I hear lots of people talking about how they wished they could save money to travel or they wished they didn't have so many bills. Maybe they're banking on winning the lottery to get them going.
It's easy to get caught up in this belief, thinking people who travel are so much luckier than you are and things have just worked in their favour.
"But I DO really want to travel" I hear you say. "I'd do anything!"
I believe you. But you need to know that saving money to for a big trip isn't easy and you have to put the work in if you really want it. Most people who travel didn't just receive money which they could do whatever they wanted with. It takes effort, dedication and commitment to stay strong and it means turning down more events than you attend.
It's tough work and you'll probably need to stick to it for a long time, especially if you want to go away for a while. But there is one thing that'll always keep you going - the light at the end of the tunnel. And, it's a bright one!
Is travel really what you want to be doing more than anything in the whole wide world? OK, great. Then let's go through the 8 warning signs that you may never save the money to go. Knowing these means you can make the changes required and finally start preparing to be on your way.
1. You're still buying new clothes
Even if deep down you know that you don't need anything new you're still giving in to the idea that you need a new outfit for an event. Or maybe you just really like something and decide you deserve it. What do you like more - the dress or a travel lifestyle?
2. You spend money you don't have on your credit card
There's nothing wrong in using a credit card if you're doing it to get airline points or if it lowers the interest rate on your home loan. If you're using it this way then I assume you're also making sure to pay it off each month to avoid fees.
But if you're spending money on your credit card just because you haven't been paid yet then you'll never get ahead enough to save.
Be sure to track every bit of money you spend on your cards, actually write it down somewhere or go through your statements regularly. It's a lot easier paying for things on the go when you're not handing over physical cash. Purchases made by card can add up very quickly without you even realising it.
3. When you get a pay rise you raise your debt
Just because you are now receiving more money in your account doesn't mean you need to upgrade your phone, car or apartment. You might think you deserve it, and I've got no doubt you do, but that's showing where your priorities are.
If you still have debt, a pay rise will help you pay it off quicker and then allow you to save cash for whatever you want to do. Rather than wasting money on the extra payments for your newly aquired loans, you could be pocketing it.
Be patient. Is the short-term thrill worth the spend? I would LOVE a brand new car, but I have my priorities straight, and travel is número uno.
4. You can't be bothered working out a money target
Doing the research to figure out your goal can be time-consuming and a little overwhelming. Even so, it's really important to get to this figure as soon as possible. If you don't have an amount in mind then you don't know what you're working towards and you also don't know how far you have to go.
It's easy to get caught up in the "I'll just save as much as I can and buy a ticket when I have enough money" trap because it seems like the simplest solution. But beware, it can put you out for years. Figure out your money target as soon as you can and start planning how to get there.
5. You don't have a budget to stick to
If it's in your account you can spend it, right? Maybe you'll just try to save a little extra next pay.
Go back to #4, work out your final goal, work out how much money you need to put away and how much you can spend each week, then work out a weekly budget to get you there. That's it.
6. Your coffee dates easily turn into lunch dates
I used to meet friends for coffee on an empty stomach half knowing I'd buy a light lunch or snack (erm, cake) as well. You can still catch up with friends but try to minimise the overall spend. Eat a sandwich at home then just have coffee when you're out. This will also help you prepare for the life of travel where it's not always in your budget to constantly eat out.
7. You really like big nights
Maybe you go out for a casual wine or two then all of a sudden your credit card is behind the bar while you're ordering another round of tequila from the table you're dancing on.
If you get in the party mood really easily then maybe just take a $50 note with you and leave the credit cards at home.
8. You're afraid to commit to doing whatever it takes
Making the commitment means that you're taking a big step to being closer to your dreams but also to leaving the life you know. And that freaks you the heck out.
Yes, it can be terrifying, but that's nothing compared to feeling the regret. If travel is something you're dreaming about then it's time - make the decision and dedicate yourself to the outcome. I know you can do it.
대영 박물관
neilalderney123/Flickr
고대 유적의 팬이라면 꼭 들려야 할 곳. 유럽, 아니 전 세계 최고의 보물들이 전시되어 있다.
티칼, 과테말라
Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet
과테말라에서 가장 중요한 마야문명 유적지다. 한때 번성했던 이 도시문명은 으스스한 정글의 분위기를 내뿜는다.
페트라, 요르단
Joe Windsor-Williams / Lonely Planet
많은 사람들이 페트라의 인상을 영화 '인디아나 존스'로부터 떠올린다. 하지만 시크(Siq, 협곡)의 극적인 광경 말고도 희생제단(High Place of Sacrifice), 수도원, 수많은 무덤을 탐험할 수 있다.
12사도 바위, 호주
Pete Seaward / Lonely Planet
그레이트 오션 로드에 서서, 라임스톤코스트의 특별한 경치를 감상해보자. 12사도 바위가 맛있는 케이크 위의 체리처럼 보일 것이다.
페스 메디나, 모로코
Getty Images/Flickr RF
9400개의 골목길로 이루어진 이 복잡한 미로에는 1만4천개의 건물과 16만명의 사람들이 공존한다. 시기는 1천년도 더 전으로 거슬러 올라간다.
아야 소피아, 터키
Mark Read / Lonely Planet
하나의 건물에 교회, 모스크, 박물관이 있는 이스탄불의 아야 소피아는 뭐라 정의내리기 힘든 곳이다. 약 1천500년 전 비잔틴시대 황제 유스티니아누스 1세의 지시로 지어졌다. 황제는 천국의 장엄함을 지상에 재현하고 로마제국의 경이로움을 무색하게 할 대성당을 원했다.
알람브라궁전, 스페인
Pete Seaward / Lonely Planet
깎아지른 듯한 빨간색 벽이 산을 배경으로 우뚝 서 있다. 이 궁전은 그라다나의 스카이라인을 구성하는데, 아마도 전 세계에서 가장 세련된 이슬람 미술을 볼 수 있을 것이다. 중세 스페인 무어 통치 시대를 엿볼 수 있는 800년이나 된 심볼이기도 하다.
이과수 폭푸, 아르헨티나
Matt Munro / Lonely Planet
이과수 폭포는 과라니족의 언어로 '큰 물(Big Water)'이라는 뜻을 가지고 있다. 이 폭포는 너무나도 거대해서, 위에서 보면 폭포 아래의 투어보트가 성냥개비처럼 작게 보인다.
콜로세움, 이탈리아
Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet
5만명을 수용할 수 있는 이 원형극장은 로마에서 가장 흥미진진한 장소다. 이곳으로 발을 들여놓는 누구라도 거칠고 무자비한 힘을 느낄 수 있는 건축물이기도 하다.
그랜드캐니언, 미국
Mark Read / Lonely Planet
20억 년이라는 시간이 만들어낸 걸작. 447km 길이는 정말이지 경이로움을 자아낸다.
타지마할, 인도
Mark Read / Lonely Planet
타지마할은 희미하게 빛나는 흰색 대리석, 수천 개의 준보석, 복잡한 이슬람 패턴이 완벽하게 균형을 이루는 곳이다. 황후 뭄타즈 마할의 묘이기도한 타지마할은, 한마디로 완벽한 건축물이다.
만리장성, 중국
Mark Read / Lonely Planet
우주에서도 만리장성이 보인다는 말은 미신이지만, 감탄을 자아내는 885km 길이의 장성을 보고 있노라면 정말이지 끝도 없고 영원할 것만 같다.
마추픽추, 페루
Philip Lee Harvey / Lonely Planet
마추픽추는 드라마틱한 안데스 산맥을 배경으로 하고 있으며, 도시가 믿기 어려운 가파른 경사에 형성되어 있다. 그 누구도 이곳에서 어떤 일이 벌어졌는지 알지 못한다.
그레이트배리어리프, 호주
Matt Munro / Lonely Planet
그레이트베리어 리프는 호주 북동쪽 해안에 2993km가 넘게 뻗어 있다. 전 세계에서 가장 큰 산호초 군락일 뿐만 아니라, 수천 종의 물고기와 해양생물의 터전이기도 하다.
앙코르와트 사원, 캄보디아
Mark Read / Lonely Planet
힌두교의 최고신 비슈누를 위한 세계에서 가장 훌륭한 사원이다. 앙코르와트의 장엄한 건축물은 1000개가 넘는 최고의 사원들로 이루어져 있는데 성지와 무덤은 캄보디아 북쪽 정글에 신들의 도시를 형성한다.
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