I often hear two common responses when I inquire about people’s limited travel experiences: ‘I don’t have the time,’ and ‘I can’t afford it.’ These two explanations can seem like insurmountable barriers to exploring the world beyond our comfort zones. However, neither of them should hinder your travel aspirations. Your ability to afford travel ultimately lies in your hands.
If the dream of traveling is something you hold dear, I’m here to assist you in finding ways to make it a reality. It may require a degree of self-discipline, but it’s absolutely achievable. In this piece, we’ll explore the pathways to making your travel dreams come true and embrace a world of possibilities without breaking the bank.
The Blueprint for Traveling More
Part One: Making Travel a Priority
Similar to the way you prioritize activities like coloring your hair, getting a fresh manicure, or savoring that morning flat white, travel deserves a place on your list of priorities. Treat it as a tangible goal: select a destination and actively work toward reaching it.
This may require some adjustments to your current priorities, which means being prepared to reduce unnecessary daily expenses. For instance, consider bringing your lunch to work or dining in rather than going out. If you do choose to dine out with colleagues, that’s fine—just be sure to bring your lunch or eat beforehand. Initially, it might seem inconvenient, and there may be moments when you’re tempted to make exceptions, but stay resolute.
Concentrate on your objectives. Reflect on the money you’re saving by preparing your own meals and brewing coffee at home. Keep in mind that these adjustments are temporary, and they bring you one step closer to realizing your travel dreams.
Part Two: Defining Your Traveler Identity
Your traveler identity can evolve and adapt from one trip to another or over time. For instance, you might choose to economize and stick to a budget during your trip to Mexico this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t opt for more luxurious accommodations next time around. Keep in mind that these choices are not set in stone; they are temporary adjustments. The key is to ensure that you can maintain a certain level of comfort during your travels without compromising your essential needs and safety.
Part Three: Deciding Your Duration
Destination: A Mystery
(Have you already picked your destination? Fantastic! Feel free to skip ahead a few paragraphs to the exciting part! But if you’re still undecided or venturing somewhere new, let’s start by considering your available time.
Are you fortunate enough to have a 7-day vacation? Excellent! It’s wise to keep your destination within the same continent or nearby. Opting for a destination far from your current location may result in your 7-day vacation shrinking to just 4 1/2 days, once you factor in travel time and potential jetlag.
Pro Tip: Once you’ve determined a rough timeframe, explore budget-friendly flight options within your target region. Many booking websites, such as kiwi.com, enable you to search for flights spanning an entire continent. For additional money-saving tips, check out: Easy Budgeting Hacks for the New (and Experienced) Traveler and Searching For Accommodation: Where To Look.
Destination: Confirmed
If your destination is already set, you’ve determined your available time, and your travel dates are locked in, it’s time to kickstart your financial planning. Your goal is to secure enough savings to cover your outstanding bills while you’re away, your travel expenses, and a financial cushion for emergencies. For those who prioritize financial responsibility, having around $3,000 at your disposal can go a long way.
Personally, I managed to live in Rio for four months with just $3,000, and I even had some savings left before I decided to pick up work to offset my spending.
When it comes to making travel affordable, it’s all about being savvy with your finances. Understand your financial limits and don’t push beyond them.
For more insightful budgeting tips, check out ‘Budgeting Hacks for the New (and Experienced) Traveler‘ to gain a better grasp of managing your finances while exploring the world.
Part Four: Assessing Your Desired Level of Comfort
Your response to this question will serve as the cornerstone for all your subsequent decisions.
In certain financial circumstances, I have ventured beyond my typical means while traveling, fully immersing myself in the destination’s experience. However, this often results in a constant struggle to stay within my financial limits. (I’ve noticed this tendency occurs more frequently when I travel with companions.) Conversely, when I embark on solo journeys, I tend to adopt a more modest approach to travel, with occasional splurges and significantly less financial stress.
The key to affording more travel is to have a balance between your desires and the reality of what you can afford.
Hence, the choice of your traveler identity is entirely yours, but it’s crucial to stay grounded in reality. If, for instance, your aspiration is to visit Paris during the peak season, yet you only have one week available in March and your budget barely accommodates the flight, it’s time for a reality check. Honesty with yourself is key.
