7 Ways I Saved Money to Travel
I decided 8 months ago I wanted to do this and boy, has it been some of the most difficult months of my life. I’ve sacrificed a lot to make this happen and at times I questioned my choices. But being days away from departure I sit here today so beyond grateful for all of the sacrifices I’ve made and the opportunities given to me to make this happen. The most common question I get is "how are you funding this?!". Well, to be completly honest, I plan on living off my savings for a while and I want to share with you how I saved money for this long trip.
Here are 7 ways I saved money to travel long term!
1) I moved back in with Mami & Papi
I’m 28 years old. I moved out at 18. 10 years later I’m back home. I don’t think I need to get into detail about this. It was tough. My parents are the most amazing human beings on this planet and I will say I was so fortunate to have this option and I am very grateful for it, but moving back in as an independent adult had its challenges.
2) I stopped eating out
Well, not completely. Eating out is my vice. Some girls like spending hours at the mall buying new clothes & shoes. Me, I like exploring new restaurants and eating out 5-7 times a week...I’m not exaggerating. Although I couldn’t completely stop eating out, that just wasn’t realistic for me, I cut back A LOT. Maybe 2-3 times a week. And instead of ordering an appetizer, main entrée, dessert & 3 glasses of wine, I ordered an appetizer as a main entrée, 1 glass of wine and no dessert. I still enjoyed the experience, saved money & even lost a little weight!
3) I stopped going to the mall
I just avoided it altogether. I’ve probably purchased 2-3 new clothing items in the last 7 months. If I was tempted I just thought to myself ͞"that pair of shoes could be a zip lining excursion" and moved on with life.
4) I didn’t travel
This, by far, was the most difficult one. I love to travel, obviously, and not taking any trips, not even a little weekend getaway, was driving me a bit crazy. I did plan a spontaneous weekend trip to Brooklyn in the summer because I was itching, literally itching, to get on a plane.
5) I cancelled my gym memberships
Goodbye to my favorite kickboxing class. I’ll miss you my beloved yoga studio. Hello to free community yoga in the park. And running outdoors became my new favorite hobby.
6) I changed my idea of fun
I’m a social butterfly. I love going out and I love dancing! But in Miami a drink can cost you $15 a pop, sometimes more if you’re partying in the beach. So, I bought some books, a bottle of wine & spent many Friday nights reading, sipping on my favorite Malbec and really learning to enjoy some quiet alone time.
7) I had a will
When there’s a will there’s a way. Most importantly I just wanted this SO bad. Although the sacrifices were hard, what kept me going was that little light at the end of the traveling tunnel. I could see it, every day I got closer to it, and I was determined to do this.
How have you saved money for a trip? Share your tips & tricks in the comments below! I would love to know!
