How To Save Money For Travel

I am constantly asked how I can afford to travel as much as I do. My only response I have is ‘I am careful with my money'. I consider my purchase and think carefully about my priorities. And what are my priorities - travelling!!

Here are the top eight things I do to save money and be able to travel frequently -

  1. I have no paid memberships - that includes no Spotify, no Netflix, no gym memberships, no magazine subscriptions. I subscribe to the free Spotify and put up with the ads. I don’t own a TV and realistically have no time to watch TV. I have my own weights and gym equipment that I use daily at home and also go to my local free 'Live Life Get Active’ classes. And if I want to read something I borrow it from the local library.

  2. I rarely eat out. Because how expensive is it these days? I pack my lunch and snacks each day. I cook my own nightly meals at home from scratch. I visit friends in their home for a coffee rather than the local coffee shop. I eat before going out to a show/performance.

  3. I have a cheap phone plan and use free-wifi where I can. Sound cheap but it saves me a tonne. Visiting the parentals is a great time to update the apps and download anything I need. However, I really don’t have a need for lots of data.

  4. I sell things sitting around the house. I love using eBay and Gumtree to sell items that I haven’t used in years or originally bought out of impulse. Now I feel an instant high whenever I sell anything. More money in my travel kitty.

  5. I don’t buy my family gifts. Sounds selfish? I don’t think so. Instead my gift to them is my time. Because what is my precious than my time? I help my parents and siblings out throughout the year. My nephews and niece get ten hangouts a year where we do something special together, like craft or cooking or going to the local park. This is much more valuable than another toy to add to their collection.

  6. I don’t get my nails done and I dye my own hair. Who has time to sit around for these appointments anyway? They can take hours. There is too much else to do.

  7. I spend my weekend doing 'free' things. How many great parks or walks are there in Sydney? Cycling is fun. Our beaches are awesome. There is always a festival going on somewhere to soak the vibes up and be part of.

  8. I had a shopping ban for a couple of years. Inspired by Sarah Wilson. It curbed my impulse buying habit. Not only did I save money but also time. How much time do you waste just walking around the shops? Instead I cut flowers from my garden to give to friends. I made or borrowed things. I wore the clothes in my cupboard, shock horror. I repurposed items sitting around. I found free things on Gumtree. It was actually more fun than it sounds. It has paid off though as I am much more conscience of how I spend my money now.

Being a tight ass helps in the long run. I save my money to spend on experiences overseas. Memories of climbing a volcano are much more valuable to me than being part of the latest craze. What do you do to be a tight ass with your money? Let us know below…