By Steve Taggart
Each year, thousands of people escape the rat race to take the plunge and travel the world. Some do it solo, others board the plane in groups, but all go for one reason: to experience something new.
Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the culture of your chosen destination, or simply discover more about yourself, travelling will undoubtedly prove one of the best things you’ve done. But how do you go about funding your trip? The fact is, there’s no easy way. It takes time, dedication and a lot of willpower to forgo life’s little luxuries and instead put all your spare cash to one side. Here’s what you can do…
Take Multiple Jobs –It might not seem like the most appealing option, but often the only way most of us can afford the luxury of going travelling is to make the commitment to work more than one job. It may be that you work in an office during the day, before giving yourself an hour or two’s break to head for a couple of hours’work at a bar. It’s up to you how you do it and, of course, it’s important you consider your health along the way; stopping for regular breaks and ensuring you rest between shifts is vital if you’re to continue like this for some time. First work out how many hours you can feasibly do in a week and then set about filling some of your spare time with an additional job or two. It’s the easiest –and quickest –way to see a boost in your bank balance.
Find a Job in a Country You’d Like to Visit –Don’t like the idea of saving up thousands ahead of your trip? Instead save enough to pay your bills for a few weeks (as well as a plane ticket home) and turn your attention to choosing a job in a country you’d like to visit. Finding a role overseas –whether it’s temporary work or a more permanent position –is a great idea if you’re looking to make more impromptu travelling plans. Just make sure you do your research well in advance, working out how much money you’ll need (and then some!) before booking that plane ticket.
Sell Your Stuff –If you’re really struggling to save the cash, the answer may well be staring you in the face, sell your unwanted stuff! Look around your apartment or home and work out what you have that someone else might want. Got an old games console you no longer use? Perhaps you’ve a spare guitar you don’t play, or even a pile of old textbooks? Spend half a day or so stacking up everything you no longer want and promptly list it all on online auction or quick sales sites. You’ll be surprised how much money you can make by simply clearing out your old junk –and you’ll have a cleaner, fresher apartment to come home to, as well!
Be Organised –It may sound simple, but organisation really is key when it comes to going travelling. Think about closing down any unnecessary subscription services you pay for,switch banks for the best interest rates and think about selling some of the things you won’t need (and can be easily replaced later!) while travelling. If you’re going to be gone a while, consider selling your car to make some quick cash, for example. It’s things like this that can really add up to the money you need to take the plunge. Good luck –and go for it!
If you don’t fancy a round the world trip and would prefer to buy/rent a property click here
