Travel Now, Not Later: Budget-Friendly Tips for Single Christian Women

In the last post, I said, “Don’t wait for life to start. Live it now.” In case you’re wondering about the financial logistics, I want you to keep this in mind:

You Don’t Have to Be Rich—You Just Have to Be Ready

I know what you’re thinking: “But traveling’s expensive!” Add in all of these taxes/tariffs and tourists’ nightmares, and it starts to feel like traveling is a fantasy.

Sure, it can be expensive to see the world. But it can also be shockingly affordable when you plan well. Over the next few months, I will share some more tips to help you to maximize your ability to travel even (or especially) while on a tight budget.

How You Can Start Traveling on a Budget

Here are a few beginner-friendly tools to keep in mind as you begin your search:

• Google Flights: Flexible date search = magic.
• Skyscanner: Great for finding cheap flights and exploring “Everywhere” as a destination (then you can pick the one that is friendliest to your budget).
• Hopper: A site that tells you the best time to buy and also helps you keep track of price drops.
• Expedia.com: Various packages available and cancellation flexibility for travelers.
• Hostelworld: Budget-friendly and female-only dorm options available.

Now maybe you’re excited to try some of these out but also have some fear/anxiety related to traveling alone. In that case, I suggest you start off small. For example, start with a staycation in a nearby city or a domestic flight. If a staycation still sounds like it’s outside of your budget/comfort zone, compromise by trying a day pass at a resort.

Check out ResortPass for hotels/resorts in your area. In addition to day passes, you can also book day rooms, spa appointments, cabanas, group packages and more on their website/app (download it here -> Android app/iPhone app!

A quick search in my area revealed day passes starting at $20! Just watch out for the fine print (like valet parking fees, gratuities, or extra service charges).

If you’re feeling bold and want to take the plunge on beginning to travel alone, why not consider:

• Mexico (relatively affordable + potentially close depending on where you live)
• Portugal (solo-travel friendly + relatively safe)
• Thailand (cheap and stunning)
• Costa Rica (adventure, beaches, and bomb coffee. Need I say more???)

(***Sidenote, given all of the changes surrounding immigration, extra security at the border, and even war/unrest among nations, definitely do your research before booking any flights that are international.)

God Will Meet You There

Now, maybe some of you worry that God’s primary home is the church. The thought of potentially missing a church service here or there, or leaving your hometown for a short vacay, fills you with dread. If that’s the case, I want you to remember this:

• God is everywhere.
• The Holy Spirit lives in You. Yes, in little, old you.

We sometimes think the only “holy ground” is inside four church walls. But that’s not entirely true.

God is not only omniscient and omnipotent. He’s also omnipresent. There is nowhere you can go that God can’t see or find you. God is the master creator, yet His Holy Spirit lives in you.

• God created every sunrise in Santorini.
• He painted the hills of Tuscany.
• He still speaks in the stillness of unfamiliar places.

Psalms 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

When you travel, you don’t just learn about the world, different cultures, or various experiences — you also get to learn about yourself and build your self-confidence. In addition, on the plus side, you learn more about the God who made you and this great, beautiful world we live in.

I want you to be able to travel and see the world. Whether it’s the jungles of South America, the mountains of Colorado, or the beaches of the Caribbean, I want you to get to see, taste, and experience it all. But first and foremost, I want you to be safe.

Better Safe than Sorry

How can you be safe as you start the traveling (and potentially solo traveling) journey? You need to be wise and discerning (praying and seeking wise counsel will help with that), you need to do research, and if you’re traveling alone you definitely need to share your itinerary with people you love and trust (preferably those who will come running if something goes left…or sideways).

And remember, being safe isn’t about feeling scared about any and everything. It’s about learning to be prepared and not acting without forethought. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

• Register your trip with STEP (U.S. citizens only).
• Buy travel insurance (to start, you can try SafetyWing or World Nomads).
• Check out travel alerts for any and every country you’re thinking about visiting here. And if you’re concerned about infectious diseases or vaccination requirements, click here. I’d hate for any of my sisters to get injured, stuck, or sick outside their country!
• Stay in well-rated places, talk to others who have traveled to where you’re considering going (especially about safety concerns), and read reviews like your life depends on it (because it kinda does).
• Trust your gut!!! I can’t say this enough. If at any time something feels off, leave! Sometimes, your gut can pick up on things before your conscious mind can.
• Use AirTags in your luggage (techy trick that’s worth it).
• Always, always pray before you go. Tell God, “If you’re not going, don’t let me get on the plane, train, cruise ship, bus, car, etc.“).

When traveling, if at any time something feels off, leave! Sometimes, your gut can pick up on things before your conscious mind can. Share on X

Final Thoughts

You have the time, the calling, and the permission to see the world right now. Don’t wait for a husband to “go with” you. Go with your first husband and unconditional lover: God.

This is your season to collect actual memories and experiences, not just Pinterest pins and boards filled with all of the things you hope to eventually do once God sends you your husband.

This is your season to get lost (in the world/your travels) and to find (yourself). This is your season to realize you were never really waiting—you were just getting ready. So pack the bag. Buy the ticket. And text me when you land or tag me in your pics #FSWOchronicles for the win!

Share this post with a friend or potential travel buddy! 🙃