 Ararat - Charents Arch, Armenia When talking about traveling, money always matters as you have to spend for your air ticket, hotel, travel insurance, foods and etc., this is the main reason why a lot of people out there who dreamed to see the world were not able to make it. They are worried about where to get that big amount of money to finance their travel. The dilemma stage. I myself was having this thought and concern as well, telling that it'll be impossible for me to make it. I was on crossroads. I faced the dilemma of whether to pursue traveling and take the risk of getting totally broke eventually, or stay in my office's chair having the assurance that I'll be compensated monthly. Then I suddenly realized; Why should I choose? Why not try to get the best of both worlds? The reality. How did I exactly overcome my fears and afford to proceed travelling? - High paying job? - Rich husband/ boyfriend? - Successful business? - Rich family? - Company Sponsored trips? - Applied credit cards or bank loans? Well, it's NONE of the above! A fantasy or an easy go lucky way of financing my adventure? Nah! This is not a fairy tale, I don't want to fool others by writing what everyone would like to read, that I can afford to travel even by just closing my eyes. Honestly, it isn't as easy as everybody thinks to be. Sincerity, determination and a positive attitude are the key requirements. Here's how I made it.  1. Proper Planning and Budgeting (aka Saving) I don't belong to the type of travelers who left their 8-5 job just to travel the world, I can't do that considering that I have monthly bills to pay and a family to support, I need a fix monthly income to sustain my personal expenses. I have to travel, that's what my heart says, I have to find means to finance my dream and not to depend with anyone. "I'll do this on my own!" And so, I work hard and I save; for my future and for my adventures. But that doesn't mean I starve myself to death just to feed my goals, of course I still eat 3 meals a day with snacks. I even have an extra for a weekend date! LOL! It really is a matter of proper planning and budgeting. 2. Low Maintenance Lifestyle This is as important as working your ass off to save money for travels. Ever since, I never practiced a high maintenance lifestyle though I sometimes have an extra penny, I don't spend much on expensive nor branded things unless I really have to. I'm fine with brand-less stuff as long as the quality are good and they look appropriate on me. I don't have a weekly schedule in salon for manicure nor pedicure, or a monthly upkeep for my hair. Instead of spending much on these things, I do them myself by using and practicing my DIY talent. *wink* 3. Researching plus Patience In this modern time, we have all the resources to check whatever we want or need online. Since I don't travel full-time, I use my spare liberty at work doing some research through web of the hot deals or discounted trips, cheap flights and hotel bookings for my next travel plans; whether local or international. I also go over with the country's cost of living to prepare my budget and gather the must-see points in order to maximize my break allotted days. It is not at all times you'll get a good offer on your desired dates, in such situation, you really have to keep your researching skills and patience in gear! 4. Traveling with Group of Friends This won't apply to solo travelers, but if you really wanted to reduce your travel expenses plus have some gangs to talk to and laugh with while on the road, then this is the tested and proven way. I traveled with my colleague together with her sister and group of friends during the 7 days Georgia and Armenia winter escapade. The trip have priced me USD 830 (including air ticket and pocket money), compared to if I will be travelling solo or with my husband alone, I was able to save 400 bucks, and that sounds a lot of money tho! The more the merrier, you'll even have someone to take a photo of you! ;-) How about you? How do you finance your travels? Share your tips in the comment section below.
17 Comments
6/4/2016 12:08:07 pm
I love travelling but somehow money becomes an obstacle in the way. The way You shared tips is commendable.. People usually don't share their secrets. I am gonna try these tips.
I can relate to this! People often tell me, "Yaman ah" or "Daming pera" (You're so rich) because I travel quite often. I would like to point out that most of them are probably earning more than me, since I have re-started in another career quite late, and that I budget wisely to finance my travels. 6/4/2016 02:25:48 pm
Good tips. I agree on savings, but let's take this to another level. How about saving money, and using that money to grow money? Instead of using money that was saved for the trips, how about investing that money in a business/mutual funds/etc. and use the income generated for trips. 6/4/2016 02:48:17 pm
Hey excellent tipe. We have a child so when we travel we try our best to plan our stay in confortable places mainly for his sake. We dont compromise on food etc but definitely look for diff travel times and hotels for better airfare and hotel rates. Also we tend to take the local mode of travel at the destination rather than cabs as much as possible to save 6/4/2016 03:59:59 pm
I can totally relate with you! Like you, I cannot afford to leave my job, but I don't let it hinder me from traveling. What I sought after was reasonable priced flights, accommodations and tours. Since I only get 7 vacation leaves in a year, I normally travel on a long holiday the price of which is really high. I just book in advance and save money. Saving really goes a long way. So instead of buying new gadgets or clothes, the prime motivation is the experience and learning one will get from traveling. 6/4/2016 04:43:37 pm
I feel that this article was written for me. This is how I funded my travels. Especially 1-3 I save, save,save and save money to support my travels. I can't afford to leave my job since I have a family to support. I also don't buy expensive things. I can't remember the last time I do shopping. Hahaha and of course research. It's important. Number 4 is really true. But for someone like me who's into solo traveling. I need to always have extra budget. I also try to save as much as possible every month so that I can afford to travel. I try to save between £50-£100 a month for my travel jar, and I do that by cooking at home instead of eating out, don't go clothes shopping unless I need to and simply don't spend money on items that I don't need. I usually travel alone, so I can't save by traveling with friends. 7/4/2016 12:24:45 am
Great post , very interesting for me to read , as I always wonder , how people can afford all these journeys ! Even if you try to keep the costs as low as possible , you always need some extra budget for any possible emergency cases . In life you never know what tomorrow brings , leave alone when you are "living all over the world" : I am glad , that people like you are that passionated about travelling , so that "homies" like me can enjoy all these great blog posts ! I am getting more and more into all these travel blogs , thank you Pie Tan and all your travelling & blogging companions to let us be part of it ! 10/4/2016 07:55:28 pm
Hi, if you are planning to come to Delhi, India, please let me know.I will be too happy to help you in your travels here. 12/4/2016 07:55:44 am
This is sooooo appropriate! I've been travelling a lot lately and I hear people say that I'm rich, walang problema sa pera.. and the like. And I was like.. uhhhh.. ever heard of "budget travelling" and "travel fund"? I save to travel and not to buy material stuff.. and as much as I wanted to leave my job to travel, i just can't. Because yes, how can i afford to live? A fixed income is definitely helpful. It's really our dilemma for being such a wanderer. hehehe Leave a Reply. |
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*** A full-time expat and part-time lakwatsera. An optimist who is not willing to give up her dream to travel and see amazing places as far as she could. A crazy main character of her own Theatrical Show who is exaggeratedly dramatic and annoying. A Leo full of dreams, ambitions and SURPRISES! Donate with PayPal
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