Are you by any chance willing to drop travel from your calculations given the crazy increase of currency exchange rates? I won’t and will do whatever it takes to keep travelling on, but if you will not do the same this article definitely isn’t for you.

To start with you must really know what does travel represent to you? Is it something that you enjoy doing every now and then, whenever you have time and money, or something that if you do not do you would suffer from stress attacks or depression, you consider it an indispensable part of your life that you just can’t live without? If you choose the latter option then keep calm, and read on.

Do Not Save What Is Left After Spending, But Spend What Is Left After Saving

Few words said by the world’s second wealthiest man Warren Buffet, but filled with wisdom. Yes you must pay for your phone bill, buy grocery, have car, bank, and whatever the hell it is instalments that need to be settled; do your counts, write down your financial commitments, set aside a monthly amount, and feel free to spend the rest on whatever it is that you want.

Start A Saving Plan And Have A Travel Saving Box

After following tip #1 you must have a saving box or a plan that you will strictly commit yourself to; there are two strategies, both work fine, however it depends from one traveler to the other; 1. travelers like me who save all the time so that when an opportunity comes our way we’d do whatever it takes to fit the budget we have into our travel plan or 2. travelers who know exactly how much they need to go on a specific trip and save the needed amount.

Get Rid Of Your Credit Cards

They are evil, they are bad, they are harmful in every way possible. They lead you to pay amounts of money that you don’t have, not only but also you will have to bear the consequences for months, maybe years. Always pay cash or using debit cards, and keep your credit cards for travel related purchases (museum tickets, passes, etc.)

Be Realistic About Your Plans

How disappointing, and heartbreaking it would be to keep dreaming about destinations that you cannot afford -for the time-being; only because your plans are rigid, or you haven’t exerted any effort to read thoroughly about them??!!

The only way to turn your plans into reality is by being realistic; knowing financially where you stand, or how much will you be capable of saving versus how much money you will need to fulfil your dream, or if you will have to change your plans -without feeling bitter.

Build A List Of Destinations You Have Interest In

It comes handy when you are still in the planning process, so that when there is a place that you cannot afford you have many others to choose from.

Prepare Coffee And Cook Your Meals At Home Instead Of Your Daily 100-200 Pounds Spent

It’s about time to cut your fast-food cravings, and depending on food delivery to survive the day, go instead grocery shopping and make your favourite meals at home; a healthier, and less costly option. And the same applies for coffee; whether make it at home, or buy a machine if you suck at making the right fix, or get yourself a cup from the “around the corner” coffee house 1-2 times a week maximum.

Get Over Aimless Cruising With Your Car

Wasting fuel, money, and causing more traffic won’t get you anywhere, you can meet at a friend’s place or take a walk instead.

No More Crazy Shopping, Do Not Let The Word SALE Tempt You

Only buy what you need, and not what you want, because buying material things isn’t as fulfilling as buying experiences such as travel anyway.

So give your wallet a big sigh of relief, stop making shopping your sole mood-enhancer, and don’t let your happiness depend on buying material things, go instead for a workout, a concert, or a friends gathering.

Monitor Your Daily Expenses

Might sound too intense, but most of us lose track of how much they spend, only to end up broke before we know it, while we can easily monitor our expenses via mobile apps or excel sheets -too geeky I know.

Do Not Commit To A Gym Membership Unless You Will Use It

There is no charity in paying thousands of pounds on something you’d rarely use, so unless you will be committed to working out regularly don’t waste your money on a 1 year of unused gym membership.

Only Go Out During Weekends Or At Least Don’t Go Out Every Day

Going out in Egypt comes at an expensive cost, well most people around the world work the whole week, and catch up with their friends and family members during the weekend.

Keep Yourself Excited

Read about the trip you are saving for every single day, chat to locals about it or people who have already been, watch videos and photos, hang photos next to your bed so it would be the first thing you see the minute you wake up, or the minute you sleep.

Enjoy The Process

Some might say this is too hectic to handle, but hey remind yourself of the exciting reward that awaits you, of how you will be using the money long saved for to fulfil a meaningful dream, and how you will do yourself good by creating travel memories that would last forever..

*Featured image is courtesy of Dan Moyle.

Your coming dream trip starts right here, so hurry up and book it now.

About the Author

Passainte Assem

A former lawyer, travel junkie and adventurer from head to toe. Whether broke or out of vacation time, always on the lookout for the next destination. Keen to share her travel stories, planning tips and photographs to give you a real sense of place.