Nowadays I am reading a lot of questions about ways to make traveling possible. A lot of them are concerning monetary issues. I know it seems impossible when you are working your asses off and barely left with a penny at the end of the month. So how is it gonna happen? By saying hello to new habits and goodbye to the old ones. I have a few advice for people, but mostly for ladies who wish to travel more often, longer and maybe for good.

 

1- HELLO PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Stop driving. No, seriously stop it. All the money you are investing on gasoline, parking lots and oh, for some nasty parking tickets are for nothing. Yes it’s convenient, yes it is easier but it’s more expensive. You can save a lot by just switching to public transport. I know it will take longer but eventually you’ll get there. Also, think about all the scooters you’ll drive in SE Asia for just 5 dollars a day. Buses, metros, trams, ferries, trains or walking… whatever is available where you are living. No, Taxis do not count as public transport.

2- GOODBYE EXPENSIVE COSMETICS

You don’t need them. I know you think you do… But seriously. I worked in the advertising industry for more than 10 years, I know the deal… It is PURE MARKETING. Do you feel younger by using that expensive French brand? Imagine how younger you’ll look while you are sipping a cocktail in French Polynesia. There is one magic cure for everything and it doesn’t cost a lot. COCONUT OIL. You can moisturize your skin, clean your make up or use it as a sunscreen. One for all… Save your pennies for rainy- sorry, sunny days.

3- HELLO NEVER WORN SHOES

You fell in love with those pair of shoes, couldn’t help yourself and bought it. You wore them maybe twice… Where are they now? That’s right, at the bottom of your closet. Forgotten, sad, waiting to be remembered. They are perfect and no matter how long ago you bought them, they are new. You don’t need a new pair. Heck, you have enough shoes for the rest of your life. Take them out, wear them. Remember, you’ll only need flip-flops and one pair of sneakers in the near future.

4- GOODBYE DISCOUNTS, SALES & SEASON PROMOTIONS

It’s tempting… It’s on 80% discount. No. Now, just slowly put that skirt to where it belongs. You don’t need it… Actually it feels a little tight on the hips. You are just considering to buy it because it is cheap and maybe, just maybe you’ll lose a few pounds in the near future. No, that’s not gonna happen. You won’t be motivated to lay off the dessert over a stupid skirt. Sales are the biggest mouse traps, you get in, you get mesmerized and end up spending way too much money than you actually intended to. Also, that skirt won’t have a place in your backpack and you know it.

5- HELLO COOKING

Eating out, ordering in… Not anymore if you want to save up. Well, maybe once in a week… I can’t go Miss Rottenmeier on you, I am not a monster. But seriously, start going to farmer’s markets and start cooking your hand picked vegetables. One it is healthier, two it’s way much cheaper. There are many flavors and dishes to discover out there… Like Durians. Oh well, maybe not that one.

If you start considering doing all of these, you’ll see how the money is piling up in a short time. Are you ready for actual hellos to new people and goodbyes to everything you want to leave behind? Then take this girl’s advice, say hello, wave goodbye.