In just a few short weeks, my family and I will be heading to Dewey Beach, Delaware for a summer getaway, and I couldn’t be more excited.
This trip is a little different than some of the international adventures I usually talk about. There are no passports involved, no long-haul flights and no complicated logistics. It’s simply a chance to spend time together, enjoy the beach and make memories before another school year begins.
Those trips matter just as much.
Why This Trip Is Extra Special
This year, both of our daughters are bringing a friend along, which means we’ll have six people traveling together – our family of four plus two teenage friends.
As any parent knows, adding two more people to a vacation can increase costs quickly. More meals, more activities, and in our case, the need for two hotel rooms instead of one.
But this is actually one of my favorite examples of how travel savings can create opportunities.
Because of the money we saved on accommodations through our travel membership, we were able to comfortably include our daughters’ friends and make this trip even more memorable for everyone involved. Instead of worrying about the added expense, we get to focus on the experience and the memories they’ll create together.
Years from now, I doubt anyone will remember what we spent on the hotel. But I have a feeling they’ll remember the beach days, boardwalk walks, bike rides and laughter shared with friends.
Why Dewey Beach?
Dewey Beach has become one of our favorite coastal destinations because it offers the perfect mix of relaxation and activity. We can spend the morning with our toes in the sand, explore nearby towns in the afternoon and enjoy great food and entertainment in the evenings.
One of the things I love most is that you’re never far from something fun to do.
This trip, our family has a few adventures planned:
- Renting e-bikes and exploring the coastline
- Parasailing over the Atlantic Ocean
- Walking the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
- Enjoying local restaurants and ice cream shops
- Relaxing on the beach
- Spending quality time together with no major agenda
Sometimes the best trips aren’t about seeing everything. They’re about slowing down and enjoying where you are.
The Savings That Made This Trip Possible
As many of you know, I use a travel membership that gives me access to discounted hotel rates and allows me to earn loyalty points that can be applied to future travel.
For this trip, we’re staying at Beach House Dewey and booked two rooms to accommodate everyone comfortably.
When I compared booking directly versus booking through the membership, the difference was eye-opening.
Direct booking price: $2,974
Membership price: $1,585
Total savings: $1,389
That savings didn’t just reduce the cost of our trip – it helped make it possible to bring two additional teenagers along and create an experience that all six of us can enjoy together.
When people ask me how I travel as often as I do, this is one of the biggest reasons. I’m not necessarily spending more money on travel than everyone else – I’m simply finding ways to make my travel budget go further.
Travel Doesn't Have to Be Complicated
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that travel is expensive, overwhelming or reserved for “someday.”
The truth is that meaningful travel can happen close to home. You don’t need to fly across the world to create memories with the people you love. Sometimes it’s a beach town a few hours away. Sometimes it’s a weekend in a city you’ve never explored. Sometimes it’s inviting a friend along and creating memories that will last long after the trip is over. Sometimes it’s simply giving yourself permission to go.
This Dewey Beach trip is a great reminder that travel comes in all shapes and sizes – and every trip has value.
Looking Ahead
As excited as I am for future adventures to places like Greece, Italy, Costa Rica, and the Cotswolds, I’m equally excited for a week spent biking, parasailing, walking the boardwalk, and watching the sunrise with my family and their friends.
Because at the end of the day, travel isn’t about checking destinations off a list. It’s about experiences. It’s about memories. And it’s about creating a life that you don’t feel the need to escape from.
If you’ve been putting off a trip because you think it’s too expensive or too complicated, maybe this is your reminder that your next adventure could be closer, and more affordable, than you think.
Need Help Planning Your Own Trip?
Whether you’re looking for a simple beach getaway, a Broadway weekend in New York City, an international adventure or you’re not even sure where to start, I offer travel planning services designed to help you travel with confidence.
From destination ideas and budget planning to complete custom itineraries. I’ll help you create a trip that fits your goals, travel style, and budget.
Visit the Services page to learn more about planning calls, DreamMap sessions and custom trip planning assistance.
