So many people ask me, how do you and your husband afford to travel so much? Well, here is the answer! I firmly believe that travelling is not a luxury, it is a form of education that is possible for anyone; if they really want it.
Instead of spending money on a night out on the town, we stay in and watch a film. Instead of going out to dinner, we'll stay in and cook. Another benefit of that is now we have become great cooks. We love to cook anything from Thai/Indian curries, pastas, Mexican, stir fry, and much more. We also have friends come over for dinner and a movie instead of going out and spending a fortune on one evening.
Instead of owning a car, we walk. That one was the hardest to get used to, but public transportation is not bad (in the UK). Obviously, living in the US one must own a car. However, when I move back home I will not buy a new car, or a gas guzzler. Also, do we really need more than 1 car per person? What a waste of car insurance! Another benefit to walking, is that it is a healthy lifestyle change. Without even trying I have lost 10lbs just from walking instead of driving.
"Name Brands," don't buy them. They cost 3x the amount of generic products and usually are the same quality. There are some things I won't skimp out on, such as toothpaste, make-up, and deodorant, but food; definitely! Pasta is pasta, vegetables will always be vegetables. Also, we have become pseudo-vegetarians. Not just for our health, but meat is EXPENSIVE! Also, buying fresh at the farmers market not only is cheaper, but buying local helps the community and always tastes better.
As soon as we're paid every month, we try to put up to half of our earnings into savings (depending on monthly circumstances). After bills, rent, food, if we have anything extra, then that is a bonus and only then will we go out to eat, go out drinking, go to a movie, or go shopping. If you think about it, a $200 day of shopping could be a flight. To me and my husband, we would rather live humbly and go travelling and see the world than have a new pair of jeans.
Also, when travelling one needs to be open minded with out a plan. When looking for flights, we book what ever is cheapest. Letting the sales picking where we go; which adds a little exciting spontaneity! When it comes to hotels, you do not need a 5 star hotel; 3 stars are usually very nice, great staff, and breakfast tends to be included with 3 star hotels as they are smaller and sometimes family owned.
Basically, we don't live outside of our means. Little things really make a difference. For example, our crappy cel phones. We don't need to spend loads each month when we can get a phone that makes calls and texts for $10/month. Also, we don't spend extra for fancy Tivo, we just have basic cable. I understand that these are not things some people would do, let alone want to do, but that is how we travel so much.
Don't get me wrong, I miss shopping every weekend, having a car, and having an expendable income, but to me, travelling is so much more important. Clothes, new gadgets, and dinners out in town don't last forever, but the memories and the experiences from travelling do.
It has been hard work, but it has worth it. By the time the year is over I would have been to 8 different countries. At the start of next year, we have a backpacking trip to South East Asia planned; which will be 7 countries in 3 months. We are able to do all this, work full time, pay rent, and live a comfortable enough life. Little sacrifices really make a big difference. This life isn't' for everyone, but I wouldn't change a thing!
