Affordable Adventures: Travel Tips That Won’t Break the Bank

Let’s bust a myth right away: You don’t have to be rich (or retired) to travel well. With a little intention and some strategic planning, you can enjoy incredible adventures without draining your savings account. From cash back tools to credit card perks to point strategies, here’s how we make travel work for our budget — and how you can too. We’re breaking down the practical and the lesser-known ways to save, plus real-life examples from our own trips.

1. Points Are Your Passport: Make Your Spending Work for You

One of the easiest ways to make travel more affordable is to earn points or miles on the money you already spend. Two of our favorite cards for this are the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the American Express Platinum.

• Capital One Venture offers 2x miles on every purchase. The real win? You can erase travel purchases using points, or transfer them to airline and hotel partners.

• Amex Platinum is ideal if you fly often and value perks like Centurion Lounge access, airline credits, hotel upgrades, and 5x points on flights booked through Amex Travel.

Real-Life Example: We booked round-trip flights to San Juan, Puerto Rico using American Express points, covering over $500 in airfare with points alone. I can’t remember exact flights at the moment, but I know we’ve used points for free airfare before we even started Shutter and Compass. So, If you aren’t using those credit cards in this way…here’s your sign to start. NOW!

Tip: Keep an eye on sign-up bonuses. These often range from 60,000–100,000 points when you meet minimum spending requirements — enough to cover one or two round-trip tickets!

2. Rakuten = Free Money for Travel

We try to use Rakuten every time we shop online. We’re getting better, but you can see that we have a long way to go to fully maximize it — but, we still believe every little bit helps! Rakuten is a cash back platform that gives you money back just for clicking through their site to see if where your shopping is a partner, before you buy from stores like Sephora, Walmart, or even travel sites like Expedia and Booking.com.

If you haven’t tried it yet, here’s our referral link to get started and score a welcome bonus:
👉 Rakuten Referral Link

Insider Tip: Link your Amex or Visa card to earn in-store cashback at places like Ulta and Walgreens, and if we just realized it works for Giant, too! So…all those groceries…Dominion Valley and Haymarket people, I’m talking to you…go ahead and link it for those points!

RAKUTEN POINTS

It’s not a ton, but honestly, we’re still excited we’re getting paid for literally our regular shopping trips.

If you haven’t tried it yet, here’s our referral link to get started and score a welcome bonus:
👉 Rakuten Referral Link

How we use it: When we started our Rakuten account in November, 2024, we earned 4,000 points just to start, and then we quickly added points, without even realizing it! From our regular purchases (some even in-store!) at Adidas, Giant (again - how cool!), Shutterfly, Madison Reed (because…hello, we’re in our 40’s) and legit, I JUST saw that my TACO BUENO purchases in Oklahoma earned me points…all because my American Express is linked. Like really, why would one NOT do this?! while you can convert the points to dollars, we actually send them right over to American Express to keep as points for our travel. I know that there’s a mathematical or better way to figure out what works best, but this is what we’re choosing for now. While I know I still need to thank her, I know I’ve read a lot of my travel credit card information from Jen Woodhouse - https://jenwoodhouse.com/category/travel/ - I’ve known Jen for somewhere around a decade, and she’s the real deal. Excited to hopefully connect soon (once she’s in the country for a hot minute from all of her travels) so we can learn more from her! But we highly recommend checking her site out — she is incredibly knowledgeable. Like really — not just in travel. She does it ALL!

3. Stack the Savings: Cashback + Points + Coupons

Combine these methods for serious savings:

• Use Rakuten (or a similar browser extension like Honey or Capital One Shopping).

• Book with a rewards credit card.

• Search for discount codes or use hotel loyalty programs (e.g., Hilton Honors).

Pro Tip: Book your hotel through Rakuten, use your Amex to pay, and make sure it’s a property you can earn hotel points on. That’s a triple win.

4. Fly Smart: Timing is Everything

• Fly midweek. Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have the best fares.

• Set fare alerts with tools like Google Flights or Hopper.

• Travel off-season or during shoulder seasons (e.g., late April or early October).

You can score $49 one-way fares on Southwest just by flying on a Wednesday in October — peak weather, low prices.

5. JGOOT: Just Get Out of Town

We’re just diving into JGOOT (Just Get Out of Town) — a subscription-based platform that teaches you how to use points and find mistake fares. So far, we’re impressed by how it encourages thinking differently about travel. Definitely legit, and depending on your needs, they can walk you through an amazing process for making your travel not only more affordable, and also getting you into those business class and luxury flights!

JGOOT teaches:

• How to book flights with fewer points by transferring to partners.

• How to find deals where points are valued 2-4x more than booking directly.

We haven’t booked a full trip using it yet, but we’ll report back when we do! It’s worth checking out if you want to level-up your points game.
https://www.jgoot.com

6. Look Local First

Adventure doesn’t always require a passport.

• Check your state’s tourism board for discounts and deals.

• Plan a short road trip to a nearby vineyard, historic town, or hiking trail.

• Search Airbnb Experiences or Groupon for things to do within 2 hours of home.

Some of our favorite days have been 45 minutes from our doorstep. If you’re in Northern Virginia, this is your healthy reminder that you are likely within an hour or two from our Nation’s Capital, Washington DC. There is always so much to see and do there. And what we’ve noticed is that a lot of people who have lived here the longest, STILL haven’t been to our Nation’s Capital. Y’all are missing out! BUT, no fear. If the DC traffic and city life are either intimidating or just aren’t your thing, there are so many beautiful wineries, breweries, restaurants, hiking trails, and so much more close by.

7. Use Travel Communities for Deals and Ideas

Facebook groups, Reddit threads (like r/travelhacks), and even TikTok are full of travelers sharing real-time deals, itineraries, and budget tips. Join the conversation, ask questions, and share what’s worked for you. And as always, hop on over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/shutterandcompass to share your thoughts and questions, or even share about your latest travels and awesome finds.

8. Create a "Travel Fund" Jar (Seriously)

Yes, we love points. But nothing beats cash.

• Start with $10/week.

• Add every time you skip a takeout meal or cancel a subscription you’re not using. Also, if you haven’t canceled those subscriptions you aren’t using…go do that!! You may be shocked by how much you’re not even realizing you’re spending. >>>ask us how we know<<<

We’ve funded everything from cruise excursions to a new carry-on just with what we stock l away over a few months.

You Can Afford to Go

Whether it's a luxe cruise booked with miles, or a weekend Airbnb funded by cashback and a travel jar, there are so many ways to make adventure more accessible.Start where you are. Use what you have. Learn a few new tricks along the way. And remember, a good hike, a free museum…those are still in our travel realm! Enjoy what you can, when you can. And remember: it doesn’t have to be extravagant to be meaningful. Just go and make the memories. You’ll thank yourself (and us!) when you realize how much you love it.

XO,

P.S. We’re working on a future post specifically about how to maximize credit card points like a pro — so stay tuned! Let us know what questions you have so we can get some guest speakers lined up and so we can share more with you!

Disclosures: We may earn a small commission when you use our affiliate links, including Amazon and Rakuten. This comes at no cost to you and helps support future content for Shutter and Compass. Thank you for your support!

Ready for Takeoff: Summer Travel Essentials That Will Save Your Sanity (and Your Style)

At Shutter and Compass, we’re all about encouraging adventure—and doing it smart. Whether you’re jetting off to sun-drenched beaches or hopping between charming cities, being proactive about what you pack makes all the difference between smooth sailing and stressful surprises. And trust us... we've learned that the hard way.

When Preparation Pays Off

Take Shelby’s recent flight from Atlanta to Washington, for example. Her suitcase never made it onto the plane. (We know. Sigh.) But thanks to an Apple AirTag tucked inside her checked bag, she could pinpoint its location and work with the airline without the usual guesswork or panic.

Lesson learned: Don’t leave for the airport without one.
Also, if you fly Frontier, know what everyone else on the plane already knew … be safe, and just use a carry-on. There was a reason why only Shelby was left looking for her luggage - only about 10 people seemed to need to pick up baggage. And apparently theirs weren’t lost.

Our Favorite Summer Travel Finds

We’re not just about the destinations—we’re about the gear that gets you there in style, comfort, and sanity. Here are our favorite travel companions this season:

☀️ The Folding Sun Hat

This chic, packable sun visor is a favorite for both Shelby and Megan. It folds flat, fits in your tote, and gives major coastal-grandmother-meets-stylish-globetrotter vibes. Bonus: it keeps you protected from UV rays and bad hat hair.

🎒 Compression Packing Cubes

These rose gold packing cubes (Shelby’s favorite color, of course!) keep your outfits organized, your suitcase neat, and your sanity intact—especially when you're living out of a carry-on. Not gonna lie, we weren’t 100% sold on the idea of the cubes - seems like just another step to add in packing - but honestly, it did help us keep a little more organized overall. A little extra planning, but worth having them. Plus, did we mention…ROSE GOLD!

💊 Travel Pill Organizer

Don’t play the guessing game with loose vitamins or allergy meds. This 14-grid pill case even includes labels for easy organizing—and it fits right in your carry-on. We’ve been traveling a lot lately. Some fun, some less fun, but trust us when we say — if you’re one who needs daily medication/vitamins/just extra Tylenol to have on hand…is pill case is so helpful. When we went to Key West and Bimini last February with Virgin Voyages, it would have been so helpful to have a few extra over the counter medications on hand. Between a few members of our group having stomach issues (all not related to each other, thankfully), and having to find and use a vending machine (for medication - who knew that was such a thing) and of course a bout of just motion sickness from nausea, it’d have been nice to have some extras. Also, bonus tip. If you are reliant on daily mediations — ALWAYS pack extra. We’ve seen it too many times where travelers pack exactly the amount they need, and wind up having some type of issue, and wishing they had a few extra on hand for unexpected delays.

🔋 Portable Charger (with built-in cords!)

No more frantic airport outlet searches. This compact charger plugs into the wall and has built-in cables so you’re always ready to recharge on the go. Of all of our favorite finds, so far, this one has to be the most purchased and well used!! Numerous friends and followers have connected to tell us how great these are! And, we’ve purchased one of each member of BOTH of our families!! We always have one or two on hand, and have gotten so much use out of these.

✈️ Pressure Relief Ear Plugs

Say goodbye to mid-flight ear pain with these FlyFit earplugs. They’re reusable, hypoallergenic, and a must-have for frequent flyers. Megan is a wealth of knowledge, and these are something she has used in the past with great success, and now that Shelby knows about them, she’ll keep them on hand for flights as well. Especially for her son! He has some eardrum issues, and this just seems to be handy to have - just in case.

💄 Clear TSA Toiletry Bags

These clear, TSA-approved toiletry bags keep your liquids leak-free and airport-friendly. No more digging through your bag at security. While we haven’t been surprised by anything recently with our travels as far as TSA is concerned, it never hurts to be in full compliance, and let’s be honest - anything to get us through those lines quicker is a huge bonus. Have we mentioned the joy of TSA PreCheck and CLEAR?! Be on the lookout for that post! The point though is, we are fans, and with our traveling, the TSA approved bag going through ANY line is a plus!

🧼 Hanging Toiletry Bag

Speaking of toiletries, we love this hanging organizer for small hotel bathrooms or cruise cabin sinks. It keeps everything up, organized, and spill-free. One of our biggest peeves is being unorganized. Both in life and during travels. Again, we like to streamline everything, and organizing in small cruise line bathrooms can be a challenge. This organizer has the space and the compartments to make your bathroom tidy. We also love that it comes in … baby pink! Not quite rose gold, but Shelby still approves.

🛂 Passport Cover & Wallet

Keep your ID, cards, and passport in one stylish place with this RFID-blocking wallet. Ideal for those who prefer both style and security. Rose Gold. If it’s shiny and in the right color, and FUNCTIONAL…with an added level of protection for your information, Shelby is all over it. Consolidating all of your necessities into this slim, stylish passport holder and card protector just makes sense to us, especially if you do a lot of international travel… OR if you still don’t have your REAL ID. Do you have yours? Long story short, Shelby doesn’t, but she travels with her Passport and Military ID, just to be safe.

💍 Jewelry Roll

No more tangled necklaces! This foldable jewelry case is sleek, soft pink, and perfect for packing just enough sparkle. Untangling jewelry is a pain! And we enjoy having the ability to be a lil’ fancy with our jewelry, so this case keeps us well accessorized!!

🌿 Bonus Find: Yellow Leaf Hammocks

Want to bring summer vibes home? We love the entire Yellow Leaf Hammock collection—ethical, handmade, and perfect for backyard lounging after your latest getaway. If you’ve traveled on a Virgin Voyages Cruise, you know what we are talking about!!! We LOVE Virgin Voyages balconies and hammocks…and while we don’t own this particular find, we were excited to find that you could in fact purchase this! How cool! Would you buy one?!

Proactive Packing = Peace of Mind

Let’s be honest—travel always has something that doesn’t go according to plan. But having the right tools in your bag (literally) can help you stay calm, cool, and collected.

So, before you take off this summer, take a few minutes to prep like a pro. Your future self—and your travel photos—will thank you.

✈️ Where are you headed this summer?

We’d love to hear your travel plans—and if you need help narrowing down your must-pack items, just shoot us a message or explore our Amazon Favorites! We are always striving to add and update as we find helpful items we love (or if we hear you love them!).

How to Cruise to the South Caribbean Stress Free

Sailing the South Caribbean with Virgin Voyages: Packing Tips, Pro Tips, and Unforgettable Moments

If you’ve ever dreamed of an adults-only cruise where luxury meets laid-back vibes, Virgin Voyages is calling your name. We—Shelby and Megan—recently set sail on an adventure through the stunning South Caribbean, with stops in Barbados, St. Lucia, Tortola, St. Maarten, Antigua, and a departure from Puerto Rico. December was the perfect time to cruise—warm breezes, turquoise waters, and just the right amount of holiday spirit on board.

So, grab a cocktail, kick back, and let us take you through our trip, plus some handy pro tips and packing must-haves to make your Virgin Voyages experience seamless!

Packing Tips: Essentials You Won’t Want to Forget

Let’s talk about packing smart. Virgin Voyages cruises are all about effortless style and comfort, so packing light (but right) is the way to go. Here are some must-haves:

• Packing Cubes – Keep your suitcase organized and easily find your outfits for every occasion. Check out our favorite set here: https://amzn.to/4jK3Vy6

• Sun Hat – The Caribbean sun doesn’t mess around. A stylish, packable sun hat is a lifesaver for beach days. We love this one – it was so easy to fold in our travel bags, yet still super accessible: https://amzn.to/3Q5qRdp

• Reef-Safe Sunscreen – Whether you have health issues that require medication or if you just like to be well-prepared for any illness scenario, we love this Travel Pill Organizer! https://amzn.to/3QbRXj2

• Waterproof Phone Case – Perfect for those catamaran rides and snorkeling trips. https://amzn.to/4gptPEq

• Comfortable Sandals – You’ll be doing plenty of exploring, so comfy and stylish sandals are a must.

• Portable Chargers – These are a MUST during travels! Ours came in handy numerous times (shocker – we took a lot of pictures, videos, notes and all things for this content!) https://amzn.to/40Mre1o

• Swimwear & Cover-Ups – Pack a few so you’re always ready for a spontaneous beach stop or a dip in the ship’s pool.

• Casual Chic Outfits – No need for formalwear, but having some trendy yet comfy outfits will keep you feeling great for dinner and entertainment onboard.

• Sea Sickness Bands or Ginger Chews – Just in case those waves get a little too friendly.

Pro Tips for Sailing with Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages is all about breaking the mold of traditional cruising. Here’s what we learned to make the most of the experience:

• Download the Virgin Voyages App ASAP – This is your lifeline for booking restaurants, excursions, and activities. Popular spots fill up fast!

• No Buffets Here! – Unlike traditional cruises, you won’t find massive buffet lines. Instead, The Galley offers a trendy food hall experience with everything from ramen to fresh-made salads.

• Late-Night Eats Are a Thing – Craving a burger at midnight? The 24-hour diner has you covered.

• Take Advantage of the Included Fitness Classes – Whether it’s sunrise yoga or a high-energy HIIT workout, the ship’s fitness options are next level.

• Don’t Skip Scarlet Night – Pack something red and get ready for a night of fun, dancing, and surprises.

• Book Spa Time on a Port Day – You’ll get a better deal, and the ship is quieter while most passengers are off exploring.

Our Favorite South Caribbean Moments

Tortola to Jost Van Dyke: A Slice of Paradise

One of our favorite days was hopping on a catamaran from Tortola to Jost Van Dyke. The ride itself was breathtaking—crystal-clear waters, salty breezes, and an instant feeling of relaxation. Our main destination? Ivan’s Stress Free Bar.

Let’s just say, the name says it all. Picture yourself sipping on a Painkiller cocktail, toes in the sand, reggae music floating through the air, and zero worries in sight. If you’re looking for an authentic Caribbean beach bar experience, this is it.

Barbados: Shipwrecks & Stingrays

We set out on an excursion with Tranquility Cruises in search of sea turtles. While the turtles were a bit camera-shy that day, we still had an unforgettable underwater adventure. We swam alongside stingrays, schools of vibrant fish, and even explored a shipwreck! The clear, warm waters of Barbados made every second feel magical.

Antigua: Local Charm & Stunning Beaches

The glorious infinity pool view from Sheer Rocks, at Ffryes Beach in Antigua. The weather, the view, and those turquoise waters don’t get any better than this!

Antigua quickly became one of our favorite stops, thanks to our incredible taxi driver and impromptu tour guide, Chocky. He took us on a cultural tour of the island, stopping at local shopping spots and scenic viewpoints before dropping us off at Little Ffryes Beach, a perfect slice of paradise. We also made time to visit Sheer Rocks at Ffryes Beach, where we sipped cocktails and enjoyed the most spectacular ocean views from their cliffside lounge. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Antigua!

St. Maarten: Thrills & Chills

St. Maarten was all about beachside relaxation and adrenaline-pumping adventure. Watching planes land at Maho Beach was a wild experience—where else can you be sunbathing while jumbo jets fly just overhead? But the real rush came from zip lining at the world’s steepest zip line, The Flying Dutchman at Rainforest Adventures, an absolute must-do for thrill seekers!

Why Virgin Voyages is a Game-Changer for Adults

If you’re looking for a cruise that feels elevated yet fun, Virgin Voyages is a winner. From the modern, boutique-hotel vibe of the cabins to the incredible dining options (all included—no upcharges here!), this is the perfect cruise line for adults who want a mix of relaxation and adventure.

The best part? No screaming kids, no rigid schedules—just pure, unfiltered vacation bliss.

So, if you’re thinking about your next getaway, let Virgin Voyages take you on an unforgettable journey. And if you need a few essentials to make your trip even better, don’t forget to check out our packing recommendations above!

Stay tuned! Throughout February, we’ll be adding more detailed posts about our specific cruise experiences. But that’s not all—we’ll also be sharing tips on how to best enjoy travel and all things Virgin Voyages. You won’t want to miss it!

Until next time—cheers to adventure, exploration, and stress-free travel!

Wander More, Worry Less: Travel Through Our Lens

Hi there, and welcome to your new favorite travel blog! We’re Megan and Shelby, best friends, photographers, and travel enthusiasts on a mission to inspire women in their 30s and 40s (or really, any stage of life!) to embrace the transformative power of travel. Together, we’ve combined our love for photography, exploration, and storytelling to create Shutter and Compass — a place where wanderlust meets creativity.

Why Shutter and Compass?

We get it. This phase of life is a whirlwind. Between juggling careers, family, and personal aspirations, it’s easy to feel like adventure should take a backseat. But here’s the thing: now is the perfect time to prioritize yourself, explore new horizons, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Through our blog, podcast, and vlog, we’re here to:

• Share practical travel tips tailored for women just like you.

• Teach you how to document your travels beautifully, even if you’re not a professional photographer.

• Inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and experience the world with intention and confidence.

What You’ll Find Here

1. Travel Tips for Women in Their 30s and 40s
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime international adventure, we’ve got you covered with destination guides, packing tips, and advice to make every trip unforgettable.

2. Photography Hacks to Capture Every Moment
You don’t need a fancy camera to create stunning photos. From smartphone photography tips to creative ways to document your memories, we’ll help you bring your travel stories to life.

3. Honest Conversations About Life and Travel
Through our podcast, we’ll dive deep into what it means to travel intelligently in this stage of life. We’ll tackle topics like overcoming fear, balancing responsibilities, and finding joy in the journey.

4. Practical Resources for Smart, Stylish Travel
From travel-friendly apps and gear recommendations to tips for staying safe and saving money, we’ll make sure you’re ready for any adventure. Check out our first Virgin Voyages post with some of our favorite picks, found here:
https://shutterandcompass.com/how-to-cruise-to-the-south-caribbean-stress-free/

Our Promise to You

At Shutter and Compass, we believe that every woman deserves to see the world, capture its beauty, and create stories worth sharing. We’re not just about inspiring wanderlust; we’re here to equip you with the tools and confidence you need to explore intelligently and intentionally.

So, whether you’re dreaming of solo travel, planning a girls’ trip, or simply looking for ways to reconnect with yourself through adventure, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Join Us on This Journey

Ready to embrace travel, capture beautiful memories, and make this stage of life your most adventurous yet? Follow along with us here on the blog, subscribe to our Podcast (wherever you listen to podcasts!), and check out our latest travel vlogs on YouTube. 

Let’s create and capture a life full of stories you’ll never forget.

Here’s to your next adventure!