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 -
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…