Dear Piggy Bank,

I’ve always wanted to travel but there doesn’t seem to be the money to take a trip longer than long weekends or a flight home at Christmas to see my family.

How do I make this happen?

Hopeful Traveler

Dear Hopeful Traveler,

It happens often that regular life needs get in the way of the our dreams. Of course a holiday trip takes a back seat to day-to-day bills and life.

I have always loved the whole process including planning, taking and looking back over a trip. Traveling is one of life’s pleasures and the adventures that come from meeting new people, seeing sights, trying unique cuisine and experiencing different cultures is unparalleled.

Whether there is money left in your budget after covering your needs is the first question. If there is then, I approach it in a few simple steps:

1. Estimate the cost of the trip (flights, accommodation, transportation, meals, gifts and entertainment)
2. Set a goal timeline to go
3. Divide the cost by the number of months between now and your target departure date
4. Set up an automatic monthly savings transfer to another account so that the money will be there
5. Put any ‘found’ money in the account too

Tips:

• There are often deals and savings to be had if you do your research and have flexibility with respect to dates and are flexible on your accommodation
• Check out some blogs and books to get an idea of the neighbourhoods and travel experience that is right for you

If you are able to save and pay for your travels without putting them on credit, the trip will be even more enjoyable!

Dear Piggy Bank