In the last 2 years I have made a HUGE shift in my business and life, and to be honest with you if you had told me even 3 years ago that this would be what I was doing today I would have laughed and thought you were crazy.
What am I talking about? I’m talking about traveling. Seeing the world. Meeting new people. Having new experiences.
I never thought I would able to travel for work or pleasure. It didn’t seem like it would be in the cards for me. Traveling can be an expense that many people just don’t have room for in their budgets…or so they think. So I thought but I was wrong.
When I really started to dream about being able to explore different places in the world it seemed a little overwhelming when it came to finances. I didn’t really know how to add travel savings into my budget and honestly I felt a little bit guilty and selfish for even thinking of doing it. I have kids and bills to pay and many other things to save for as I am sure you do too.
But before I go any further I have to say, this was a huge MINDSET change for me. Traveling for pleasure and business is something that makes me happy. It brings me joy and fills up my cup so that I can be the best version of myself for my family, for my clients and for MYSELF. This mindset shift didn’t happen overnight – it took time for me to realize and feel like I deserved to do things that were just for me.
I want you to know you deserve it too – and maybe it’s not in the form of traveling but whatever it is that fills up your cup, brings you joy and makes you feel re-energized…do it, you deserve it and it is SO important.
Once I got the travel bug I knew it was something I wanted to do more of. I also knew that meant I would need to plan for it. I would need to save and budget for the expenses that come with being away from home.
In Mexico with Lindsay Hack!
I really spent time figuring out what made the most sense for me and how I could rework my numbers (or set goals to increase my income) so that this could be a part of my life. I don’t just have savings for “travel” but instead of I have savings for certain trips. Before I went to Mexico in March – I put money aside specifically to cover the cost of that trip itself.
I find this is a better way to organize your savings so you know exactly what you are saving for and where the money is allotted to.
Airport on the way to Atlanta!
Now maybe you are thinking “whoa, Lisa – slow down, I’d like to just save for ONE trip” that is fantastic! Make sure you have a savings account specifically for that trip. This way to save applies to everything though. Maybe you need a new bed or your kids want to go to camp in the summer. Have separate savings for both!
Like I said at the beginning of this blog – I would have never guess that I would be traveling as much as I am now but I really enjoy it and because I know my numbers I am able to do it and make it work within my budget and not go into debt!
I hope this helps you figure out the best way to save for things that mean the most to you and it encourages you to not feel guilty about doing the things that you love.
Banff, Alberta
So…for my travel buddies – where is your favorite place to visit? Or…if you aren’t a traveler yet but dream of it, where do you want to go? Leave it in the comments – I am always looking to add to my bucket list of places to see!
