Most often people say they don’t travel as much due to financial reasons. These tips can help one earn and save for a trip without taking a lot of effort or having to take on a second job.
Ebay Things No Longer Needed
Ebay is a great way to get rid of items around the house that are no longer needed and at the same time gain extra cash for a trip. CDs, DVDs, books, clothing, old toys, collectibles – every item sold is money that can be put towards a trip budget.
Don’t know how or want to spend the time listing it all? Most major cities have businesses that will list items on Ebay for a percentage of the profits. Just double check their Ebay ratings and feedback before doing business with them.
Make and Sell Craft Items
Feeling crafty? Turn a hobby into a cash-making project for the trip. Online services like Etsy allow people to easily create homemade items and sell them worldwide. Hand-made clothing, jewelry, candles, beauty products, gift cards – these are but a few of the items that sell well. Even more artsy items like drawings and photography can earn extra cash.
Also consider local farmers markets or art and craft fairs. Sometimes renting a booth or table isn’t that expensive and if a friend comes along to help sell, it can be a fun weekend outing, as well.
Have a Yard Sale
Just like the Ebay tip, what is no longer needed or wanted can fetch some extra cash. Check with the local police department or home owners association first to make sure it’s allowed and no special permits are needed. Then sort the unwanted items, put prices on them and bank what is made for travel.
Round Up Purchases
Every time a purchase is made, round-up to the nearest dollar or two and put that cash in a jar. It’s surprising how fast it can add up. Maybe not enough for a plane ticket, but definitely enough for a few meals or attraction tickets.
Plus as the jar fills, it provides visual incentive to keep saving.
Shop with Coupons and Weekly Sales
Learn to use coupons and weekly sales flyers when shopping, but instead of spending that savings right away, bank it and pretend it doesn’t exist. Whether it’s a $1 coupon on cereal or a $50 pair of pants for $20, take that money saved and earmark it for the trip. Even $10 a week saved can add up over the course of several months.
Cut Entertainment and Dining Out Expenses
Go to the movies twice a week? Stop at Starbucks for coffee every day for a latte? Consider only doing it half as often. Then take the amount that isn’t spent and put it aside. It’s a small sacrifice that will pay off when it’s time to take that trip.
It does take a little discipline and some effort, but utilizing as many of the above tips as possible can bring one closer to the next trip. And isn’t that worth giving up an occasional morning coffee or that sweater that is no longer worn?
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