Hello!
As you might've heard me mention before, (most likely, as it's literally all I talk about) I'm planning to go backpacking next year for a while, taking to Australia, Asia, New Zealand and where ever else I decide to venture to.
As of course, you know, travel doesn't always come cheap, so i've been spending the year trying to get a bit of money behind me so that I can get myself a beer (or a cocktail if I really want to push the boat out) on the other side of the world. Now, to be really honest with you, I'm awful at saving money (absolutely shit actually) and I keep finding myself dipping in and out of my savings. However, I recently had a little bit of a panic and I realised that the time frame from me jetting away is getting shorter and shorter and theres no extra dollar in my bank. (deffo no cocktails for me on Bondi beach at this rate) And, so, I began looking at my spending habits and at where exactly my money was going each month (Topshop, Zara, Sushi Daily, Be@One...) so I could cut down.
I've changed my spending habits a lot, and by doing really simple things, I've noticed a big improvement. (i'm still at a starting point, but it's looking promising)
So, If you're planning a trip away, and have no idea how you're going to afford it, or the money aspect is stopping you from taking the jump and having the adventure of your dreams, ya gals here to help you out!
Here's my 10 tips on how to save for travelling:
1. Make A Realistic Savings Goal
Its good to know how much you'll need so you have an 'end goal' in sight, to keep you motivated.
If you roughly know how long you're going for, and which countries you're going to explore, then do a bit of research to see how much you might spend on average. For example, an average day in Thailand (this includes accommodation, food and drink) would be about £5-£10 a day, depending of course on you're spending habits (how much you drink). So for a month in Thailand, this may cost you between £140- £280, plus excursions, travel and flights. Countries in SE Asia, are a lot cheaper however, so if you're planning to visit Australia or New Zealand, like myself, you'll have to budget more. From my research, I've found that the average is £30-£40 a day? (don't quote me on this, I'll let you know for sure when I'm out there).
By a 'realistic' savings goal I also mean don't be too over ambitious. There's no point putting away a lot of money each month if you can't afford to live happily and comfortably off the rest. This will just make you unhappy, and might lead to you 'giving up', then splurging on unnecessary things (like the Anastasia BH Subculture palette. Like I did. Great by the way).
Try making a monthly budget so you can still save a lot of money, but also find enough balance so you can treat yourself.
2. Sell Things
If you've got unnecessary (crap) things just sitting around your house, sell them!
Get yourself, an eBay or Depop account and start raking in some money. Even if it doesn't seem like lot at first, everything will slowly add up and you'll be on your way to hitting your target in no time.
3. Sort Out Your Wardrobe
Now, my biggest weakness is buying new clothes, I just love them, but this is mainly where I was going wrong with my money. All i'm ever saying is: "I have nothing to wear" or "I have no clothes" when in reality, I've got a whole wardrobe and cupboard full. Does this ring any bells?
By sorting out your clothes you can see what you really need and also what you already have! You might come across and old gem thats perfect for an occasion you've got coming up. (I just found this year's christmas party dress from like, 2014 I think. lol)
While you're having a clear out, don't throw lots away. Another mans trash is another mans treasure. SELL IT.
So, next time you're stressing about getting something new to wear, just think, 'Do you really have nothing to wear already?' and will it be worth it when you're sitting in Thailand, wanting that souvenir (or in my case spring roll) that you just can't afford?
4. Unsubscribe
Linking to tip number three (ooo what a smooth transition), to save yourself buying anything unsubscribe from fashion emails. You don't need any kind of temptation in your life.
Don't stop there though, delete your Netflix account you barely use whilst you're at it (steal your friends). Cancel your gym membership. Unsubscribe from any beauty boxes, graze boxes, or anything else you can think of! One graze box may cost you a night down Koh San Road, you'll remember when you're ninety.
(Oh and my god if you have tinder plus, delete it now)
5. Work Your Bum Off
You're definitely going to be needing a job (unless you've won the lottery, got rich parents or you've bagged yourself a sugar daddy). If you don't currently have one, look online at vacancies for part time jobs, or go to a temp agency where they can help you.
Don't be too picky. If you don't see a career in what you're doing, that doesn't matter. You're there for travel money, so keep it in mind and work hard!
6. Surround Yourself With Travel Photos
Theres nothing better than a lil bit of motivation in the morning, or when you've come home from a shift from hell at work, to remind you why you're doing it.
I've placed photos of my travels around my room, changed my phone background, made a Pinterest board and bought a very cute little globe for my bedroom, which makes me remember theres so much of the world yet to see. (It also looks amazing on my shelf).
For me, this is mainly what keeps me in check and gets me motivated for work in the mornings.
7. Make Your Own Food + Drink Water
Although it doesn't seem like it, this one is the most affective.
For one week, write down everything you consume that didn't come from your household. This includes your lunch, dinner, bottles of water, Starbucks, Costa, chocolate from the corner shop (you do it, don't lie) and add it all up. You'll be shocked at how much the total is, and trust me you'll be kicking yourself for it.
Making your food at home and bringing it with you saves so much money every week, especially if you're fortunate enough to have your food shop bought for you. (literally, free food. Why wouldn't you?) And along with your lunch box, get a reusable water bottle that you can fill up. (Make the most of free drinking water while you've got it! You'll have to buy it when travelling)
Not only will making your own food be helping to get you get to the beach, it's also so much healthier for you! (gets you to the beach, and gets you a bikini bod. Two birds in one stone that).
8. Cut Back On Beauty
This one sounds a little strange, but what I mean is you should cut down on how much you're spending on your beauty treatments/products.
Whether you're a male or female, beauty is expensive and being careful could save you a lot of money. Try going natural for a while and see how much it could save you.
I'm not saying go full blown, statement feminist (hairy armpits, legs, ya know the stuff you see on Facebook) but not dying your hair, or plucking your own eyebrows, painting your own nails, getting high street makeup could benefit you massively.
I've stopped getting my eyelashes done, started using a foundation from Superdrug (Revlon Colour Stay, you're welcome) stocked up on deodorant /dry shampoo that's on offer and started plucking my own eyebrows, which has saved me about £80 this month. In a year that will be enough for me to live like a queen for a whole month in Asia. Or that could be a complete trip to NYC!
Also, lets face it, you'll look better with a tan than you do spending £100 a month on beauty.
9. Take A Step Back
Take a step back from social events. This might be really difficult (or saving for travelling might be the perfect excuse for you not to socialise and stay and watch Netflix on you're friends account) and your friends might call you boring, but give it six months, they won't be saying this when you're jumping out of a plane in New Zealand, or scuba diving in Thailand.
Personally, I'd prefer to save my money and not go on a repetitive night out with over priced vodka, and expensive cheesy chips, and go to a night club thats literally on the beach (practically in the sea) in Ko Pha Ngan, for the full moon party.
That doesn't sound so boring does it?
10. Live For A Bargain
Search high and low for every bargain before you buy something full price first! Whether this is shopping in the reduced section of the supermarket or waiting until the sales start to buy new clothes, every little helps!
I've been looking to buy a new camera that I can take on my travels, and I've somehow never thought of shopping for second hand cameras until now. This is a great example! I'm saving myself £300!
There are bargains everywhere if you look hard enough, Groupon is great if you're looking for a christmas present for someone, or treating yourself to a much needed (only if needed remember) spa day. It's also good for meals out, event tickets and so much more!
Go and have a look if you think you've got the will power not to buy yourself anything.
So, there we go! From now until I go, i'm going to be saving ridiculously hard. I think it's so worth it, and the fact I get to go and do something i'm so passionate about is amazing!
But until then, you've still got to have fun and treat yourself now and again so,
Be @ One happy hour anyone?
Happy Savings!
Lots of Love,
Kate
x
P.s I'll be so grateful if you like and share this Post xoxoxox
And don't forget to Pin these photos for later!
