Ultimate Travel Challenge: How To Afford 12 Trips in 12 Months with Jen Ruiz

Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

Practical advice on saving money, finding cheap flights, and making travel dreams come true with a year-long travel challenge. If you have the desire to travel more in the upcoming year, what is holding you back? Perhaps time? Money? Or a companion? Traveling can be a life-changing experience, but affording frequent travel may seem daunting. However, with the right strategies and mindset, it is possible to make this dream a reality.

In 2017, Jen Ruiz decided to go on an epic adventure before her 30th birthday. The goal: go on 12 trips in 12 months. She went on twenty trips that year, almost doubling her original goal. Jen shares how you, too, can plan your own similar travel challenge. She offers practical advice on saving money for travel, finding affordable flights, and managing your time while pursuing frequent travel with a demanding job.

Continue reading or listen to the podcast episode below.

In this episode, we cover:

3:40 – Jen’s life before the travel challenge
5:06 – Choosing travel over societal pressure
17:00 – Saving money on flights
19:05 – Travel hacking with credit cards
30:27 – No Excuses: Staying committed to the challenge
38:32 – From lawyer to travel writer
42:24 – Starting your own 12 Trips Challenge

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Jen Ruiz transitioned from being a lawyer to a full-time travel blogger, award-winning travel journalist, and bestselling author. In her travel memoir, 12 Trips in 12 Months, she takes readers on a year-long trip around the globe, defying societal expectations of what a woman is supposed to be and empowering others to discover their own solo travel magic.

What is a travel challenge?

A travel challenge is a personal goal or commitment to travel a certain number of times within a specific timeframe. The “12 trips in 12 months” travel challenge entails going on 12 trips in the span of 12 months, which means taking a trip each month for a year.

This travel challenge encourages individuals to explore new destinations, experience different cultures, and step out of their comfort zones by committing to regular travel throughout the year. It can also serve as a way to prioritize travel and foster personal growth.

Jen Ruiz completed this epic travel challenge and shares tips for planning and completing it successfully.

Why take the “12 Trips In 12 Months” challenge?

Jen Ruiz decided to take a 12 trips in 12 months challenge because she felt like she had sacrificed her personal life in her 20s and wanted to do something meaningful and memorable before turning 30.

She wanted to break free from societal expectations and celebrate her last year in her 20s by doing something that made her feel empowered and in control.

Traveling was something that made her feel good about herself, and she wanted to spend her time doing something that she could look back on fondly without any regrets.

Some reasons why you might want to take this challenge include:

Personal Growth: Push yourself out of your comfort zone and experience new things.
Building Confidence: Completing the challenge can boost your confidence by showing you can set and achieve goals.
Creating Memorable Experiences: Create unforgettable memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.
Exploring New Destinations: Discover new cultures and experiences.
Overcoming Excuses: By committing to the challenge, overcome excuses and obstacles that may have prevented you from traveling more frequently.
Career Change: It may lead to career changes or shifts in focus, as seen in Jen’s transition from law to travel writing.

Travel Challenge Misconceptions

One common misconception about the 12 Trips in 12 Months challenge is that it requires international travel. Jen Ruiz emphasizes that the challenge can be completed with trips to nearby destinations or even day trips within your own state.

Related: What To Pack For Road Trips

The key is to break out of your routine and experience something different, regardless of the distance traveled.

This challenge is about personal growth and exploration, not just international travel.

The Transformative Power of Travel

Jen’s experience of taking on the 12 trips in 12 months challenge not only allowed her to explore the world but also led to a career transformation. Following her passion for travel and storytelling, she transitioned from a career in law to becoming a full-time travel blogger, author, and award-winning travel journalist.

In the comments below, let me know what you hope to accomplish with this challenge.

Saving Money For Frequent Travel

One key aspect of affording 12 trips in 12 months is effective money management. Here are some tips to help you save for your travel adventures.

1. Start a side hustle and earn meaningful money

Consider taking on a side hustle to supplement your income. Jen Ruiz, the author of “12 Trips in 12 Months,” taught English online to earn extra money for her travels.

With a goal of earning meaningful income, she sacrificed sleep, worked early in the morning and through the night, including weekends.

When considering side hustles, look for ones that can be done remotely without commuting.

And so my first month I made about $1,800 and now we’re talking meaningful money. I can plan a trip somewhere. I can make this stretch for me.
Jen Ruiz

2. Establish a travel fund and regularly save

Create a travel fund by opening a separate savings account and setting aside a portion of your monthly income specifically for travel expenses. Track your spending and cut back on non-essential expenses to save more for travel.

Discover why you need a travel fund by listening to this podcast episode below.

Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | Amazon Music

3. Maximize credit card travel rewards

Utilizing credit card rewards and loyalty programs to earn points and miles that can be redeemed for flights and accommodations is another way to save money on travel.

Jen initially had objections about using credit cards due to her family’s beliefs about credit, but she overcame them by realizing the benefits of earning points and miles for travel and how to use credit cards responsibly.

She started by taking out her first credit card, a JetBlue Card, and using it to book flights at significantly reduced costs. For example, she booked a round-trip flight to Aruba from Fort Lauderdale for under $70.

Jen Ruiz: “JetBlue operated out of Fort Lauderdale, where I was based. I knew they had a low minimum spend threshold. They only required spending $1,000 within the first three months, which didn’t seem scary. I thought I could handle this. I can pay it off. I won’t get into debt over this.”

Going to Aruba was a great example of how travel hacking can occur without bankrupting you or putting you in a precarious financial position. This demonstrates how changing your mindset and being open to new financial strategies can lead to opportunities for saving money and achieving travel goals.

Other travel rewards credit cards worth checking out include:

Finding Affordable Flights

Flights are often one of the most significant expenses when traveling. Here are some tips for finding affordable flights.

1. Sign up for Flight Alerts

Subscribe to flight alert services like Thrifty Traveler to receive daily email alerts about discounted airfare, points, and miles deals. Jen booked round-trip flights to Argentina for $330 through a flight deal alert.

2. Fly with Budget Airlines

To save money on airfare, consider flying with budget airlines.

Budget airlines offer lower fares by providing no-frills services and charging extra for amenities like checked baggage, seat selection, and in-flight meals.

Unlike traditional airlines, budget airlines offer the opportunity to pace out payments for additional services, making them more affordable for travelers.

Jen compares budget airlines to layaway programs for flights because you initially put money down to secure your seat. Come back later with more money to designate a window or aisle seat. Before checking in, pay to check in your luggage – all optional.

Flying with budget airlines allows you to pace out payments and select what’s necessary.

3. Book Early

Plan and book flights in advance to secure lower prices, especially for peak-season travel. Track flight prices using Google Flights and search for deals and promotions to save on airfare and lodging.

Taking the First Step

If you’re inspired by Jen’s story and are considering taking your own travel challenge while balancing a demanding job, remember that the first step is often the hardest but most crucial.

Start by setting clear goals, collaborating with coworkers, and prioritizing self-care and travel. By following Jen’s practical tips and staying committed to your travel goals, you can experience the transformative power of travel and create lasting memories along the way.

Tired of reading? Listen to this podcast episode on Spotify below.

Taking a travel challenge and affording frequent travel is achievable with careful planning and smart financial decisions. By implementing these practical tips, you can make your travel dreams a reality and kick off a year of exciting adventures without going broke. With dedication and smart money management, the world is yours to explore!

Take Your Own 12 Trips In 12 Months Challenge!

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About Jen Ruiz

Jen Ruiz is a lawyer turned full-time travel blogger, award-winning travel journalist, and bestselling author. She believes in booking flights first and figuring out the details later.

Website: jenonajetplane.com

Instagram: @jenonajetplane

Other Books by Jen Ruiz:

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy

Benefits of Solo Travel with Nausheen Farishta – Episode 165
Planning Your First Solo Backpacking Trip with Gemma Thompson – Episode 90
Ways To Travel Without Going Into Debt – Episode 143
Must-Read Budget Travel Books

Danielle Desir Corbett

Danielle Desir Corbett is an award-winning and 6x grant-funded travel writer and podcast host who went from financial struggle to visiting 27+ countries all without waiting until retirement. Her story is proof that budget doesn’t limit adventure. Tune into The Thought Card Podcast for practical strategies to travel smarter and live on your terms. Say hello: thethoughtcard (at) gmail (dot) com.

thoughtcard.com/

The Ultimate Travel Challenge: How To Afford 12 Trips in 12 Months with Jen Ruiz – Episode 166