How to Save Money for Travel

Are you struggling to save money for your travels?

I can so relate to this. I believe every traveler has been here at some point in time. Right?

Now, this also varies from person to person. As the travel style varies so do the expenses. And this is something that I witness right in my home. I and my sister have a totally different image popping in our minds when we think of visiting a location. 

Now, since I have an office job, I tend to plan how a typical 9-5 job person does. 

Work. 

Save. 

Travel.

Sounds pretty simple. Right? 

I wish it were that easy. But fret not, I am here to give you some ideas and changes that I have personally applied in my life to save up. This is something that can be applied to any field 

1. Make travel a priority

If you really want to travel to your dream destination, then there is no other way but to make it your top priority. Every time you are about to spend on something, just ask yourself, ‘Is it really necessary?’ or ‘Will this benefit me in my future travels?’. I use this questioning myself strategy so much that eventually I don’t get attracted to buy unnecessary stuff.

2. Track your spending

This was a real game-changer for me. Even though my father has always pushed me to do this from day one of my jobs, I really didn’t take it seriously. But once I started pinning down all my daily expenses and analyzing at the end of the month, I came to realize that I spent the most on eating out.

3. Learn to say NO

All I am saying here is to decline invitations like eating out or a random movie. I know this can be a bit difficult initially. I always thought my friends would be upset if I keep declining them again and again. But they got used to it and after some time, they stopped asking me. I started preparing meals at home. And if you think about it, it also leads to a healthy lifestyle.

4. Prep your meals

Now that you are not going out to eat, you will have to cook at home. In here also, it is a great help if you could plan your meals in advance. Like a week of meals all prepped in a weekend. You shop for the exact quantity of produce and groceries required without splurging here and there. It saves a hell of a time and helps in budgeting too. 

5. Quit smoking

I know. I know. Another very difficult task for someone who is addicted to smoking. But just imagine, you will save money as well as your health. The perfect example of ‘killing two birds with one stone’. Right? Just FYI, I don’t smoke. I am like against anyone smoking. But then again, I advised and even helped a friend of mine in quitting smoking, and gosh you can ask him how much it has helped him save. 

6. Switch to the digital world

Specifically, when it comes to books, do not think twice, and switch to eBooks. They might not give you the wonderful feeling of holding a book (which I really love), but you will gain the exact same knowledge. 

There are tons and tons of websites offering free eBooks in both pdf and ePub versions. I personally prefer downloading the ePub version and read them on Google books. My go-to site for downloading free eBooks is PDF Drive. Another one I often refer to is ManyBooks. 

7. Plan. Plan. Plan.

Now, this is something that some people might have a different view on. I am the kind of person who likes to have an organized plan and act accordingly. Like researching the places to visit, set budgets for each area of travel, taking into all the coming up holidays and so on. It helps me get a general idea of how much I might have to spend on my trip and hence decides my savings goal.

8. Book beforehand

Since I prefer to plan and be prepared for anything and everything, it also includes booking flights and accommodations. As everyone already knows, booking last minute can be pretty expensive. There was this time once when I had to book a flight back home for the next day due to an emergency, and the flight fares were skyrocketing high. Booking beforehand even gets you the option to choose from various flight timings. In the case of accommodations, it is similar. 

9. Get a “TRAVEL” account

I know that stopping yourself from buying that handbag or getting that beautiful lamp for your home can be really difficult when you already know that you can. When you get to see the money sitting in your bank account, and not able to use it can be so frustrating sometimes. 

My solution for this is to create an account specifically for travel and the moment you get your salary, transfer a set percentage of money in here. Now whatever you are left with is, you can consider it your income and spend as much as you want.

. . .

I am pretty sure these tips can help save you lots and lots of money for your next travel. Just get tough with yourself and try your best to control your spending. You can try these for just a month and you will see a drastic change in your savings. Moving forward, you will be self-motivated to follow them on your own. 

Happy Savings!!