Live Simply, Spend Less, Travel More: How to Create a Life You Love

Back in April 2019, I wrote three simple reminders in a notebook:

Live Simply. Spend Less. Travel More.

Underneath those words, I wrote three categories: Simplicity. Financial Freedom. More Adventures.

I was thinking about how much of our lives we spend working, buying things, paying for those things, and wishing we had more time to actually enjoy life. Seven years later, those reminders mean even more to me.

As I've gotten older, I've realized that some of the most meaningful things in life aren't things at all. They're the memories we make, the people we spend time with, the places we explore, and the freedom to enjoy an ordinary Tuesday just as much as an extraordinary vacation.

It’s part of what inspired the philosophy behind The Lucky Gypsy—and this new series, Our Endless Journey, where I’ll share ideas for living thoughtfully, finding joy in everyday life, and making room for more adventures.

I love a beautiful home, finding a great outfit, curling up with a good book, and discovering little things that make everyday life better. But I also love mountain mornings, winding back roads, little towns, and adventures that remind me there's a whole world waiting to be explored.

For me, enjoying both means choosing thoughtfully: buying what I'll use and love, while leaving room for experiences, too.

Simple Living: Make Room for What You Love

You can borrow ideas from a minimalist lifestyle while keeping everything that makes a home feel like yours. I want cozy blankets, pretty lamps, bookshelves full of books, and a comfortable chair for my morning coffee.

The question is whether the things we bring home add something to our lives. Do we use them? Enjoy them? Have a place for them?

Start decluttering one small space—a drawer, a closet shelf, or the kitchen counter. Keep what serves you, let go of what doesn't, and notice what would actually make that space work better before buying anything new.

The same idea applies to your wardrobe. You can enjoy a new outfit while choosing pieces that work with clothes you already own. A sweater you reach for every week can be a better purchase than several bargains you never wear.

I want a home that feels welcoming and a wardrobe that makes getting dressed easier. Thoughtful choices help me get there.

Intentional Spending: Give Your Money a Purpose

I love a good find, and sharing favorites will always be part of The Lucky Gypsy. I want those purchases to feel considered and useful.

Before buying, try asking: Will I use this often? Does it fit my life today? Is there something else I'd rather put this money toward?

Sometimes the answer is yes to the lamp, the outfit, or the comfortable reading chair. Other times, it's yes to a weekend in the mountains.

Look for easy changes that don't take away what you enjoy: cancel an unused subscription, plan a few meals, or pause before an impulse purchase. Direct what you save toward a goal that matters to you.

There's no single right balance. The point is to make room for the home, experiences, and financial breathing room you want, within what you can comfortably afford.

Affordable Travel: Make Room for Adventure

Of those three reminders, this one might be my favorite.

Travel doesn't have to mean an international flight or an expensive resort. Sometimes it's packing an overnight bag, grabbing coffee, and heading toward the mountains without much of an agenda.

It's discovering a little town, finding a beautiful trail, or sitting beside a campfire after a day outdoors. Those are the moments I remember.

And yet, it's easy to keep putting them off. In a FlexJobs survey conducted in August 2025, 23% of 3,063 U.S. respondents reported taking no vacation days during the previous year. Read the survey.

I know time off isn't simple for everyone. Work demands, caregiving, health, and finances can all affect what's possible. Rest at home counts, too.

But when our circumstances allow it, I think it's worth putting something on the calendar instead of waiting for the perfect moment. A nearby state park, a scenic drive, or an afternoon exploring somewhere new can be enough.

I don't want to sacrifice financial security for a trip. I want thoughtful everyday choices to help make more adventures possible.

Picture the Life You Want

Before tackling your whole closet or changing your budget, ask yourself what you want more of.

More time with family? A peaceful home? Less financial stress? More weekends outside?

One of my favorite ways to explore those questions is a vision board. Gather pictures, words, or quotes that represent the life you'd love to create. Use what you already have, or make a simple digital version.

Maybe yours includes a little house with a mountain view, a destination you've dreamed of visiting, or more time to read and rest.

A vision board won't make those things happen on its own. It can help you name your priorities, then choose one small action that moves you toward them.

Five Small Ways to Start This Week

1. Simplify one area. Choose a manageable spot or commitment. A cleared drawer or a less crowded weekend is a perfectly good beginning.

2. Give one expense a second look. Find something you no longer use or value, and decide where that money would serve you better.

3. Start an adventure fund. Set aside whatever fits your budget. Even a small amount can give your next outing a place in your plans.

4. Check your vacation days. Review what's available, any expiration dates, and rollover rules. If you can, schedule time to recharge.

5. Plan something to look forward to. Invite someone on a walk, pick a scenic route, or choose a nearby town to explore. It doesn't need to be elaborate.