Comments on: I’m Going on a Spending Diet!

By: How to travel more in 2011 — C'est Christine

How to travel more in 2011 — C'est Christine — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 15:56:46 +0000

[...] It’s all about priorities–make travel one of yours. For great tips, check out the spending diet Twenty-Something Travel undertook to successfully raise $20,000 for a RTW trip. My personal tricks for saving money: drinking tap [...]

By: How to move to Australia: five steps | Heels and Wheels

How to move to Australia: five steps | Heels and Wheels — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:13:47 +0000

[...] parents, others get a second job and somew even sell their possessions. Stephanie Yoder wrote a great post on her blog Twenty-Something Travel that gives tips and commentary about saving [...]

By: Cari

Cari — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 22:55:16 +0000

When working towards saving money, it’s also important to look at value instead of just price. With places like Target, Forever 21, Old Navy, and H&M, it’s easy to put together outfits on the cheap. However, because of the low prices, it’s easy to get swept up in buying things you don’t really need, or things that are trendy but won’t last more than a season. Over time, I’ve actually saved more by buying a few high quality pieces that I really love rather than a mountain of cheap junk that I end up getting rid of a few months later. This is also a good way to think when you’re planning what to bring on the trip. A few great garments that can last the journey will serve you much better than a whole bunch of things you only sort of like.

Speaking of getting rid of clothes, I did a closet purge last week, and you’re welcome to come over and “shop” at my place. Another great way to save…hand-me-downs from friends!
.-= Cari´s last blog ..My Lady Syria =-.

By: Cari

Cari — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 22:41:58 +0000

Not to mention that when you prepare your own food in your own kitchen you can control everything that goes in it. People who eat out on a regular basis tend to be less healthy than those who cook for themselves. So in addition to improving how your body functions (vigorous health could be the most important travel accessory) you’ll end up saving a lot of money down the line in healthcare costs!

Also it’s good practice now to learn how to make meals you enjoy. Once you’re on the road, you’ll be able to save some dough by hitting up a supermarket and taking advantage of the kitchen in your hostel. Sharing meals in the kitchen with fellow travelers is a great way to make friends.

By: Eric

Eric — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 13:26:42 +0000

Nice job going after this so aggressively. I have only just started my plan, and it took me moving half way around the world to really get it going like I had hoped. Good luck with it.

By: Q&A with Stephanie Yoder, creator of 20-Something Travel | Heels and Wheels

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 12:42:45 +0000

[...] to move to London on a BUNAC student-work visa. I moved back home for about six months to temp and save up the money I knew I would need. I’m lucky that my parents are very supportive of my various travel aims [...]

By: Steph

Steph — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 15:49:48 +0000

Thanks for the encouragement Rob! It’s definitely about priorities.

By: Steph

Steph — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 15:48:23 +0000

Yeah I don’t mind saving money if I know it’s for a purpose. The excitingness of this trip should make it all well worth it!

By: AdventureRob

AdventureRob — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 09:47:15 +0000

Good luck with the plan, sounds good! (although 9 months of waiting might get to you – but it’ll soon fly by) Travelling is the best thing I’ve ever done/am doing.

Savings is probably the most important thing, we all have our vices, it’s a matter of putting travel ahead of them.
.-= AdventureRob´s last blog ..Roads and Bush Fires =-.

By: Sofia

Sofia — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:42:16 +0000

Wow, imagine what you can do with all that money saved!!
Haha I know the point was to save money, not cut down on some things to spend on others. But all these small savings make up a huge ammount of money, and there’s no point of having money if you’re not going to spend them, what I’m saying is spend the wisely.
That money will easily pay a trip somewhere exciting!!

By: Steph

Steph — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 04:52:43 +0000

The rent thing is DEFINITELY the biggest saver. I’m not sre I could have done it without it! September seems far away now but I’m sure it will get here soon enough…

By: Steph

Steph — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 04:51:59 +0000

thanks Nancy! I’ve kept the plans somewhat quiet until now… still working out the logistics.

By: Matt

Matt — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 03:11:30 +0000

Good luck with the saving. Sounds like you have it all planned out! When I was living in DC, and saving for New Zealand, I was lucky to find a place for really cheap rent – but certainly not free. Makes saving much easier when you’re not spending $800+ a month for a roof over your head! September will be here before you know it!

By: Nancy

Nancy — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 02:47:34 +0000

This is so exciting!! I had no idea, for some reason, that you were going on a rtw trip. Way to be! That's fantastic. Sounds like you've been very pragmatic and continue to be so. I have faith that you will definitely have the money saved by then. .-= Nancy´s last blog ..End of the Year at the End of the World =-.

By: Steph

Steph — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:35:28 +0000

Wow you are getting close!

By: Steph

Steph — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:35:08 +0000

I’m terrified of running out of money on the road! Definitely trying to make sure that doesn’t happen.

By: Steph

Steph — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:34:29 +0000

Yeah I really do have a lot of stuff already (how can I have so much clothing and nothing I want to wear is the real question?). Trying to be happy with what I have and not feed the addiction…

By: Steph

Steph — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:33:51 +0000

Clothing gets me too! Looking back at hte last year I can see that a lot of money went out the window at H&M. I’m on a total shopping embargo for the time being. Time to shop my closet!

By: Sasha

Sasha — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:15:01 +0000

We are totally on the same page!!! I’m taking the same steps as you to cut back!!! What has helped me with the not buying clothes is the fact that i literally have so many i can’t fit them anywhere let alone take them in my backpack (the result of years working in clothing retail) I keep telling myself the clothes will be cheaper where i’m going anyway LOL Although my biggest failing in the not buying clothes department is the fact that much of my socialising involves costume parties LOL I’m just trying to avoid them all together!!!

More power to you!!! Good luck!!!

By: Christine

Christine — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:06:27 +0000

I’m also in the midst of doing some major saving for a possible move overseas. The hardest thing for me is cutting out new clothes/shoes/purses–but I’ve been quite successful so far! I keep asking myself if (insert new thing I want here) will go overseas with me. Do I like it enough to drag it in a backpack/suitcase for months? Is it worth paying a heavy luggage fee? Can I wear it over and over without getting sick of it? If it’s not absolutely classic and essential–or replacing something that absolutely needs to be replaced–I don’t buy it.
Good luck saving! I’m very jealous of not having to pay rent–rent and bills are a huge money suck
.-= Christine´s last blog ..Arthritis at 21? Not as far-fetched as it seems. =-.