Saving money for travel is often difficult. Money is tight now for many people and travel seems a luxury. However, if one makes an effort to take action to raise funds specifically for travel the effort to raise cash becomes easier.
Open a Travel Savings Account
Open a bank savings account that is only used to accumulate cash for travel. It is far easier to save when an account is used only for a specific purpose. Withdrawal funds from this account only for travel or in times of dire financial emergency.
Write a Contract to Save Set Amount Per Month
Write a small contract to yourself on a note card and stick it in your wallet. In the contract list specific details about how much money you will save per month for travel. Keep the note card in the money slot of your wallet so you have a visual reminder to not waste cash on frivolous purchases.
Sell Unwanted Items
Utilize local flea markets and thrift stores to sell unwanted items you no longer use. Deposit the profits in the travel savings account.
Start a Travel Fund Jar
Place a clear glass or plastic jar in a central location in your home. Drop your loose change in it. Also if you have spare cash at the end of the week put the bills in the jar too. This jar will serve as another visual reminder to focus on the goal of saving money for travel.
Ask for Cash or Travel Certificates for Presents
When people ask what gift you want for a holiday say you would like cash to use for travel or gift cards to a travel agent or airline. Make your holiday gifts you receive work toward achieving a goal of summer international travel.
Sell Used Books
Use websites like www.powells.com or www.amazon.com to sell used books. Put any profits you make into your travel savings account.
Start Writing
Write articles at websites like www.brighthub.com, www.associatedcontent.com, www.helium.com, www.constant-content.com and www.seed.com to earn extra money. Use your time after work on weekends and evenings to earn extra travel money via writing.
Put Up Notes for a Bake Sale
Many people love home baked goods but they do not like to cook themselves. So put up some notes in a local market with a bulletin board about a bake sale day you will soon hold. Pick a weekend day to bake and sell baked goods at a flea market or craft fair or hold ongoing bake sale days and deliver the items to customers.
Use “Found” Money for Travel
Found money, that which arrives unexpectedly, may be used for travel if possible. Deposit money from tax refunds, bonuses, and other unusual pay checks into the travel savings account.
Pawn Jewelry
If you have old gold or silver jewelry you received as a gift and don’t like sell it at a pawn shop. Raise cash for travel by cleaning out jewelry boxes and pawning any items that you have not worn in years.
Get Crafty
Create and sell home-made items like pillows, crochet items, items made from pine cones like wreaths, candles, or other hand-made items. Hand-made items have a lot of cachet now, so get crafty and make some items to sell at craft fairs or consignment thrift shops.
