Drop the Excuses and Keep Trekking
This post is by David VanArsdale, one of our contributors.
“I want to travel but I don’t have the money.”
I wince a little when I hear someone say that because for the most part, I think it’s a bullshit excuse. Granted there are exceptions (especially considering today’s unemployment rate), but if you have a job and are currently using “I don’t have the money” as an excuse, keep reading.
I think what people really mean is “I want to travel, but it’s not a high priority for me”. I’ve uttered the No Money Excuse before in conversation, but that was before I really made the decision to save. So here it goes, here are 5.5 money-saving tips from a guy who had a salary well below “the overall median personal income for all individuals over the age of 18”. And I won’t go into the tried and true tips like writing down every penny you spend (even though that exercise actually works).
1 — Stop drinking. And I’m not talking about your 8 glasses of water a day. It’s fine to party and buy drinks, but then don’t go complain how you want to travel. Keep the bigger picture in mind—you’re temporarily giving up alcohol for the opportunity to see a new country, to understand a new culture, to meet incredible people, and to experience a new world. I promise you that your favorite drink/beer will still taste the same when you get back from your trip.
2 — Don’t think “This won’t make a difference.” All those little expenses add up—and by little expenses I mean those $4 Starbucks cafe lattes, that new album on iTunes, and those pants that make your butt look cute. That’s not to say you can’t enjoy life’s pleasures, but why not switch to the $2 coffee from the local shop, use Grooveshark to stream (for free) that same album you were going to buy on iTunes, or go out wearing no pants at all. Joking about that last one, but go to a thrift store—you’ll find something to make your butt look cute and you’ll pay 1⁄4 of the price.
3 — Borrow, duh! Backpacks, travel guides, boots, equipment, clothes, etc. Don’t be shy about asking. Most people are than happy to lend you something and backpackers are more than happy to help you out in any way possible. When I went to Southeast Asia, I asked my friend to borrow his backpack (shout out to Dman) and he gave it to me and said that I should keep it. I thought that was so cool. That was my first taste of the whole “pass it along” philosophy. This detachment from material things is just one reason why I love meeting backpackers. And it’s one of the reasons someone else will be so happy when you help them out.
4 — Tell your friends “Sorry, but I’m gonna sit this one out.” Actually, you have nothing to be “Sorry” about because you’re working towards a goal. If anything you deserve congratulations for having a goal and sticking to it. As you know, there’s always something going on and rarely are they cheap: sporting events, movies, eating dinner out, etc. Stay strong. Your friends will understand. Wait, scratch that. Not all of your friends will, but your real friends will. And there’s no doubt that you’ll miss out on some fun nights. Patience is a virtue—it’s alsopain in the ass when you’re friends are out at a concert. But keep in mind the road less traveled— it’s not for everybody and it’s less traveled for a reason.
5 — Prepare, but remember you’re not James Bond. While it’s important to be prepared for the terrain, climate, and environment, remember that you don’t necessarily need the latest and greatest equipment. I could be wrong, but I don’t think your adventure isn’t going to be any better because you bought the most expensive waterproof jacket that has a dedicated pocket for hand sanitizer and slit in the back to make it easier for your flatulence.
5.5 — Stop blaming your J-O-B. This is half a point because it doesn’t deal with saving, but how you make money: saying you have a job isn’t an excuse to not travel either. It’s just a statement that you’d rather have a job than experience/see the world. It’s the sad truth. I know it’s the sad truth because I have a steady job right now and when I think how I’d rather be traveling, I have to remind myself that it’s a choice to wake up and go to work. Plenty of people with little-to-no-savings just head out “there” and go.
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18 Comments
This post is awesome. I wish all my friends at home would read it, because I think I am starting to sound like a broken record. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you liked the post! Sometimes I feel the same – no matter how many times I encourage some of my friends to travel they end up finding an excuse to postpone it.
This is so true for travelers. By definition, we want experiences, fun and thrills — so it’s hard to sit that out at home to save the money. But it’s worth it in the end.
Could not agree more Abby! I wish more people had out viewpoint on travel
I am in the process of saving right now for a long-term adventure. Great tips. I love the iTunes one. I don’t even want to know how much buying a song here and there has added up to!
Good for you! I have a few shorter trips planned for 2012 but I’d love to go somewhere for a few months…Paris is high on my list. Need to re-learn French!
You’re right. It’s all about priorities. Great tips about how to save. I especially like the one about thrift stores since not only is it thrifty, but it’s also eco-friendly.
Glad you like the article! It’s easy to come up with an excuse for something but the tough part is realizing your financial limitations and making travel a priority anyway
#1 and #5 were really big for helping me save the money, as well as continue to keep to my travel budget.
Same for me! It’s hard to do but knowing that it’s possible makes the excuses seem less believable
Point 5 is the one I am bad at, I love traveling but always fall into the safety net of “i need a job” syndrome so come back home after being away for a while :S
That’s definitely a tough one and I can totally relate to feeling “I need a job” syndrome. Luckily now I’m freelancing so travel is more flexible for me but I remember struggling with the same thoughts.
To the local this is no secret, but to the tourist it’s a well-kept one. If you want a job that lets you travel, look for sought-out destinations that have offseasons aka ski resorts or beaches. I’ve been living in a tourist destination that let’s me have 2-4 months to take off and still have a job to come back to. During the peak season, I have to work long, hard hours and I only get 1 day a week off. However, I love my job and the payoff is big!
Amy, sounds like you have the perfect job! I know there are a lot of European countries that allow workers to have at least 4 weeks paid vacation but unfortunately here in the US it’s two weeks if you are lucky. When I worked at a record label we had a lot of time off compared to other companies but now that I’m freelancing and working for myself it’s a lot easier to travel. So glad you love your job! Sounds like you have the best of both worlds.
Megan recently posted..4 Countries. 3 Continents. 2 Bags. 1 Girl
Way to thing positive. You see right through people and their excuses. Hopefully this will inspire them to get off their comfort zones and actually go somewhere. Thanks for sharing!
I hope so!
Megan recently posted..Highlights from Norefjell
#1 is a BIG plus for my friends and I. We’ve always “pre-gamed” before going out dancing so we were all always on the same page with saving $$ when it came to alcohol. In my life I live by this: “If you don’t get what you want, there are only two reasons: 1) You’re not ready for it, and 2) You don’t want it THAT bad.” I have been to 26 countries and 6 of the 7 continents, AND I have a full-time job, because guess what? I want to travel THAT BAD. Every time I bring up future travel plans to my friends, they all always “want to go”, but eventually all flake out on me; this was also how I’ve come to do solo traveling more and more. I totally understand people’s different priorities in life (ei: grad school, just had a baby, house burned down..etc.) But with traveling, it’s so simple: you either want to travel or you don’t.
Antoinette B. recently posted..A Closer Look at the Sydney Opera House
Wow – so many countries Antoinette! I am the same way. I’ve had friends flake out on me for trips but I want to travel so I go anyway.
Megan recently posted..Photo Friday: Norway Memories