#TravelForMoney

[themrswanderlust]

Saving Money for Travel

Money That Flies for You

This page may contain affiliate links Every time I scroll through my social media accounts, I always see people asking for tips about saving money up for travel or asking how people afford to travel. I usually keep scrolling, not sure of a great answer. I am someone who also has to save up to travel, but it has been a routine for me that I don't even think about it. However, after some serious thought, I pulled together a few things that I do to help bring in extra money for travel expenses. I hope you find these resources both helpful and useful. Let's Start Saving! Stock Market

This could be you if you save correctly! I wanted to highlight something that often scares people, and I don't blame them. The only thing I knew about stocks, was that it was a gamble and that I had some in my name. As an adult, I have taken the time to get to know what stocks are and how I can use the market to help benefit me! That's really the more important thing. I actually have stocks through a broker, but my mom still heavily controls that. My husband and I both created accounts with Robinhood, a mobile-friendly app that is linked to public stocks. Upon the first sign up, you instantly get a free stock. There is "day trading," which is great if you have time to closely monitor your stocks during the day. I am more into the long game. I'll buy a stock, some for pennies some more costly, that I know is likely going to do well and then sell when I've gained money. That extra money I put aside for my travels, while I keep investing. Credit Cards Do you have a credit card? Do you have more than one? Do you have none? While credit cards seem scary, think of them as a friend. Do you have a debit card? How often do you use it? I use mine as if it were cash. I rarely ever have cash on hand anymore. I'm always swiping somewhere to pay. But guess what, credit cards can do that for you too, you just have to be aware.

Do not let credit cards scare you from traveling to your dreams! Different credit cards serve different purposes. I am actually in the process of re-evaluating the cards I have to make sure they work for us. We are a family that loves to cruise, and I personally love Carnival Cruise Lines. As a result, I got the Carnival master card. This is just one example. We have redeemed points to pay for excursions, specialty dining, drink packages, and more. This, of course, is our card for cruising; however Capital One and American Express are two credit card companies that we have used to help with flight miles for booking flights. So we know that credit cards can work for us, but why shouldn't we be scared again? When looking at different credit cards, be practical. View how points or miles are acquired. Do you shop at those stores often enough? Does one offer points even for grocery shopping? We all need to eat. Use that card to buy groceries. Then use your money to pay off the card. Keep track and don't spend more than you make. If it's easier, as soon as you make a purchase, go online and pay it off. Loyalty Memberships Loyalty memberships can be tricky. Some places require a first-time stay, or whatever, before you can even join, but not all. Hilton is one of many hotel chains that allow guests to become loyal members. Guests earn points for the number of stays and the points can be redeemed for discounted or full nights off. This is one of my favorites because you can earn and save points with some of the international hotel chains, which can lead to cheaper international rates when planning that overseas trip. Affordable Times to Travel

Niagara Falls is even prettier in the Fall and Winter So, I heard a rumor that certain days of the week are cheaper to travel than others, and I found that to be...TRUE! Sundays and Tuesdays and Thursdays are the three days I found to have more of the affordable flights due to less "traffic-flow," or whatever. I do not really care the reason, as long as it is a great deal! While the days of the week are great, we also need to consider the time of the year and months. Holidays are obviously going to be pricier, but don't forget to see what holidays are being celebrated in the destinations you want to visit. Do you have to go when you know everyone and their mom is also going to be there? Try to look at the low, or near low, seasons of destinations. Often times, hotels and flights are cheaper due to less tourism. When traveling, while deals are great, grab those deals and optimize your experience by considering time! Cut Back Are you a spender? Do you know if you're a spender? Now is the time to find out. Do you really need that, or do you just want that? Sometimes it's good to cut back, especially if its to do something fun and amazing!

Cut back so you and you're loved ones can travel anywhere! Do you go out to eat or order out more than 1 night a week? Try saving money by grocery shopping and preparing meals. You can eat all you want on a cruise or some all-inclusive resort! It's okay to use coupons, girl save your money any way you can! Look for those sales and find the store brandIs there a better transportation plan that saves you money? Maybe a monthly or yearly passes or carpooling?Do all gifts need to be over $xx, and does everyone really need a gift? It's not about the gift, it's about the thought. Be creative and make something! Evaluate Paycheck Now, I get it, sometimes it is hard. Bills add up. Then we have kids. Plus the regular necessities. And oh yea, rent or a mortgage. But, if you can, try to save some of your check. If you get paid weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, try not to spend all of your check at once. Of course pay for bills and take care of those essential needs, but if you can, even if it's a single $1, put it aside. You do that and you will be able to take a trip. And remember, travel is what you define it as: same neighborhood, same city, same state, same region, same country, etc... Payment Plans & Travel Deals

Plan accordingly so you can escape to your luxury destination! Many cruises and other travel companies are now giving travelers the opportunity to pay for their travels over a period of time. Check these deals out. Pay a deposit or $0 down and for 12 to 24 months make monthly payments so that you can enjoy that trip you've always dreamt of! Deals are everywhere! I have so many favorite sites for finding great deals, but one of my favorites for affordable luxury is Luxury Escapes, "only in a dream" destinations and rates! Okay, so strange times have fallen upon us, you know with the Corona pandemic growing rapidly by the day. Instead of worrying about when I can travel again, here are some more tips to help plan and save on future travels. Unemployment & Stimulus Checks

You can go anywhere! Trust and believe, I know these are hard times. I had to file for unemployment due to this pandemic putting me out of work. While I am collecting my regular unemployment and using that to assist with the bills and household expenses, I am also putting a little bit aside to save. In addition, due to the pandemic, the government has issued an additional $600 to be granted and is sending out stimulus checks. That extra $600 goes toward any extra expenses and then the rest goes right into our savings. Whenever the stimulus check arrives that will be saved as well. Saving this money will come a long way in your travel savings! Cheap Deals If you love to travel, you haven't stopped looking at those flight drops and hotel sales!��I am dying just to go! But guess what?! You can! See these cheap flight deals and room rates? Book them! That's right, I said it. Airlines are giving refunds and flight redemption. Book your dream trip now and travel later! Why miss out on these deals? We know they won't last long. Book for the Fall or next year. If you can't go, you know you're protected. Read the full article

[micahokeiley]

HELLOOOOO Miami! #businesstrip #travelforwork #travelformoney