Have you ever scrolled through someone’s social media page and wondered how they seem to always be somewhere awesome? I’m sure you have. We all have! I’ve even gone as far as to drop whatever Iwas doing and hop onto an airline website to see how much tickets were to a far away place. Only to slowly fall back into reality when I realize that even if with the cheapest tickets I still would be digging deep into my bank account to pay for the trip. Since beginning this blog I have racked my brain with ways I can save money to pay for my travel adventures. I hope you find at least one option on my list helpful when you need to come up with funds for travel.
- A Piggy Bank
I know, I know a piggy bank sounds a bit ridiculous. However, I am referring to a direct deposit account either with your bank or an online banking service. Direct deposits are typically automatic and are electronic. Since you don’t see the cash you’re less tempted to spend money. An example of a good online banking service is Smarty Pig. Smarty Pig allows you to set up an account (using your typical personal information), choose where the money is deposited from and what your goal is. It will keep track of your money and give you an estimate of how long it will take you to reach your goal. Once you have reached your goal you can close the goal and receive your money (give or take a few days).
- Odd Jobs
We all have talents and gifts. Why not put those talents to use to earn some travel dough? If you’re computer savvy you can sign up on websites like Fiverr. Fiverr is a company that allows people looking for help with technology based projects find and pay those who are skilled in that area. If you’re not big into technology there are other things you could do. For instance if you love animals you can walk dogs and/or pet-sit. If animals are not your thing, you can also offer to be a personal assistant for a family member or friend. You could pick up their dry cleaning, drop their kids off at school or do their grocery shopping. Most family members and friends may feel reluctant to allow you to do that but once you explain what the money will be used for they should understand and be willing to help you out.
- Sell Your Junk
A quick way to make a few bucks is to sell items that you no longer need. Make a sign, set your things outside on the lawn and sell away! A yard sell is a quick and simple way to sell items. If a yard sale is not your speed you can sale unwanted or old clothing to clothing resale stores. If you have electronics that you no long want you can sell those items on Ebay or even your local pawn shop.
- Clock In
It’s not something that most of us want to do. However, sometimes we have to put the rubber to the road, pull our sleeves up, burn the midnight oil, and…well…you know what I mean. Sometimes your best bet is to get a temporary or part-time job. I say temporary or part-time because I’m assuming most people reading this already have a full-time job or maybe go to school full-time. Temporary jobs (sometimes called seasonal jobs) are great because they are exactly that…temporary. The hours you spend working will help your travel budget and there is no long-term commitment in place. A part-time may have a little more commitment involved but you won’t have to spend grueling long hours a day working. If you put the money you earn at these jobs towards travel you will be on your way in no time.
Traveling takes the ink out of one’s pen as well as the cash out of one’s purse.
– Herman Melville
There are other options for saving money to use for travel adventures. I hope the ones I listed here are helpful to you. Thanks for reading!
ColorMyFootsteps 