The key to any
trip is being smart with your money and that starts even before you hit the road. It is important to know how to save and plan your trip, so you don’t find yourself running out of money on the road.
1, Create a budget
First and foremost, create a spreadsheet in Excel or another program and start tracking every single purchase or payment. Do this for about a month or two to get an idea of where your money gets spent. This is a huge eye opener for some people and from here you can consciously decide how you need to change your spending habits.
2, Set your financial travel goal
Research the trip you want to take. Get a sense of what it will cost, then round up the number. There are two reasons for rounding up. One is so that you have a nice simple figure in mind as your goal. The second is so that you have some space in your
travel budget for it to stretch as it will almost inevitably do.
3, Imagine living your dream trip every day
Screensavers are great for this. When doing your
trip research find a photo that really inspires you. Right click on the photo, save the image to your desktop and make it your desktop picture. Print out a copy and put it on your fridge. Get an Instagram account and follow a hashtag for your
destination. Keep your motivation high by having your
trip all around you.
4, Take a minimalist approach
The minimalism trend is about having what you need and no more. Or, if more, it is because there is something that you really, really desire. You may consider books an absolute must in your life. Then have more books than necessary. But before making any purchase, give it serious consideration. How much do you need it? Could you borrow or rent it instead? How much will it contribute to your happiness?
5, Limit entertainment
Invite friends over instead of going out, go to places on days they are offering free admission, and look for other free things to do for entertainment. There are definitely plenty of things to do that don’t cost much money.
6, Write a list when you go shopping and stick to it
Start eating healthier, unprocessed foods. They are cheaper and you will notice a benefit in your health too! Plan your meals around your grocery store’s sales and when you make meals, make enough for leftovers to bring to work for lunches.
7, Know what kind of spending makes you go off the wagon
Some of us spend more if we have cash than if we use credit cards. Some are the opposite. Others whip out the debit card without thinking. Know what form of money you are more likely to spend frivolously and don’t carry it.
8, Tell people about your trip plans
Declaring your big goal will help you achieve it. Discuss your
trip plans with others. Get recommendations from people who have already been. It must be very helpful for you.
Source Internet
Screensavers are great for this. When doing your trip research find a photo that really inspires you. Right click on the photo, save the image to your desktop and make it your desktop picture. Print out a copy and put it on your fridge. Get an Instagram account and follow a hashtag for your destination. Keep your motivation high by having your trip all around you.
