Is your travel fund running low? Us too! We are still early in 2018 and now is a good time to look at your finances and really get a grasp on what you have, owe and have the ability to save.
Learning to be creative with your savings is a guaranteed way to have some spare cash at the end of each month. Saving money is a long term habit and when you really commit to saving each month, the savings over time will grow. By the 12th month, you’ll feel accomplished at your ability to save just a little every month.
Whether you’re saving for the long run or for the short term, here are a few ways you can cleverly increase your savings:
Take advantage of all things free:
Join the many Facebook groups out there where people post either free items or items they’re willing to swap. Our first inclination might be to buy something completely new, but before you go out and buy something shiny and new, try searching Meetup for clothing swaps, networking opportunities for possible new business ventures. The Freecycle Networking is a free site that allows you to search the thousands of grassroot groups across the country that give the gift of giving all year round.
Wait 30 days before you buy:
The 30 day rule is a good way to put into perspective just how much you do buy versus how much you need. This trick works especially if you are shopping online. Instead of automatically clicking the ‘check out’ button, try leaving your wish list in your cart. Check back on it every few days until you reach 30 days. After 30 days, if you still have a desire to purchase the item, then purchase. If you decide after 30 days that this was simply an impulse item, remove the item from your cart and move on. When shopping at the store, walk a few extra laps around the store before checking out. By doing so, you give yourself more time to think about the items in your cart and really ask yourself, “does this item add value to my life?”
Plan a one month money detox:
The idea of staying home for an entire month straight probably doesn’t sound appealing. If you’re budgeting for an upcoming trip, a money detox might be your first step. Cleverly devise a set of ‘to do’s for each weekend in the month that involve little to no money. Start with to-dos that are related to personal development so that you aren’t tempted to spend money on yourself. Instead, think of ways to increase your personal growth. Track your savings over the course of a month and bam, you’ve just completed a month long money detox.
Invest in life insurance:
This money saving idea is definitely meant for the long term investment! Life insurance is particularly useful if you would like to build a policy that will increase over a specific amount of time. Many insurance policies offer cash value policies, meaning your policy will amount to a cash value after a specific amount of time. Keep this in mind, “In traditional whole life insurance policies, your premiums stay the same until you've paid off the policy. The policy itself is in effect until your death, even after you've paid all the premiums.” Choose a policy wisely and really discuss how much you are willing to invest each year because it can take a lifetime (so to speak) to really generate a high cash value.
Be creative in your quest to increase your savings. Give yourself some credit along the way. Saving money can be challenging. Each month you’re responsible for a series of bills that all add up and may leave you with little expendable cash. The key is limiting yourself to the essentials and slowly building your way to a sustainable savings that will allow you to take that prized trip you’ve been saving up for!
Tips to help you make smart travel decisions during this time of uncertainty. *Always seek advice from the CDC and Government websites of your home country and the countries or locations you are planning to visit.
Rated as one of our top 20 destinations to visit in 2020, a trip to Peru is truly incomplete without a visit to the former capital of the Incan empire and UNESCO heritage site, Cusco. Situated in the Peruvian Andes at an elevation of 3,400 meters, Cusco is vibrant in its colonial historic architecture, incredible local cuisine, cobblestone streets and markets abundant in textiles of every color. Cusco serves more than a gateway to Machu Picchu and here's why you might want to spend a few extra days in this city, with our list of things to do in Cusco.
What is your dream? Your passion? Have you ever considered that that dream could become your livelihood? The key to monetizing your dream is understanding your story and your passion. Through traveling all over the world, I gained many deep insights that became part of my personal brand-building journey.
Shrouded in mystery, Bhutan is one location to which not many tourists have had the pleasure to travel. So what do you need to know to get ready for your first trip to Bhutan? Read below to find out!
Morocco is full of new surprises, smells, and colors at every turn. It’s a mix of African, Middle Eastern, and European influences all blended together — which pull you in every direction possible. While some first-time visitors may experience culture shock, these Morocco travel tips will prepare you for the trip of a lifetime.
An age-old question when it comes to traveling is “Should I go on a guided tour” vs. “Should I travel self-guided.” I have traveled both on guided tours and self-guided and I can honestly say there are pros and cons to each style. Personal preference, budget, and destination all can play a role in the decision process, so let’s take a look at when you would choose one type of travel over the other.
If travel is on your to-do list this year (and it really should be!), then you are in luck, because the new year has brought new travel apps for iOs and Android that will make your travel even smoother and easier than ever before. From apps that help you translate words into a variety of languages, to ones that organize all of your reservations into one central spot, these new apps will help you during each and every step of your travels!
We’ve all been there: stuck at our office desks, daydreaming of our next family vacation or romantic getaway. Yet, for most of us, flight prices can determine not only where we travel, but also whether or not we can travel at all. With budget-friendly accommodations readily available around the world, traveling abroad on a budget is easier than ever, but high flight prices can prevent us from ever getting there. The good news? Airlines often have killer deals--from mistakenly published fares and special promotions to low off-season rates. Cheap flights are out there; you just have to know how and where to look for them! Follow the steps below to make sure you get the cheapest flights to your dream destinations!
When you think of “travel” foods, chances are you think of fast food drive-throughs or over-priced airport sandwiches and snacks. After all, when you’re “on-the-go,” it’s tempting to just grab something quick and easy that doesn’t require too much thought or preparation. But healthy choices aren’t always available in airports or on the road, which leaves you with few options besides fried foods, sugary drinks, and empty-calorie snacks. The good news is, whether you’re travelling on a plane or on the road, there are a few simple and effective strategies that can help you maintain your health while traveling. Continue reading to find out how!
No matter what type of travel you may prefer—whether your happy place is lying on a beach in the Caribbean or trekking up Mt. Kilimanjaro—we all have fantasies about faraway places and adventurous experiences. But have you ever stopped to consider the impact that you’re having on the places that you visit?
Whether you are taking off for a weekend getaway or crossing off another international dream destination from your bucket list, the option to purchase travel insurance will always present itself to you. We have compiled some important information about travel insurance to help you make the right decision, for you, when it comes to your travel investment.
A new year means new adventures, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with the trip of a lifetime. With so many incredible options out there, it’s hard to choose which getaway is the trip for you, but we’ve got your back. We’ve narrowed down the hottest destinations of the year to come, from the shores of Belize to the mountains of China. Keep reading to find out the top trips to take in 2019!
Everyone dreams of the ultimate getaway, but many think it’s out of their price range. However, you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a luxurious vacation. It’s possible to experience a piece of paradise while on a budget. Whether you long for a tropical oasis, bewitching city, or countryside retreat, the possibilities are endless—but we’ve narrowed it down. Keep reading to learn about five affordable getaways that feel totally luxe without the high price!
Traveling is a time of experiencing new adventures, connecting with different cultures, and creating lifelong memories. It’s an invaluable way to learn about both yourself and the world around you—all while having fun. But as exciting as traveling is, it can also be pretty stressful. Luckily, there’s all kinds of gadgets out there to ensure a stress-free vacation. Keep reading to find out our favorite travel accessories!
There’s nothing better than getting out into the world and exploring faraway places you’ve always dreamed of visiting. For many, the idea of traveling abroad seems unattainable and too expensive. However, there are plenty of ways to save on travel and have an unforgettable experience without breaking the bank. Keep reading to find out our top tips for saving money on travel!
Here are a few ways to give back while you’re traveling that are sure to make every journey the most perfect and mutually-beneficial journey possible.
There’s something incredibly special about traveling solo. For many, the idea of visiting a new country all alone is terrifying, but solo travel can be a priceless period of self-reflection, education, and growth. Facing your fears and putting yourself out there is so worth it, and it’s the best way to truly immerse yourself in a new culture. There’s nothing quite as rewarding as traveling solo—it’s an unforgettable adventure that everyone should experience at least once. Keep reading to learn the best countries for solo travel!
Airfare doesn’t have to be expensive. If you know how and where to look for these mistake fares, you can find the absolute cheapest flight and be on your Acanela Expedition in no time.
Organizing a trip to Europe with your children can seem to be a very hard job. You have to consider accommodation options, flight arrangements, and what cities and destinations you want to visit. When you have little children and you are going on a trip with them the learning curve is can be strong and sharp.
When you are traveling you don't want to have to worry about carrying a lot of luggage with you. This is why I recommend just packing in a single carry-on. So how do you look cute with items that can only fit into a single carry-on? The answer is simple - by choosing the right 15 pieces to pack! With just 15 items (shoes included) you can create a wardrobe of over 50 outfits! That is enough outfits to last you 1 week, all the way to 2 months of traveling. I have listed all the items that I pack in my carry-on suitcase below:
Having the right gear to document your travel experience is important. Below, I have shared what I bring in my technology bag on all my trips around the world (this gear has traveled to over 80 countries).
Jet lag can be the ultimate bummer after a nice, relaxing trip. If you travel often, you probably experience jet lag on the regular. There are ways to overcome jet lag and train your body to get back into your daily routine.
Is your travel fund running low? Us too! We are still early in 2018 and now is a good time to look at your finances and really get a grasp on what you have, owe and have the ability to save. Learning to be creative with your savings is a guaranteed way to have some spare cash at the end of each month. Saving money is a long term habit and when you really commit to saving each month, the savings over time will grow. By the 12th month, you’ll feel accomplished at your ability to save just a little every month.
Airports and airplanes are germ central. The good news is, they don’t have to be! Airports are full of travelers that have been from one end of the globe to the other, making way for germs to follow in their footsteps. Taking precautions before you leave your home and again when you arrive at the airport is a guaranteed way to lessen your chances of bringing germs home with you on your return flight.
As the temperature drops, it signals that the holidays are right around the corner. Leaving people questioning: what is the ideal time to start planning for holiday, or even summer, vacations? If you’re already set on where you’re traveling (international or domestic), definitely opt for advanced booking. In the 2-3 month range, prices for flights may fluctuate but will stay on the lower side of the spectrum. Waiting for the one month range will leave you out of luck and emptying your pockets.
We all know that traveling with kids can either go both ways - perfectly smooth or totally chaotic. We've rounded up the best tips on how to travel with kids for your next trip!
Depending on how long a journey is, travelers usually find it difficult to maintain some healthy habits while traveling. Most of them just want to sit in there and have the journey completed even if the journey were to last for more than 6 hours! Whether you are getting on a flight for a business trip or some sort of vacation or going by any other means of transportation, there are some healthy tips to take into consideration during any journey and one of the most important is making sure to stay hydrated. Dehydration can worsen a jet lag effect if you flew for long, making it more difficult for you to adjust to the time change. Here are some tips that can help you stay hydrated during any journey.