Travel Smart, Spend Less: My Holiday Travel Tips Featured in Essence

I have some exciting news to share. I was recently featured in Essence Magazine in The Black Girl’s Guide to Travel: Early-Bird Tips for the Best Holiday Deals.

As someone who loves helping people plan joyful, stress-free holidays, being recognized by Essence is a big deal for me. The feature highlights travel strategies that align perfectly with the Finansis philosophy: plan early, protect your peace, and make every dollar work for you.

So whether you’re flying across the country to see family or planning a cozy staycation, here are my favorite ways to travel well without draining your wallet.

 1️⃣ Start planning early

Travel is rarely just about the flight. Add up lodging, meals, transportation, activities, and gifts. When you know the full cost upfront, you can spread out your spending instead of facing one giant bill in December.

Pro tip: Try to book flights 5 to 6 months in advance for the best rates. For holiday travel, this means locking in tickets by early summer next year.

2️⃣ Book directly with vendors

Comparison sites are great for browsing, but booking directly through an airline or hotel can save you stress later. You get better customer service, more flexibility if you need to change plans, and direct access to loyalty rewards.

If you’ve ever waited hours on hold with a third-party booking service, you already know why this matters.

3️⃣ Use your rewards and points

Your loyalty points, miles, and cash-back rewards are designed for moments like this. Redeem them before they lose value.

If you have a travel rewards card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or AmEx Platinum, check for extra benefits such as airport lounge access, trip protection, or travel credits. Those perks can turn a long layover into a mini spa day.

4️⃣ Pack with intention

The goal is to travel lighter this year — physically and financially. Bring what you need, not what you might need. Overpacking often leads to extra baggage fees and unnecessary stress.

Stick to versatile items that can mix and match, and leave space in your luggage for any thoughtful gifts you pick up along the way.

5️⃣ Plan for peace

The best travel deal is one that protects your time and sanity. Build a buffer day before returning to work so you can unpack, rest, and ease back into your routine.

If you’re driving, add extra time for traffic and avoid peak travel hours. If you’re flying, choose early morning flights when delays are less common.

Final thought

Travel is meant to reconnect you with people and places you love, not leave you financially or emotionally exhausted.

Plan ahead, give yourself grace, and remember that a joyful trip doesn’t have to mean a perfect one.

If you’d like to read my full feature and the other expert travel tips included, check out my Essence Magazine interview here.

Here’s to traveling smarter, spending wisely, and returning home with peace of mind (and maybe a few extra dollars left in your account).