Hi, I’m Seth, the CEO and lead travel strategist at Travel Smith Co. Over the past 15 years, I’ve traveled to 51 countries across five continents—soon to be six as I plan my first trip to South America! Along the way, I’ve learned what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to planning affordable and stress-free trips.
My Favorite Trip: The Isle of Skye
Of all my adventures, my trip to the Isle of Skye in Scotland stands out as my favorite. My wife and I spent several days exploring its rugged beauty—unexpectedly under clear, sunny skies. I even got sunburned, which is rare for a place known for constant rain! The stunning landscapes, peaceful atmosphere, and perfect weather made it an unforgettable experience.
When Travel Doesn’t Go as Planned
If you travel enough, things will go wrong. Flights get delayed, bookings fall through, and unexpected challenges pop up. One of my most stressful moments was when I almost missed my own proposal due to a series of flight delays. I was traveling from East Africa to the UK to meet my (soon-to-be fiancée), and my flight out of Kenya was delayed so long that I risked missing my entire connection. In the end, I had to buy a last-minute standby ticket with cash, hope for an open seat, and sprint through the airport to make it in time. It was tense—but worth it!
Smart Travel Planning: Cash vs. Convenience
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the balance between saving money and making things easy. You can pay extra for convenience—like booking direct flights or taking a taxi from the airport—but if you’re willing to do a little extra research, you can save a lot. Some of my favorite tools for travel planning include:
✔️ Google Flights – Great for tracking flight prices and finding cheaper days to fly
✔️ Rome2Rio – Shows the best ways to get from city to city
✔️ WikiTravel – Offers local insights on culture, transportation, and safety
The Joy of Travel Planning
For me, travel is like putting together a puzzle—finding the best flights, figuring out where to stay, and mapping out experiences that make a trip memorable. And after 50+ countries, I’ve learned that flexibility, patience, and a sense of adventure make all the difference.
Where’s your next adventure? Let’s plan it together!
TRAVELSMITH CO 