'To
travel is to live,'
is not just a marketing line. It's a commitment to a
type of lifestyle that opens your mind and heart to the amazing
world! Of all the resolutions you make this New Year, why not make
the promise to travel the one you keep? I’m sure your first answer
would be something like, “I can’t afford it.” Money is usually
tight for most of us, so we must be creative on how we save for
travel. Here are two clever ways to fund where you dream of going.
1. A dedicated travel
account is like the Christmas account many banks or credit unions
pitch This is a good way to keep track of exactly how much you have
when you are planning a vacation. The trick of course, is to fund it
just the way you would pay a monthly bill. Set up a monthly transfer
of a realistic amount that you will not miss. For example, a goal of
$15 per week ($2.50 per day) would give you $780 at the end of a
year. There are many packages available to great places in the world
this would cover.
2. Buy
and sell sites, Ebay, CraigsList, et al, are great ways to add to
that travel fund and get rid of clutter! Just about everybody I talk
to has a plan to clean out closets, garages, etc… but haven’t
quite gotten around to it. The thought of a great vacation can
certainly be motivation to finally keep that resolution to yourself!
I have a friend that partners with her sisters every year for a
family rummage sale and she has never made less than $500 selling
items she has no more use for. That is quite a bit of money not
missed from her monthly budget that she always uses to treat herself
to a getaway.
In today’s chaotic times,
traveling to clear your mind and expand your perspective is as
important as it has ever been. Getting away gives us time to take
stock, reflect and learn more about ourselves. This is just as
important as taking care of the other financial responsibilities in
our day to day lives. Exploring new places gives you a fresh
perspective on your 'real life' so when you get back, you will value
the fact that there is no place like home!
Martin Valigursky image, used with permission.
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