tips for affording your travels
Many people ask me how I am able to travel while being a full time college student. It isn't as hard as you think and here's how you can do it too"
- Get a job. Of course this one seems obvious, but getting a job is really the most logical way to save up money for your travels. Money is not going to grow on trees or be handed to you! Whether you get a job\ in retail, at a restaurant, or even on campus, getting a job is the first step to success. I worked two jobs this semester while managing to balance school, activities, and friendships. It was tough but it is possible!
- Utilize your hobbies to help earn some extra money. You may not think this applies to you, but think hard about the hobbies and talents you have. Perhaps you once played an instrument, painted, or did photography. See if you can use those talents to earn you a little extra cash. For me, photography comes in handy because not only am I able to do one of my passions and hobbies but I can use the money I make to save up for travel! There are opportunities out there for every hobby, you just have to look. For example one of my friends was a baton twirler in high school and now gets paid helping out at the local baton twirling studio. There are always ways to incorporate your passion into ways that help you reach your monetary goals!
- Find ways to save on clothes. This is my favorite item on the list because I have tons of hacks for shopping smart. First, I suggest shopping at Goodwill when you are looking for something "new". I personally am a huge fan of goodwill shopping and have even found my favorite formal gown at Goodwill. To read a list on why I love Goodwill, click here. Another thing to do is to evaluate what it is you are wanting to buy and ask yourself if it is something you truly need. You will probably come to find out, you already have more than what you need inside your closet-so stop spending all your money on cute clothes. Don't let those stores get the best of you. Darn you target for having such cute clothes now-a-days!!
- Be smart when it comes to grocery shopping. It seems like a random point to have on a list about saving money for traveling but grocery shopping is a huge way to save money for traveling. First, it is important that you don't spend all your money going out to eat all the time. Of course you can still join your friends for a social outing, but sometimes you should just opt out of eating and eat at home! As far as grocery shopping goes, one of my favorite quick, cheap, and healthy meals is just buying potatoes and sweet potatoes. Not only are they good for you, but you can just put it in the oven or microwave for a quick meal--I live off potatoes! Also, bananas are super cheap and healthy snacks which can be great for in between classes and on the go.
- Lastly, evaluate your spending and then reevaluate. Sometimes its hard to see where all your money is going. After paying your bills, buying your books, and everything in between you sometimes feel practically broke! However, you simply need to make a list of your expenditures and see really where all your money is going. Saving money can be much easier than you think, once you know where your biggest areas of weakness are. Saving money requires self control and disciple, two very important character traits to have.
- One last reminder: don't let saving money prevent you from having fun! Don't forget that you need to continue to live your life, have fun, and be social. Don't let saving take over your life-just find a happy medium to help you reach your goals and make your travel dreams a reality!
