If you’re like me, you’ve probably read countless blog posts about saving money for travel. Most articles suggest practical but mundane tips like cutting back on coffee and working overtime. While helpful, these tips can be tedious over the long haul it takes to save for a big trip. So, I’ve thought of some fun and unique ways to save money for your travels.
Go Vegetarian
Switching to a vegetarian diet could save you about $750 a year (roughly £510) on your food bill. Besides the obvious health and environmental perks, this change can help you save enough for a nice holiday.
Try an Outfit Challenge
Remember The Uniform Project? It’s when a woman wore a little black dress for a year to promote sustainable fashion. She raised over $100,000 and highlighted the unnecessary spending on clothes. The average woman spends £588 annually on clothing, which is enough for a great vacation!
Start a ‘Come Dine With Me’ Club
Instead of spending money dining out, start a ‘Come Dine With Me’ club. Gather your friends and host dinner parties in turns. It’s a great way to save money and have a blast.
Join or Create a Club
Being part of a club adds fun and commitment. It can be a book club, running club, movie night club, or even a travel planning club. Clubs help you avoid expensive activities like going to pubs, restaurants, or nightclubs. You’ll save money and have fun.
Ditch the Gym for DIY Fitness
The average person wastes £480 on unused gym memberships. Instead, try running or home workouts. Look for workout DVDs online. They can be challenging and help you get fit while saving enough for a holiday.
Switch to Pay-As-You-Go Mobile
When your phone contract ends, consider switching to a pay-as-you-go sim if your handset is still good. People often waste about £200 a year on the wrong mobile tariff. With frequent access to Wi-Fi, you can easily make calls and send messages, saving even more.
Avoid Coupons and Money-Off Codes
Coupons often lead you to buy things you don’t need. Saving 20% on a haircut doesn’t help if you didn’t need the haircut yet. Stick to essentials.
Avoid Big Spenders
We all have friends who love to spend. While they might afford it, they can inadvertently pressure you to spend more. Instead, hang out with frugal friends who can help you save.
Go Cold Turkey
The Spend Nothing Year project had two friends spending only on essentials. They discovered that happiness doesn’t come from buying stuff. I experienced something similar living in a campervan in Australia, purchasing only food and fuel. You’ll realize that most purchases don’t add to your happiness.
Do you have more tips for unusual and not boring ways to save money? Pin this for later!