With the Travel bug!
We've all been affected by the travel bug at some point in our lives. Mine started back in 2008, during my first trip, where I travelled alone. I was 21 and travelled to New York, U.S.A for my 21st birthday. I was adamant, my friends and cousins wouldn't spoil my birthday, because they decided not to come. Not only did I feel like it was a big achievement for me, but I felt like travelling, was an undiscovered lifelong dream of mine that I suddenly felt the urge for.
Fast forward to ten years later, I can proudly say I have travelled far and wide with many places checked off my bucket list. This year, I've promised myself three holidays. I ask myself the same questions over and over... "How can I save money and travel at the same time?" If travelling is important to you, as it is to me, it will never be a sacrifice. Just tell yourself the body needs rest!!!
Here are a few ways you can save and still travel as much as possible:
1) Cut down on most of your luxuries
(Not all, but most.) These luxuries include things such as cigarettes, fast food, alcohol and social nights outs. You'll be amazed how much you spend a month and how much more you can save and still have extra change!
2) Fly economy - and with cheaper airlines
While we'd all love to fly first class and sip on that tall glass of bubbly, flying economy is a great choice if you want to save money. You'll get a bottle of wine too! Consider using an airline native to the country you're flying from, as you can save quite a lot of money using local airlines.
3) Book your holiday to travel at the cheapest times of the year
January, February and September are usually fairly cheap. Try to avoid all half terms, summer holidays and especially Christmas... If you're a parent travelling with kids, please kindly ignore this step! - I don't want to encourage the kiddies to miss school!
4) Get a money jar
Placing money away from your bank account, somewhere you will not look everyday can make it so much easier. Having online banking can be a real deterrent when trying to save. Easy online access encourages you to spend, so close your eyes, and pop the extra pennies in a jar. While you shouldn't leave things to the last minute, plan to save for your holiday at least a year in advance- or even at the beginning of a new year. Don't leave it to the last minute to book. Plan~ Prepare ~Pack!
5) Go for shorter vacations
Don't be like me and spend 14 days in every country. Depending on where you're going and the lengths of your flight(s), 5 nights may be just the right amount of time. It may be just enough for you to explore the country and it's all it's hotspots.
6) Make the most of trips closer to home
If you haven't explored all the cities, and states next to your hometown, you'll be surprised how much you're missing out on, and how much you could save while still having that well-deserved break you ache for. While it always rains in London, this doesn't have to stop you from taking trips outside of the city!
7) Make sure you are utilising any free time for your side hustle!
You don't have to work 2-3 jobs to travel, but whatever you love doing, make sure you're making money from it. If you like writing, photography, hairdressing or even gaming, make sure you're money from it! Turn your extra-curricular activity into some extra income!
8) Think positive
Forget all the "I cant's" and replace them with "I Am". This might seem like a silly step, or one for you to skip, but trust me it's the most important step in this article. Spoken bluntly, if you skip this step and decide not to practice positivity and gratitude, then forget every other step, because they probably won't work! Positivity is the key to everything, and manifestation is real.
9) While abroad, live like a local
Not because you're desperate to fit in, but because here is where you'll be saving a number of coins! Forget taking taxi everywhere, that was one of my biggest mistakes when I visited Antigua. If I had realised in time, I could have saved £80! Because I let me anxiety get the better of me, I took a return taxi to and from the local town. Where this could have cost me under £6, I ended up spending a large chunk out of my spending money. Something I most certainly would not do again. Eat local as-well. You could get Mcdonald's and all those other fast food chains store foods anytime when you're at home- why not try the local cuisine- you'll be surprised how cheap you could get a well-cooked meal for.
10) Be versatile with your accommodation choices
You might be used to staying in no less than a 4* resort, or your dream might be to stay in a 5* resort, but if you do your research, you'll that many find 3 * hotels have very little difference to a 5* , and on the other hand, you might find 5* hotels that are nothing more than a 3* (clickbait) resort! There are many different types of accommodations such as hostels, student accommodations, villas or even an Airbnb that may suit your needs more. Take a risk- a calculative one! Think about what would be more beneficial for you, especially if you are travelling with children, family, or even a group of friends.
You could save hundreds of pounds, just by being open-minded about accommodation, and doing your research. As long as the accommodation is clean and safe, this is always my non-negotiables. If you have family in the country you are visiting, maybe you can even stay with them for a few days!
Bonus Tip: This is something that I've yet to try, simply because I have a child, and I like to be super organised months in advance. You could try booking a holiday at the very last minute (providing you don't need a visa prior to travelling). If you are child free for one weekend or so, and want a quick cheap getaway, why not pack two nights before heading down to the airport and flying out. You might even be able to get first class seats at a fraction of the cost you would usually pay, as well as the cheapest tickets the airlines have left. What a spontaneous risk, Id love to take!
Click here to find out how you could start making money immediately, even without a website!
If you have any self-saving tips, feel free to let us know in the comments below! I'd love to hear from you!
With Love,
Pinks Skies and Paradise
Siobhan- Patrina xoxox
