I often get asked how I am able to travel while I am earning my masters degree and while I have a full time job. The first piece of advice that comes to mind is “just make it happen”, but I know that is not realistic, and that is defiantly me living in my fairytale world. I want to share the things I do that have helped me travel while living a very busy life.
1. Plan plan plan
I promise, booking trips on a whim, is not the way to go when it comes to traveling, especially with a busy schedule. Don’t get me wrong, I have a spontaneous side, but I have learned that it is best to plan ahead when wanting to travel. The timeframe that seems to always work for me is 3 months. This timeframe gives me enough time to save money, plan, and it also isn’t too long until the trip happens, so it gives me a sense of hope. ( I know that is a bit cheesy) With a busy schedule, this allows you to also have assignments/work done prior to travel. Planning is the one thing I will always do now before traveling, and I highly recommend to others.
2. Save Money
Saving money is difficult, especially when there are things like coffee shops near you everyday. But seriously, it takes discipline to save money. I myself, can not save money for normal things like an emergency fund, or paying for a downpayment on a car, but I can save money to travel. Once I plan the trip, I start saving money instantly. Something that really has worked for me, is with each paycheck, I will take out about $200, or more, and set it aside. Saving money is so important when it comes to traveling, because you do not want to be stressed about money on a trip, because when you are home, you are in class or at work, or in my case, both.
3. Payment plans
I know this contradicts the second tip, but payment plans are amazing!! (99% of the time) I have used payment plans on flights and cruises so far, and it makes traveling so doable. Before starting gradate school, I was able to work more, so payment plans were not as necessary as they are now. I have found that payment plans have helped other people as well, and I believe they are beneficial if they are used in a mindful way.
4. Weekend trips
Traveling does not have to be far! There are so many beautiful places that require only a weekend away to get a nice experience away from home at a new place. While living a hectic life, getting away for a weekend is a good way to relax and to practice self care. I am a big advocate on doing weekend trips because of how feasible they are to do.
I hope these tips are found useful- and please comment if you have anything you do, or anything to add on!
Thank you for reading 🙂