As I get older, I realize more and more that money and time can be very
relative. We truly make room for what we want in terms of both. It’s just a
matter of priority. For example, I try to walk for at least 90 minutes each day
(broken into chunks), and people have remarked how they wish they had the time.
But from water-cooler conversations, I know they have time to watch movies or TV shows, so they do have the time. They have
just chosen to use it differently. The same holds true for money for travel,
whether domestic or international.
Since 2006, I’ve taken a “big” trip each year with the exception of one year. Each year, I have gotten a lot of remarks from people that they wish they could “afford to travel.” For full disclosure, I realize, since it’s just me, I am in a situation that is unique. But some of the people who have made the comment are in the same situation as me (and at least one makes more money than I do).
I try to be deliberate in the way I save for travel. I use part of my income-tax refund as the base. Then I save for the rest of the trip. There are some sacrifices I make in my everyday life to have money for travel.
Here are areas I focus on to save money to travel.
Coffee – I know a lot of people who make daily trips to Starbucks or other coffee shops, and some come back with a snack. For me, going to a coffee shop is a special-occasion expense. I received two gift cards for Starbucks for Christmas, and I use them sparingly. Long story short, if you spend $4 a work day on coffee that is $20 a work week, AKA $1,040 in 52 weeks.
Lunch – I rarely eat out for lunch. I bring food from home. Again, for me, going out to lunch is a special-occasion expense. Eating out in general is something I don’t make a habit. I do like happy hour but even that needs to fall within my monthly budget. I have coworkers who go out to lunch most days, easily spending $10/day on lunch, which is $50 a work week, AKA $2,600 in 52 weeks.
Speaking of budgeting, I know where my money is going. I track it faithfully as I spend. If I am under budget for the month, I will transfer the amount, whether it is $25 or $50, into my savings account. Every little bit adds up, while I love traveling, it is not something I am willing to go in debt to do.
Car – I have a 2001 car, so my car is paid off. Would I like a new car? Maybe, but why when my current car is in great running condition and paid off? Let’s say, to be conservative, that a monthly car payment is $150. You get the idea. That equals $1,800 a year.
I also don’t rush out to get the newest phone or gadget. I finally broke down and purchased a flat screen (small screen) TV only because my old TV’s screen was fading. I finally broke down and upgraded my IPhone 3 to an IPhone 5. Do I like “toys”? Sure, but I like travel more.
Cable – I don’t have cable. I’m not even sure how much cable costs. I do have Netflix and that keeps me pretty entertained for under $10 a month.
As the saying goes, "I'd rather have a passport full of stamps than a house full of stuff." Sure, I sacrifice some activities for travel, but the sacrifices are so worth it! Currently, I take one international trip a year, but I would love to get to the point where I can take two major trips a year. It’s a balance though because I want to be able to enjoy day-to-day life as well, but there is nothing quite like the feeling that comes from going to explore a new place.
Yes. The sacrifices are worth it.
Since 2006, I’ve taken a “big” trip each year with the exception of one year. Each year, I have gotten a lot of remarks from people that they wish they could “afford to travel.” For full disclosure, I realize, since it’s just me, I am in a situation that is unique. But some of the people who have made the comment are in the same situation as me (and at least one makes more money than I do).
I try to be deliberate in the way I save for travel. I use part of my income-tax refund as the base. Then I save for the rest of the trip. There are some sacrifices I make in my everyday life to have money for travel.
Here are areas I focus on to save money to travel.
Coffee – I know a lot of people who make daily trips to Starbucks or other coffee shops, and some come back with a snack. For me, going to a coffee shop is a special-occasion expense. I received two gift cards for Starbucks for Christmas, and I use them sparingly. Long story short, if you spend $4 a work day on coffee that is $20 a work week, AKA $1,040 in 52 weeks.
Lunch – I rarely eat out for lunch. I bring food from home. Again, for me, going out to lunch is a special-occasion expense. Eating out in general is something I don’t make a habit. I do like happy hour but even that needs to fall within my monthly budget. I have coworkers who go out to lunch most days, easily spending $10/day on lunch, which is $50 a work week, AKA $2,600 in 52 weeks.
Speaking of budgeting, I know where my money is going. I track it faithfully as I spend. If I am under budget for the month, I will transfer the amount, whether it is $25 or $50, into my savings account. Every little bit adds up, while I love traveling, it is not something I am willing to go in debt to do.
Car – I have a 2001 car, so my car is paid off. Would I like a new car? Maybe, but why when my current car is in great running condition and paid off? Let’s say, to be conservative, that a monthly car payment is $150. You get the idea. That equals $1,800 a year.
I also don’t rush out to get the newest phone or gadget. I finally broke down and purchased a flat screen (small screen) TV only because my old TV’s screen was fading. I finally broke down and upgraded my IPhone 3 to an IPhone 5. Do I like “toys”? Sure, but I like travel more.
Cable – I don’t have cable. I’m not even sure how much cable costs. I do have Netflix and that keeps me pretty entertained for under $10 a month.
As the saying goes, "I'd rather have a passport full of stamps than a house full of stuff." Sure, I sacrifice some activities for travel, but the sacrifices are so worth it! Currently, I take one international trip a year, but I would love to get to the point where I can take two major trips a year. It’s a balance though because I want to be able to enjoy day-to-day life as well, but there is nothing quite like the feeling that comes from going to explore a new place.
Yes. The sacrifices are worth it.
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