If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to travel more over the next 12 months, you’re not alone. Plenty of people crave a bit more adventure in their lives. But deciding you’re going to do it is completely different to knowing how to make it happen. Check out these 5 ways to travel more this year.
Make every purchase count
Saving may not be a sexy word and penny pinching is certainly not how most of us choose to get our kicks. But while you definitely don’t need a bucketload of cash to travel more, you’re obviously gonna need a bit. Reducing your outgoings is probably the most realistic way of building up a travel fund.
However, the truth is that most people spend more than is necessary on a day to day basis, usually without even realising it. Instead of turning into that fun thieving miser who’s always moaning about not having any wonga, try starting by asking yourself one simple question before you buy anything - “do I really need this?”. If the answer is no then set that cash aside for something more exciting.
Take weekend breaks
Getting away more doesn’t have to mean two week vacays or month long backpacking trips. You can squeeze a lot into those two little days that bookend the Monday to Friday drudgery. Even more if you’re able to turn it into a long weekend and steal a bit of Friday afternoon and Monday morning to add to them.
Here in Europe we’re lucky to have an endless array of awesome destinations virtually on our doorstep. And so many of them perfect for exploring in a limited amount of time. Zip over to Zagreb, pop to Prague, or hit up Hamburg for a storming sojourn. A weekend away can be the perfect tonic to keep your wanderlust at bay.
Check out cheap destinations
So back to the money thing. Not all travel spots are equal when it comes to cost. Often the more popular a place the more expensive it’s going to be, so instead of going for the big hitters opt for somewhere a bit more budget friendly.
Eastern Europe tends to be far cheaper than the rest of the continent and has tonnes of little known gems well worth exploring. Much of South America is as cheap as chips, allowing you to do a lot more on far less. And Southeast Asia has long been a favourite for backpackers thanks to very favourable exchange rates.
Go local
That said, you don’t need to jet off to an exotic destination in order to get your travel fix. In fact an exciting adventure might just be within closer reach than you could imagine. Sometimes all it takes to satiate your craving to roam is to go somewhere or do something unfamiliar. But it doesn’t need to be abroad, or even that far away.
No matter where you live, there will undoubtedly be some cool places nearby. Take a road trip, jump on a bus or train and approach it as if you were heading abroad. Research some unusual things to do that you’ve never tried before and discover a new side to a local destination. Just don’t call it a staycay. That word is disgusting.
Find the best deals
Whatever adventures you have in the works, it always pays to find the best available deals. Every little counts and saving a few bucks here and there will soon add up in the long run meaning you’ll be able to save for more travelling.
Check multiple platforms as well as direct with the provider when you’re booking transport and accommodation. Keep your eye out for any seasonal offers or special deals that come up. Most of all don’t just plum for the first option that you see - make sure you’re getting the best deal out there.
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