Feel like your finances are holding you back from taking that dream trip? We’ve compiled some great ways you save for a trip
Saving in preparation for your trip
Try a spending freeze
A spending freeze is a money challenge where you stop all non-essential spending for a predetermined amount of time, be it a weekend, a week or even a month. Work out how much you need to put aside for rent, bills, groceries and the like, and don’t spend a cent outside of this. Remember that a spending freeze is only for a short period of time, so don’t force yourself to live like a monk for too long.
Shop online
There’s no reason to put your life on hold in preparation for your holiday. You can still buy all the everyday items or travel essentials you need – just make sure to find affordable deals online instead of buying in store. From replacing your tattered old mattress with a new mattress to getting outdoor play equipment, it can all be done for less online.
Pick up a side hustle
Got some skills and time on your hands? See if you can work on something on the side to quickly save some pocket money for your trip. Some popular side hustle options include driving for Uber/Lyft/Taxify, delivering food for UberEats or Deliveroo, tutoring o doing odd jobs on websites like Airtasker.
Borrow before buying
Going somewhere with a radically different climate to your hometown or somewhere that you’re unlikely to ever visit again? Try to borrow things like travel adapters and winter coats from friends and family so you don’t have to splash out for things you’ll likely never use again.
Rent your room
If you’re going away for a while, see if you can sublet your room (if in a share house) or put your whole property on AirBnB. This means you’re not spending money on a property that you’re not even in, and might even make some profit if you live in a high-demand area!
Plan but be flexible
While planning can help you find great deals, it’s also important to be flexible so that you can snap up any bargains or change plans to a better and cheaper idea if anything comes up. Go into your holiday with an open mind and you’ll be survived how you can save!
Being financially savvy during your trip
Know your priorities
You’ll quickly run your bank account dry if you try to eat out, do adventure sports, buy souvenirs and get tickets to exclusive events. Define your travel priorities to work out what you should spend money on. Are adrenaline experiences worth the price tag to you? Or are you more keen on foodie adventures?
Be smart with dining
Food can often be one of the biggest expenses when travelling. Hack your way around it by making the most of the free breakfast at your hotel (if offered), packing snacks and water when at airports or tourist hot spots, and eating like the locals do instead of at Westernised restaurants or chains.
Consider house sitting
Know anyone who lives in the country you’re travelling to? See if you can house sit for them or complete other favours for a free stay. If this doesn’t work for you, consider AirBnB and hostels instead of a typical hotel or resort. You might even be happy to sleep on a sofa found through a couchsurfing site!
Use apps to text and call
Instead of having to use roaming data to make calls, connect to the Wi-Fi at your accommodation or public sites like cafes, libraries and museums to call using apps like Whatsapp, Viber and Facebook Messenger. This can potentially save you hundreds of dollars!
Avoid tourist traps
While we all want to see the Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa and Statue of Liberty, be selective about what’s really worth the entry fee and the marked up food and beverage prices around the venue. Some tourist traps can also be inauthentic and so crowded you won’t even be able to enjoy yourself!
Free activities
When you’re in a new country, there’s so many things that you can enjoy for free. From people watching and checking out museums to hiking or relaxing in a park, don’t underestimate how many amazing activities are available for free. These activities are also often the best way to soak up the culture and history.
Author bio
Hania Syed is a Melbourne-based writer who blogs at www.mydeal.com.au. You will most likely find her with her head in a book, or enjoying Melbourne’s foodie scene.
