The new year comes with new resolutions, some of which are not that easy to stick to. But here’s a pretty realistic resolution – more travelling! With a couple of hacks, you’ll be adding memories of great trips to your collection in no time.
Swap Coffee for Flights
Start with this question – where would you like to go this year? Make a wishlist and choose three destinations to focus on. Try to put a small sum of money in your travel piggybank every day by reconsidering your daily choices. When you’re about to get coffee, picture having the same cup in Lisbon in a couple of months – sounds good, doesn’t it? You can save nicely on lunch as well if you swap cafeteria food for homemade meals you take with you to the office.
Do Your Own Planning
Develop new skills by planning the travel itinerary on your own. Instead of organized tours, start with maps, books and online resources – you’ll discover fantastic sights that are available free of charge, and you’ll be twice as happy. Leave the old no time excuse in the last year. You can find ten minutes a day for planning you dream holiday even on your lunch break.
Travel Solo
Coordinating holidays, vacations, work and celebrations with others can be quite a taxing task, so choose the best company for your trip – yourself! If the only person you need to take care of is you, there is no worrying about clashing expectations, oversleeping or constant hunger. If you’ve never travelled solo, it’s a great way to really get to know yourself. How does one prepare for this? Start with a solo visit to the cinema or the theatre.
Trick the Holidays
If you’re waiting for a magical moment to start travelling, it’s never going to happen, so start with a weekend getaway. You can make the weekend last longer if you take Friday and Monday off – four days sound pretty sweet. Use the Christmas holidays or the Easter holidays to swap a richly laid table for a feast abroad. If you go on business trips for work, ask your manager if you can fly back a couple of days later. Then just take a few days off and enjoy your trip!
Think About the Future
Don’t be afraid to plan your trips even six months in advance; careful planning pays off, and excitement about the upcoming holiday will put pep in your step. Try out the last-minute offers – if you find something good, grab it immediately and start packing. In time, you’ll learn to pack your bag in ten minutes – you adventure awaits you!
Switch out the Setting
If you’re ready to give up comfort to save money, you’ll become a more frequent traveller. Instead of expensive hotels with crisp sheets, stay with friends you haven’t seen in a long time, rent an apartment or book a room at a hostel. CouchSurfing is also a great way to meet new people and save money. Pet lovers can apply to look after a dog or a cat on TrustedHousesitters and stay for free at their owners’ house while they are away.
Keep Track of Special Offers
