How to Save Money for Travelling. (Part 2)

      

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    Part 2: 

Simplify your living situation- This is the biggest change you can make to save money but it very much depends on what your personal circumstances are. If you are renting you may be able to get a roommate to share in the costs, you may be able to sublet the property whilst you are away, (however this would be between you and your landlord to discuss and agree beforehand, though this may be a great long term option.) You could list your property on Air BnB which would not only mean a secondary income whilst you are travelling, but that someone is in your house looking after it whilst you are away. You could move to a smaller place, or move into a house share which would spread out the cost of living between all of you. There may be the option to move back in with your parents or relatives. This won’t work for everyone, but if you get on well with your folks and they are happy to let you stay for a cheap rent or better yet free whilst you save for your big trip then take the opportunity.

       

 Getting a second job or extra shifts- It’s true, I am trying to show you how to travel for very little money, but in order to travel, you will need some money behind you so having a job is a must. If you are able to pick up extra shifts or even get another part-time or weekend on the side, that’s going to really help build up your trips budget quickly. There are plenty of jobs that don’t require you to give it your all but still pay a decent wage, something like shelf stocking in supermarkets can be a super easy way to make extra money without needing to struggle 9-5 with hectic deadlines or meetings.

       

 Get a job with tips- Bar work and table waiting jobs are plentiful and appealing. The UK is not known for its tipping, but in many counties like the US and Canada, tipping is a usual and lucrative practice. On top of your regular wage you can make a lot of additional money through tips; being smiley and chatty usual helps score a bit more cash so make sure to leave your grumpy face at home. Tips are often cash in hand, so again make sure you set it aside and don’t frit it away on shoes and Pepsi.

     

  Get a job with perks- If you are hoping to travel for a long period of time, you will eventually need to buy equipment like a backpack, walking boots, maybe a sleeping bag or a tent. If you can get a job at a place that already sells this stuff then you could get discount on the items you need and save money whilst you shop. You may need to have been working there for a few months before you get the discount so don’t go nuts just yet! Before going to Ireland for two months I worked at Monsoon/Accessorize for a short time. I was able to buy a backpack, a side bag and lots of clothes and jewellery at a great discounted price that otherwise would have cost me much more. (I am aware jewellery isn’t necessary to travel but I really like Shiny things!)

       

  Get a job that requires you to travel- These can be a little harder to come by and you will need a specific skill set but some sales or hospitality jobs may require you to travel for work. There’s no guarantee that you will have a lot of time to do touristy things since you will be working but it may be an option for some people in order to get them to another location. Or you could get a job that you can do from anywhere in the world. Work from home jobs such as writing, coding, web design or online surveys can be done anywhere there’s a decent wifi connection so you can still have your regular income coming in but you don’t have to be at home, you could just as easily be in Rio or Florida. As a writer and small business owner, much of my work is solely done from my laptop and so I can be literally anywhere in the world and still work.

      

 Sell some stuff on Ebay- Having a good sort out before you travel is just a good idea anyway, but you may come across a lot of stuff that you don’t need or use anymore that somebody else will. Selling items through Ebay is really easy and as long as you cover your postage cost it’s almost nothing but profit for you. If you are downsizing your living space this is definitely a good idea and you’ll be surprised at how much money you can make over stuff you haven’t looked at in years.

 Attend a car boot sale- If you aren’t too comfortable with Ebay, why not attend a car boot sale and sell your stuff there. This is a great option if you are getting rid of furniture or exercise equipment as you won’t need to pay for shipping, people can pay you for it and simply take it away with them that same day.

  Go cheap or go home- One problem I found when saving my money was that I became a hermit and began to do nothing but work and wait to travel which was pointless. It’s important to still enjoy your life whilst you are saving up; there’s plenty of cheap or free things that you can do to still be social and have fun whilst you are saving. A cinema trip can easily be downgraded to a movie night at home with friends, bike ride adventures, host house parties,  shopping sprees in charity shops, indulging in spa days and days out with a discount voucher, all of these activities are great fun with a small price tag.

       

  Discount codes, vouchers and couponing- There’s a reason discount code sites are popping up all over the place, they work and they save you money on stuff. Not only can you enjoy yourself for cheap whilst waiting to go on your trip but you can sign up for travel discount sites and save money on tourist attractions, meals out and even transport and accommodation before you go. If you are concerned about the possible spam emails, you can simply set up another email account separate from your main email and check it twice a week for great deals. 
Sites like https://www.groupon.co.uk/ and https://thepriceiswight.co.uk/ (for south UK residents,) are trusted and tested.

 Join free clubs and communities- Life is about people. When you get your heart set on travelling it’s easy to get into a pattern on work, work, home, repeat and never get out and meet people or learn new stuff. It’s important, whilst you are saving your money and waiting to take your trip that you still get out and be sociable. Joining free clubs or communities where you can learn a craft or talk about movies or taste some wine or go on walks with new people is a great way of making friends as an adult. You never know, you may meet someone who has travelled before and has loads of inspiring and helpful stories about it.