How to save for long-term travel

Travelling for months at a time is expensive, realistically you will need a few thousand pounds in the bank plus the cost of flights, insurance, immunizations etc. So how do you do it?

I find saving for travel fairly easy because I would much rather spend my money on experiences than new possessions. I've never been a fan of designer labels, owning the newest technology or pay-day shopping sprees, I would rather squirrel away my money with plans for the next big adventure in mind. If you want to save enough money to travel you need to make your trip a priority and get a tight hold of the purse strings.

Work out a budget

Sit down with a pen and paper and work out your income vs your expenditure to see in black an white how much disposable income you actually have, you will probably be amazed at how much cash you fritter away. Set yourself a realistic sum to save each month leaving enough for a few treats, but be tough.. the sooner you save the sooner you will be on an exotic island topping up your tan! I would recommend setting up a direct debit into your savings account each month, this way your money will go out of your bank account like a bill and you will be more likely to treat it like money you never had, if you move it manually each month you may be tempted to put it off or save less than you had intended. Set up the direct debit to go out on pay-day and it will be like the money was never there. Track your progress by checking the balance of your savings account occasionally, watching your savings grow is so satisfying.

Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia

Get a second job

If you've drawn up a budget and discovered that it will take years to save up enough to travel, you may need to take on a second job... (I can hear the groaning already) I know you don't want to work more than you already do, nobody does, but how much do you want to travel? You need to keep your goal in mind and remember that it will only be for a while. Sacrificing your life style for a few months isn't so difficult when you have an end-date and when you know you have a huge adventure on the cards. The other advantage to working evenings/ weekends is that you will actually have less opportunity to spend money which means you will save quicker and stay motivated.

Don't spend money

Speaking of spending, the easiest way to save money is to not spend it!  You will have your fixed expenditure like rent, phone bills, car insurance etc. but the rest is fair-game and you need to try not to spend it. I have found the best way to stop wanting new clothes, handbags, make-up etc is to avoid shops and magazines... how can you covet that amazing new dress in Top Shop if you don't know it exists?.. ignorance is saving bliss! Of course there will be occasions where nothing you currently own will do, but make sure it's the odd occasion and remember that clothes are much cheaper when you are travelling.

Also try not to be tempted to buy a beautiful new wardrobe to go travelling with, it's not necessary and depending on where you go you won't be able to wash clothes yourself so you may find that your favorite top goes missing or has been damaged when you get your laundry back. 

This is what my knickers looked like after a stint at the local Cambodian laundry!

You will also need to curb those Friday night blow-outs, it can be easy to spend upwards of £50 on a night out especially when jager bombs are involved, but remind yourself how much more satisfying that drink will taste on a Thai beach.

Koh Lipe, Thailand.

Move in with your parents 

This won't be an option for everyone, but if you still find yourself struggling to save you might want to consider moving back in with Mum and Dad. If you are planning to travel for 6+ months you will probably move out of rented accommodation while you are travelling anyway, so why not do it a little earlier than planned and save on the cost of rent and bills? You may need to contribute towards the food bill and do the washing up a bit more often but that's not a big ask if it allows you to travel.

Sell your stuff

Lastly you may consider selling some of your 'stuff'. This isn't a tactic I've used because as mentioned I don't have anything worth selling, but if you have recently upgraded your phone, laptop or games console you could sell your old one and save what you make. You could also sell bigger items like cars, sofas and beds if you are planning on travelling for a year or two and don't want to pay for storage fees.

Good luck, and remember that nothing you buy will be better than the feeling of travelling the world and all that hard work will be TOTALLY worth it!

Mui Ne, Vietnam