic in today’s economy—and let’s be honest, tomorrow isn’t promised! If you’re ready to make your travel dreams a reality, message me for credit card referral links and flexible booking options to start planning your next trip! ✈️🌍

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The Ultimate Packing Guide: How to Travel Light Without Sacrificing Style or Comfort
Melody Anderson Melody Anderson

The Ultimate Packing Guide: How to Travel Light Without Sacrificing Style or Comfort

Packing light is a skill I’ve refined over years of travel, but let’s be real—this guide is about to see some changes now that we’re traveling with Kiah! Even so, I still plan to stick to my carry-on-only strategy. From learning the hard way that backpacking wasn’t for us to finding the perfect balance with a roller suitcase and a personal item, this guide walks you through exactly what to bring, what to leave behind, and how to pack smarter—whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family on the go.

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How to Travel More Without Quitting Your Day Job
Melody Anderson Melody Anderson

How to Travel More Without Quitting Your Day Job

Think you have to quit your job to travel the world? Think again. You don’t need unlimited time off or a remote job to explore new places—you just need a smart strategy. By using long weekends, maximizing PTO, and making travel a priority, you can fit multiple trips into your year without sacrificing your career. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to travel more while keeping your 9-to-5, plus why investing in travel is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

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10 Things First-Time International Travelers ALWAYS Forget (But Shouldn’t!)
Melody Anderson Melody Anderson

10 Things First-Time International Travelers ALWAYS Forget (But Shouldn’t!)

Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Trip Abroad

Traveling internationally for the first time is exciting but overwhelming. Between visas, currency exchanges, and foreign customs, it’s easy to overlook key details that can make or break your trip. Avoid common first-time traveler mistakesby following these expert travel tips to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.

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The Power of Tradition: Why Family Trips Matter More Than You Think
Melody Anderson Melody Anderson

The Power of Tradition: Why Family Trips Matter More Than You Think

Your kids are only this age once. Your parents are only this young once. The time to make memories isn’t someday—it’s now. Growing up, my mom made sure we had family traditions like summer trips to Mammoth Lakes and visiting relatives every year. Those trips weren’t extravagant, but they were consistent, and they became the foundation of my best childhood memories. Now, I want to pass that same sense of adventure and connection on to my own family.

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Don’t Wait for the Right Time: How Loss Taught Us to Travel Now
Melody Anderson Melody Anderson

Don’t Wait for the Right Time: How Loss Taught Us to Travel Now

Losing Jake’s dad was devastating. They had always talked about taking dirt biking trips together, but that someday never came. That loss made us realize how fragile time is—we couldn’t keep waiting for the “right moment” to live our lives. So in 2022, we stopped postponing and finally took the trips we had dreamed of, because tomorrow isn’t promised, but today is.

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Real Client Story: How We Are Planning the Ultimate Patagonian Adventure
Melody Anderson Melody Anderson

Real Client Story: How We Are Planning the Ultimate Patagonian Adventure

From dream to reality—this journey through Patagonia is the perfect fusion of nature, city, and world wonders. From the rugged peaks of Torres del Paine to the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires and the awe-inspiring power of Iguazú Falls, my clients are about to embark on an adventure that blends breathtaking landscapes with rich culture. Every detail is coming together to make this a trip of a lifetime!

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Our Italian Adventure: Lessons, Laughter, and La Dolce Vita
Melody Anderson Melody Anderson

Our Italian Adventure: Lessons, Laughter, and La Dolce Vita

Our Italian adventure was filled with laughter, lessons, and unforgettable moments, from navigating Venice’s magical canals to Rome’s vibrant history and the breathtaking beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Along the way, we faced unexpected travel hiccups—like rental car fiascos and ferry mishaps—that turned into our favorite stories. Italy’s rich culture, stunning scenery, and heartfelt memories made this journey truly unforgettable, and we can’t wait to return with Kiah to explore even more.

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My Personal Travel Style: A Balance of Luxury and Affordability
Melody Anderson Melody Anderson

My Personal Travel Style: A Balance of Luxury and Affordability

My travel style blends boutique stays, strategic splurges, and credit card rewards to create memorable yet affordable trips. We prioritized less developed destinations before having Kiah, saving family-friendly spots for this phase of life. It's all about balance and intentional planning.

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