This topic is one of importance to everybody who loves to spend their money wisely, especially if you are travelling on a budget and want to make sure your money goes as far as possible. Money is a highly important when it comes to travelling the world. Without it, you cannot go anywhere, saving even $1 can be a huge deal, in particular when you are travelling abroad. Countries which are sustainably cheaper for you, should remain sustainably cheaper.
1) Buy locally
Use your money to help the country expand further. By buying your food, clothes and other products locally, you are providing growth to their economy. Also, you get to buy products that are unique and made with love, not something standard that can be bought anywhere in the world.
2) Help small businesses
Instead of buying everything from the supermarket that is available in every street corner, go inside a small business when you are abroad. You will more likely receive a better price for a better quality product that was made with love and care, in return helping a family to strive and live a comfortable life, instead of a large corporation that does not care if it loses one customer or gains another.
3) Change to an international debit card
Transferring your money from your country’s credit/debit card and onto one which can be internationally used without having to worry about transaction fees will help you save a lot of money, and only spend what you deserve to spend. No need to pay a large number of fees for simple purchases, allowing you to consciously spend as well as save your money.
4) Volunteer
If you feel you lack the inspiration to go abroad, think about volunteering. Instead of worrying about your spending fees and booking accommodation, you could seek accommodation in return for your work. There are many opportunities to travel and help out in hostels as well as going to another continent and teaching about your traditions as well as your language. There is a lot of demand for help right now. With websites such as workaway.com, the opportunity to go to that destination you thought was out of your reach, which could not be further from the truth as it is now at hand’s reach.
I hope this article has given you an insight into saving money and making your money go further and actually make an impact on the world. Even the smallest amount can be a big change for you or somebody else so you should not dismiss that fact, especially when travelling abroad. Spending your money consciously can equate to having a better experience abroad and actually go out of your comfort zone and try new things that you otherwise would not be able to have the opportunity to do so. That is what travelling is all about, to surpass your level of comfort and grow. That is why money and travelling go hand in hand.
If you have any other ways to help travellers like myself, spend money more consciously and increase our spending to optimise the country’s economy and whilst helping out then please leave a comment below. As always, I wish you all happy travels!
Maria Hanako van Straaten 