How My Travel Personality Has Changed: From Splurging on Big Trips to Embracing Budget-Friendly Getaways

I used to think the only real way to travel was to go big. For years, my adventures were defined by long-haul flights, bucket-list destinations, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I’d spend months planning, saving up, and counting down the days until I could finally pack my bags and jet off for two weeks somewhere exotic and far away.

It felt like the ultimate reward for working hard, a way to “live my best life” and make memories that would last a lifetime.

I have so many fond memories from those trips: eating fresh fruit on a liveaboard in Cuba, scuba diving in the turquoise waters of Roatan, and studying abroad in China. Those moments felt big; in some ways, they were beautiful, life-changing, and worth every penny.

But I didn’t realize then how much pressure I put on those trips to be perfect. When you only get one or two chances a year to travel, it’s easy to feel like everything has to be just right. I’d over-plan every day, squeeze in as much as possible, and try to make every moment count. And while the trips were incredible, they also left me feeling exhausted, both financially and emotionally.

Over time, I started to notice a shift in my mindset. And that shift completely changed the way I travel.

The Shift of How My Travel Personality Has Changed: From Once-in-a-Lifetime Trips to Frequent, Budget-Friendly Getaways

Maybe it was the rising cost of travel. Maybe it was the growing realization that I was missing out on small, spontaneous adventures by waiting for the perfect trip. Or maybe it was the moment I realized that travel doesn’t always have to mean getting on a plane.

Whatever the reason, my travel personality slowly began to change. Instead of waiting months (or years) for one big trip, I started saying yes to shorter, more affordable adventures. Weekend road trips, quick flights to nearby cities, and exploring hidden gems closer to home. I began to think less about how far I could go and more about how often I could explore.

It wasn’t a switch I flipped overnight. It started with little things: choosing a cabin in the mountains over a fancy resort, taking a three-day trip to a national park instead of a two-week international vacation, or driving two hours to a coastal town for a weekend escape. I realized that I didn’t need to spend a fortune to have a meaningful adventure.

In fact, some of my favorite travel memories in recent years have been from those smaller, more spontaneous trips:

• A last-minute road trip to a state park I’d never been to before, where I hiked a trail that ended in a stunning waterfall.

• A cozy weekend in a tiny yurt, where I cooked simple meals over a fire and listened to the rain on the roof.

• A quick getaway to a nearby town with a local farmers’ market, a charming coffee shop, and an antique store.

Those moments reminded me that travel doesn’t have to be expensive or extravagant to be meaningful.

Why Budget-Friendly, Local Travel Feels So Good

One of the biggest things I’ve learned from this shift is that travel isn’t just about where you go, but how you experience it. Slowing down, being present, and finding joy in simple pleasures, those are the things that stick with me long after a trip ends.

By taking more frequent, shorter trips, I’ve been able to:

• Stay connected to the seasons. I love planning a cozy fall getaway, a summer lake trip, or a springtime hike.

• Feel less financial pressure. I’m no longer waiting for months to save up for one big splurge.

• Discover hidden gems in my own region. I’ve found so many charming small towns, local trails, and unique spots I would have overlooked before.

• Be more spontaneous. I don’t have to wait for the “right time” or a huge budget to go. I can pack a bag, hop in the car, and create an adventure on a whim.

  
  

There’s also a sense of freedom that comes with traveling this way. I don’t feel the same pressure to make every trip “perfect.” I can relax more, go with the flow, and let the small moments shine.

Tips for Embracing a Budget-Friendly, Short-Trip Travel Style

If you’re feeling the pull toward shorter, more budget-conscious travel, here are a few tips that have helped me make the most of it:

1. Look for hidden gems nearby. Research small towns, state parks, local trails, or scenic drives within a few hours of home. There’s often more to explore nearby than you think!

2. Be flexible with your timing, if you can. Traveling during the off-season or mid-week can help you score better deals on accommodations.

3. Use budget travel tools. Apps like Hopper, Skyscanner, and Airbnb have helped me find great last-minute deals and unique places to stay.

4. Pack a cooler. Bringing your own snacks or picnic meals is a simple way to save money on food during road trips.

5. Focus on experiences, not souvenirs. I try to spend less on things and more on meaningful experiences: like a guided hike, a local art class, or a boat rental for the afternoon.

6. Find joy in the little moments. Whether it’s a campfire under the stars, a cup of coffee with a view, or a walk through a new neighborhood, those are the moments that make travel special.

   
   

My Favorite Budget-Friendly Getaways So Far

Just for fun, here are a few places I’ve fallen in love with on my budget-friendly, short-trip adventures:

• A weekend at Maple Grove Hot Springs, where I relaxed in the Hot Springs, took a yoga class, and camped overnight.

• A day trip to Park City, where I explored an art market, tried a new café, and spent the afternoon wandering the streets.

• A ski tip to Sun Valley, where I tried new foods and explored the town.

  
  

How My Travel Personality Continues to Evolve

I still love the idea of taking a big, international trip every now and then. Those bucket-list adventures hold a special place in my heart. But I’ve realized I don’t need to wait for the perfect trip to feel inspired, alive, or connected to the world around me.

These days, I’m just as happy with a weekend in a cabin as I was on those far-flung adventures and maybe even more so, because I’m not waiting months for the chance to explore.

My travel personality has changed, and I think it’s for the better. I’m learning to savor the little things, embrace spontaneity, and find adventure in my own backyard. And that feels like the kind of travel that truly nourishes the soul.

Have You Noticed a Shift in Your Travel Style?

I’d love to hear from you! Have you felt a shift in the way you travel, too? Do you find yourself drawn to shorter trips, local getaways, or budget-friendly adventures? Or are you still dreaming of those big bucket-list trips?

Here’s to finding magic in the everyday, wherever the road takes you. 🌿✨