Extreme Day Trips Helped Me Visit 7 Countries Without Using PTO

Claire Howard conquered her fear of flying with 13 day trips across Europe

Extreme Day Trips Helped Me Visit 7 Countries Without Using PTO
Extreme Day Trips Helped Me Visit 7 Countries Without Using PTO

Solihull: Meet Claire Howard, a mom who took on an incredible challenge. She visited seven countries in just one year, all while spending only $3,180 and not using any paid time off. How did she do it? By going on 13 extreme day trips, each within 24 hours, to face her fear of flying.

Claire’s fear started when she was just 21, after a turbulent flight from Perth to Singapore. It was a scary experience that stuck with her for years. But in January 2024, she decided to take a leap of faith and booked her first solo trip from Birmingham to Geneva.

At first, she panicked and almost canceled, but the low cost of the flight made her go for it. And guess what? She loved it! That trip kicked off a series of adventures, and she ended up taking 13 trips that year.

Claire’s anxiety about flying was intense. She would obsess over every detail and needed medication just to board a plane. But after a life-changing surgery, she realized it was time to confront her fears. She joined a Facebook group focused on extreme day trips and set a goal to fly once a month.

Now, flying feels much easier for her. She’s learned to enjoy the journey and make wonderful memories with her kids, Henry and Caelia. Claire has a special connection with Poland, having visited several cities there.

She’s also found ways to save money on her trips, like packing food and using apps for discounts. Each trip cost her around $220 to $245, making her total expenses quite manageable.

Looking ahead, Claire is excited about her future travels. She’s already booked a flight to Budapest and plans to keep exploring. She’s determined to make travel a lasting part of her life.

Disclaimer: All images comply with fair use for educational and informational purposes. Sourced from public platforms. Have questions? Contact us.
Fact-Checking Policy: Accurate information is our focus. If errors are found, please let us know, and corrections will be made swiftly.