Originally published 11 September 2025

A little over four years ago, we uploaded our first YouTube video, and while that video was (and still is) terrible, it changed the trajectory of our lives (and not because we instantly got rich 😂 - we didn't). Two and a half years ago, we got rid of our belongings and hit the road full-time. No backup plan. No house to go back to. We had this wild idea that we could build a life around travel, storytelling, and pizza, and that we could inspire others to follow their dreams too.

But the story doesn't begin there...

It started even before Kyle and I met. We both were avid travelers, seeking out adventures after work or on weekends. We've since combined our many mistakes and lessons, and chose to shape our life into one big adventure together (and it hasn't been easy).

I especially made a lot of mistakes a decade ago when I first started traveling, but I still took my first international trip while earning only $1k a month. There are some things I wish someone had told me then, and I suspect they apply to any type of travel you might do, whether for work, play, adventure, or the day-to-day.

If you're curious, here are the top 5 things I wish I knew, and if you want to go deeper on these topics and more, you can check out our first-ever, affordable (only $10) digital product: How to go on Unforgettable Adventures with a busy schedule

You've had trips in the past where the journey of getting to and from the destination made the whole thing feel like a waste of time, somehow increasing your stress levels instead of allowing you to unwind. Prepare in advance to enjoy the little thing.

I used to think there were only two options when it came to planning overnight stays:

1. as cheap as possible (and probably sketchy)
2. or out of my budget

From car camping to cozy cabins, to boutique hotels, you can search for discounts, deals, and even free stays without sacrificing comfort, cleanliness, or safety.

10 years ago, I was making only $1,000 a month, and with that I had to cover bills, rent, food, etc... and I still found a way to save some travel money on hard mode. I know now that my savings should have been earning me money (I like to use a High-Yield Savings Account, HYSA, that can get me interest up to 5.5% with 0 risk).

I tried adding my budget to a digital spreadsheet or writing it all down by hand, and the more time I put into it, the less sustainable it became. I'd get so behind in keeping it up to date that I eventually didn't have an accurate picture of where my money was going. Automate your budget through a trusted app so you can spend that time doing something you enjoy!

You don't need to quit your job or sell your couch to go on adventures. We spent 8 years working full-time, in-person jobs, and having incredible experiences along the way. We found a way to take stock of our schedules and to make space for the dream of travel. Your trips don't have to feel impossibly far into the future; you just need a strategy that fits your current lifestyle.

(We fell more in love with our trips over time, and eventually made the decision to shift towards working remotely, and 2 years ago, we were finally able to make that new dream come true - to work and travel simultaneously, so the road trip never ends 😂).

Peek Behind the Curtain

Kyle and I finally turned all those messy lessons into something real: our very first digital product to help others do what we wish we had done sooner: travel smarter, better, and more often.

If you want to skip the rookie mistakes and go on unforgettable adventures, check out our super affordable working person's travel strategy with a money-back guarantee.

It's only $10, and if you follow our passive savings advice, you'll get back more than the cost.

We’d love your feedback if you check it out, and even if it’s not for you, maybe forward this to a friend who’s dying to travel but doesn’t know where to start.

Get our in-depth comfort hacks, tips (and links) to find the best places to sleep around your budget, passive savings and budgeting short-cuts, and a few bonus mental shifts with a templated guide.

And yes, it also comes with a 30-day No Questions Asked Money Back Guarantee.

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Stay Cheesy,

Kyle & Ariana

(and Totoro and Achilles)