BY RACHEL WALLACE
Even the most passionate and adventurous travelers need to finance their trips. While volunteer tourism, study abroad programs, English teaching programs and freelancing provide ways to sustain yourself during your travels, it’s also nice to have a little cushion in your bank account before your journey starts. These strategies will help you put away money that, in the end, can be better spent on a crepe in Paris, bus fare in London, or a night out dancing in Mexico City.
Budget with Mint
No, this Mint won’t print more money for you to spend on a trip to Bali, but it will help you keep track of your spending. The app allows you to create a budget and set specific savings goals, making it easier to hold yourself accountable for saving that extra cash.
Go all natural
Many people spend a ton of money on personal care. Although getting manicures, pedicures, massages and haircuts can be a relaxing way to feel pampered, these things are sucking up money that could be spent on travel. Besides, when you are backpacking through South America or sleeping in European hostels, you won’t have access to all of your usual comforts. Why not stop now?
Cook at home
How about embracing cooking as a new hobby? You will simultaneously be eating healthier, saving money on take-out and maybe even exercising your creative side. Following food blogs is a great, inexpensive way to find recipes and inspiration. One of my favorites, BrokeAssGourmet.com, factors cost into the equation too.
Skip the gym
Gym or yoga studio memberships can become insanely costly. Giving up the expense, though, doesn’t mean you have to give up your workout routine. Check out FitnessBlender.com for workouts that you can do at home via YouTube.
Forego Subscriptions
Services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO and others end up tacking extra costs onto your monthly bills. Even Kindle, while it may be convenient for when you are traveling, can make buying books and apps all too easy. Consider using your local library to check out books as well as DVDs. Most offer an extensive collection that will help you save over the course of the year.
Pick up an extra shift
If it seems impossible for you to give up some things, or if you’re still in need of extra cash, look for a job where you can make some money without a huge commitment. Babysitting and nanny services connect caretakers with clients and aren’t just for people looking for full-time work. Catering companies are another great option since they always need servers and usually schedule staff on a week-to-week basis.
ABOUT THE WRITER
Rachel Wallace is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, where she studied psychology, journalism, and warm weather. She recently moved back to her home state of New York to attend the Columbia Publishing Course and pursue a career in writing and editing. Some of her interests include poetry, hip-hip, yoga, and YouTube. She is adventurous when it comes to food and passionate about traveling. Her favorite places to be include London and the New York Renaissance Faire.
Photo of piggybank via Shutterstock
