On a daily basis, our Instagram followers ask us how we travel so much, while also working and attending university full time. But when they ask that question, they’re really asking something else: “How can you afford to travel so much?”
Quite honestly, I’ve heard this question at least a thousand times, so I figured that I should finally and formally spill the beans.
Here are the 15 foolproof ways I save money for travel:
I rarely buy new clothes. It’s as simple as that. I always remind myself that I would rather collect memories and experiences, not things!
I use a credit card with a great points program. I buy everything, and I mean everything, with my credit card, and I gain points for every single dollar I spend. So what’s the moral of the story here? I’m earning money to spend on travel, even when I’m spending money.
I rarely eat out. With a fridge that’s always full of fresh groceries, why should I go out to eat? Sometimes I crave In-N-Out, but do I go out and buy it? No. I choose the cheaper option; I make food (that’s probably more delicious, anyway) at home.
When I do eat out, I order water. In the States, water in restaurants is free. If I do splurge on a restaurant outing, you won’t see me spending money on drinks.
I make lunches for school and work at home. Again with the fully stocked fridge thing. During my breaks at work and school, I eat food that I bring from home! Eating out adds up quickly, so I avoid it at all costs!
I live at home with my parents. I’m a nineteen-year-old college student, so I take full advantage of the fact that I can still (acceptably) live at home with my parents. Free is always the way to go!
I work at least one full-time job. Working full-time while taking six or seven classes at university is rough. Whenever I tell people what I do, they look at me with disbelief and tell me that I’m crazy. Well, yeah, that may be true. But for travel’s sake, it’s worth it.
I put half of every paycheck into my travel savings account. And the rest goes toward paying for school. And my other expenses.
I don’t get my nails done. Getting nails done is the biggest waste of money. Ever. I paint them myself and save $40!
I get my hair done only when it’s necessary. Further, I rarely blow dry, curl, or straighten my hair, to prolong its health.
I don’t pay for a gym membership. I hike, I run, I walk my dog. I use the gym at my university. No need to pay for a gym!
I put money into a youth savings account with a high interest rate. Enough said.
I always bring a refillable water bottle with me everywhere. Good for the environment and good for my wallet. Win, win!
I never carry paper money. I find that it’s way easier to blow my cash on things that I don’t need, in comparison to my credit card. So to stop myself, I don’t carry cash.
And above all, I prioritize! Would I rather go to my local movie theatre, or would I rather go to a show in London? Would I rather have take-out Thai food at home, or would I rather have street food in Bangkok? Plain and simple, it’s all about prioritizing.
So there you have it! Those are my top 15 ways to save money for travel (in no particular order). If you follow these guidelines as closely as possible, you’ll be boarding a plane in no time!
How do you save money for travel? Which of these tactics do you already use and which would you add to this list?
I never thought of thinking like that! Prioritizing my thoughts like that! You’re so right, thinking the money we spend for short term things to be used for long term memories. That’s an interesting perspective! Though I don’t know if I can stop buying clothes! hahaha
xx Bash | Hey Bash | bloglovin’
Hey Bash! Thanks for commenting. I truly believe that most anyone can afford to travel if they just prioritize and think of the long term! It’s so easy to spend your money left and right, but with a conscious effort, it’s possible! But if you’re addicted to fashion then that might be another story… ;)
Dear Maddy,
You’re website is amazing! You and you’re boyfriend are doing it right! Just reading through the post, I wanted to write this comment, which I do intend to be a negative comment.
The 15 tips on how to save money is basically how most europeans live, because simple they cannot afford it other way. But this does not mean they have money to travel, this way they can pay their utility bills and support their children, and buy food. So, you’re comment ” If you follow these guidelines as closely as possible, you’ll be boarding a plane in no time.” is not so accurate!
Just wanted to highlight, that you are GREAT, keep this up, but also lucky to live where you do!
I do not intend to be negative- Just to correct the post above :)
You dress really cute for never buying new clothes…
Ha! Thanks… I try! I guess I shouldn’t have said never. I should rephrase and say I hardly ever buy new clothes. Maybe just once per season…
Very useful list, I would also add shop at cheaper supermarkets you can save loads!
That’s so true! At this point, my parents are buying my groceries, so I didn’t even think of that one!
I know it’s harder for people to part with cash than using a credit card, but I agree with your point: I always prefer to pay with credit card instead of cash since I can collect points. Love these tips!
https://www.mintnotion.com
Hey Eden! Thanks for commenting!! Collecting points with a credit card is the best thing ever!
I LOVED this! Honestly, so often people assume I’m rich. While in reality I just consider myself to be a pro at saving. Your last tip is the most important one in my eyes because it all comes down to that: prioritize. The second you’ve set your mind on anything, whether it’s a house, travels, a new car, whatever. You HAVE to think about that thing, every single time you’d want to spend something.
EXACTLY! Prioritzing is the biggest thing! If you set your mind to it, you can do it!
I’ve recently started selling my unwanted clothing on Vinted. I usually only sell a piece for $5-10, but that adds up fast! Great tips!
-Claire
tallgirlbigworld.com
Mauricio always tells me that I should sell my old stuff, but I never want to part with my clothes! I always think I’ll want to wear them someday. Either that, or I don’t think people would actually pay money for them, so I just donate them… I really should try it!
I do all of these! And it’s not very hard to do at all! Especially if you think of traveling while you’re doing it!
Another good post! :)
-China Barbie
My Peace Love Life
Exactly! Thank you! :)
GREAT tips! Definitely ride the living with your parents wave while you can – rent takes nearly $1K out my paycheck every month for just a tiny room in a house in San Francisco! Talk about taking up travel money…
http://www.blondesandbagels.com
Oh, trust me, I will! I plan on living with my parents until I’ve graduated from college – two years to go! Living in SF is crazy expensive, so that does eat a bit of your travel budget up! But at least you live in SF… It’s always an adventure!