So you want to travel but you’re short on cash? Here are some useful tips to help you save money for travel:
Set a savings goal
Of course, the first thing to do is find out how much money you actually need to save. This will mostly be based on your itinerary and the length of your trip. Will you be traveling through many different countries? Will you be staying in hostels or hotels? Once you have budgeted your trip, set a savings goal. Then round it up a little – some extra cash never hurt anyone.
Open a savings account
Now that you know how much you need to save, open a savings account dedicated to your travel fund. Do not – I repeat: do not – touch that savings account for any other reason than your travel expenses. Don’t you dare!
Create a savings plan
So you have your goal and your savings account. Now, you need to start planning! How will you save money for travel? Will you be cutting back expenses, picking up a part-time job or doing extra shifts at work? (Read below for some of our tips on that.) And don’t forget to set a deadline: you need to hold yourself accountable for achieving your travel savings goal by a specific date.
Cut back expenses
One way to save money for travel is to cut back on unnecessary expenses. This includes gym memberships, a car, cable television, spa treatments, and haircuts. When you think about it, these are just extras in your life that really add up to your monthly budget. You’ll survive just fine without them and you’ll save money for travel!
Get frugal
In the long run, you’re going to have to make some lifestyle changes in order to save money for travel. Consider eating out less, staying in at night, buying second-hand clothing, borrowing books at the library and cutting back on your money coffee. It may seem hard at first but it will be a great way to save money for travel in the end!
Sell some stuff
Do you have some clothes or shoes you don’t wear anymore? Books, collectable items, an old bicycle? You can sell just about anything on the internet nowadays. Selling some of your old stuff is a great way to make some extra bucks and save money for travel.
Pick up a part-time job
If you need to save up some serious cash, picking up a part-time job is one of the most efficient ways to save money for travel. It can be challenging, though, to overwork yourself for a long period of time. So consider this as a short-term solution for making some quick cash for your travel plans.
Stay Motivated
Sometimes, it can feel really tough to save money for travel. Your whole lifestyle will have to change. While your friends are partying every Friday night, you’ll be at home reading a book you borrowed from the library. So make sure to keep yourself motivated: read travel blogs, plan your itinerary, browse through gorgeous Instagram feeds, print out motivational posters. This is what will keep you focused and motivated to save money for travel.
