This Week's Money Talking Points
1. What is slow travel?
Slow travel is all about trading in that “go-go-go” mentality for a chance to actually live in the places you visit. Instead of cramming your entire itinerary into a few short days, you settle into one location for weeks, or even months. It’s a shift from being a tourist who checks off the top three attractions to being a temporary local, walking the neighborhoods, exploring hidden gems, and connecting to the culture in a real way. My wife and I felt this firsthand in Hawaii when we spent extra days enjoying each spot instead of racing to the next Instagram-worthy stop.
Financially, slow travel can actually save you money. When you stay longer, you often spend less on flights and can swap your normal monthly budget for local living expenses. You don’t need to pay for pricey hotels in tourist centers every night; you can stay further out, use public transit, and feel like part of the community. I want you to think about this: if you didn’t have to plan every minute of a vacation, what moments could you actually savor? Hit reply and let me know if this approach sounds totally refreshing, or maybe even a little intimidating.
2. How can everyone benefit from elements of slow travel
You don’t need to leave the country to start practicing slow travel. The idea is to slow down and be intentional about your experiences. That might mean spending a Saturday exploring a new neighborhood in your city, leaving the car behind, and just walking to see what you notice. Suzy mentioned in the episode that even cooking a meal with ingredients from an international market can give you that “travel” feeling without leaving home. It’s about finding ways to engage with your surroundings instead of rushing past them.
By taking a slow travel approach, stress levels drop, and your memories get richer. You’re no longer just remembering the logistics of running from one stop to the next, your trip sticks with you because you truly experienced it. And yes, your wallet will thank you too. Fewer Ubers, more public transit. Fewer frantic meals in tourist traps, more intentional meals where locals actually eat. Start small: maybe your next day trip is all about slowing down and seeing what’s right in front of you. Screenshot this idea and share it with a friend; you might inspire the perfect “mini” slow travel weekend.
3. What is your favorite vacation you’ve ever taken?
This is a fun one! For my wife and me, it’s our Hawaii trip hands down. We stayed for about 12 days, and even though a hurricane threw our plans off, the slower pace made the experience unforgettable. Every morning started with a swim in the ocean, and every evening ended with a beach sunset and shaved ice in hand. We had room in our schedule to rearrange things when the weather changed, and those slower, unplanned moments became the memories we talk about the most.
Your favorite vacation says a LOT about the kind of travel you actually enjoy. Was it a packed itinerary of sights and sounds? Or was it the one where you slowed down and truly soaked it all in? Thinking about your favorite trip can help shape your next adventure and your travel budget so it feels intentional instead of rushed. Hit reply and tell me what the best vacation you’ve ever had was, and why it stands out. I’d love to hear your stories, and they might even inspire where we go next.
This week's Money Buddy
Suzy May is a wife and mother of two who has embraced a semi-nomadic lifestyle for the past three years, splitting her time between Spain, Germany, and Colorado. Through her coaching business, she helps families create financial plans for long-term and slow family travel. Suzy also hosts the Wander Worldschool and Slow Family Travel podcast, where she shares the financial and logistical stories of traveling families and worldschool creators to inspire meaningful family travel experiences.
Enjoy your week and get out there and have a money talk!
