Money Saving Tips – 10 Ways To Save Money For Travel

I have been traveling around the World for the last 5 years. When I took my first trip to Australia, I only had several hundred dollars in my pocket. Yeah, I know it sounds a bit crazy, but my dreams were much greater than my fears.

Today, I can admit that this incredible and life-changing journey, taught me much more about saving money than I learnt in my entire life. I learnt how to manage my budget, separate needs and wants and how to earn money on the way. Discovering and trying new ways to save money came naturally, because I had only one big dream – to travel this beautiful World.

So, let’s get started to get your savings to the next level!

First of all, you need a plan! Personally, I like to write my goals down. The discipline of writing something down is the first step toward making it happen. Because written goals are powerful! Then, I figure out what I need to do to accomplish it and keep checking my progress frequently. Step by step, little by little.

Before moving on to the money-saving tips, you need to calculate how much money, you are going to need for your trip. Of course, I am not talking here about the exact amount, but a general idea. After searching flight tickets, accomodation and travel insurance, you can estimate some expenses.

Here is a list of 10 ways to save money for travel. I hope that these saving money tips will help you to visit your dream destination this year!

1. Make it a priority

If everything is a priority then nothing is a priority.

You can only save enough money if you really choose to save money. It is significant to make it your priority. Ask yourself how important is this goal for you and how far you can go to achieve it. If it’s something you truly desire, your dream holiday or a trip around the World then focus on your goal. Stop wasting money on things you don’t need. I think that the biggest problem is that we just talk about it  and sit back. At the end, we consume, buy new stuff, change an old gadget for a new one etc. That’s why you just need to change your mindset to match your aspirations. Otherwise, you will hold yourself back from achieving your goals.

2.Track your Expenses

I will be honest with you Guys. I have never tracked my expenses before, but since I discover how powerful it can be, I record my expenses on a daily basis. I know how much money I have left and stick to the budget. I can recommend you two my favorite expense tracker apps Mint and Wally. They can help you to save more money by tracking your bills, budgeting, savings and checking your progress.

Checking and controlling your expenses is significant to save money. Believe me, there is always something that you spend money on what is unnessasary or simply you dont use it. Like subscription to a magazine or application, a gym membership etc.

3. Be aware

If it comes to saving money, the formula is very simple: spend less!

If you really want to buy something, ask yourself first, if you really need this and what impact is this product going to have on your life. The newest gadgets, phones and laptops can bring you a pinch of excitiment and happiness only for few days. Holiday memories last forever.

Also, remember to wait at least few days before purchasing anything over $50. Don’t buy anything on impulse. You may not longer really want it.

4. Money jar

I don’t know about you Guys, but the money jar still work for me pretty well!

Without realizing, the action of putting money into the jar has become my habit. I collect all my coins at the end of the day and place it into the jar. If you are saving for way bigger trip, you can collect $5, $10 or $20 per day, it completely depends on the possibillities. Place the money jar in a visible place and systematically fill it up with the money. The satisfaction of doing it every day is invaluable!

If you have any bad habits, which you would like to get rid off that’s the perfect moment to do so. Save your money by quitting smoking, eating unhealthy food, drinking beers or soft drinks.

5. Change your lifestyle

It’s a big one and super powerful.

In order to save money, you need to make some changes to your daily routines.

Instead of eating outside, you can save money by cooking at home. Plan out a shopping list at the end of the weekend. Include all things you really need to buy, instead of taking random products from the shelves. Be creative at your kitchen. Cooked meals don’t need to be boring. Visit local markets to buy fresh veggies and fruits for the whole week. Make your meals more colorful and healthy. I spend much less money, since I become a vegetarian.

If you love a morning cup of coffee like me, you can make it at home, instead of spending $5 every day. It’s a lot of money!

If it’s possible try to use your bike to get to your work place or school. If car is the only option, talk to your colleague to share the cost of the fuel.

Since, I am focusing on my goal and saving on my travels, I stopped partying. Each $50 which I would spend at the party every Friday, I could live in Thailand for 5 days!

6. Saving account

A great way to save money for traveling is to open a saving account!

Keeping your money in savings may prevent you from spending. You can decide the amount of money, you are able to transfer each month into your saving account, every time you receive your salary. Save automatically. Do it, systematically. Your saving account has its own clear goal. You want to travel. The key to make it happened is determination and constansy.

Then track your progress, be proud of yourself and reward yourself when you finally reach your goal!

7. Sell your services

One of my favorite ones!

Think about services you can offer or things you can create or design for others. There are plenty of ways to make extra cash outside of your day job. For instance, if you are a good story teller and you love to write, freelance writing could be an option for you.  You can write articles for magazines, websites or private clients. If you are a graphic designer, try Fivver, Upwork or Freelancer to get offers for a logo, web and poster design. Sell crafts like me 😉 There are website Etsy.com and Amazon Handmade, where you can sell your art. Believe me, there are more and more people, who appreciate local and handmade products.

Remember that you can also rent your room or apartment via Airbnb, when you travel!

8. Get an extra job

It can be a tough one, especially if you already have a full – time job. However, if you do it for a couple of months, you should be fine. Getting an extra job can help you to save a lot of money in a short period of time. It can be taking an extra shifts in your current job or having an extra job at the weekends.

For me, saving money goal is bigger than ever. I work my ass off to be able to travel for the next year. I am working in Copenhagen right now as well as I keep writing and making content for Adventure Catcher and other companies.

9. Buy second hand

Any second hand shoppers here?

Today, the idea of shopping second hand is becoming more and more popular. Buying second hand things is something that I admire and support. When we are mindful about shopping used over new, we not only save a lot of money, but also own extraordinary and stylish pieces. Moreover, I believe that buying second hand gives things new life and more importantly you reduce waste and air pollution.

In Copenhagen, we have very popular loppemarkeds, which are open widely on every Sunday. Loppemarked is basically a flea market, where you can buy everything from previously-owned clothes, paitings, lamps, toys and furnitures for very affordable price. Do you have any similar in your country?

10. Stop buying bottled water

Bottled water is bad for your pocket, as well as environment. We often choose the bottled water, because it’s convenient, easy and ”safer”. But did you know that over 24% of the bottled water, we purchase is the filtered tap water?

I refill my favorite silicone water bottle at home, airports and other safe water sources. When I travel to remote areas, I always take with me the Lifestraw Filter Bottle, which is great for backpacking, camping and hiking. It kills viruses, bacteria, water borne disease, heavy metals, protozoa and chemicals. Also, it reduces the water’s chlorine and odor.

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