Hello Henlo readers

The year is now 2020 and January has almost come to a close.

What does this mean for all of us?

Tax season is approaching.

What does tax season have to do with this blog?

I know you’re all going to stumble upon $500-$2000ish in the form of a federal tax return in a few weeks (I’m assuming anyone who sits down to read doesn’t earn over like $40,000 a year)

What are you going to do with this sudden influx of income? Are you going to stash it away in your emergency fund? Are you going to put it towards your mounting student debt?

No. You’re going to take a spring break trip that will make you forget that you have 40+ more years of your working career ahead of you.

Lucky for you, I enjoy the dopamine rush that I get from browsing Airbnb/planning trips via Google Flights that I will never actually take. I’ve decided to pass on the product of my labor in the form of a planned Spring Break trip to London. I hope you enjoy this itinerary.

Details

Dates: Sunday March 8th – Saturday March 14th

Departing Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Arriving Location: London, England

Departing Travel

When booking airfare, I try to make sure that I spend as much time traveling as possible. After all it is called TRAVEL.

This departing itinerary has everything I look for when booking a flight:

Frontier Airlines? Check

8 hour layover in New Jersey? Check

Having to transfer airports in a large metropolitan area? Check

Red-eye flight that will absolutely decimate your sleep schedule? Of course

*Free JFK Airport Pro Tip*

After taking your shuttle/train from Newark to JFK, swing by Lucy’s Asian Kitchen in Terminal 5 for a delicious helping of pad thai.

Lodging

When traveling on a budget, it’s important to keep an open mind for new and different experiences. Take this $8/night listing for a “Private Room” found on Airbnb.

Located in the heart of Peckham, England (just 30 minutes outside of the city center) this unique stay has everything you could ask for when it comes to international lodging (If all you’re asking for is a mattress/desk/lamp/rug). Industrial looks are in right now. What’s more industrial than the cold steel of a storage unit as your potential headboard?

For some of us here at Henlo, this listing would make us feel right at home. Having lived the “mattress on the floor” lifestyle, I can say with confidence that it’s not as lonely/miserable/pitiful/sad/depressing/isolating/demoralizing as you may think.

So with some quick maths, I can say that $8/night Monday-Saturday would bring you to $40 for the week. Given Airbnb’s pricing model with their booking/cleaning fees, you should end up paying $679 total for this five night stay. Maybe add an additional $20 for a tarp.

*Pro Travel Tip* Always leave a tip for the host of your Airbnb. I recommend doubling whatever you normally pay to your landlord.

Things to do in London

I haven’t heard much about things to do here. Maybe try to see a movie? Idk man.

Returning Flight

This return flight is a doozy. I wanted to make sure to include as many overnight layovers as possible so you could really get a good feel for the city you’re staying in.

*Pro Travel Tip* Try to book flights with “often delayed” underneath their flight times because this technically keeps you on vacation for longer.

I heard Oslo is really cool, which is why you should check out the TGI Friday’s located in their second floor terminal

Please don’t fill up on endless apps and Jack Daniel’s sauce. You have to make sure to visit Lucy’s Asian Kitchen again for another serving of 1/3 onion pad thai during your 12 hour layover between JFK and Newark.

Cost Breakdown

Flights: $588

Lodging: $8/night but $679 total (probably) on Airbnb

Airbnb Tip: $250

Tarp: $20

Two servings of 1/3 onion pad thai: $40

Endless Apps at Friday’s: $10

One movie in London: $8-$12

Total: $1597

There you have it. $1597 and this trip is all yours. Please use your tax returns wisely.