Travel is the act of going from one place to another, usually over a distance. It can be for business or pleasure, but it’s generally something that takes people outside of their comfort zone and exposes them to a different culture. Travel is also a way to escape from the daily grind of work and home life and see the world in a new light.
But the prospect of travel can be daunting, especially when it comes to making it a reality. Travel can cost a lot, and many people are afraid they won’t be able to afford it, or even worse, that they will end up getting sick or injured on the trip and not be able to enjoy it at all. To help you overcome these fears, we spoke to Chrissy Whalen, a mom and blogger who has been traveling full time with her teenage son since 2019.
She gave us some tips for planning a successful trip on a budget and ways to save money for travel so that it’s within reach for everyone.
CHRISSY WHALEN: The most important thing is to plan ahead and set a budget. Sit down and figure out how much your whole trip will cost, including airfare (or gas if you’re driving), hotels or hostels, meals, souvenirs, and anything else you want to splurge on. Make sure to include a buffer to cover unexpected expenses, like if you have to cancel your flight or get stuck at the airport for an extra day.
You can also ask friends and family who have traveled for recommendations on where to go and what to see, and use apps that track your spending to keep you on budget. Whalen says it’s important to be realistic about what you can afford, but not to overthink it too much or you might get discouraged. She suggests being willing to make sacrifices like cutting back on eating out or canceling a subscription service that you don’t really need.
Once you’ve got your budget figured out, it’s time to start saving. Whalen recommends setting aside a specific savings account or changing your spending habits to free up cash for your trip. Start by tracking your spending over the next few months and finding areas where you can cut back, like not eating out as much or reducing your cell phone data plan. Be sure to factor in any other costs that might come up, such as passport or visa fees or travel insurance.
Finally, when you’re feeling bored or stifled by your everyday routine, remembering fun travel experiences can help remind you that you’re important and that life has meaning. You can do this by scrolling through your photo albums or rewatching videos from your favorite concerts, or by sorting through physical photos, concert tickets, journals, and other mementos. And if you have some spare time, consider taking a road trip or visiting a local attraction. The more often you break out of your comfort zone, the more you’ll learn that it’s not so scary to take the plunge and travel.