It’s something you end up hearing a lot: “I’ll go next year”. You hear it again and again until you’re five years down the line and that trip you were going to take has just become a daydream that you think about in between mind-numbing meetings and tedious, routine dinners.
The thing is, there’s no “good time” to travel. Yes, by all means, save up to do things the way you want to do them, but if that’s what you need to do, make sure you take steps to actually save money. Travel doesn’t just happen – you have to make it happen – and when you do, you’ll find yourself asking why you didn’t do it sooner.
So, what steps can you take to make time for travel? Let’s have a look.
Actually Save
If you’re planning a bigger trip or something that’s going to set you back financially, set up a system that guarantees you’re going to save money and commit to it. If that’s not buying your coffee in the morning and taking in a flask from home, or walking into work instead of getting the bus – those little savings are going to stack up.
Try and have a separate bank account for your travel savings, that way it’s out of sight and out of mind until you need it. Another way to save money is by asking for travel-related presents or money towards your holiday on your birthday or Christmas. If your family aren’t fans of just giving money as presents (mine aren’t) then find an excursion that you want to do when you’re out there and ask them to buy that.
Plan Microadventures
Travel and exploration don’t have to be this massive, expensive, overplanned undertaking – it can be as simple as jumping in the car and driving somewhere local that you haven’t been before. That might be to a different beach or national park, it might be exploring a town with some great bars and restaurants, or it might just be a chance to escape your life for a little bit.
A lot of people use their New Year’s Resolution to commit to one micro-adventure or new place each month to keep the adventurous spirit alive without spending a fortune or having to use up all their holiday time at work.
Find cheaper alternatives
Do you really need a five-star all-inclusive holiday? Do you really have to travel at peak times? Do you really need to get that overpriced private airport transfer? Sometimes these things are unavoidable – if you’re a teacher or have kids, then peak times might be your only option – but ask what you can do to make this trip cheaper so you can have more holidays or see more when you’re there.
A good way of lowering your travel costs is to buy your items through cashback sites like TopCashback or Quidco. You’d be surprised how quickly the cashback adds up over a year or so and there’s often bonus cashback if you spend it with one of their partners (Avios is one of TopCashback’s reward partners, so great if you’re traveling with British Airways). Similarly, some credit card companies have similar loyalty point deals that you can spend with travel partners. Have a look and see what might work for you.
Work as you travel
If you can, working while you travel means that you can travel all the time. Whether that’s through remote working, picking up some shifts in a hostel, or participating in Workaway schemes in return for accommodation, it can make a traveling lifestyle a reality without spending a fortune.
Of course, if you’re doing this, check what visa restrictions are in place on the number of hours you can work – a lot of countries have working holiday visas and a few are actually putting together digital nomad-specific visas. Just make sure you can get a stable WiFi connection if you need one or buy an Airalo e-SIM before you go!
Combine travel with other events
Got a wedding to go to that’s on the other side of the country? Extend your stay by a couple of days and have an explore. If you’ve got a conference that you have to attend for work in a different country, then use your holiday time in the surrounding area – this way your work might even pay for some of your airfare! Maybe a friend’s moving to another country for a while, why not pay them a visit and save on accommodation costs. There’s the added benefit of already having a local guide for all the secret spots.
If you really want to travel, it is possible regardless of your budget. I’ve known people who’ve bought £10 flights and hitchhiked and couchsurfed around Europe, meeting people as they go. It’s just a matter of wanting to go. Once you do, you rarely regret it. If you want to travel on a bigger budget, then you have to prioritise this as a spending goal and sacrifice some of the luxuries for a while. Everyone should travel, it’s an amazing experience and something that ultimately makes you a better, more rounded person, but it doesn’t just happen – you have to make it happen.
