Resolve to Travel More

The New Year is upon us and who doesn't want their 2019 to be awesome? I know I do. If you aren't already traveling the way you want, maybe you should resolve to travel more. Travel makes people happy, and being happy makes you healthier, so it just makes sense. You have all those vacation days. Try to use more of them this year. In fact, that can be your New Year's resolution.

So, how do you actually travel more? It's easier than you think. I'll give you some steps to ensure that you follow through. You just need to be dedicated to living a happier, healthier life where you go places.

Make a plan

White a list. Where do you want to go? Which seem reasonable? Anything nearby that you've already visited can be crossed off, unless you really want to go there again. Don't go just because you think it'll fit into your budget. Chances are, you can go further or for longer for the same money. Figure out your top three places and do a little research to see how much they will realistically cost. Maybe just take a week instead of two, or go on two one-week trips, instead of one long trip, because it gets you out more and gives you more to look forward to.

Start saving

Even budget travelers need to save. You may think it's too hard or you can't do it, but you can! 

• Open a checking or savings account specifically for travel. Leave your debit card at home, so you can't spend these funds on a whim. 
• Set up automatic deposits into this account with each paycheck, so you don't miss the money. They can be any amount. Even $50 will make a difference.
• Stop doing things that make you unhappy or that you aren't using. Do you subscribe to multiple streaming services? Do you use them all? If not, unsubscribe from those you don't and put the money you save into your vacation fund. 
• Use easy ways to save. there are tons of apps and extensions out there to help you save money, including Ebates, Swagbucks and Honey. These all are completely free and offer cash back and promo codes. I am also a fan of the app Qapital. It lets you set up rules for yourself and moves money from your bank account into a separate account to help you save for any goals. My favorite rule is the Round Up rule, where every purchase you make is then rounded up to the nearest $2 and that difference is moved to your Qapital account. You can easily move your money back to your bank or use the Qapital debit card to use those funds. 

Invest in yourself

While we're eliminating things that make us unhappy, let's talk about doing more that makes us happy. If you need to get out of the house more, try using Groupon and Living Social to save on your outings and dining. Get half-price manicures, go to escape rooms with friends, go have a lovely brunch, and then pocket that money you saved on it.

Look for ways to save

Set your realistic money goal for your vacation at what you would pay full price and then look for ways to bring that cost down. Sometimes you can save just by booking things online (like you can with Universal Studios' tickets), sometimes you can find coupons online, some cities offer passes that give you a decent discount off their most popular attractions. Check out CityPASS and Smart Destinations. 

You might look into traveling in the off season, because hotels and airfare can be reduced by half compared to the high season. Even shoulder season can save you money and can save you time, since you won't have to deal with long lines and crowds of tourists. 

Look at bundling your vacation. Many times purchasing a package that includes airfare and hotel together can offer you deep discounts, so it's like you're only paying for one.

Don't sabotage yourself

Stop saying "someday" or thinking you don't have time to plan a vacation or that you'll never save enough to go. You do and you can. You just need to make travel a priority in your life like you do other things you accomplish. My best friend has a family of 8 and they just went to Hong Kong and Thailand with everyone and were shocked at how little they spent, even though they had a driver and went to Hong Kong Disneyland. They'll be doing more than just driving to California in the coming years, because now they know they can. 

Resolve to travel more and travel better and be happier and do the things you keep putting off because you think it's too hard or will cost too much. Make a plan, stay on course, set a budget and do it!

What's on the top of your travel list?

The World's New Year's Plan

I've taken a little time off from blogging to celebrate the holiday and be with family, but that doesn't mean everyone doesn't have the next holiday and celebration time on the brain. I'm talking, of course, about New Year's Eve. Some people get really excited to ring in the new year in style. I, on the other hand, like to chill at home and go to bed the second the ball drops. I'm saving my vacation funds for my bigger trip of the year, and this year it needs to be as large as possible, as we will be going to Edinburgh and London.

What will you be doing for NYE? Are you traveling?

Jakarta On A Budget

Being able to travel the world is a privilege, but regardless of your budget, it’s something that you can do without spending too much. People daydream about beach holidays and ocean views and having time to visit the rainforests around the world, but there’s always one worry: cash. Travelling always seems so expensive, and when you factor in flights and accommodation and you visit more than one place, those dollar signs sure do rack up.

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The thing is, the world isn’t as expensive as you think it is, and moving from one place to the next isn’t the bankrolling wonder you imagine, either. There are plenty of countries in the world where you can find a bargain and one such place that you can travel without too much cash is Indonesia - more specifically, Jakarta.

Indonesia is made up of 17,000 islands, and Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia and it sits on the island of Java. It’s said to be one of the most populated islands in the world with over 10 million people. To give you an idea of how multicultural it is, it’s the Indonesian equivalent of the Big Apple, and websites like https://rumahdijual.com/ can give you an idea of the property market - just in case your vacation turns into a staycation! Travelling to this exotic archipelago may sound pricey, but it’s going to take a little shimmying here and there to get the budget trip that your bank account will thank you for. Here are some of the best tips that you need to see Jakarta on a budget.

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• Booking a good few months in advance for travel, accommodation and activities is probably the best budgeting tip that you could get. Special offers with airlines, Airbnb rentals at a discount and as there are so many routes you can take, you can find a discount anywhere. Some people like to fly to Kuala Lumpur and then go onto Jakarta after that - either way you need to be kind to your wallet and spend more money on activities than on the actual travel.
• The high seasons to travel are New Year and during the June-July school break. If you avoid these times, you can find that the tourist attractions will be far emptier than the high points. The wet season in October and March is the best time if you don’t mind a little rain!
• Buying local is always going to be great for your budget. Jakarta is packed with budget market stalls for clothing and groceries, and even the souvenirs that you want to bring home with you. Opt for these over the expensive options and you can get goods that are locally made instead of the imported options.
• Indonesia is made up of so many islands that you’re never going to be short of things to do, and in Jakarta, simply sitting with a cup of coffee at a cafe outdoors is enough to keep you entertained as you watch the local people go about their daily business. There are waterfalls, beaches, temples and galleries that can all be seen for low, low prices, too.
• Where possible, don’t hop in a cab. The convenience of one is tempting, but the public transport is so reliable and can be kinder to your wallet instead of hiring one wherever you go. Cab fares will vary with the time of day whereas the public transportation largely stays the same.
• You can haggle here! Vendors in foreign places will always try their luck with visitors, but you’ll get some respect for trying to barter. Always drive a hard bargain like over half off the price, and when they say no, increase your asking price enough for them to make a deal. Top tip: pretending to walk off to another vendor can get you what you want!
• Make use of the free things to see. The beaches are especially amazing and you can buy local food for cheap. The street food is just to die for so you can fill up cheaply while you head to the sand to enjoy a day of relaxation. Don’t be afraid to hike and trek, either, as the walking tours can often be cheap enough to enjoy without spending all your cash - just ensure you have the right clothing.

Jakarta is a place you want to visit, and if you are going on a budget, plan this trip in advance so that you can hit all the right bargains and make the most of the place you could call home.