On The Go Explorers

We’ve all seen it:  Someone posts a dreamy vacation photo on Instagram, maybe sipping a coconut in Zanzibar or standing under a waterfall in Bali. The comments roll in:

How much did it cost?
Please share your budget!
Where did you stay?

And I get it. It’s curiosity, maybe even inspiration. While these are fair questions, it often misses the point. Because travel isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. What worked for someone else won’t necessarily work for you, but here’s what I’ve realised: the secret to traveling more isn’t knowing how much someone else spent. It’s learning how to plan your own trip. 

Because travel isn’t expensive. Poor planning is.

You’re Asking the Wrong Questions

In the age of curated travel content, it’s easy to think travel is reserved for the rich or the lucky (I say this recognising the privilege that comes with being able to travel). But the truth is, most people who travel often aren’t sitting on endless budgets. They’re just good planners.

When we scroll through someone’s trip highlights, what we don’t see are the decisions behind the scenes: the flight alerts they caught early, the local stays they booked instead of hotels, or how they prioritized experiences over fancy extras.

The question shouldn’t be “How much did it cost?” but “How did you plan it?” Because the difference between a 200K vacation and a 50K getaway isn’t necessarily the destination. It is in the approach. Everyone travels differently. Some prioritize comfort, others chase adventure. Some want fine dining, others are perfectly happy with street food. The magic lies in understanding what you want and how to make it fit within what you have.

Match Your Budget to Your Destination

So, let’s flip how we think about travel for a second. Instead of starting with “How much money do I have and where can I go?” start with “Where do I want to go, and how can my budget take me there?”

Every trip can be broken down into three key pillars:

1. Transport – how you get there

2. Stay – where you sleep

3. Play – what you do once you arrive

Once you understand these three, travel stops being overwhelming. You can tailor every part to fit your comfort and your wallet.

Take Zanzibar, for example. Maybe you have saved up 50,000 KES and you’re wondering if it’s even possible. It sounds unrealistic, right?

You can:
✈️ Catch a discounted flight or ferry from Dar es Salaam
🏡 Stay in a locally-owned guesthouse instead of a resort
🍽️ Eat at local cafes and enjoy street food instead of high-end restaurants
🏖️ Focus on free or low-cost experiences like beach days, sunset walks, and exploring Stone Town

Suddenly, your dream destination becomes doable because you matched your budget to your trip, not your trip to someone else’s budget.

How I Learned to Plan My Trips Smarter

When I started traveling, I didn’t have everything figured out. I made mistakes — booked flights late, stayed in the wrong areas, overpacked itineraries. But over time, I have learned that the better you plan, the freer you feel once you’re on the road.

Here’s what my planning process looks like now and what I recommend to anyone learning the ropes:

Start with a destination that excites you.
Don’t let your budget kill your dream before it begins. Go where your heart wants, then work backward to make it affordable. You’ll be more motivated to find creative solutions when the destination excites you.

Research transport early.
Compare everything from flights, buses, to ferries. Sometimes leaving on a Tuesday or on a Friday can save you some thousands.

Choose accommodation that matches your comfort level.
Whether it’s a cute Airbnb, a budget hostel, or a cozy hotel, focus on the experience you want not what looks fancy online.

Plan your experiences, but don’t over plan.
Make a list of what you’d love to do, then prioritize. Sometimes, one unforgettable activity is worth more than a packed schedule. Prioritise the moments that will make your trip meaningful.

Budget honestly.
Delulu is not the solulu when it comes to travel. Write it all down. Transport, stay, food, activities, plus a small buffer (miscellaneous costs). Once you visualize it, the idea of travel becomes less intimidating and more achievable.

The Mindset Shift

Once you understand how to plan, travel stops feeling like a luxury and it starts feeling like a lifestyle. You stop (significantly) comparing your experiences to others and start creating your own. You learn how to make your money work for your dreams, instead of letting it decide where you can or can’t go. And that’s the real secret: travel isn’t about how much you spend, it’s about how you plan.

 You can travel, you just need to plan smarter.

Feeling Overwhelmed? I’ve Got You.

A lil honesty here: Planning can be hectic, especially if it’s your first time or you simply hate logistics. If planning isn’t your thing, that is okay too. That’s where I come in.

Whether it’s your first solo adventure, a group getaway with friends, or your next international escape, I help travelers design trips that make sense — for their budget, their pace, and their vibe.

From destination consultations to fully organized group experiences, I’m here to make travel feel accessible and exciting again.

Reach out to me (us) to plan your adventure the smart way!