7 Reasons You Can Afford That Holiday

Pic via Instagram: @misssamanthasmith

So You Think You Can’t Travel?

​Let’s face it. You’re sitting online reading about these wonderful places and the people that travel there, and you suddenly think to yourself, ‘I want to do that too!’ But you stop and realize that you’re in a minimum wage job, still in college, and battling the weight of your social life. Suddenly, things seem pretty hopeless, and you frown when you see these great people, doing great things in great places.

​I’m a college student living on a low income, but I’ve got this insane need to travel. I also have two parents who say, ‘It’s a great dream, honey. But think realistically.’ Kinda sad, right? It’s hard to think about how you will be able to travel around, when you have to worry about a career or how you’re going to financially sustain yourself.

​If you can’t find a career in travel, and you’re no Picasso, there are a few different ways you can save enough money to get you where you want to be. Trust me, I’ve been researching for a long time to find some of these tips, but bear with me. I know saving money can be a real challenge for most people (especially us coffee lovers), but I assure you that it’ll be okay!

​First off, here is a short list of things you can do to save money, budget, and start stuffing that savings account with some cash. After all, we’ve got to get you where you want to be, right?

1.Cook More:

I know you love a cheeky Nandos, don’t even lie! Or maybe you always grab a coffee to go on the way to work each morning – who doesn’t? But hey, the money you spend on eating out could be banked into money being spent on a meal in Paris, or Madrid, or Sri Lanka. Doesn’t that sound good? Try eating at home. Buy ingredients and prepare a meal at home, instead of eating out all the time. Plus, you’ll impress a few people too 😉

2.Learn To Let Go:

​Only hold onto the things you can’t live without. Dust off those old books sitting on your shelves, clean out that cluttered closet, and pack up the clothes that haven’t seen daylight since your senior year. Sell the things you don’t need! After all, we can’t take any of them with us when we’re gone, right?

3.Cell Phone < Money:

​You don’t need a fancy phone, do you? Sure, an iPhone might be badass, but consider downgrading instead of upgrading. Cutting down on your phone payment can make a huge difference in how much you can put in your pocket every month.

4.Ride That Bus With Pride:

​If you don’t already have a bus pass, get one! It’s easier to drive, but hey, this way you’ll be saving petrol money, insurance, and possible speeding tickets (like myself). Riding the bus to commute might be a big change for some, and a small one for others. Either way, riding the bus can save a stack of money every month.

5.Shop Less:

​ I know, it can be painful to cut down on shopping sometimes. But remember what we’re here for – To travel, explore and experience life to the fullest. Not waste money on beers and TVs. As I said before: we can’t take any of that with us, after all. Stay strong!

6.Open A Travel Fund:

​Create a separate bank account to hold your travel money. Every month, I put as much money as I can spare into my travel fund. Once you get into a routine, you’ll hardly notice the money out of your paycheck anymore. Once you put money in, don’t touch it! Wait until that special day comes, when you plan your dream trip.

7.Get A Second Job… Or Third:

​I understand this can sound pretty stressful, so don’t bury yourself in work, but another great way to save more money is to make more money. You’ll be amazed at how much you can gather up!

​These are just a few of a dozen or more ways to save money for travel. I know it sounds difficult, and a bit scary, to change so many things in your life. Cars, fast food, shopping and cell phones seem like a necessity these days, but don’t let that fool you. The more you can learn to change and move around in your daily life, the better! Just remember what it’s for, and where you’ll be when it all pays off.

Stay strong, dreamers. And remember that a little sacrifice goes a long, long way in the end.

– Erika

Follow Erika on Instagram @weyrland