Everybody knows that cutting coupons can help to save money for budget-friendly trips. What about people with dreams of extravagant European vacations or African safaris? It is time to get creative and save some serious cash. These methods are for truly dedicated travelers. It may be hard at first to give up the car and the Starbucks coffee, but it is so worth it!
1. Ditch the Car
Cars are probably the biggest expense for most people. They are expensive to own, insure and drive! Ditching the car is a little easier for people who are planning fantastic European backpacking trips. One can only imagine how amazing the public transportation is in European countries. It may be a little bit harder to go without the car in America, but it is not impossible. Dedicated savers will be able to eliminate their car’s usefulness entirely. It may take some creativity and quite a bit of dedication, but it is possible. Listed below are a variety of ways to save hundreds of dollars each month by ditching the car.
- Carpool
- Join a ride-share
- Ride a bike
- Get a scooter
- Ride a motorcycle
- Take the bus
- Take the train
- Walk
- Run
- Skip!
2. Rent a Room
It is so easy to overlook one’s own house as a source of income. Extra rooms are perfect for adding extra money to one’s travel fund. This is also a great exercise in living with different types of people. Rooms can fetch as much as $1000 each month in some locations. It is important to check local rates to decide on an appropriate rental fee. It is also critical to thoroughly interview a potential renter. Living arrangements should be comfortable for both parties. Everything should be discussed and put into writing before the new tenant moves in. This helps to avoid confusion on things like food in the refrigerator and noise level at night.
3. Switch to Vinegar
Cleaning supplies are so expensive! Luckily, vinegar is cheap. Stop purchasing expensive household cleaners. A little bit of vinegar and water will do the trick. It can be used to clean counter tops, floors, bathrooms, windows and even fresh produce. This can also help travelers to think about other household items they can save money on. Savvy savers will ditch paper towels for reusable washable towels. Switching to more cost-effective products like vinegar and washable towels can help to save up to $100 each month.
4. The Clothes Off of Your Back
Most people are surprised to hear that they have hundreds of dollars hanging up in their closets. Clean that closet out, and hit the consignment shops. Clothes can also be sold online. A great rule is to get rid of anything that hasn’t been worn in a year. Most people can get rid of half of their wardrobe or more.
5. Quit Vices
Quitting vices is perfect for travelers that need to save money. A smoking habit can be as expensive as driving a car! Quitting smoking can literally save somebody hundreds of dollars each month. In addition, alcohol is also incredibly expensive. If it is absolutely impossible to cut back on that glass or red wine every night, try buying in bulk to save money. Boxed wines are actually winning awards now and getting a much better reputation. Another great way to save money is to make one’s own coffee drinks. There are few habits more expensive than visiting a local coffee shop each day! There are ways to keep vices and still save money for a trip.
Author: Kevin Caldwell – Feel free to connect with Kevin on Google+ .