First things first… Let’s take a look at your finances.
1. Live cheaply–The main expense for most people (besides kids) is their mortgage. I live as cheaply as possible. If travel is something you have to do, and you’re not rich–you need to live as cheaply as possible. No point in spending all of your hard earned money renting or on a mortgage if you’re never home!
2. Cancel any monthly subscriptions that you don’t use/ and or need–I just cancelled an HBO Chanel I didn’t even know I had! Hey, $10 is $10.
3. Marry rich–What? It’s a legitimate option that would work. On the other hand you’ve probably been a mooch your whole life and should listen to that Destiny’s child song ‘independent women’ a few times if you’re inclined to take this route.
4. Reserve an Airbnb instead of a hotel—Thanks to Airbnb there is now a cheaper place to stay than your good ole Marriot. Plus, a lot of them are nicer than hotels. Hotels can be more than half of your travel expenses.
5. Camping/Glamping–Campsites are ridiculously cheap. Not. a camper? Glamping may be for you.
6. Travel to a destination where you know someone–Meaning you stay for free! Or you can do what I’m doing next September/October in Germany and travel with someone who knows someone–and still stay for free! This is a seriously underrated tip. When anyone tells me something like “Oh my sister lives in Hawaii, I need to visit her” Im like “Well, I would fly with you anytime!” lol Hiii Kaitlyn, Don’t forget me.
7. Don’t over pay for stupid tours–Although some are great, instead, I would recommend choosing maybe one tour or excursion of some sort that is highly-rated by trip advisor and affordable. Trip advisor is perfect for researching prior to any trip because it has tons of reviews, links the company websites, pictures, etcetera so you know exactly what you’re paying for and how much it will be. I always use it while “planning” any trip. I put that in quotations because I don’t do a whole lot of planning, but I do like to know a little about where I’m going and what there is to offer. Side note: if you’re ever heading to Montreal, do the Segway tour!
Money-saving tips for roadtrips:
⇒ Split gas
⇒ Pack a cooler and drinks so no unnecessary gas station stops for over-priced water
⇒ Get an Airbnb with a kitchen so you can cook in a few times, or a campsite as mentioned above.
Remember:
Experiences are priceless
You were not born to pay bills and die
You can get out of the nine to five mindset
You can lead an UNPOPULAR lifestyle just like me
Wanna keep it in your own backyard-type adventure? Check this ‘Ways to Adventure on a Budget’.
-E
