What is any traveller’s worst enemy? Unsurprisingly, it is of course their bank account. How often have I heard that the reason for not travelling is that it is too expensive and there is simply no money for that flight to [insert dream destination]. I often get asked how I can afford to travel so much, and while there are certain perks as a travel blogger that allow me to utilize my hard-earned money a little differently on a holiday, I still save every penny I can to invest in my next holiday.
Saving money is hard – it takes discipline and a strong will – but it is not as hard as it might seem. Not matter if you earn minimum wage or $20 an hour in your current job, here are 25 simple ways to save money for travel that anybody can easily integrate in their lives.
1. Sell your car and stop taking taxis. Use alternative transport instead: a bike, carpooling or even walking.
2. Get a bike and cycle everywhere. You will not only save the cost of fuel or bus fares, you also get a free workout. (see 17.)
3. Don’t eat out or order takeaway all the time -Â cook your own dinner. Bring any leftovers for lunch at work the next day.
4. Make a meal plan and shop once a week, rather than meal for meal. Always use a shopping list and stick to it.
5. Rather than buying cheap food, change your diet. For example, eat less meat or none at all.
6. Make your own coffee and bring it in a re-useable takeaway cup
7. If you can’t live without takeaway lattes, get a loyalty card and save on every 10th coffee.
+ Some coffee shops even give you a discount if you use your own cup.
8. Have a girl’s night in instead of girl’s night out – invite your friends over and have a bottle of wine at home.
9. Skip clubs and music venues with entrance fees and check out free events in your city instead.
10. Quit the booze entirely. Every time you go to a bar or pub, put $5 (£/€ etc.) in a jar, every time you go to a club make it $10.
11. Watch an old movie on DVD rather than seeing a new flick in the cinema – they’re usually not that good anyways.
12. Cancel your Cable and Netflix subscriptions and check out these (mostly) free movie platforms.
13. The same counts for books and magazine subscriptions: get a library card or find free books/magazines online rather than buying them.
14. Sort out your closet and sell unneeded things on Ebay, Gumtree, Craigslist, Shpock or Vinted.
15. For every clothing item you want to buy new, sell at least three pieces of your old clothes.
16. Dig for second-hand treasures in a charity shop rather than pricey vintage boutiques.
17. Quit the gym and start running and cycling instead.
18. Let your hair grow long or ask a friend to cut your hair. You can also get free/cheap haircuts from trainees and college students training to become hairdressers. Trust them – it’s just hair!
19. Skip pricey Christmas presents and give DIY gifts or experiences (like a home-cooked meal) instead.
20. Downsize your apartment, share a flat, move back in with your parents or rent a spare room out on AirBnB.
21. Replace your light bulbs – energy saving bulbs are so much cheaper in the long run.
22. Reduce your mobile plan and start using WiFi only. If you already pay for internet at home, you can save on a double-expense this way. Maybe you don’t need internet at home altogether?
23. Open a savings account strictly for your travel money – once the money goes in, you don’t touch it except for travel expenses.
24. Meticulously plan your monthly expenses and put aside the difference as soon as your paycheque comes in.
25. Consider applying for a new travel credit card – there are some great deals out there and you can collect ‘free money’!
You see, saving up money for your travel is not hard at all – you just need to spend a little more time on planning your expenses. Once you saved up enough and booked your flights and travel insurance, you can continue saving money while traveling – here are  our 24 Tips on How to Travel on a Budget and 7 Ways to Earn Money while Travelling.
For more inspiration take a look at our 10 Reasons to Try CouchSurfing, How to spend a year abroad with European Voluntary Service, How to travel for free with WorkAway, all you need to know about Wwoofing and more personal stories related to work and travel!
Did you ever have to save up money for travel? Share your top tips in the comments!!
This is a post by Kathi Kamleitner.
Kathi Kamleitner was a regular contributor at Travelettes from 2013 to 2019. Originally from Vienna, Austria, she packed her backpack to travel the world and lived in Denmark, Iceland and Berlin, before settling in Glasgow, Scotland. Kathi is always preparing her next trip – documenting her every step with her camera, pen and phone.
In 2016, Kathi founded Scotland travel blog WatchMeSee.com to share her love for her new home, hiking in the Scottish Highlands, island hopping and vegan food. Follow her adventures on Instagram @watchmesee!
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