August 3, 2014

What Do You Know About Affordable Travel?

There is a certain allure and mystique about traveling. Where in the world do you want to go? Do you want to watch the sunset on an untouched beach? Meander the streets of bustling foreign cities? Bike through pristine mountain villages? Tour through scenic national parks? Sail through the clear waters of the Caribbean? Or do you just want to do it all?

Why experience the world from your computer when you can get out there and see it for yourself? What’s stopping you from buying a cheap flight and hitting the unbeaten path? Is it a matter of funds or a fear of doing something new?

Your next epic adventure won’t happen unless you get off the couch and make it a reality. Yes, change is scary, but it’s better than boring old complacency. Yes, traveling can be expensive, but you can also travel on a budget if you know how. Affordable travel is awesome.

We found a great article on affordable travel by Susan Aksu Movesesian on LifeHack.org. Susan has traveled to over 40 countries and she has a few tips for people to travel without a lot of money or a high paying job. Here are her tips on affordable travel:

  • Set A Travel Goal – Map out what you want to do, how long you have, and where you want to go.
  • Start A Travel Fund – No one travels for free (except maybe travel writers or photographers). Start saving now. Put away a chunk of change each month. Cut back on those excessive treats. Traveling requires you to be financially savvy. The more you save the faster you can escape.
  • Get Your Finances In Order – Before you hop a flight for Timbuktu, you need to make sure you don’t owe any money. Those late fees can accumulate faster than snow in a blizzard. Pay ahead. Freeze your cell phone. Set up online pay systems.
  • Take Advantage of Credit Card Sign Up Bonuses – Extra credit cards and financial responsibility don’t usually go hand in hand. But certain credit cards will give you free air miles that can help pay for the most expensive part of your journey – the flight.
  • Cut Back On Conveniences – Live on a budget at home for awhile. Eliminate cable or satellite. Make coffee at home. Don’t go out to the movies. Every dime you save will help your travels go farther. This is true when you’re out traveling too.
  • Research Alternative Accommodations – Hotels are pricey. Look into hostels, bed and breakfasts, campsites, couch surfing, or AirBnB.

We also wanted to add a couple of other things. Do your research online before you go. If you book early, look for discounts, and use student cards. There are lots of free and cheap activities that will make for more affordable travel adventures.

Read up on 12 Jobs That Pay You To Travel The World

Traveling is one of the best ways in the world to expand your horizons. Experiencing different cultures, meeting new people, seeing eye-opening things, and being someplace new is a rewarding and exciting way to spend your time. It’s not very hard to tie your passion for traveling in with volunteer opportunities, travel jobs, or jobs abroad.

Getting off the couch and exploring the world will make you a stronger job applicant too. The experiences you have, make you the person that you are. Your adventures are an asset because you can share and contribute more to your employer. Don’t let finances or fear keep you from traveling. Stop by Facebook and let us know about your latest affordable travel adventure.

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