You have researched your top 10 destinations, earmarked your favourite pages in the travel brochures, and even started learning some basic Thai but here comes the tricky bit- how do you save up for the trip of your dreams? Travelling can be expensive, but luckily for you we have come up with 7 top tips so you can add a new stamp in that passport as soon as possible.
1) Replace your takeaway coffee
It might seem obvious, but so much money is spent on food and drink at work. It’s easy to grab a coffee to go for the journey in, then visit the local Italian deli for lunch, but the next thing you know, you have spent a small fortune on food and drink all in one day. Instead, pack homemade lunches and save the cash – ditching your local coffee could have you visiting the coffee plantations in Colombia in no time!
2) It’s all about the piggybank
Collect those pennies. Seriously. How many times have you paid 4.99 for something and just left that lonely penny floating aimlessly in your pocket (real or virtual? Getting a piggy bank is a great way to round up all the loose change at the bottom of your bag. Many banks offer a ‘save the change’ option, where the bank will round up purchases to the nearest pound and pop that money into your chosen account.Â
3) Become a coupon Diva!
With websites like Groupon, LivingSocial, and Time Out there is no excuse to be paying full price for anything. Your eyebrows look like the overgrown Amazon rainforest but you don’t want to break the bank at your local salon? Or maybe you have your anniversary coming up and want to take that special person somewhere nice. Keep an eye out for the regular deals that appear on these offer based sites so you can still enjoy your luxuries whilst saving for your flight.
4) Talk to your family and friends (no - really!)
Okay, we know they may be why you need a holiday, but they might also contribute to your fund as part of a birthday or Christmas gift.
Advertise your skills, too. For example, offer babysitting services, cleaning or dog walking as a way to earn extra cash.
5) Got a spare room in your house?
Could you rent it out? You don’t need to be near a major city. If you moved to your neighbourhood because it was interesting or beautiful, other people may also think so. Renting can be easy with either a local agent or even AirBnB. Maybe your local college is looking for accommodation. Whatever option you choose, it’s a great way to save for your adventures whilst being able to accommodate someone on theirs!Â
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6) Set boundaries...and reminders
Now, if you are like me, you sometimes get that mild fear of terror when you have to check your bank account- especially when it’s coming to the end of the month. Although it’s initially depressing to wake up to a message from your bank on a Monday morning, overall, signing up for text alerts is not a bad idea. You can track how much you’re spending and know how much you have left to put in the ‘Lake Titicaca Fund’. Just don’t get too disappointed if you’re expecting a text from someone and it turns out to be your bank balance.
7) Scout those New Year deals!
It shouldn’t cost the earth to see the World. Look for offers, be flexible with dates, and be willing to change your destination goals to match your budget.Â
Many operators have New Year deals or special offers. For example, check out this amazing 25% off offer from G Adventures .Â
