10 Travel Opinions I've Changed My Mind About Over the Years

One of my favorite things about travel is that it changes you. It changes your perspective, stretches your comfort zone, and sometimes completely flips your opinions upside down. 

I used to think I had travel figured out. I had strong opinions about the "right" way to travel and what worked for me. But after years of family travel, international trips, road trips, solo experiences, and seeing different corners of the world, I've realized that some of my travel beliefs have shifted dramatically. 

Some changes happened because I simply got older. Some came from experience. And some came after realizing that what works for one season of life doesn't necessarily work for another.

Here are 10 travel opinions I've completely changed my mind about over the years.

How to Sell Your Home Fast! Everything I did to Get Offers on Day One (Even in a Tough Market)

Selling a home can feel overwhelming and uncertain. It's emotional, stressful, and if you're like most people, you're trying to juggle real life while also preparing one of your biggest assets for sale. 

I've sold two homes and both received offers the very first day they were listed. Most recently, we sold our home in what many people would describe as a difficult market. We had just three showings and every single person who walked through our front door submitted an offer.

Three showings.

Three offers.

People often assume a quick sale is about luck, timing, or simply being in a hot market. While those things can help, I can tell you from experience that selling your home fast starts long before the "for sale" sign goes in the yard.

The work starts months before listing day.

And if there's one thing I've learned from selling homes successfully, it's this: Your house doesn't suddenly become ready when your realtor lists it online. Preparing your home starts with intentionally getting it ready for someone else to fall in love with it. 

Here's exactly what worked for us.

Affordable Luxury in Franklin, Tennessee: How to Experience Upscale Southern Charm Without Breaking the Bank

When people think of luxury travel destinations, they often imagine five-star resorts, extravagant meals, and price tags that make their credit card sweat. But Franklin, Tennessee offers something a little different. Just south of Nashville, this charming Southern town has mastered the art of affordable luxury...if you know where to look!

Franklin is undeniably upscale. Beautiful historic homes line the streets. Boutique shops fill downtown storefronts. Award-winning restaurant serve elevated Southern cuisine. Yet what makes Franklin special is that many of its most memorable experiences don't require a luxury budget.

Whether you're planning a girls' getaway, couples trip, or a weekend escape, here's how to enjoy the best of Franklin while keeping your spending in check.

Would I Go Back? Reexamining Vietnam

There are some destinations that leave an impression on you long after you return home. Vietnam is one of those places. 

As part of my "Would I Go Back?" series, I like to reflect honestly on destinations after the excitement of travel has worn off. Some places are amazing once and feel compete. Others leave you already planning your return before your suitcase is unpacked.

Vietnam firmly falls into the second category.

Not only would I go back to Vietnam, but I actually think Vietnam is a country that deserves a return visit. After spending time there, I realized how impossible it is to fully experience the country in a single trip. Vietnam is massive, layered, diverse, and constantly changing from one region to the next. The more I saw, the more I realized how much I didn't see. 

And honestly, I loved that feeling.

How to Resell Home Items on Facebook Marketplace to Make Money for a Move. No Garage Sale Needed!

Moving is expensive. Between packing supplies {remember the days you could ask for boxes at the local stores?}, truck rentals, deposits, cleaners, and all the little costs that sneak up on you, it can feel like your bank account is draining before you even load the first box. But if you're preparing for a move, you're also sitting on one of the best opportunities to make extra money...the stuff in your house!

We've all heard how important it is to declutter and honestly, who wants to move stuff they don't love anyway? You might as well take this time to purge all the things and start fresh in your new space. 

One of the smartest things we did before moving was start selling items around our home on Facebook Marketplace. Not only did it help us declutter before packing, but it also helped cover moving expenses in a meaningful way. And unlike a traditional garage sale where people expect everything to cost next to nothing {guilty!}, Facebook Marketplace gives you the chance to get real value for your higher-end items.

If you're getting ready for a move and wondering how to make extra money without taking on another job {because no one has time for that!}, reselling your home items can make a huge difference. Here's how I did it and some things I learned as a reseller that could help you.