What are the clever ways to save money for travel?
Hello everyone, I’m Nomadic Bekir. In a world where everything is consumed at a rapid pace and consumption has become a way of life, I too was once caught up in this cycle. However, one day I realized that I wasn’t doing anything good for myself or the world I live in. That’s when I asked myself a life-changing question: “How can I break this cycle and save money for travel?”
Today, as a digital nomad, I explore the world and learn something new every day. Along the way, I’ve discovered clever ways to save money for travel and live more consciously. I’d like to share these insights with you, My Dear Friends.
Before we begin, I would like to emphasize a very important point:
1) Breaking the Cycle
The small but constant recurring habits, the monthly subscriptions and the coffees we buy every week at the coffee shop. At first these expenses go unnoticed, but over time they add up to a significant amount that prevents us from saving for our dream holiday.
To give an example from my own life, I was once trapped in this financial cycle. I love coffee, and I still do. For a while, I bought coffee from my favourite coffee shop every morning. It became so routine that I thought, “Drinking coffee is a necessity for me; I can afford it”. However, one day I decided to review this habit and realised that the money I was spending on coffee every day added up to a significant sum by the end of the month.
Instead of continuing this daily expenditure, I made a small change: I bought a thermos flask and started brewing my coffee at home. This simple change saved me $100 a month. That’s $1,200 a year – money you can put towards your next adventure!
I also started investing in the shares of the coffee brand I used to buy from, creating a passive income stream for myself. These small changes to your financial habits can help you achieve your travel goals faster than you think.
Breaking the cycle of unnecessary spending and building better financial habits is the key to saving for your dream holiday.
Important tip: Use Google Pay to track your spending, identify unnecessary costs, and save according to your budget. Plan your budget with Google Sheets; organizing your income and expenses makes it easier to save for your trip.
2) Automate Your Savings
One of the easiest ways to save for travel is to automate your savings. This is a great way to organize your spending and get in the habit of saving. When you receive your paycheck, transferring a set amount to your travel account immediately will help you avoid unnecessary expenses.
Many people may think that saving a small amount at first is useless. However, remember that small steps lead to big results. Even if you start with just 5% of your salary, for example, it will make a big difference over time. Even if the savings habit doesn’t make a visible difference at first, you’ll be motivated by the amount that accumulates over the coming months.
3) Find Additional Ways to Make Money
I still remember the moment I decided to become a digital nomad. It was a difficult decision for me at the time. I wasn’t happy with my full-time job and felt disconnected from it, but at the same time I didn’t have the courage to quit. I had responsibilities and my family didn’t support the decision. But in the back of my mind, I kept thinking: I could work on the side and create my own system. That thought became a turning point in my life.
I took a step – I quit my job and started my own website while working side jobs, one of which was as a motorcycle courier. Leaving the comfort of the office and embarking on this new adventure didn’t seem like a wise choice. I was afraid that my old co-workers would laugh or judge me when they saw me, but I didn’t care. The important thing was to focus on my dreams and what I needed to do to achieve them.
A photo frame from my days as a motorcycle courier for my dreams.
4) Prefer to walk!
When I started my journey of change, I began to question everything that made me spend extra money. One of the first things I looked at was my car. While I used to enjoy the convenience, I realized it was pushing me to spend more. Having a car made it easier to go out often, and when I added up the yearly costs, they became significant.
I soon realized that the car was an unnecessary expense, so I decided to sell it. I’m not saying you should sell your car—it’s an essential need for many people. But you might want to consider walking or cycling instead. These options will not only keep you active but will also have a big positive effect on your budget. You’ll be amazed at how much it can save you!
5) Cancel Unnecessary Subscriptions
6) Use Travel Rewards and Points
Using travel rewards and points is one of the smartest ways to reduce your travel costs. Many banks and credit cards offer rewards in the form of points or miles for everyday spending. These can be redeemed for free or discounted flights, hotel stays, and even upgrades, making your trips much more affordable.
A travel rewards credit card can be a game-changer. If you use it wisely, you can earn extra points on travel-related purchases like flights and hotels. Some programs also let you earn points through their partners, such as car rentals or restaurants.
- Pick the Right Card: Choose a travel-focused credit card that aligns with your spending habits. Some cards offer double or triple points on travel-related expenses.
- Leverage Sign-Up Bonuses: Many credit cards offer significant bonuses if you spend a certain amount within the first few months. This is a quick way to earn thousands of points.
- Partner Networks: Use programs that have partnerships with airlines, hotels, and even car rental services to multiply your benefits.
Websites like The Points Guy (TPG) are excellent resources for finding the latest deals and strategies to maximize your points. They’ll guide you through the ever-changing world of travel rewards and help you unlock incredible value.
7) Cook Meals at Home!
Cooking your own meals is one of the best ways to save money while exploring new places. But don’t worry—you can still enjoy must-try local dishes! Set a budget to sample famous local foods, then cook at home to keep your overall travel costs down.
Start by visiting local markets. They’re a great place to find fresh, organic ingredients while immersing yourself in the culture. Look for seasonal fruits, vegetables, and regional staples. Cooking at home helps you stay healthy because you control what goes into your meals. You’ll enjoy delicious food in a scenic location without breaking the bank. By balancing your budget between eating out and cooking at home, you’ll save money and make your trips more personal and memorable.
8) Sell Unused Items
You probably have things lying around your house that you no longer use. From clothes to gadgets to old furniture, everything can be sold. Host a yard sale or sell items online through platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. The extra cash can easily be transferred to your travel savings account. Decluttering not only helps you save money, but also keeps your living space organized.
9) Set a Travel Budget and Stick to It
When saving for a trip, it’s important to have a clear idea of how much you need to save. Set a travel budget and break it down into monthly goals. For example, if your trip will cost $2,000, aim to save $250 per month for eight months. This will make it easier to track your progress and keep you motivated. Be sure to check out our Ultimate Travel Budgeting Guide to learn how to effectively plan and track your travel expenses.
10) Travel during low season
Traveling off-peak can save you a lot of money on flights and accommodations. Airfares and hotel rates are generally much lower when fewer tourists are traveling. For example, instead of visiting a popular destination in the summer, consider going in the spring or fall when prices are more affordable. For more tips on finding cheap flights, read our article on how to find cheap flights.
11) Get Rid of Television!
Yes, one of the smartest ways to save money on your trip is to get rid of the TV. Have you ever thought about how much time you waste watching television? The Internet is a great resource for travel tips and discovering new destinations.
12) Choose Budget-Friendly Accommodations
Another way to save money on your trip is to research your accommodations. The savings you make on your accommodations can help pay for other trips. Look for cheaper options like hostels, bed and breakfasts, or Airbnb, which are often less expensive than hotels. Staying outside the main tourist areas can save you money while still being close to public transportation.
If you are open to meeting locals, couchsurfing is a great way to stay for free. Check booking websites for last-minute deals and discounts for longer stays. By choosing budget accommodations, you will have more money to spend on fun activities and experiences.
Check out my article for more tips on finding affordable places to stay: How to Choose Budget Friendly Accommodations.
Take the First Step and Let Your Dream Journey Begin
Dear Friends,
As I sit here finishing this post, I can’t help but think about how fast life moves and how easy it is to get caught up in the rush. We’re all constantly buying, consuming, and moving through our days without really asking ourselves if we need all of it. But every now and then, it’s important to pause and ask: What do I really need?
That’s what I did, and it changed everything. Today, as a digital nomad, traveling the world and learning along the way, I’ve discovered so many little habits that have helped me save money and live more intentionally. I hope this post has inspired you, just a little, to rethink the small things that can help you get closer to your dreams.
Small steps really do lead to big changes. I know it might seem like a tiny shift won’t make a difference, but trust me—it will. Every dollar saved is a step closer to where you want to be.
So, as you start your own journey, whether it’s saving for a trip or just making better choices, remember: It’s all about taking one small step at a time. Don’t wait for the “perfect moment”—start now. There’s no such thing as being too late to chase your dreams.
I truly hope that my story and these tips will help you in some way. If you have any questions, thoughts, or stories to share, I’m always here. We’re all in this together, and I’d love to hear about your own experiences.
Keep dreaming, keep exploring, and never stop learning. You’ve got this.
With love and adventure ahead,
Nomadic Bekir