About

What’s this all about?

Have you ever wished you could travel the world but perhaps are a bit lost about where to start, how to handle the logistics of it, or how to save enough money to make it happen? Well, guess what.

You are not alone.

I am Traveling Jackie, the founder of this blog, and for half my life, I have been traveling independently overseas. I started my travels completely with my own savings and resources, and I am forever changed from immersing myself in other cultures, learning multiple languages, tasting foreign foods, and collecting friends all over the world. My love for travel has wholly shaped the course of my life.

I can list all the life-changing things it has taught me and tell you about all the beautiful people, cultures, and countries around the world, OR…

You can GO experience it for yourself.

This image shows a family posing around and on top of a bright yellow Volkswagen van. Two children are sitting on the roof of the van with their feet resting on the windshield, while two adults stand by the open front doors, all smiling. The photo is taken outdoors on a sunny day, with green grass beneath them and blue skies above, giving off a playful, road-trip vibe. The scene suggests a joyful moment during a family adventure, likely involving travel or camping.
This image shows a smiling woman taking a selfie with three girls wearing white hijabs. The group appears happy, with one of the girls playfully making a peace sign behind another's head. The setting seems to be indoors, possibly in a classroom, as there is writing on a whiteboard in the background. The scene conveys a sense of warmth, joy, and connection, possibly during an educational or cultural exchange experience.
This image shows two women posing playfully in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. They appear to be pretending to hold up or push against the tower, a popular tourist photo idea. Both are wearing sunglasses and casual summer outfits, with a bright, sunny day enhancing the fun atmosphere. The iconic Leaning Tower is clearly visible in the background, adding a sense of location and lighthearted travel spirit to the scene.
This image shows a woman standing next to a large globe sculpture, pointing to a location on the map around Central America. The globe is mounted on a pedestal in an outdoor setting, with a dry, open landscape and mountains in the distance under a clear blue sky. The woman, dressed casually in sunglasses, a tank top, and jeans, seems to be marking a specific point on the globe, suggesting a connection to travel or geography. The bright sunlight gives the scene a warm, adventurous feel.

The Budget-Minded Traveler exists to make travel as easy and accessible for you as possible. So, dig into the expertise on this site. Learn from our mistakes, catch on to our budget tricks, live vicariously through the photos and stories until you can’t take it anymore.

Then, go for yourself. Life is too short to live vicariously.

This blog is an invitation for YOU.

We believe too many people (especially in the USA) perceive their travel dreams as too expensive, time-consuming, or otherwise impossible. Yet travel – seeing the world and being exposed to other cultures – is a fast-track to tolerance, understanding, and education that this world (especially the USA) desperately needs.

This blog, the BMT Community, the podcast, and our online course represent our efforts to encourage and equip others to get out and meet the world in a realistic, affordable, sustainable, and rewarding way. It IS possible, and YOU can make it happen in your own life.

All you have to do is say yes.

START HERE
This image shows a woman wearing glasses and a casual shirt, holding up her open passport with a visible work visa inside. She is smiling slightly, suggesting a positive moment related to travel or receiving official documentation. The background appears to be indoors, with curtains and a window visible behind her. The scene conveys a sense of accomplishment, possibly celebrating the approval of the work visa, signaling the beginning of a new adventure or opportunity abroad.
This image shows a woman and a man standing inside a shop, with the woman smiling and holding a small cup, possibly enjoying a traditional drink like tea or coffee. The man is standing beside her, also smiling, wearing a light scarf around his neck. The shop is decorated with colorful scarves and fabrics, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The scene suggests a warm, cultural exchange, possibly during travel, where the woman is experiencing local customs or hospitality.
This image shows a woman standing by a river, feeding an elephant. She is smiling and holding fruit, while the elephant extends its trunk toward her, taking the food. A blue basket filled with more fruit is on the ground nearby. The setting appears to be outdoors in a natural environment, with greenery and rocks surrounding the area. The scene suggests a joyful and memorable interaction, possibly during a visit to an elephant sanctuary or on a wildlife adventure.
This image shows a woman laughing and enjoying herself while sitting on the back of a motorbike, wearing a helmet. She is holding a bottle of water and looking toward the camera with a big smile. The driver in front of her is wearing a white shirt with a logo on the back that says "Eat Food Man." The scene takes place on a busy street with lots of traffic and motorcycles, suggesting an urban setting, likely in an Asian city known for motorbike transport, such as Vietnam. The atmosphere is lively and full of excitement, possibly during a food tour or city adventure.

The Budget-Minded Traveler blog, website, and podcast is grateful to have contributions from the following bloggers and travel enthusiasts:

Brittany Quaglieri – She Goes With Purpose & Cape Cod Travel Tips, Lauren Rudersdorf – The Leek & The Carrot, Kristin Olivieri – The Sustainable Explorer, Hayden Lee – Travel Stories Podcast, Meghan Crawford – @yourdailymeg, Jenn & Steve Kurteck – The Good, The Bad, & The Booze, Chris Corbaz – @chriscorbaz, Ruben Encalada – Encalada Turismo, Casie Frederick – Mostly Free Bird, Shalese Kocher – Shalese Danielle, Chris Luecke – Pubcast Worldwide, Kevin Martin – 30 And a Wake Up, Stephanie Mayo – The World As I See It, Julie Smith – Drive On the Left, Maddy Wolfe – @msilkwolfe