I'm going to be in debt for anywhere from 7 years (if I suddenly start earning money beyond my wildest dreams) to 25 years (if things continue to go the way they are). Basically, if I wait until I'm debt-free before traveling, I'll never get to do it.
I took a budget vacation, and mathematically, it will only push out my debt payoff by one month. I have an experience that I can hold onto for the rest of my life. It's so worth it. Obviously, if I take several vacations like this every year, that's an irresponsible choice, but taking one every couple of years is restorative and refreshing and can help keep morale up during the long slog out of the pit of indebtedness.
I was able to keep my costs down in several ways.
- I chose a destination where the dollar is much stronger against the local currency than it has been. That kept the cost of my meals, activities, and souvenirs down.
- I kept my lodging cost low by booking on AirBnB. It was a fraction of the cost of a hotel, and I got a front row seat to local life because I was staying with a local host in her own home. I had a private room with a lock on the door, so it was just as secure as a hotel but with a hostel price. If you use my referral link, you can get $35 off of your first booking of $70 or more.
- I traveled in the off-season. Everyone wants to travel in the summer, over spring break, or around Christmas. I traveled in late January. Things cost less and are less crowded. The downside is that it was a bit cold. A few extra layers took care of that.
- I shopped around for the best price on flights. I used Kiwi to book my airfare. I had to take a slightly out of the way route (two stops instead of one), but I got a great deal. I was able to get to Europe for less money than my parents spent to go across the US.
- I traveled light. Airlines charge for checked bags, and some of the budget airlines charge for carry-on bags, too. Pack less, and you'll save. I took everything I needed in a laptop messenger bag and my purse. I packed enough clothes for half my trip and did laundry in the middle. I also wore my coat, hat, and scarf on the airplane so I didn't have to pack them. (I took them off after getting seated - the limit on bags only applies to what you walk through the door with. Once you're on, your stuff can consist of as many items as needed.) By not being overly encumbered, I saved myself about $100. I also got through customs faster because I didn't have to wait for luggage.
- I walked a lot. Rental cars are expensive (and in most places outside the US, gas is about 4 times what it is here). Taxis can add up, too. Public transit is usually pretty cheap, but walking is free. I did take a taxi to/from the airport and church, one time when I was lost in the rain, and one time when I overslept and would have missed my tour bus, but other than that, I walked. It was great exercise, too. I lost two pounds on vacation without changing my eating habits.
- Instead of kenneling my cats, I got a friend to come look in on them. The cats were happier being at home instead of in kitty jail, and I was happier, too. A souvenir is much cheaper than a week in the kennel.
- Speaking of souvenirs, I waited until halfway through before buying any. On day one, I wanted everything. By day three, I had a better sense of what would be a good way to represent and remember my destination. I also had a better sense of what a fair price would be.
- Instead of buying a travel guide, I checked one out from the library. I picked up free maps of the area from the local tourism bureau.
