I love to travel and over the past few years, I have been fortunate enough to check off some of my bucket list. The problem with traveling, for me at least, is that the more places that I get to visit; the more places I want to visit. I have also become pretty spoiled when it comes to vacationing. I do not want to stay in fleabag hotels or reduce my intended stay but there are ways to travel on a budget. If you have ever added up the costs associated with travel then you probably think that there is no way to afford travel outside of winning the lottery. However, I am determined to continue to travel and therefore, I devised this plan to outline how to afford travel.
The program is simple and it can be broken down into three parts; Plan, Prioritize and Compromise. Follow these steps for the secrets of how to afford travel.
Plan
Set Goals
Make a travel journal. The pages should begin with places that you want to travel but only focus your efforts on one trip at a time. While it is all right to dream of all of the places that you will go, focusing on one place at a time will make it more affordable and more attainable. Few people are free of obligations such as work and family and so a single trip at a time mind set is necessary. This can also help figure out the actual costs needed to take a specific trip rather than a general one.
Expenses
Airfare, room and board, fees; the costs can add up. The more you know about where you are visiting the better you can plan for the costs. Keep in mind that you may want to visit museums or ancient ruins or buy a souvenir. These are all considered travel expenses. It is also important that some locations may require special documentation to enter their country; include these fees into your plan as well.
Some travel tools can help you with your budget. These calculators will help you figure out fuel costs, car rental charges, flight costs (up to several months in advance), and some travel calculators even include medications and vaccines.
Keep Pace
Your travel timeline will be based on how long it will take you to save the money to take your trip. If it is a long-term goal then find a way to stay focused and motivated. It is easy to get discouraged when your goal is so distant. Keep up with your journal, rent movies, or read books that are set in your destination of choice. It is also important to be logical when setting your travel goals; do not make a plan that is impossible to keep.
Prioritize
Continue to work towards your goal
There are always hiccups in a plan. Life is unpredictable and you may find yourself borrowing from your travel fund for a flat tire or a medical expense. Create an emergency fund so that you do not have to take from your travel fund. This can be funded by choosing to stay in on the weekend or replacing dining out with cooking in. Never borrow from a savings or a retirement fund to use for your travel fund.
Focus
Once you have made your decision on where to go, how to get there, and, do not be tempted to take a discount trip. There is always a deal popping up for discount how to afford travel trips. These deals may seem like a solution to getting away but you will not feel satisfied if you are simply settling for a quick getaway. However these deals can be ideal if you can live with not seeing your travel goals through.
Compromise
Sacrifice
It may be nice to have a round trip or nonstop flight but they may be more costly. There are certain flights that may be more time consuming but considerably cheaper if you are willing to sacrifice. A lay over or building a flight one way at a time can save you money and make your travel goals a reality in less time. Investigate cities near you or your destination, they could be a short cab ride away but save you hundreds. It is also much cheaper to fly coach rather than business or first class. Read your airlines fee schedule and understand if you are paying for that on board soda or neck roll.
Flexibility
If you can be flexible with your travel dates then you have a huge advantage. There are travel sites that can help you plan a trip at the lowest cost or even last minute if your schedule permits.
The best tip on how to afford travel is re-define “travel”. If you need a get way or you just love discovery, there is sure to be plenty of hidden secrets lurking in your own city, town or state. Read up on local hot spots and acknowledge that travel is meant for reinvigorating the soul. Wherever you choose to travel, follow these tips o achieving your travel goals.