Do you know someone who has seen the world (a few times!) and you wonder how the heck they can afford to travel so much? I know I do.

I belong to this amazing travel group, and after noticing that it seemed like just about everyone had been to just about everywhere (and were still going), I just had to ask:

HOW CAN YOU AFFORD IT?!

Previously, when I thought of traveling, the first thing that came to mind was money. Plane tickets can be expensive and hotels are costly, so I didn’t see how people of “normal” means (with no rich uncles or sugar mamas) could afford to pick up and go so often. But after I inquired about how they do it, I got so many great tips, tricks, and travel hack ideas that I could barely contain myself.

While I love is finding things to do in my own city, let’s face it, we all need a change of scenery sometime. I love to see other states and countries like the next person, and it takes a little more planning (and more money) than quick weekend trips.

And although I’m a champion of the staycation, I’m also here to tell you that you CAN afford to travel the world. Yes, I mean it!

Sharing information is one of the best ways to not only solidify the ideas in your own life, but also help others. So here are some of the tips I picked up from some of my more well-traveled peers on how to afford to see the world.

Cut Costs: I confess, I spend money without thinking. Dinners out, new clothes, movie tickets, premium cable. It all adds up. One of the best ways to save money for travel is by reviewing your spending habits and cutting things that aren’t necessary. This year I think I might FINALLY ditch my cable company (and for me, this is scary lol..I watch a lot of TV *hangs head*). The bill just keeps going higher and higher, while finding content online has become easier. I’ve had my eye on a Roku box for a while now and am 75% sure I’m going to buy one and put the extra money toward my travel fund. Other ways to cut costs? Review everything: Credit cards, insurance, phone service, and call the companies to negotiate lower rates. If they want to keep you as a customer, most times they will work with you.

Make Saving Automatic: After you’ve cut your costs, you should automatically funnel that extra money into your savings account (and if you don’t have an account, you should DEFINITELY open one). Making your savings automatic will increase the likelihood that you’ll actually save money because you won’t even have to think about it. And here’s a tip. Do not have your savings account attached directly to your primary checking account (i.e. at the same bank). I have a separate savings account with a different bank for traveling, which means I’m less likely to dip into it to cover everyday purchases.

Make More Money: Let’s face it, you can’t cut your way to more money. At some point, you’ll have to get out and increase your income. And while I’d like to pretend that I live frugally…I don’t. So my only other option is to generate more cash and put it toward traveling. Recently I’ve become (mildly) obsessed with Ramit Sethi’s site I Will Teach You How To Be Rich. In it he has all sorts of tips on how to negotiate a higher salary, or, if you’re self-employed like me, how to earn more income on the side. From side hustles to second jobs…if you’re not good at cutting things from your budget, earning more money is your best bet to reaching your travel goals.

No matter where you want to go, I hope you know you CAN afford to get there. No place should be off limits because of your financial status, but just know you might have to cut back a little more and work a little harder, but you can (and will) get there.

Are you saving for a trip this year? Do you have any additional tips to add to the list? Please, share! 

*ps: Like what you read here? Feel free to donate to the Trippin’ Travel Fund 🙂