6 Best Ways to Save Money for Travel

Looking for fast and effective ways to save money for travel? Keep reading to get your travel savings a boost today.

Unfortunately, most of us don’t have the means to decide we want to travel and jump on a plane the next day. A brilliant trip takes planning, even if you want to keep things spontaneous.

You still have to plan out your destination and your budget. More importantly, what you can see and where can you go with the money you have.

Saving money is crucial for an epic adventure (as well as some backup emergency funds) which is why I thought I’d outline my 5 best ways to save money for travel. These are tips I’ve used my whole life which have allowed me to travel non-stop for over seven months (without needing to work online).

I’ve travelled to many countries on a tight budget. There have often been times when I’ve wanted to do something but I simply couldn’t because my budget couldn’t stretch that far. Now, I somewhat regret not having been diving in Thailand or paragliding in Nepal.

My point is, plan what you want to do and make sure you have the money to do it. I’m talking about the trip highlights here as there’s not enough money for everything after all and you might want to prioritize when saving for your bucket list trip.

So, you’ve decided to travel and where and what kind of budget you might need. Here are my top 6 tips for the best ways to save money for travel and get you on that plane a little sooner.

*This ‘ how to save money for travel’ guide might contain affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top quality content for free.

Best Ways to Save Money for Travel

1. Don’t Buy Stuff You Don’t Need

There are two ways to increase the sum in your bank account essentially, by earning more and spending less. Let’s begin with the later.

This one is all about self-control and but it really isn’t as easy as it sounds. Trust me though, you’ll reap the rewards later.

Do you really need that new pair of jeans or sunglasses? Probably not. I know it feels like you’re limiting yourself and you feel like you’re not living your life right? Trust me, limit buying things now and you’ll thank yourself later when you’re traveling a lot sooner than you thought.

2. Plan your Finances and Monthly Budget

It’s great knowing what you’re spending your money on every month, even if you’re not saving money for travel. When you can see what you’re spending your money on you can then work towards making changes.

There are many free apps available such as YNAB, Mint and Wally that help with money management and expense tracking. Just pop in your incomings and outgoings and you’re off, the app will do the rest.

This is a great way to help you save and cut back on anything you don’t see as necessary.

3. Make the Most of Free Things to do in your Area

Weekends and free time don’t have to be dull when you’re saving money for travel. I was lucky enough to grow up in London which is just brimming with free things to do.

Check out free museums, local events, markets, food and cultural festivals and even concerts. There are many free events to check out (depending on where you live) that make you feel like you’re still going out and having fun but spending less.

No one wants to stay at home feeling miserable just because you don’t want to spend money going out. Check out Time Out London for free or cheap things to do and eat in London. 

4. Earn More With a Side Hustle

Your 9-5 won’t pay you anymore? Your boss refused to give you a promotion? No problem. Nowadays there are many ways to make money online without having to leave your house or to be frank, your bed.

You will, however, have to put in some extra time in the evening after your 9-5 or at the weekends but it might be worth the extra cash. 

Think about your skills and what you can offer. Then, try websites like Fiverr and Upwork to pick up some freelancing work. There are many job posts daily in the fields of admin, accounting, translation, programming, coding, marketing etc.

Another idea is to check out things like teaching English online, creating a product and selling it or creating a course around something you know well and selling that. Other great online jobs you can do part-time on a freelance bases are social media management or a virtual assistant.

5. Live with your Parents

Yes, I know…this isn’t ideal or the best option for everyone but it is one of the best ways for saving money. Our number 1 expense in life has got to be rent, hands down.

If you’re young and you could live with your parents imagine how much you could save not paying any or little rent. This is also one of the best ways for how to save money for travel as a student.

I know this isn’t an option for everyone but if you can and you don’t mind and you can, I would strongly recommend it.

At the end of the day, saving money is hard. We all have things we need to spend money on and everyone is different, but just remember Every Little Helps. 

6. Travel Using Trusted Housesitters

If you love animals, then the site Trusted Housesitters allows you to decrease your travel costs by saving money on accommodation. On Trusted Housesitters you’ll be able to find sits all over the world where you’ll look after someone’s house and pet(s) while they are away.

This allows you to travel slowly and get to know a new place while saving thousands on accommodation. I love and use Trusted Housesitters a lot, and while there is a small yearly fee to join, it can end up saving you a lot.

Sign up for Trusted Housesitters here and start saving on travel.

---

I’d love to hear your thoughts about these tips to save money for travel, please comment and let me know how you save.

Make sure not to leave home without travel insurance. For the last few years, I’ve been using Safetywing Nomad Insurance for all my individual trips and digital nomad lifestyle and there’s no better company for all my insurance needs. Cover starts from as little as $42 per month. Get your quote below now.

LIKE IT? PIN IT FOR LATER