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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
One last thing! Don’t forget to setup a savings account to keep all your travel funds. I personally love Capital One 360!
Stay up to date on Juliette’s adventures by following her on Instagram –julietteelise & twitter @JulietteElise_ !
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 🙂
Wow! That’s fantastic, I bet that’s a payoff you’ll see super quickly!
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
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..)
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.
You and me both!
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/
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
Good luck!
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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..)
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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