Short vacations are great, and there’s nothing like a long weekend to charge your batteries, but sometimes we all just dream of a long trip. Whether you want to finally see the highlights of Europe, do that safari in Africa, or backpack through Southeast Asia, if you can get the time off work there’s no greater gift than travel.
However when you’re on that long trip it can be tricky to stick to your budget. Often we think “I’m only here this one time” but this is a good way to blow through your cash and have to cut corners in other places, or worse, be continually stressed about your finances instead of enjoying your trip.
Here are some tips if you want to take a long trip without going broke:
Set yourself a budget
It’s surprising how many people haven’t locked in a budget before they leave for their trip. Do some research online about your destinations, and figure out the main things you want to do. Some things will depend on the type of traveler you are- foodies may place more importance on dining out while others may appreciate a comfortable hotel, so you should take this into account and plan accordingly.
Work while you’re traveling
If you’re going to be traveling for a while, consider talking to your company about working remotely. You’d be surprised how many companies will go for it- after all it’s easier to keep someone working who knows the job than to hire someone else or get someone to fill your shoes while you’re away.
It’s definitely worth asking if you can work while you travel, you may just need to commit to working for a few hours in the afternoons or taking a few days a week to get your work done.
Another option is to consider freelancing. If you have any skills which you can do online, work on a portfolio and get a few clients before you leave. You may find that your newfound freedom and location independence is what you’ve been looking for the whole time.
Travel with friends
Solo travel is a must, as it teaches you new skills, and allows you to truly immerse yourself in a culture without making compromises and going places you’re not interested in. However traveling with a friend or two is a great way to take a chunk out of your travel expenses. Along with sharing the cost for hotel rooms and food, you may find that some activities are cheaper if split in two, and you’ll have someone beside you to make memories with and share the load when it gets stressful.
Be Smart with your cash
While it’s not a good idea to carry large amounts of cash on you when you’re traveling, it’s best to avoid using ATMs as much as possible. Before you leave, be sure to talk to your bank about your fees for using foreign ATMs and switch accounts if you need to.
