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Want to know the secrets to saving money for travel? These creative ways to save money for travel will leave you feeling ready to plan out more trips.
Thinking of creative ways to save money for travel could be overwhelming. These are the tried and true budget travel hacks that everyone should know.
After reading this post you will feel relaxed and more than ready to save money for all your upcoming trips.
This post is all about travel tips for saving money.
13 Creative Ways To Save Money For Travel
1. Do a financial wellness check
Checking where your money is being spent is vital in saving for travel. You cannot save money if you do not understand where your money is going. There are many apps that could help you budget or you could take out a spreadsheet and track your monthly expenses. Most banking/credit card apps categorize how you spend your money on a weekly or monthly basis. There are many ways to cut costs and save once you figure out your spending habits. You could likely save hundreds (sometimes thousands) by taking a look at your current financial situation.
2. Needs vs. Wants
Next is figuring out if something is in the needs column or wants column. Write a list to see your monthly expenses and figure out what is an actual need and what is a want. This could be difficult because we all tend to believe everything we do and have is that need column. However, once you see how much you spend a year on those “need” items you will think differently about how you spend your money. In addition, there are many ways to still keep that “want” column but save money while doing it. A couple examples are below in 3 & 4.
3. At home Mani/Pedi
For example, getting your nails done at a salon is likely in the wants column. Trust me I get it, I am girly girl and need my nails done. But this is something you can do at home. There are many at home gel kits or manicure/pedicure kits for perfect nails. This could save you a TON of money each month. A gel manicure/pedicure could easily be $100 a month.
Make a fun girls night out of mani/pedi’s and do each others nails! Painting the dominant hand is always difficult.
This at home gel kit is perfect for a girls night. I tried it out with my friends before and the results were long-lasting and amazing. See link below.
4. At home waxing/spa treatments
Waxing has increased in popularity over the last few years. While waxing is extremely convenient and better for your skin, it is not so great for your wallet. 🙁 An alternative to saving money is buying an at home wax kit. Be careful and either take classes prior/watch YouTube videos because you do not want to burn yourself or harm your skin. If you are uncomfortable, please please consult a professional and have this be your splurge each month. We all need something to indulge in on occasion. However, if you choose to go the learning route, this could save you hundreds each year as the average Brazilian wax could be $50-80 per month/session.
Want an at home waxing pot? Once you learn how to do it on your own, trust me you will never go back to your waxer. I have two waxing pots and this one heats up super fast so be careful. See link below!
Spa treatments such as facials, masks, and even facial steaming could be done at home in between those necessary treatments. A facial appointment is on average $100-$200 depending on the treatment and add on. While certain treatments should be left to the professionals, masks and a nice face steam could be done to relax on a Friday night. Facial steamers are very affordable! The one below is one I use in between treatments and has great benefits for your skin. It is not only relaxing but opens your pores and leaves your skin feeling baby smooth. Read the directions and consult your dermatologist or esthetician on use/how often 🙂
5. Consider all accommodations
Are you one to immediately look for those hotel or bundle packages? You could be spending way more money on accommodations than necessary. Consider something like an Airbnb and you could get more for your money. If you are willing to stay right outside that primary city of interest that will also save you money. Some Airbnb host offer a room in their home which is typically much more affordable than a hotel.
6. Get a second job
Next is considering a second part time job. There are so many ways to earn extra money nowadays. You could do Uber or Lyft on the weekends or after/before work or you could find a part time remote job and work from anywhere! The flexibility and possibilities in the job market are endless if you shop around. There are many people making money from social media on the side and even earning full time income. This could help you save for that dream vacation without using the money you are used to getting in or need every month.
7. Travel with others
If you travel in a group of people, this could come with cost advantages. Many package deals are available for groups at a discount rate. In addition, you could split a hotel or Airbnb with someone you know as opposed to paying the entire rate yourself. In addition, if you want to take a taxi ride from the airport you could split with your group as opposed to paying the entire fare yourself.
8. Travel Savings bank
The best way to save is to put the money aside each month. Even if this is a very small amount at first, it is a start! A great way to ensure you do not spend the money each month is to put it in a separate bank outside of your primary. Make it difficult for yourself to access that money so you know are able to save it. Pay YOURSELF first. Get into the habit of putting some money away before you think you have excess to spend. The best way to save is to be able to forget you have that money. Treat it like travel funds only and not like money you have. If you are a cash person then grab a piggy bank or jar and hide it! You will thank yourself when you have plenty of money saved for that dream vacation 🙂
9. Cook
It can add up going out to eat all the time. If you are one to run to restaurants every week or several times a week, that can add up. If you do not cook there are so many options available (healthy too) of easy meal prep or already prepared foods. Most of those options are cheaper than going out to eat every night. Many grocery stores offer already prepared meals that are half of the price of dining out. This could save you hundreds and even thousands at the end of the year by choosing to dine at home.
10. Purge
Next is doing a purge of items you do not use anymore. If you need help with this ask a friend or family member. They could ask you those questions like, “When was the last time you wore this dress?” You could sell your items whether it be an unused chair, desk, clothes or shoes. There are many websites now that allow for you to sell your items. You could even post the items on your social media and see if anyone on there will purchase them. We all have some items in our home we are no longer using. All you need to do is look through everything and think about the last time it was used.
11. Subscriptions
If you are one that realizes your Subscriptions for all your favorite movies and shows is starting to add up, it is time to go through them. Often times we are not using those subscriptions on a daily or even weekly basis. A lot of popular shows/movies are on several different apps. Choose which subscriptions you want to keep and if you have a cable or internet bill that is high, call about lowering it. It never hurts to call these companies and see if they have other options. Many times they do! They typically do not advertise this to existing customers. Also, remember it is in their best interest to keep you as a customer, so they will likely offer a promotional rate for a bit.
12. Entertainment costs
If you are one to go out to bars every single weekend, this could cost you a good hundred or so a night. Ladies, unless you are getting those free drinks every night, I promise you this is an unnecessary cost. Instead of going out every weekend, consider having a girls wine night at home. Picture all your best girlfriends coming over and watching Sex and the City while eating some snacks. You could take turns hosting and make it a tradition. Not only will you have fun with your favorite people, but your wallet will be loving you.
13. Downsize
Lastly is considering downsizing. You have to consider what is most important to you. If you are serious about traveling the world and realize even after cutting expenses you have little to no money left over, consider downsizing. What this means is you could not upgrade your car every couple years. Car payments are expensive, especially on those new cars. Even if your car payment is $200/month, that could be the cost of a yearly vacation! If you are one to move often because you want to upgrade or move into a bigger place, consider staying put for a while. Now everyone moves for different reasons and sometimes moving is unavoidable. However, if you can hold off, do it. The average move for supplies alone can cost hundreds. When you factor in movers and/or renting a moving truck, the costs get into the thousands. If your mortgage or rent is expensive, consider moving into a smaller place or a different area.
There are usually ways to save some extra money each month if you look at all your expenses.
This post was all about creative ways to save money for travel.
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Happy and safe travels! xx