NEWSLETTER #011

Hello, January

Hey Fellow Wanderers,

We’re kicking off 2026 excited, curious, and already plotting our next escape - because once you’ve learned that action creates motivation, there’s no going back.

This year we’ll be sharing what we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way), the places that surprised us most, how we plan our trips, and - of course - where to find a good bar with even better stories.

Thanks for being here.
Let’s make “someday” a little more… today.
Jana & Steve

Travel Smarter
​Two actionable travel tips we actually use (and swear by):

1. Always start with Google Flights.​
Use Google Flights as your first stop to see the price landscape. Once you find good dates, double-check the cost of round-trip vs. two one-way tickets.
Here’s the trick:

• Price the round trip
• Then price two one-ways, even on different airlines

We’ve saved hundreds by flying out on one airline and back on another. It doesn’t always work -but when it does, it really does.

2. Yes, you can pack for two weeks in a carry-on—and here’s how.​
Traveling carry-on only so freeing! No baggage fees, no lost luggage, no waiting at baggage claim wondering where your life choices went wrong.

Our simple system:

• Pack 7 mix-and-match outfits, not 14
• Stick to one color palette so everything works together
• Wear your bulkiest items (jacket, walking shoes) on the plane
• Do laundry once - sink wash, laundromat, or hotel service

Two weeks = one small bag + one laundry day. Once you do it, you’ll never go back. Seriously - try it and see how light you feel while wheeling a small bag throught the airport (instead of lugging a big bulky bag.

Places That Left a Mark

A few Januaries ago, we had one of those once-in-a-lifetime days at the Smart Elephant Family sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

This wasn’t riding elephants or snapping a quick photo. We fed them, walked with them, and yes - got completely soaked giving them a mud bath.

It was ethical. Emotional. Unforgettable.

Why it mattered:​
The best travel experiences don’t feel like attractions—they feel like connection.

Perfect for:​
Travelers who want meaningful experiences and don’t mind getting a little dirty for a great story.

No Bar Too Far - Christmas Eve Shenanigans!

Christmas Eve found us wandering into Roosters Country in Mesa, Arizona - and wow did we strike gold.

They had everything two wanderers could want:

• Great bartenders
• Karaoke
• And a full free Christmas Eve dinner for anyone who needed a place to be

We met locals, ate well, and watched a bartender belt out songs while slinging drinks like it was an Olympic sport. She was phenomenal.

Why we stayed:​
Because travel isn’t really about where you go - it’s about who you meet once you get there.

Until Next Time.....

Thanks for starting 2026 with us.

If something in this newsletter sparked a memory or a dream, hit reply - we read every message. And if you know someone still waiting for “someday,” feel free to forward this their way.

Cheers,
​Jana & Steve​
​Traveling Twosome – Helping You Turn “Someday” into Today
​​www.travelingtwosome.com​
jana@travelingtwosome.com