Trip Savvier

Hi, I’m Mel — and I believe travel doesn’t have to be flashy or expensive to be meaningful.

I work in marketing for Parks Canada, where I’ve spent years promoting our country’s national parks and historic sites. Through my work and personal travels, I’ve seen firsthand that incredible experiences don’t come from luxury — they come from curiosity, planning smartly, and getting out there.

I’ve traveled for both work and pleasure since my kids were born, always looking for ways to squeeze in one more trip, stretch a budget a little further, and make travel a priority even while living a very normal, average life at home.

I love palm trees (so much so that I have one tattooed on my ankle), beaches, swimming in the ocean, exploring new places, hiking, mountains, and wildlife. I’m not much of a history buff, but I do appreciate charming towns and meaningful places — especially when they’re part of a well-rounded, affordable trip.

Someday I look forward to retiring and stepping into a new chapter: selling most of what I own, spending winters living in different places around the world, and summers based out of my camping trailer back home. Trip Savvier was born from a lifetime of learning how to travel well without overspending.

This blog isn’t about hostels or “travel hacking” your life into something unrecognizable. It’s about real travel for real adults — people with jobs, families, responsibilities, and limited vacation time who still want to see the world.

No floaty dresses.
No staged shots looking wistfully into the distance.
Just honest itineraries, realistic budgets, practical tips, and experiences that prioritize being there over looking perfect.

If you want to travel more — not fancier, just smarter — you’re in the right place.

Welcome to Trip Savvier.