Help me!!! - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

itsmemollyc · 02-13-2005, 10:29 PM

I'm planning on backpacking around Europe for about a month in the summer of 2006, maybe longer if I save enough money. I know it sounds far away, but if I want to go, I really need to think about gaining some capital here (since I currently hold about $3 in my bank account

). Does anyone have any creative suggestions for earning money for the trip, or better yet, how to keep myself from spending it as soon as it's in my pocket? I'd also love any tips anyone might have on ECONOMIZING while I'm in Europe. Basically, I'm looking to experience Europe on the smallest amount possible.
Cheers!

**TheWills** · 02-13-2005, 11:51 PM

2006 is totaly not that far away, your right on track for planning no worries, Im plannin 2006 myself right now. Anyways just get some work while your here and save up, when you have enough you can always work while you over there, as far as work goes you wanna use the UK as your base, the English pound is a really strong currency and everyone speaks english its a win win situation. look for hospitality jobs like a server or bar staff. Or try being a medical guniea pig

someone can probably fire you the link for that.

Corporal Canuck · 02-14-2005, 01:57 AM

This isn't for everyone but I've tried to turn "economizing" into a lifestyle/philosophy instead of just something I have to do in order to travel.

In practical terms this means:
1. Get your priorities straight. I ask myself "What do I want in life?" My answer is unquestionably "I want to travel" So, as far as disposable income goes, this is my top priority. So far so good.

2. Once you figure out you're spending priority(ies), freeze all other spending cold turkey and crack down on expensive and unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking (I told you this isn't for everyone). This is where most people have a hard time. Save by brown bagging lunch, skipping your ritual latte, or cancelling your subscription to Sports Illustrated. The key is focus. When you find yourself seriously considering the purchase of a shiny new set of golf clubs to replace your old ones (as beads of sweat form on your brow), DO NOT ask yourself "Will these make me happy?". Instead refer yourself to step one and ask "Will these contribute to my travel goals?" Unless you're Tiger Woods you can be sure they won't. It's not easy, but stick with it and your savings will grow faster than you thought possible.

3. Be a minimalist. If you enjoy living out of a backpack on the road, give it a shot at home (not literally, just cut back on unecessary clutter). Now's the time to sell off all the old crap that you don't need anymore (or never needed in the first place). Throw your sentimental attachments to inanimate objects out the window. It's a freakin' disease if you ask me. Many people are seriously addicted to owning "stuff". There are of course exceptions. I still have my childhood teddy bear. Just be logical. I cannot understand people who hoard stacks of books they've already read and have no intention of reading in the future. I recently made $200 selling my old books.

4. Take pride in thrift. This is not chore and you are not a masochist. If you look at it that way you will not succeed (like the dieter who pouts when served a plate of carrots and asparagus). You're on a mission to get what you want (see step 1) and you know how to get it (steps 2-3). Like anything else in life it's as simple as setting goals and having the will to pursue them 100%.

I'm a bit of a thrift radical which turns most people off to my lifestyle, but there's nothing wrong with taking these principles and tailoring them to whatever level of thriftiness you think you can handle. Just remember that the tighter you squeeze, the more you'll get out of it.

It's been a bit of a rant, but I hope this helps.

**worldwidemike** · 02-14-2005, 03:50 AM

Best one from the above list: Brown bag it! So many people spend so much money they don't realize on eating at restaurants instead of packing their lunch. Or dinner.

Huge savings...honestly!

worldwidemike

starpiste · 02-14-2005, 07:38 AM

I sold a bunch of my stuff a few months before I left and made over $200.00 CAD. That was really helpful.
I also never carry more than about $10.00 CAD with me at a time. If I have cash I'm way more likely to buy stuff I don't really need, like a magazine, or a coffee. Small things I wouldn't want to use a card for.
I also have two bank accounts. One I can use with a card and the other I have to go to bank to get money out of. Then when I got paid, I put only what I needed to do the basics in the account with the card and the rest in the account it was hard to use. I hope that made sense.

But the no eating out thing is a big one for a lot of people.

**kingcrazylegs** · 02-14-2005, 08:17 AM

These folks seem to have given you some good answers, soI just wanted to say Welcome to Tpunk!

**TimmyJames1976** · 02-14-2005, 08:32 AM

CORPORAL CANUCK have you been reading my personal life philosophy??? but seriously, great way to put it.

Gumby · 02-16-2005, 06:48 PM

Hi everybody,

In order to save for my trip, I have turned 'economising' into an artform. My trick is to focus on things I like to do that don't cost anything ie instead of going out with friends, we have barbies, 1/2 price nights at the movies, invite friends over for movie nights instead of going out for dinner. This way, I don't feel like I'm missing out on having a life whilst waiting for my trip to start. Whenever I feel like I want to go out and just spend money, I either go to the library and get a travel book or I spend money on something I needed anyway for the trip. That way, I'm getting the best of both worlds.
I am getting sick to death of economising (I've been doing it for over a year now) but now I can focus on the departure date.
Oh, and the first thing to go was bought lunches. I have stashes in my office of food and drinks bought in bulk so if temptation hits, at least it won't hit my budget.
It was a good motivation for me to keep track of my savings each fortnight/month so I could see that my sacrifices were leading somewhere. I'm now on track with my budget and any money I save over the next 2 months is just a bonus for the trip.
The most important thing for me was to make sure I didn't feel like I was missing out on too much - I just replaced activities I enjoy doing with a cheaper alternative. Oh and it also helps if you make your friends aware of your goals so they can get on board and understand the slight lifestyle change.
Good luck!!

**urOZm8** · 02-17-2005, 07:20 AM

All I can say is TIGHT ASSES!

Really, I admire your discipline guys. That's some hardcore budgeting and if it's all going in the travel fund then it's all good

ev

Kaffeine · 03-04-2005, 07:51 AM

Hey!

My way of saving is putting a good portion of my paycheck into a savings account that has NO card with it. The account is also in my hometown while I am at college so there is no temptation because I want to TRAVEL!

I agree with the bag lunch, this has been hard for me since I am a vending machine junkie between work and classes. I bring cereal from home to eat b4 class. Good luck on saving money, I am trying to go to Europe in Spring 2006. It shall be interesting! Keep me posted on any saving or money making ideas you have.

Kathy

**ChasinJason1313** · 03-04-2005, 12:28 PM

the only way I'm any good at saving is by having a box that I stash my cash in. I work in a cash business, but I just take about 75% of what I made each night and throw it in there. By the time I'm ready to go put it into my savings account I'm like Oh shit, there's $1000 here, sweet!

then I go to the strip club and blow it all on lap dances...

..No wait, that's not true, I didn't mean that.....shit.