[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 0 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer” – ANON
Having the opportunity to travel is magnificent. The things you see, the people you meet, the experiences you have – there is nothing like it. And with many parts of Australia in the middle of some seriously chilly weather, a bit of winter sun care of a northern hemisphere holiday is exactly what we all want!
But often, we’re living pay check to pay check. We’re so caught up in our bills and our debt that saving for a trip never makes it onto the agenda, let alone actually booking and taking a trip! That family holiday in sunny Hawaii – in our dreams. That girls weekend in Melbourne – impossible. The anniversary trip to Paris – we wish!
If that sounds like you, then let me share another quote with you which is much lesser known…
“You don’t have to be rich to travel well.” – Eugene Fodor
Believe it or not, this one is true too! You CAN save for a trip, and you CAN travel well on a budget, so here are some tips to get you well on your way!
Saving for the big trip
It can be tempting to put your holiday on the credit card – after all, you deserve some time away! But before you do, consider whether you can actually afford it. How long would it take you to pay it off and how much interest will you pay in the process?
Consider saving for the trip instead. Small changes to your budget can make a big difference to your holiday fund – its all about compromise! And trust me, whilst it might take a bit longer, the holiday will be so much more rewarding if you’ve saved for it. Plus you’ll avoid the post-holiday blues that come with having to pay off a trip that you’ve already been on!
Recap:
- Avoid credit card holidays if you can
- Check out our budgeting tips to help you save
[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section bg_color=”#252525″ parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 0 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false”]It’s all in the planning[/x_custom_headline][cs_text]When it comes to the destination, consider some options off the beaten track. Camping can be a cheap (and fun!) family trip, or choose a place that is a little way out of the main tourist hot spots. But always remember to do your research, safety first.
Take advantage of the revolution that’s happened in travel over recent years. Airbnb is a great alternative to hotels because it’s generally cheaper. You’re also staying in a home or apartment so make sure it has a kitchen and you can save money on eating out at every meal. If you prefer hotels, call before you book online because they might have better rates available directly, and if you let them know it’s a special occasion (like an anniversary trip) at best you might be upgraded and at worst, you might have flowers or a bottle of champagne waiting when you arrive!
Similarly, use a comparison site like Skyscanner to find the best value flight options. Traveling in the off season can bag you a serious bargain, as can flying during the week rather than on weekends. It might be tempting to stick with your favourite airline if you have a frequent flyer account, but unless you’re a frequent traveler, often its more value for money to go with the cheaper flights.
Recap:
- Take the road less travelled, but remember safety first
- Use comparison sites to book flights and hotels
- Travel during less popular times and dates
[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 0 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false”]When you reach your destination[/x_custom_headline][cs_text class=”cs-ta-left”]Some of the best times I’ve had while traveling were on walking tours and bike tours. It’s a great way to see the sights, you get to spend time outdoors and do some exercise and often these types of tours are cheap and even free (you just tip the tour guide at the end!)
Don’t be taken in by the food options around the tourist hot spots. Usually the food isn’t as locally authentic and it’s almost always more expensive! When you’re out and about in shops or on tours, ask for local recommendations and always stop by a supermarket to stock up on better value snacks.
And be sure to use the supplied safes for your valuables, or keep them on you. Theft is rampant in international cities and you don’t want to lose your hard earned cash that way!
Recap:
- Go for walking or bike tours over expensive bus tours
- Pack your own snacks
- Keep your valuables safe
Do you have any great tips for travelling on a budget? I would love to hear them over in our facebook group![/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section bg_color=”rgb(37, 37, 37)” parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 0 0px 25px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false”]Submit a Question![/x_custom_headline][cs_text]Have a finance question you’d like answered? Why not drop me a line! Each week I would love to answer a question from the community. Click below to get in touch.[/cs_text][x_button size=”global” block=”false” circle=”false” icon_only=”false” href=”mailto:tash@womenwithcents.com.au” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””]ASK TASH[/x_button][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 25px 0px 0;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”http://www.womenwithcents.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Email-photo.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text style=”font-size:12px;”]The information provided by Women with Cents is general in nature. It doesn’t take into account your objectives, personal financial situation or needs. Think of it as educational material in which to help you make more-informed decisions. We recommend you obtain financial, tax and credit advice specific to your situation before making any investments or financial decisions.
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