Ways To Save Money While Traveling

​Nine Ways to Save Money Before Traveling

If you would like to travel but the expense seems like Kilimanjaro ahead of you, consider a few of these money saving ideas: 

1. Change your eating habits
Don't eat out, limit your take-away's and dinners out with friends. 

Take-away's are mostly  unhealthy and dinners out can add up very quickly if the night becomes long. 

Cook your own food at home, cook for a few days and pack lunch instead of buying.

2. Stop buying your favorite Starbucks coffee
This was a big one for us.  We, mostly me, LOVE coffee on the go, who wants to go sit next to a tennis court with kids playing and no cuppa??? Not me! 

You have 2 options here, brew your own coffee at home, or invest in a good coffee machine. 

We got a great deal on an awesome Nespresso machine, that makes better lattes than our local barista.  We can now make our own awesome lattes on the go at a lower price and still have the machine, which you can later choose to sell or keep.

3. Eat less meat
We used to be big meat eaters.  Growing up in South Africa, meat is a must everyday.  But we moved away from that, and instead of having a meat-free Monday we had a meat eating day. 

We eat a lot more grains such as Quinoa, millet etc.  We also mostly eat large servings of fruits and vegetables.  

4. Change your attitude towards possessions 
At this very moment I can happily say I have no need for anything.  It is so freeing not to accumulate "things".  I only buy consumables, food or clothes.  As soon as you live with less you realize all those extras are really NOT necessary. 

Think twice before you buy something.  In our house we always ask.... "Will that fit in the camper?" 

If not, are you prepared to spend that money on something short term? The answer is always no.  

5. Change your phone/internet plan
So many places have free internet, we traveled for 9 months getting free wi-fi where ever we went.  Do you really need Netflix? 

6. Quit the gym and other unnecessary clubs
More often than not we belong to the gym and clubs that we don't even attend enough times to justify the monthly fees. 

Start running with friends and get some fresh air.  I've discovered some of the most amazing things running in new places.

7. Stop using credit/debit cards
It is easier to swipe a card than to pay cash for everything. 

You become more aware of your expenses when you pay cash for stuff.  Keep a record of your spending and evaluate monthly.  

8. Learn to travel frugally
There are many ways to save money while traveling.  Eat where the locals eat.  Not only will you get a real food experience, but its often much less than places that target tourists.

Negotiate long term rentals.  Most Air B N B's give a huge discount for long term rentals.  

Consider house sitting.  You look after peoples house/pets while they are away and stay in their house in return.

You can also try WWOOF, a website where you exchange service, mostly working on farms in return for room and board.

9. Use skyscanner and travel light
You can look for cheaper tickets at different surrounding airports and different days on skyscanner.  

Many airlines charge for checked luggage.  You can save a lot by only having a carry on bag.  

Even with all these tips we all are different and have different needs.  Most of these are no sacrifice to me.  But if something is very important to you try to cut back in other areas.  We only live once and need to enjoy that one life!!!