In this episode of Love, Business & Luggage, we’re talking all things New Year — resolutions, goal-setting, and why January motivation looks different for everyone. We share honest perspectives on why traditional resolutions don’t work for all personalities, how reflection often matters more than a fresh calendar, and why progress beats perfection every time.

We also discuss what the New Year looks like in the workplace. Clayton shares how goals and priorities reset in his corporate environment, while Monica walks through her year-in-review process, leadership planning, and preparing for staff evaluations and goal setting.

We wrap up with our What’s in Your Carry-On segment featuring a New Year–approved essential: a reusable water bottle. Staying hydrated is one resolution that works whether you’re traveling or just trying to survive January — even if Clayton usually ends up carrying it.

In this episode of Love, Business & Luggage, we’re sharing what we learned from a recent international trip and how approaching travel differently made all the difference. We talk about flights, jet lag, getting around by train and public transit, packing light for winter travel, and why slowing down helped us enjoy more.

We also dive into how we book international flights using travel rewards and why simplicity matters when planning big trips. From there, we discuss transportation, food experiences, cultural immersion, and pacing — and wrap up with our What’s in Your Carry-On segment featuring a travel item we won’t leave home without.

Sponsor:

We use the Capital One Venture and Capital One Venture Business cards to book many of our international flights. The miles are easy to earn and simple to redeem for flights, hotels, and travel purchases.

👉 Check out our special bonus offer here:

Personal Venture Card: https://i.capitalone.com/Je5baaHcb

Business Venture Card: https://i.capitalone.com/JYaoBqYEz

Travel Life Happy Wife:

https://www.youtube.com/@TravelLifeHappyWife/shorts

https://www.tiktok.com/@travellifehappywife?_r=1&_t=ZT-92PlrFBLY6g

Next Episode:

We’re talking New Year goals, habits, and how they shape our life in love, business, and luggage.

In this festive episode of Love, Business & Luggage, Monica and Clayton unwrap the meaning of the holidays — from favorite family traditions to their most hilarious holiday fails. Between twinkle lights, travel plans, and too many sugar cookies, they share what makes the season special (and what makes it slightly chaotic).

Monica confesses her over-the-top decorating habits, Clayton admits his lifelong war with tangled Christmas lights, and together they talk about the beauty of slowing down, making memories, and finding joy amid the madness.

Whether you’re traveling for the holidays, hosting family chaos, or just need a laugh with your peppermint mocha, this episode brings warmth, humor, and a reminder that the best gift is simply showing up — even if the wrapping paper’s crooked.

🎧 Listen in for:

• The best (and worst) holiday traditions

• Funny gift-giving disasters

• Tips for balancing business, family, and fun

• How to actually enjoy the holidays without burning out

• A festive look at gratitude, laughter, and letting go of perfection