Philosophy

When it comes to planning a vacation, everyone is well aware that they need to save money. This is the gasoline that gets the vacation motor running so to speak. We set ourselves a number we are aiming for, and away we go.

The one thing I rarely see others doing however, is living frugally.

I know, I probably sound like your grandpa, but bear with me.

Living within your means involves discipline, hard work and dedication. The average person struggles with finances from day to day, going pay check to paycheck living the cliche of keeping up with the Jonses.

This quote from financial guru Dave Ramsey’s book The Total Money Makeover sums it up best.

“We buy things we don’t need with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t like”.

Let that sink in.

Now, with that being said, living under your means feels impossible. Right? Hopefully, this is where I can help.

Going out, the right way

It’s not how much you go out, but how you do so. The common misconception is if you go out every night you will spend more than doing so once a week.

This is where I say, maybe.

Discipline yourself to $10-$20 cash on a night out alone, leave the cards at home, and budget in costly nights out with your friends. That’s 1-3 beers and a tip for the bartender if you are by yourself.

If you don’t have enough to tip your bartender, stay home or drink less.

I am promoting being frugal, not stiffing the people who take care of you, so don’t be that guy. He pounds $2 PBRs until he’s broke, leaves you a dollar and tells you, “sorry, this is all I have”.

Well, to you not so good sir or madam, you are an asshole and the bartender hates you.

Get a hobby

A monthly hobby is one of the best means of controlling your expenses on leisure activities. I personally study martial arts and have a 24 hour gym membership.

At around $170 a month I have something to do or somewhere to go everyday, at least twice a day.

$170/30 days = $5.67 a day

Remember, cabin fever is the enemy and idle hands will get you in trouble.

If you become a shut in, you risk the pitfalls of splurging and shopping out of boredom. These 2 things will destroy any budget.

Read

A book is a great grounding tool.

Having something good to read will keep you home and can also provide assistance towards your next adventure.

Reading books about financial management or travel destinations are great for keeping your mind on the task at hand and serve as a daily reminder to stay the course.

Get rid of car payments and debt

Paying off debt is just a good life goal.

If you don’t owe others money, then it can start working for you and not against you. While some debt can’t be helped, such as student loans or a mortgage, at least they are assets which provide equity or opportunity.

A $400 car payment does not.

So the point here is to purchase things that are affordable, not outside of our means, and more importantly, to know the difference. Especially if you wish to travel for extended periods of time.

Watch where you shop

Where you purchase groceries and other items can be just as important as what you buy. Search deals, use coupons, and find buy one get one deals to purchase non perishable items in bulk.

There are also a lot of savings apps available on the internet such as Ibotta, which can provide cash back to an account that can later be redeemed as cash or a choice of different gift cards.

Living

This one can be hard to help depending on many factors, your location, family, etc.

“If you will live like no one else, later you will live like no one else”, once again quoting Dave Ramsey.

Pretty smart guy right?

If possible, find a cheaper place to live, get a roommate, or move in with family if it’s an option. This will help you save much faster and achieve your travel dreams.

Safe travels!

Too expensive

It is currently cheaper than ever to fly to many popular destinations around the globe. With the right information and savings plans anyone can see the world. Remember to search for deals on hotels, Airbnb, or stay in hostels if you need to stretch your money. I have even met people who have couch surfed to get by.

Check budget airlines for cheap flights and Only bring carry on luggage to save on baggage fees. If possible, opt out of inflight meals to save more. Buying food once you pass the security gate allows you to pinch a few more bucks by bringing it in your carry on. Now if you get hungry in transit, you have snacks and water. Not an overly priced, sometimes subpar meal.

Not enough time

This is a common excuse for many people in the modern work world and a very difficult one to get around.

If you are in the corporate world and struggle to get time away, aim to go on a 10 day vacation instead of a week in order to squeeze a bit more out for your trip. This makes up for the days you are traveling and the flights are sometimes cheaper than a week long trip.

For those of us in the service industry, our jobs become a lot more flexible in the off and shoulder season. Spring and fall are good times to book trips since work can be slow and there are many great deals anywhere in the world.

Cover shifts and pull extra hours a few months leading up to your holiday. This way your boss and coworkers will be more apt to help you accomplish your travel goals.

Don’t speak the language

Communication is key and English speakers are just about everywhere.

If you look hard enough in any major city in the world, you will find one. They may know very little, you may get scowls or a rude remark, but you will find someone eventually.

With that being said, for a richer experience, work on learning the language.

Even if you are terrible at it, try.

Single words and simple phrases can help you to make your travels a much smoother and more enjoyable experience.

Working out the kinks early helps.

Once you are outside of major cities, your chances of finding an English speaker decrease greatly.

It’s better to try to learn another language when you have a higher percentage of finding a local who can aid you in the learning process. Hotel and hostel staff are also good for this.

Can’t find a travel partner

Sometimes we are faced with the harsh truth that nobody wants to or is brave enough to travel with us. When this happens this only leaves one option left. Go it alone.

I’ve seen many solo travelers of both sexes in my travels. This is why I prefer hostels. It allows you to meet other travel companions and exchange valuable information, since some guests have been staying for a while.

Which brings us to the next excuse.

Scared of going alone

Going overseas alone does take a bit of bravery, but fear not!

Most of the countries I have visited, I went to alone. In these journeys I have met many amazing people and had life changing experiences which I simply would have never done if I had been paralyzed by fear.

Just like anything else. The more you do it, the more confidence you will get.

Do your homework before you go.

Check to see if there are any travel advisories, and research local culture and safety tips in order to avoid problems with the locals. If you are still unsure, ask the staff at your lodging any questions or concerns about the area.

A lot of the things that we are afraid of can happen anywhere, even at home.

Don’t let things that probably won’t happen dictate the course of your life and how you live it. Go!

I love traveling alone.

It’s not that I dislike company. In fact, when you have the right people to share breathtaking landscapes and wild adventures with, it will only improve the experience.

The hardest part I have with traveling with friends from home is that we don’t always agree on what to do.

Call it greedy, but if your friends are causing you to miss things you wanted to see. That’s bullshit, you can go alone.

If you do choose to travel with another, remember, it’s their trip too. You won’t always share the same interests in what each destination has to offer.

Also traveling alone opens up the opportunity to meet new people. When you are with friends from home, you tend to stay with your group and avoid new people.

When alone, you can meet people with similar interests, grab food, hang out for a day or two, or travel across the country together because you are both going that way. Then, you can part ways if you want.

No hard feelings, stay strong, hope to see you soon.

“The man who goes alone can start today, but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready.” –Henry David Thoreau

“I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.”
-Mark Twain

“When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable.”
–Clifton Fadiman

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” -Lao Tzu

“Kilometers are shorter than miles. Save gas, take your next trip in kilometers.”
-George Carlin

“There is nothing safer than flying – it’s crashing that is dangerous.”
-Theo Cowan

“Travel like Gandhi, with simple clothes, open eyes and an uncluttered mind.” – Rick Steve

“The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before.” – Albert Einstein

“Not all those who wander are lost.” – J. R. R. Tolkien

“Adventure, yeah. I guess that’s what you call it when everybody comes back alive.”
-Mercedes Lackey