Saving For Travel: How To Begin Funding Your Trip

February 12, 2018

Want to see the world but not sure how you'll start saving- read on!

As any good adventurer knows, the real trip preparation begins long before  tickets are purchased. While a life of spontaneously island hopping throughout the Mediterranean with little more than a couple Euros in your account sounds like a dreamy affair, reality is a heavy hitter.

Wanderlust is addictive and, if you truly want to see the world, you need to change your life in-between expeditions to build the necessary funds. Before you pack your bags, here’s how to trim your expenses on the home front to make sure you can soak up every ounce of that foreign sunshine.

Limit Eating Out

Making meals at home has a multitude of benefits. Not only can you better control what you’re putting in your body and expand on your cooking skills, you can save some serious cash. Instead of weekly nights out, invite friends over for an inexpensive potluck where you can share entree ideas in good company. Bread basket optional.

See ya, Alcohol

Honestly, vodka soda, we had a good run. But I’m just not cut out for your high life anymore. Cutting back on booze (and the inevitable cab ride home!) is the easiest way to put away a little extra cash.

Sell What You Don’t Need

Ebay, ThredUp and consignment boutiques are a great way to purge what you don’t need in exchange for some spending money. Most importantly, be honest with yourself. If you haven’t worn that designer gown in four years, it’s time to part ways and comfort yourself knowing that a catamaran boat ride through the pacific is worth cutting ties with some gems.

Learn To Live With Less

Even if you can afford certain things, ask yourself if you truly need it to be fulfilled. I recently decided to get rid of cable because I knew my time could be better spent elsewhere (i.e. reading, exercising, sleeping). Even though I could afford my monthly cable bill, I’d rather spend that money elsewhere. It’s essential for you to be particular with how you spend your time and, in turn, if it’s worth the cost of doing so.

Avoid Monthly Memberships

Monthly payments can add up quicker than you realize, especially if you’re on an automatic pay system. Instead of paying for a monthly gym membership that is often neglected, invest in sneakers and DVDs to use at home at your convenience. If you’re receiving a delivery service (looking at you, Stitchfix and BarkBox), order them for special occasions rather than signing up for regular shipments.

Public Transportation

Gas. Insurance. Parking. Repairs. Even the occasional property tax. Although going sans automobile might be the biggest adjustment you make, it will reward you with thousands of dollars you can put towards a more productive mean of transportation, like a plane ride to Australia. If you live in a place with ample public transportation, consider giving up your car for a more freeing lifestyle.

Rent Out What You Don’t Need

Have a spare room for use? Or even a couch? Apps such as Airbnb and Couchsurfing allow you to rent out what you’re not using to make money with little responsibility on your part.

Don’t Forget A Savings Account

One last thing! Don’t forget to setup a savings account to keep all your travel funds. I personally love Capital One 360!

How do you save up for a big trip? Share your advice below!

 

 

 

JULIETTE

Stay up to date on Juliette’s adventures by following her on Instagram –julietteelise & twitter @JulietteElise_ !

12 comments so far.

12 responses to “Saving For Travel: How To Begin Funding Your Trip”

  1. These are great suggestions! My husband and I just sold our second car – and it’s so nice to not have that second payment, plus saving on insurance! I’m sure we will see it add up soon 🙂

  2. Morgan Gifford says:

    We need to be so much better about not eating out but it’s so hard when I don’t like to cook and my husband doesn’t know how to.
    Morgan | theradwife.blogspot.com

    • Juliette Kopp says:

      It took me awhile to change this habit. Cooking bigger portions a couple times a week to eat leftovers the following day was a littler easier and efficient that preparing dinner every.single.night! (I’m still working on not pulling into a Chipotle every time I pass one though..)

  3. It’s so true! Travel is expensive, and if you want to be able to see more places, some things have to give in the budget. As much as I love to save money though, I love having a nice glass of wine a few times a month. It’s an expense I’ll never willingly give up, haha.

  4. Kili says:

    Um,so i guess you haven’t bothered to read the couchsurfing guidelines?

    Quote: “5. Don’t Charge for Your Couch
    Our community offers free exchange of hospitality. Asking for money or labor in exchange for your couch is not allowed.”
    https://www.couchsurfing.com/about/guidelines/

  5. Lennae says:

    Thanks for sharing, I love your tips. I’m hoping to do a big trip hopefully next year and need to start saving!!! I’ll be putting your tips to good use! 🙂

    Lennae xxx

    http://www.lennaesworld.com

  6. carry says:

    Taking a nap can be a wonderful and healthy thing. It can improve alertness, effectiveness and productivity. It can also help reduce stress. Let’s give our body a moment to recharge. Take a nap daily and expect the energy burst.custom paint by numbers

  7. tuky says:

    Cooking bigger portions a couple times a week to eat leftovers the following day was a littler easier and efficient that preparing dinner every.single.night! (I’m still working on not pulling into a Chipotle every time I pass one though..)

  8. lisa says:

    The room is glowing, I especially love the blue and the mirror! I wouldn’t want to leave my visit at your nest if this was my room. Happy Nesting.
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