Travel Series part 2

Since my last post was such a hit, I was excited to get started on part two! I'm slightly nervous for this post though. Because it has everything to do with finance. Finances are such a personal thing. People also have a tendency to become very guarded about the subject. So I want to pre-address this post by saying this is not the only way of going about managing your money. I'm not saying I have my life all figured out, I'm just telling you how this particular method has worked for me when it comes to saving money and more specifically how we are able to travel.

 *BUDGETING*- I feel like a budget is such a broad term that is often misused.
"Yeah, I budget."
"Oh really, what outline do you find helpful?"
 "Oh, well I mean I write down how much I make."
Budgets are not meant to complicate things or to make you feel restrained. In retrospect they are used for the exact opposite. I personally don't know how anyone goes about a daily routine without one, but again, different people think differently.

 I spoke briefly on living within your means in my last post and this would be where that would apply. It's important to not only know very specifically how much you make each month, but also how much you are putting out. I understand circumstances are different for everyone, so please don't misunderstand me. But more often than not people put out way more than what they are bringing in and that is where you can start to get yourself in trouble. Heck, credit cards have made it so easy! I know there are times in which using a credit card is necessary, however if you use this one simple rule, you might save yourself the struggle before it happens.

If you don't make it, don't spend it. If you want it, find a way to work harder for it. Only AFTER you have bridged the gap, should you do so. I know... so simple, right? You'd be surprised how many people think it's rocket science.


 *SEARCH THE DEALS* - This is actually almost one of my favorite parts of traveling outside of the actual experience. You know that super rewarding feeling you get when you score a pair of designer jeans for a steal? Well, you can do the same thing with booking your vacations if you put in a little time for "couponing."

Some people are better off financially than I will ever be and can afford to book 5 star hotels in the ritziest of places for every occasion. However, I'm not above admitting I am NOT that person. Don't get me wrong, I don't put myself up in roach motels... but I also know that when I'm traveling I'm not there for the hotel experience, ya feel me? I want to feel safe and have a clean place to shower but come sunrise, I'm not going to be there so why spend an absurd amount? Matt and I are huge believers in AirBnB. If you haven't heard of it before, leave my blog right now and check it.. because YASS. There are trips that we do choose to book a hotel just for the simple fact of convience... however, AirBnB has saved us HUNDREDS of $$$$ and I highly recommend.

 *MINIMALIST* - Again, this may not be feasible for everyone depending on what your travel plans are but we are big on being outdoors and have zero need for the glitz and glamour. SO we opt out of checking bags. Something some people don't even think twice of doing, however for two people, depending on what airline you use, checkin one bag per person each way can end up adding $200 to your trip before you even realize it.

 We also MAXIMIZE the time on our vacations by booking flights that leave at absurd hours in the night/morning and you'd be surprised how much you can save just by being flexible. Sky miles are another super nifty thing to take advantage of.

 9/10 we rent a vehicle where we go. We stray away from using public transportation and rent a small sedan for usually no more than $20- $25 a day. That right there is less than one single cab fair. Depending again on location that can vary, but we have found through our many experiences that not only is the convenience of having a vehicle nice, but we have saved a significant amount of money that way.


 *PRIORITIES* - Honestly, that's what everything boils down to is what are your priorities. Are you in it for the fancy meals that cost more than a car payment? Because if you are, by all means, you do you boo. Is that window view overlooking downtown worth the $600 + a night?

Because I rather eat from a food truck while walking the streets completely submerged IN the town than eat gourmet food I can't pronounce while looking at the town through a window. Everyone is different. I'm just here to tell you that traveling can be done affordably. I have experience to show for it and the freedom from debt to continue doing it. I can only hope everyone who has the desire to travel can say the same.


Thank you for reading!