37 Creative ways to save money for travel

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Ever dreamt of exploring the cobblestone streets of Europe, hiking through the lush landscapes of South America, or savoring street food in Asia, but thought you couldn’t afford it? Trust me, you’re not alone. Many people think that travel is a luxury reserved for the wealthy, but I’m here to tell you that anyone can find creative ways to save money for travel — yes, even if you’re living paycheck to paycheck.

I used to think travel was out of my reach too. When I was an early childhood teacher, making barely more than minimum wage, the idea of jet-setting around the world seemed like a distant dream. But I found creative ways to save and make my travel dreams a reality. And guess what? You can do it too.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the most creative ways to save money for travel. Whether you’re a budget traveler or someone who feels financially strapped, these tips will help you build your travel fund and turn your wanderlust into reality. 

As a bonus, I can even help you boost your travel fund right away with some quick, easy actions.  So what are you waiting for? Your adventure awaits—let’s get started!

Getting a Clear Perspective on Your Finances: A crucial step towards saving for your dream travels

Building a travel fund and being able to explore the world may seem like a distant dream, but it is absolutely possible with the right approach. One of the most important steps in this journey is gaining clarity about your current financial situation.

This involves having a thorough understanding of your income, expenses, where your money is going, as well as your goals. Before we can dive into more creative ways to save money for a trip, we need to start with the basics.

1. Track your monthly expenses

Budgeting isn’t the sexiest thing, I know.  Nonetheless it is important.  Today there are many budgeting apps available that can help you keep track of your monthly expenses. One popular option is You Need a Budget (YNAB).

Budgeting apps like this allow you to link your bank accounts and credit cards, making it easy to see where your money is going. They also categorize your expenses and provide visual representations of your spending habits.

By using an app like YNAB, you can gain a better understanding of where your money is being spent and make adjustments accordingly. This will not only help you save for travel but also improve your overall financial health. Plus, with features like alerts for recurring subscriptions and automatic bill negotiation, apps like this can save you money in the long run.

So why not take advantage of technology to track your expenses and get closer to your dream of traveling? It’s a small step that can have a big impact on your financial journey towards wanderlust.  Your future self will thank you when you’re finally getting that first glimpse of  Machu Picchu.

2. Create a separate Travel Savings account

Having a separate savings account specifically for travel not only helps you stay organized, but it also serves as motivation to save more.

By having a designated account, you are able to see the progress you’re making towards your travel goals and feel even more motivated to reach them. It’s also a great way to prevent yourself from dipping into those funds for other expenses. 

Opening one outside of your regular bank can be a great idea too because it provides one more hoop for yourself to jump through if you end up being tempted to use the money for something other than your trip.

3. Automate your trip savings with Qapital

Another great tool for saving money specifically for travel is the Qapital savings app. With this app, you can create a separate savings account solely dedicated to your travel funds.  It offers many creative options for automating your travel savings.

One of my favorite features is the round up option where every time you make a purchase, the app will automatically round up the amount and transfer the extra change into your travel savings account.  You can choose to have it round up to the nearest $1-$5.

I have mine set to round up to the nearest $3.  This means if I make a purchase for $5.83 then $2.17 will automatically be transferred to my travel savings account.  It might seem small but it adds up quickly and is so fun to see the progress bar filling on the app!  

The other rule I love and use myself is the ’52 week rule’ where it increases the amount saved by $1 every week for a year. For example, in week one you save $1, then $2 in week two and so on until you reach $52 in week 52.

The total saved in a year would be $1,378

That’s a significant amount to put towards your travel plans!

The idea is to gradually increase your tolerance for savings and get you used to saving a greater amount.   My personal plan is to then continue saving $52 every week once I reach the end of the year since I’ll already be used to that amount.  

Taking into account my current spending habits, I estimate that with these 2 rules combined I will save a little over $2,500 in the first year while barely noticing it happening!  

So why not give Qapital a try and see how it can help you reach your dream destinations?  Here’s where I can even help give your savings a boost.  

Stop what you’re doing. Download Qapital now and you’ll receive a $25 bonus once you’ve made a successful transfer and maintained good standing in your account for 45 days.  Just use my referral code u35t45qm when signing up to get the bonus.  

4. Paying down debt – save for a trip by reducing interest

Debt can be a major obstacle when it comes to saving for travel. High-interest credit card debt can quickly add up and make it difficult to reach your financial goals. That’s why paying off debt should be a priority in your journey towards achieving financial freedom and fulfilling your wanderlust desires.

Consider a balance transfer card

One strategy to consider when paying off debt is using a balance transfer credit card. These cards offer a lower or even 0% interest rate for a certain period of time, allowing you to transfer your existing balances and save on interest payments.

With this approach, you can focus on paying off the principal amount without worrying about accruing additional interest. Just make sure to read the fine print and pay off the balance before the promotional period ends to avoid any potential fees. This tactic can be incredibly helpful in accelerating your debt payoff journey and getting you closer to your travel goals.

5. Plan Your Dream Trip: Satisfy Your Wanderlust While Setting a Savings Goal

Sometimes, the urge to travel can be overwhelming and hard to ignore. But if you’re not ready to book a trip just yet, there’s still a way to satisfy your wanderlust while also setting a clear savings goal.

Take some time to research and plan out your dream trip – where do you want to go? What activities do you want to do? How long do you want to stay? By having all of these details planned out, you can estimate how much money you will need for the trip. This will give you a concrete goal to work towards saving for.

In the meantime, use this planning phase as a way to satisfy your travel cravings. Look at pictures, read blogs and watch videos of your desired destination. By doing this, you can still feed your wanderlust while also staying focused on saving for your dream trip.

Once you’ve saved enough money, you’ll be even more excited and prepared to finally make that booking.

Adjusting Spending Habits and Expenses to Save Money for Travel

It’s crucial to be honest with yourself about your spending habits and make smart financial decisions when it comes to saving for travel. By being mindful of your expenses and making changes where necessary, you can free up funds for future travels. 

One of the best ways to save money for travel is by cutting back on unnecessary expenses. It may require some sacrifices, but trust me, it will be worth it when you’re tasting that first bite of real Italian pasta in Italy.

6. Reduce your housing cost to save for a trip

Housing costs are often one of the largest monthly expenses, eating up a significant portion of your budget. However, by finding ways to reduce these costs, you can create more room in your budget for saving towards your travel goals.

Consider downsizing to a smaller apartment or house, finding roommates to split rent with, or even living with family temporarily. These options may require some sacrifices, but the money saved on housing each month can quickly add up and go towards funding your dream travels.

Put ego aside

Personally, I chucked my ego to the side and moved in with my mom for a couple years to allow myself the opportunity to reach my savings goals as a low income early childhood teacher.  This is one of the most significant reasons I was able to save over $15,000 in one year!

In the time I lived there I was not only able to save for a 4 month trip, but also for a down payment on a condo, as well as contributing more to my retirement.  It was overall one of the best financial decisions I’ve ever made for myself.

Remember, big sacrifices often equal big rewards.

7. Implement a 48 hour waiting period on purchases

Impulse purchases can be a major setback when it comes to saving for travel. That’s why implementing a 48-hour waiting period before making any non-essential purchases can make a significant difference in your savings.

During this waiting period, take the time to evaluate whether the purchase is truly necessary and if it aligns with your financial goals. Oftentimes, we realize that we don’t actually need or want the item after taking some time to think about it.

By practicing patience and avoiding impulsive buys, you’ll have more money available to put towards that dream trip to Thailand.

8. Challenge yourself to a spending freeze

One great way to jumpstart your travel savings is by challenging yourself to a spending freeze for a period of time. This means cutting out all non-essential expenses, such as eating out, shopping for clothes, and going to events.

It may sound daunting at first, but this temporary sacrifice can make a big impact on your overall savings. Plus, it’s a good opportunity to evaluate your spending habits and identify areas where you can cut back in the long term. Try it for a month, a week, or even just a day at first if you think this will be challenging for you. 

And don’t worry – once the freeze is over, you’ll be able to treat yourself while still staying on track towards reaching your travel goals.

9. Splurge strategically 

Saving for travel doesn’t mean you have to completely deprive yourself of any fun or indulgences. In fact, strategically splurging can actually help you stay on track with your savings goals.

Instead of splurging on small items here and there, save up for a larger and more meaningful treat that is aligned with your travel goals. For example, if you’re planning a trip to Italy, save up for a fancy Italian dinner out instead of ordering takeout multiple times a week. This way, you can still enjoy some treats while also staying focused on saving for your dream travels. 

It’s unrealistic to think you will completely stop all unnecessary spending, so plan to treat yourself now and again to reward all the amazing progress you’re making.

10. Cancel unnecessary memberships

In today’s digital age, it’s easy to accumulate multiple subscriptions for streaming services, fitness apps, or other memberships. However, these small monthly fees can add up and eat into your budget for travel.

Take some time to evaluate which subscriptions you truly use and enjoy, and cancel the rest. Also consider sticking to just one streaming service instead of juggling multiple at a time.

Then, take it one step further and continue to automate your travel savings by scheduling the amount you would be paying for the canceled memberships directly into your Qapital account.  You’re already used to paying that amount every month, just pay it to yourself instead.

For example, let’s say you cancel two unnecessary services that both bill on the 15th every month.  The total cost of the services is $36.  Boom!  By making that an automatic transfer you’ll have another $432 a year going directly into your trip savings account.

11. Team up with family

If you have family members or roommates who also have various subscriptions and plans, consider teaming up to save money. Assign different services for each person to pay for, or split the total cost evenly among all of you.

This way, everyone can still enjoy their favorite shows and services while also reducing individual expenses. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to bond over shared interests and work towards a common goal of saving for travel.

So don’t be afraid to reach out to your loved ones and see how you can collaborate on cutting costs together!  

12. Compare costs before purchasing

When it comes to making purchases, it’s important to do your research and compare costs before pulling out your wallet. By taking the time to find the best deal or opting for a more affordable option, you can save money that can be directed towards your travel fund instead.

For example, if you’re looking to purchase a new laptop, consider comparing prices between different retailers or waiting for a sale.

Once you’ve made the purchase and saved some money in the process, put that difference directly into your travel savings account. This way, not only are you being financially savvy with your purchases, but you’re also actively working towards achieving your wanderlust goals.

13. Search Blogs for promo codes

Before making any purchases or subscribing to a service, it’s always worth it to do a quick search for promo codes. Many bloggers and influencers have access to exclusive discounts that they can share with their followers.

By utilizing these promo codes, you could potentially save a significant amount of money in the long run. And the best part? You can use those savings and put it directly into your Qapital travel fund!

So before hitting that “purchase” button, take a few extra minutes to search for some potential discounts.

14. Join your local Buy Nothing Group

Another great way to save money is by joining a Buy Nothing group on Facebook. These groups are dedicated to promoting sustainable and community-minded living by sharing items or services for free within the local community.

By participating in these groups, not only can you declutter your own belongings, but you may also find items that you need without having to spend any money. This can help decrease unnecessary purchases and increase your savings for travel. Plus, it’s a great way to meet new people and build connections within your community while practicing conscious consumption. 

So go ahead and join your local group – you never know what treasures (and savings) you’ll find!

15. Do more at home

Get creative and find ways to save for travel by finding alternative, budget-friendly ways to enjoy activities at home.

Instead of going out for expensive nail appointments, consider doing your own nails or hosting a girls’ night where everyone does each other’s nails. Rather than splurging on tickets for a movie theater, have a cozy movie night at home with friends or family. And when it comes to concerts, why not watch a performance on YouTube instead of spending hundreds of dollars on tickets? 

These small sacrifices may seem insignificant in the moment, but they can add up and help you reach your travel goals faster. 

16. Order your groceries

Grocery shopping can be a major expense, but there are ways to save money without sacrificing the quality of your meals. If you’re prone to impulse buys, one strategy is to order your groceries for delivery or pick up instead of physically going to the store.

This extra money can then be directed towards your travel savings, bringing you closer to your dream destination. So next time you need to restock on groceries, consider ordering them from the comfort of your own home.

17. Consider a meal box kit like Everyplate

Another great way to save money on groceries is by using meal box kits, such as Every Plate. These kits provide all the ingredients you need for a delicious and budget-friendly meal, delivered right to your doorstep. 

As a single person looking to save money for travel, I was determined to find ways to cut down on my grocery expenses. That’s when I discovered the 5 days per week meal plan for 2 people from a popular meal kit service. Not only did this option provide dinner for me every night, but it also gave me lunch for the next day, eliminating the need for expensive takeout or pre-made meals. 

I also noticed that with this meal plan, I bought significantly fewer snacks and unnecessary items when I did go to the grocery store because everything I needed was included in the delivery. It saved me both time and money.

 Regular priced plans start at $5.99 per serving, and often have promos for new users as low as $2.99 per serving.  You certainly can’t get a quality restaurant meal for anywhere close to those prices!

Bonus Savings

But wait, it get’s better! Here’s a little preview of what’s coming on the list at #27. You can use Rakuten and get extra cash back to put directly into your trip savings. At the time of writing Rakuten is offering 45% cash back on EveryPlate – just for clicking one extra button before ordering!

Sign up for Rakuten today and you’ll also get an extra $30 cashback on your first purchase of $30 or more. And if you’re ordering a meal box from EveryPlate there’s a good chance you’ll be hitting that mark.

18. Work from home

If working from home is an option for you, it can be a great way to save for a trip. Not only does it eliminate the need for daily commuting expenses, but it also frees up more time in your day that could potentially be used to make extra money on the side. 

Take a look at your budget and see how much you usually spend on gas or other transportation getting to work.  At the end of each week or month make a transfer of the amount you saved and add it to your travel fund.

Plus, working from home has its own cost-saving benefits such as reduced wardrobe expenses and lower food costs since you can cook meals at home instead of eating out during lunch breaks. So if possible, consider discussing remote work options with your employer and see if it can help you save more for your dream trip.  

This is a creative way to reduce expenses, and potentially increase income, so you’ll be able to achieve your travel goals sooner than you think. 

How to save for a trip by increasing income

There are plenty of ways to save money for travel by decreasing your expenses, but sometimes it’s not enough. That’s where increasing your income comes in. By finding ways to earn more money on the side, you can boost your savings and make your dream trip a reality even sooner. Here are some tips to help increase your income and reach your travel goals faster.

19. Make an extra $20 per day with Uber

If you have a car consider signing up to be an Uber driver as a side hustle to save money for travel. I personally use this as a way to earn extra money for travel whenever I want to.  And that’s the real beauty of it, you can turn it on and make money whenever you decide to.

You can easily turn on the app after work or on weekends and drive until you reach your goal of making just $20 per day. That may not seem like much, but it adds up quickly over time.

If you do this five days a week for a year, that’s an extra $5,200 towards your travel fund! And the best part is, it requires minimal effort and can fit into your existing schedule. So why not use your spare time to earn some extra cash for your dream trip? Sign up to drive for Uber now.

20. Watch other people’s pets

If you’re an animal lover, why not turn your passion into a side hustle to help save for travel? Sites like Rover allow you to create a profile and offer services such as pet sitting, dog walking, and even daycare. You can set your own rates and choose when you want to work, making it a flexible option that can easily fit into your schedule.

You can also reach out to friends, family, or neighbors who may need someone to watch their pets while they are away. Not only does this give you the opportunity to make extra money, but it also allows you to spend time with furry companions. Every dollar earned from pet-sitting is another step closer to your dream trip.

21. Clear out clutter for cash

Decluttering your space not only helps clear your mind but can also bring in extra cash for your travel fund. With the rise of online marketplaces such as Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, and OfferUp, it’s easier than ever to sell unwanted items for quick cash.

Take a look around your home and identify items that you no longer use or need. From clothes to furniture to electronics, there is always someone out there looking to buy second-hand items at a discounted price.

Plus, selling through these platforms often requires minimal effort on your part – simply snap some photos, write a brief description, and let the offers come to you.

22. Rent out a spare room

If you have an extra room in your home that is not being used, consider renting it out on platforms like Airbnb for additional income. By hosting short-term guests or long-term renters, you can earn extra money to put towards your travel savings. 

Make sure to do your research and set competitive prices for your area to attract potential guests. Hosting can also be a fun and unique experience, allowing you to meet travelers from all over the world while earning some extra cash. So why not make the most of your space and turn it into a source of income? 

23. Utilize Unused Space With Neighbor

Another way to turn unused spaces into extra income is by renting them out through Neighbor. This platform allows you to rent out your garage, spare driveway space, or even a closet for those in need of additional storage. Depending on the location and size of your space, you can earn a significant amount of money each month without much effort. 

Plus, this option is perfect for those who may not have an extra room to rent out but still want to make some extra cash for their travel fund. So take a look around your home and see if there are any underutilized spaces that can be turned into a source of income through Neighbor.

24. Put your car to work

If you have a car, consider renting it out when you’re not using it on platforms like Turo or HyreCar. These services allow you to rent out your car to others for short-term periods, helping you make extra money without having to do much work. 

You can choose when to make your car available and set your own rates, making it a flexible option that can easily fit into your schedule. So if you’re comfortable with the idea of someone else driving your vehicle, this could be a great way to earn some extra cash for travel expenses. 

25. Freelance for travel funds

If you have a marketable skill, such as graphic design, writing, or social media management, consider freelancing in your spare time to save up for travel.

Websites like Upwork and Fiverr allow you to connect with clients who are looking for specific services and pay by project or hourly rates. This can be a great way to earn extra money while honing your skills and building your portfolio. 

Just make sure to manage your time effectively so that you don’t sacrifice work-life balance during this process. With determination and hard work, freelancing could provide a steady stream of income towards your travel savings goal. 

Cash Back and Rewards: Earning Extra Without Much Effort

Even if you’re short on time or have limited ways to decrease expenses and increase income, there are still easy ways to earn extra cash for travel through cash back and other rewards programs.

These methods require minimal effort but can add up over time.  I utilize all of these and have made these into habits for myself, benefiting massively.  I love how you can also stack these together to be earning multiple kinds of benefits at once.

Even when I was working full time and putting myself through school I was still able to use these methods to build a travel fund.  If I can do it, I know you can too!  

26. Fueling Your Savings: Using Upside

If you have a car that uses gas, then you should absolutely be using the Upside app to save money for travel. This app offers cash back on every gas purchase, as well as at restaurants and even grocery stores in some areas. It’s a great way to save money on something you already have to spend on. 

Plus, it can be used even while out of state, making it perfect for road trips where you’ll be filling up frequently. I use it all the time for gas, and if I’m planning to grab some food on the go I always check to see what offers are around.  For a period of time I was also consistently getting 8% cash back on my groceries at Smith’s in Las Vegas.  

With Upside, you can easily earn extra cash for your travel fund without having to do anything extra – simply fill up your tank as usual and watch the savings add up.  So why not take advantage of this convenient and effortless way to earn extra cash for your travels?  

Sign up for Upside and start saving today

Use promo code 5ERTXC to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus the first time you make a purchase. 

27. Save for a trip WHILE you shop with Rakuten

We already talked about how cutting out unnecessary shopping can save you massively.  But if you do have to make a purchase, did you know you can still save money for travel WHILE you shop?

Boost your travel savings by using Rakuten to earn cash back on purchases that you already make. This popular app offers a wide range of partner retailers, allowing you to accumulate extra funds for your travel expenses without having to change your spending habits.

With a wide range of participating stores and websites, you can easily accumulate cash back on everyday purchases such as groceries, clothing, and even travel bookings. This is one way that I also use to save money on travel while planning a trip.

Read More: 31 Best Ways to Save Money on Travel

So don’t wait any longer and start maximizing your earnings through this convenient cash back app!  Sign up for Rakuten now and you’ll get an extra $30 cash back on your first purchase.  Don’t miss out, It’s such a simple way to increase your travel fund!

28. Buy groceries and save money for a trip using Ibotta

Ibotta is another popular cash back app that can help you save more money for your trip. This app offers cash back on purchases made at participating retailers, as well as bonuses for redeeming a certain number of offers in a given time period.

I mostly use it for groceries.  But when you’re about to make a purchase it’s good to be in the habit of checking both Rakuten and Ibotta to see if one is currently offering a better cash back offer.

It does take some time using Ibotta to save on groceries because you have to manually scroll through the offers and save the ones you want to use.  Then once you’ve done your grocery shopping you take a photo of your receipt in the app to redeem your saved offers. 

It takes a little effort, but Ibotta says the average user earns $256 in cash back every year.  I don’t know about you, but I love the idea of having an extra $256 for meals on my next trip. 

Sign up for Ibotta now and you’ll get an extra $5 after you submit your first receipt.

29. Fetch Travel Savings From Your Receipts

Fetch is a receipt scanning app that offers a truly effortless way to earn cash back on purchases made at participating retailers. Unlike Ibotta, where you have to manually select and save offers before making your purchase, Fetch automatically scans your receipts and gives you cash back on eligible items. 

It’s really that easy.  Just snap your receipt and watch your savings grow.  You’ll be rewarded with at least 25 points for snapping any receipt you have. You can also submit online receipts by connecting certain shopping accounts you have.  You can even earn bonus points on things like ordering Uber Eats, or even through playing games downloaded through the app.

Once you’ve accumulated enough points you can redeem them for gift cards.  There are even travel brands like hotels . com so you can use your points to help you save when booking your next trip.

Sign up now and get 1,000 bonus points just for snapping your first receipt.  You probably even have one lying around now you can use.  Scan the QR code to download the app and make sure to use referral code G8WQ62 to snag your bonus!

30. Grow your travel savings with Receipt Hog

Receipt Hog is another popular app that rewards you for scanning your receipts. Simply take pictures of your receipts and earn coins, which can then be redeemed for cash or gift cards.

I use this as well as Fetch to maximize my travel savings to the fullest extent.  It’s so easy to use, and you also get bonus points periodically when your receipts earn you slot machine type spins.  You sometimes have access to do surveys for coins as well.

Sign up for Receipt Hog now and get bonus spins

Once you’ve earned enough coins you can redeem them for Amazon or Visa gift cards, or have it sent directly to your PayPal.  So, before throwing away those receipts, snap a quick picture and watch your trip savings grow! 

31. Boost your trip savings with cashback from Fluz

Fluz is a popular cash back app that offers a wide range of partner retailers where you can earn money on purchases. What sets this app apart is its unique group buying feature, allowing you to invite friends and family to your “team” and earn even more cash back on each other’s purchases. This makes it an effective way to boost your travel savings by simply shopping as usual and inviting others to join in the savings. 

I recently discovered Fluz and signed up with a referral code, earning me a bonus 25% cash back on my first purchase (I’ve got a referral code coming for you). I had been planning a trip to Cuba and knew that Airbnb was basically my only option for accommodations as an American. When I saw that Fluz offered gift cards for Airbnb with 5% cash back, I immediately jumped on the opportunity. 

Not only did I save money on my accommodations by using the gift card, but I also earned an additional 25% cash back thanks to Fluz’s bonus offer. This extra savings allowed me to splurge on some excursions during my trip without breaking my budget. 

With Fluz, you can easily accumulate extra funds for your trip without any additional effort. It’s a must-have tool for travelers looking to save money on their expenses.  So why wait? Start using Fluz now and see your travel fund grow with every purchase.

Use referral code ANNAFREITAG3999B107 for an extra 25% cash back boost

32. My Favorite Way to Save for travel: Credit Card Points and Miles

Ok, this way may not be a direct way to accumulate actual money in your travel savings account.  However, the points and miles that can be accumulated from your everyday spending are worth money – and sometimes lots of it – when redeeming them for travel.

If you have good credit and are a responsible spender, this may be a fantastic way for you to set off on your next adventure sooner than you think.

Get epic rewards

For example, take a look at my favorite travel credit card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred.  With this card, you can earn 60,000 bonus points (worth $750 in travel rewards if redeemed in the Chase portal) after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening. 

I don’t know about you, but to me $750 is a lot of money!  And if I can get that just by putting my regular spending on a travel credit card (and paying it off each month) then I’m going to do just that.  

I also like that it’s accessible even for beginners in the points and miles world and to people with lower incomes as the $95 annual fee is manageable.  Plus the welcome bonus and the $50 hotel credit the card gives you more than pays for the fee.

Check out more about the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and see if you’re ready to apply.

Most creative ways to save money for travel: mindset and visualization tricks

Aside from using apps and credit cards, there are also mindset and visualization tricks that can help you save money for travel in creative ways. With these mindset shifts, saving for travel becomes not just a budgeting task, but an exciting journey towards jetting off on your dream trip.

33. Use Stickers to Save Money for Travel

One of the most creative ways to save money for travel is to put a small airplane sticker on your debit or credit card.  Use this as a reminder each time you pull it out about your travel goal.  

Any time you’re about to make a purchase first think about if this purchase is actually a need.  If it’s not, ask yourself if you would rather have this item or if you would rather go on your trip.  Each time you decide the trip is what you want more, immediately transfer the amount you were about to spend into your Qapital travel savings account.

Visualize yourself traveling

Use visualization and imagine yourself in a specific travel scenario the better.  For example, let’s say you’re buying groceries and you’ve picked up a $12 cheesecake in the bakery.  Before purchasing it, visualize yourself having gelato as you stroll through the streets of Rome on your trip to Italy.  

I mean really imagine it. Think about the taste of your favorite flavor, and how much sweeter it will be while in a place you’ve always wanted to go.  Imagine the picture you’re going to take of it, Colosseum in the background, that will inevitably make all your friends envious when you share it on social media.

That cheesecake is probably looking less appealing right about now.  This is the perfect time to ask yourself which one you want more.  If it’s the Italian gelato you want, transfer that $12 to your trip fund!

34. Use Your Phone’s Lock Screen to Save Money to Go Traveling

This travel saving tip is very much like the previous one, but with a different execution.  Nowadays digital wallets are a convenient and popular way to pay.  But this also means that a sticker on your credit card won’t do you much good if you’re pulling out your phone to pay instead.

Using your phone’s lock screen is a great way to adapt the last strategy to digital wallet users.  You could do this in a number of different ways, depending on which way you think would best motivate you.

Use a Photo of Your Dream Destination

Is there a particular site that is at the absolute top of your bucket list for your trip?  Use an image of that on your lockscreen.  Then, whenever you pick up your phone you’ll see the Grand Canyon, the Eiffel Tower, the northern lights, or that temple in SE Asia.  This can help serve as a little visual reminder of your goal and some extra motivation to take the necessary actions (in this case saving) to make that trip reality.

Use a Motivational Phrase

Another option is to use text that might motivate or inspire you to put money into your travel savings vs buying that thing you don’t actually need.  You could use your favorite travel quote or meme for example.  Have a favorite Anthony Bourdaine quote that gives you all the feels and makes your feet start itching for travel? Use it!

Create Your Own Text and Image

Maybe providing direct instructions to yourself would be most effective at getting you to save.  You could use that image of your dream site that you found, or even a favorite travel photo from past travels if you prefer.  Then you could put text over it in a program like Canva (link) reminding you of your goal, or even telling you exactly what to do.

Here are some examples for inspiration:

“Put it back. Thailand is calling”  

“I’d rather be drinking wine in France.”

“Sushi tastes better in Japan.”

“Seeing Machu Picchu is more important than buying those shoes.”

Again, I encourage you to be specific.  Be creative and use your own values, weaknesses, and dream trip to craft your own.

Reward Yourself with Travel Savings

Again, the point of this is to get in the habit of asking yourself what you actually want each time you’re considering making a purchase you don’t actually need.  Any time you decide you want to travel more than you want the other thing, immediately transfer the amount you would’ve spent into your travel savings account instead.  

35. Put a sticky note with your travel goal on your bathroom mirror

One visualization trick is to put a sticky note on your bathroom mirror with your travel goal written on it. This serves as a daily reminder of what you are working towards and can motivate you to make smarter spending choices throughout the day. 

Every time you see the note, take a moment to visualize yourself in your dream destination and imagine the amazing experiences you will have there. This simple act can keep you focused and inspired to save money for travel in more creative ways, such as cutting back on unnecessary expenses or finding additional sources of income.  

So go ahead and stick that note on your mirror – it may just be the key to reaching your travel goals sooner! 

36. Do the “stranger test”

Another mindset trick to save money for travel is the “stranger test”. This involves imagining a stranger holding the item you want to purchase in one hand and the amount of money it costs in cash in the other. 

Ask yourself, which one do I want more? If you find that you want the cash more, it means that you don’t truly desire or need the item as much as you thought. 

This realization can help you make smarter spending choices and immediately put that money towards your travel savings instead. By prioritizing your travel goals over material possessions, you can save even more money and make your dream trip a reality sooner. 

If you choose the cash, transfer the amount you were about to spend directly into your travel savings.

So next time you’re tempted to make an impulse purchase, try the stranger test and see what your priorities really are.

37. Think in positives

Thinking positively about your travel savings can have a big impact on your mindset and motivation. Instead of focusing on the sacrifices you are making to save money, train your brain to see the growing amount in your travel fund as a positive and exciting accomplishment. 

This shift in thinking can take the sting off of cutting back on certain expenses and help you stay motivated towards reaching your ultimate travel goals. So start envisioning that amazing trip instead of dwelling on what you’re giving up – it will make all the difference!

Some ways might be a better fit for you than others, and that’s ok. By picking and choosing which strategies work best and implementing them gradually, you can start seeing significant savings towards your dream trips. 

Don’t be afraid to try out different methods and see what works best for your lifestyle. Remember, every little bit counts when it comes to saving money for travel. So whether it’s using a credit card with valuable rewards or simply cutting back on small expenses, make sure to keep trying out new ways to save in order to maximize your travel fund. 

Grab my FREE Money Saving Trip Planning Checklist

Your dream vacation is within reach! It just takes some honest self evaluation, determination, and small shifts to start seeing big results. Saving for travel can be achieved through small changes that add up over time.

My challenge for you is to pick one of these ways to save for travel and start implementing it now.  Happy saving!

Happy exploring, and remember to Be Free and Travel! 🌏✈️