Are you seeking a simple strategy for saving money for travel? Let’s see if the Fair Dinkum Traveller team can help you travel more often.
It’s a wise saying that needs to be adhered to in any aspect of life, “you work out what is important to you and hold onto it as much as possible.”
Travel is essential to many people around the globe, and so it is in my life, too. Therefore, I understand when people say the journey is at the high end of their priorities.
Naturally, the challenge can come with having enough vacation money; it’s not always cheap to travel, a feat I know all too well coming from the land down under. Moreover, when an adventure abroad is so important to my life, I must find a way to keep saving money for travel.
No ifs, no buts, no questions.
How can I save money for more travel and avoid getting any withdrawal symptoms? Well, I may be able to give you a few secrets to being a travel money saver and strategies I use to fund the next trip, hopefully helping you in the future, too.
Who knows? Perhaps once you have read the article, you can provide a few extra cheap travel tips in the comments below and keep me on the road more regularly. It would be a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Do you want to save money for more travel? Find great rates for accommodation at Booking.com!
Helpful advice on Saving money for travel
When creating a travel savings plan, it is crucial to understand that it requires sacrifices. You must be willing to prioritise your expenses and spend less money on non-essential items to save up for your dream vacation. However, this approach may not work for everyone. If travel is not your top priority and you are unwilling to give up other things to save money, you may need to reconsider your travel goals.
Understandably, I love travelling and experiencing new places and cultures. However, it would be best never to risk your financial stability or other necessities to satisfy your wanderlust. It is perfectly fine if you do not want to save money for travel and have different priorities in your life. Everyone has their own preferences and goals; respecting and acknowledging that is essential.
Ultimately, the decision to save money for travel or not is a personal one, and you should do what works best for you.
Prioritise what is important to you to save money for travel.
Prioritising is a personal choice, and you may have different priorities than someone else. However, it’s essential to identify what matters to you the most. To do this, you can create a chart listing your top priorities at the beginning and your lower ones at the end. This chart will give you a clear idea of what you must focus on and what you can do without.
Over time, your priorities may change, but some things remain constant. For example, when it comes to my priorities, family always comes first, followed by travel. It’s vital to differentiate between essential and non-essential items on your list. This differentiation will help you allocate your budget more efficiently and create a savings plan for travel.
Making a list of your priorities can be an eye-opening experience. It can help you see what’s consuming your budget and affecting your ability to save for travel. By categorising your priorities into essential and non-essential items, you can focus on what truly matters to you. So, why not give it a try? Make a list of your priorities and see what you need to do to achieve your travel goals.
Pay subscriptions to items that are genuinely needed.
Cable television, newspaper subscriptions, magazine subscriptions, Netflix and other internet or regular subscriptions you may be paying could be affecting your bank account. Heck, maybe having a few of these subscriptions doesn’t hinder your savings plan for travel, then OK, move right along.
However, I assume you want my advice because you are reading this article on saving money for travel. Most of these subscriptions are entertainment value; it is hard to say goodbye to a few luxuries. I did a couple of years ago to find a better way to reduce spending instead of getting rid of them because I need some entertainment packages.
I felt cable television was my most significant waste of money; with over 200 channels to watch, I would spend my time watching five. I got rid of it, and I don’t regret it. To keep me entertained, I began subscribing to Netflix at $12 per month, which was no bugbear on the budget, and I’m treated to watching great movies and dramatic TV shows.
Of course, I have a couple of other entertainment subscriptions, but they are packages that don’t hinder my travel plans. It’s all part of working out what is suitable for you. Do you need it, or do you not? That’s for you to decide. \
Fewer Luxuries mean more time to travel.
I have a passion for travelling, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have a life outside my trips. I enjoy going out and socialising but prioritise saving money when not exploring new places. This means that instead of dining out at fancy restaurants, I often choose my kitchen’s comfort and cook a delicious homemade meal. I also avoid spending a fortune at movie theatres and instead opt for a cozy night in, watching a film on Netflix.
It’s all about getting the most value for my money. If I can have just as much fun doing something cheaper than a pricier alternative, I’ll always choose the more affordable option. After all, why spend more when I can have just as good of an experience for less?
Open a separate travel savings account.
In this era of online banking, creating a separate account specifically for travel funds has never been easier. A smartphone app allows you to transfer funds from your primary account to your travel account in seconds.
You can set a specific amount to be transferred to your travel account weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, ranging from a modest $10 to a more generous $50. If your budget permits, you may occasionally add a more significant sum to accelerate travel savings.
By monitoring your travel account, you’ll quickly see your funds accumulate, allowing you to take advantage of exclusive travel deals and book the trip you’ve been dreaming of. Remember, it’s essential to only use your travel account for travel-related expenses to ensure your savings are reserved for your next adventure.
Put loose coins into a Travel Fund Jar.
Do you find it challenging to keep track of your coins? I have a great solution that has worked wonders for me. At the end of each day, I gather loose coins and deposit them into a travel fund money jar. This way, I always have a designated place to put my coins, and I can watch my travel savings grow over time.
When the jar is complete, I take it to the bank and deposit it directly into my travel savings account. It’s a simple but effective way to save money without realising it.
If you’re struggling to find the motivation to save money for your next trip, I highly recommend purchasing a travel fund jar. It will serve as a visual reminder of your travel goals and give you a sense of accomplishment as you watch your coins add up over time.
You can buy your very own travel fund piggy bank at Amazon!
Reduce the spending on your weekly shopping bill.
I don’t have any specific tips for saving money on food. However, my ultimate goal is to reduce my expenses as much as possible to indulge in my passion for travel. To achieve this, I set a definite limit on my weekly grocery budget and ensure I don’t exceed it.
I avoid purchasing unnecessary snacks, chocolates, soft drinks, and other unhealthy foods by sticking to a budget. Although it means I must compromise on some indulgences, it’s a good trade-off because I only buy what I need for that week. This way, I can still enjoy three wholesome meals daily without putting a dent in my savings.
Alcohol is not essential – At least to me.
I am not a non-drinker; I enjoy the occasional beer, wine or scotch, but I drink so rarely that I’m often recognised as a non-drinker. My alcohol consumption is usually reserved for Southeast Asia, where beer is cheaper, and I want to enjoy a few more niceties on my vacation.
Why? Because alcohol, at least in Australia, is not cheap, and if I prioritise alcohol over travel, then travel will happen less frequently. I would probably spend around two to three hundred dollars a year on alcoholic drinks, mainly because I buy a couple of bottles of Chivas Regal at Duty-free stores in Airports, and it’s enough to keep me satisfied.
It doesn’t mean I don’t socialise; I do, and if the situation arises, I will have a drink without hesitation. I don’t drink for the sake of drinking.
Anyway, I look at it this way: my reduction in alcohol intake means a healthier, balanced lifestyle, and that cannot be bad for the mind and physical appearance.
Go on holidays when specials are happening.
If you want to save money while planning your next vacation, you’re in luck! The airline industry frequently runs promotions, and with careful planning and patience, you can take advantage of these deals. When choosing your travel dates, try to avoid school holidays, as these are the busiest and most expensive times to travel.
Sign up for email alerts from your preferred airline carriers to stay up-to-date on their latest promotions. You can enjoy a great vacation without breaking the bank by looking for these deals and waiting for the right time to book your trip.
Don’t be fussy – Downgrade from luxury to standard for cheaper travel
When planning your travels, are you always searching for a luxurious hotel near the beach? While it might seem like the best option, sometimes the most memorable experiences come from using your hotel room as a home base and venturing out to explore your destination.
Instead of spending your entire vacation lounging around your hotel, consider exploring all the fantastic sights and activities your chosen destination offers. While relaxing at a resort can be a great way to unwind, immersing yourself in local culture and experiencing all the unique offerings can make your trip even more fulfilling.
Suppose you’re looking to save some money. In that case, Booking.com offers plenty of affordable yet comfortable accommodations that will give you more financial freedom to indulge in all your destination’s exciting experiences.
The conclusion for saving money for travel
For some, travel is more than just a way to escape the mundane routine of daily life. It’s a calling, a passion that burns deep within them. If you’re one of those people like me who are on a journey in life, then you know that saving up for your next adventure is a top priority.
The thrill of exploring new places, experiencing new cultures, and meeting new people is irresistible. Once the travel bug has bitten you, it stays with you forever, a constant yearning to discover what’s beyond the horizon.
I would love to hear about your travel plans. What do you do to save money on travel? Please let me know in the comments below!
All look good to me. Placing a heavy importance on what you value makes plenty of sense. Once you value a few things, these receive your financial attention as a traveler. Everything else simply can be had for free or on a tight budget….or you can forgive these traveling activities all together.