Those of us who’ve been on a few dream trips are surely looking for ways to go on some more. Even as a newbie in the world of travels, we bet you’ve been fantasizing about a few locations. If you’re like most people on this Earth, money is a source of concern.
You’ll be happy to hear there are ways to turn your finances into a non-issue. In case you already have some savings aside, you could try one of the great offers provided by a DreamTrips membership. Either way, a few good tips on making the best out of your earnings should do no harm.
Making a Budget Plan for Your Dream Trips
Saving is always welcomed, but it’s best to know the amount of money you need to set aside. Of course, you can never save too much, but when it’s not enough, it turns into a problem. Start with a proper budget plan.
These plans will depend a lot on the locations of your dream trips. Distance is one of the main decisive factors as it determines how much money you spend. The length of your flights, how many times you need to switch planes, the amount of gas your car will use, they all add up. Plus, the more economically developed a country is, the more expensive it will be.
Then, decide how long you want to stay on this vacation. Is it a weekend or is it two weeks? We bet that if you fly all the way across the globe, you won’t just stay for a couple of days. Also, make a list of attractions you plan to see and how much you’ll spend on tickets.
In order for this to actually work, we recommend keeping your travel money separate, whether it’s inside an account, a piggy-bank or a jar. Just so you make sure you don’t spend it on an ‘emergency’ party. Decide on a number, a sum to add to your savings every single week. Turn it into a commitment, a habit you won’t try to skip.
Cutting Back on Your Expenses
Aside from writing down the amount of money you need and how you’re going to get it, you should also be honest about your usual expenses. Put those and your income together and make a comparison. Some of us are shocked when facing this. Dream trips are an ideal which does not come cheap, so cut out the unnecessary to save for making them come true.
One of the facts most of us are guilty of is spending a huge amount of money on food or drinks. Instead of buying ingredients, we choose stuff that’s already cooked because it’s easier to just pop it in the microwave. Those are a few dollars right there which can be spared.
Moreover, eating out all the time can dig a hole into one’s budget. Of course, you want to hang out with your friends at a pub or bar, and that’s fine. But try reducing that from five times per month to just two, for instance.
On the same note, pack lunch for work more often or choose the company cafeteria instead of a full-on restaurant. Also, fancy coffee is extremely expensive and not that healthy either, with all its syrups and flavors. And quit smoking already!
Transportation doesn’t only cost when you’re traveling out of town or to another country. Gas prices seem to be constantly on the rise. Share rides with colleagues or friends if you can. Protect the environment by using public transportation. Bikes are even better if you have one and your office isn’t that far away from home.
Check all your paid subscriptions and decide how much you really need them. Maybe you’ve been receiving magazines you haven’t been reading for months, but were not it the mood to opt out. Do you really need that TV? There are so many online services that let you watch the same shows for less.
Think about ways in which you could reduce bills. In case you feel like you’re paying too much for your cellphone contract, get a better offer. Don’t forget to turn lights off when you go out of the room and stop having conversations with yourself in the shower.
Sorry if this sounds discouraging, but if you want great travels, you should skip the luxury at home. Don’t pay for gym memberships, since YouTube is already filled with fitness instructors, and you could do their exercises at home or out in nature.
Lastly, making some extra cash isn’t a bad idea either. Maybe you could do some overtime at work or pick up small freelancing projects online. Once you have enough money, check out Dream Trips. You might run into a bargain and not even spend everything you saved.
