It's obvious that you have to have money to travel and do things you like. So, 'How can you afford traveling many months in a row?' It's actually surprising how rarely this question is asked from us, but we know that's something many of you are wondering.
In this blog we tell you what kind of changes we've had to make in our daily life back in Finland to save the money. You'll also find out what kind of life hacks we use on our trip to make this all decent for our wallets.
Life is full of choices when it comes to saving money. We got married in July 2014 and have spent time and effort on our honeymoon ever since. We were sure it wouldn't last two weeks on a luxury cruise in the Caribbean and we didn't want to pick up just one paradise resort and pay thousands of euros per person since it would have been a struggle to choose only one destination among many interesting ones. There were way too many options and nothing could hold us from not leaving for months.
How we saved money before our trip?
We reduced eating out and cooked at home. Henkka cooked a lot of vegetarian food which is cheaper than food that includes meat. When we bought chicken or meat it was always at night when it was at least -30% off regular price. We didn't go out to drink. Henkka started to instruct Les Mills classes because he would go to the classes anyway and now he would get paid to do so. We also sold a lot of our useless and left over stuff such as furniture, clothes, fragrances, sports equipment and kitchen ware. We rode bikes and walked anywhere we could and used our car less. All in all there were a lot of small acts of saving that combined into a huge amount of money.
Hawaii is an expensive place to visit but there is a lot to do for free. This picture is from the top of the Koko Head Trail. Oahu, Hawaii
Here you can find tips how to reduce your travel costs.
1. This one is where you can save the most money - Travel during the off season! For example if you are going to a beach destination travel in the late summer or early fall. When booking flights be as flexible as possible and fly midweek instead of the weekend; fly with stops instead of direct.
2. There is a coupon for almost everything and anything especially in the US. You just have to make an effort to find it. Always check Groupon!
3. Compare hotel/accommodation deals. Countlessmilesandsmiles uses hotwire.com, priceline.com, Airbnb and Couchsurfing to find a place to crash in. Ask yourself do you have to stay in the city center or could you walk or take a bus to a cheaper stay.
4. In the US shop at ROSS Dress for Less, TJMAXX and Marshall's to get quality clothes and goods for less money.
5. There is always free stuff to do you just have to put effort to find the options. Here are some activities we have done for free: hiking, snorkeling (we have our own gear), swimming, sightseeing and street workout. Some museums, historic sights and galleries are free on specific times or weekdays. Check online!
Every day the first 1300 visitors get these tickets to USS Arizona Memorial for free. Otherwise these would have been $7,5 per person. Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
6. Walk around! That's how you get to know the area but if that's not your thing always try to use public transportation but if it's not possible look for Uber or Lyft. Take overnight buses and trains when you can. To get around download free HereWeGo app which has a gps that works offline.
Sightseeing by yourself is always free! Kaena Point, Oahu, Hawaii
7. Get local currency from ATMs. The exchange rate is usually best that way.
8. Bring your own snacks for the time at the airport and on flight. When you fly with budget airlines they don't include meal in the basic fares. Some airlines charge you extra for using their headphones, pillows and blankets so better have your own.
9. Always check your receipt for coupons and deals. Many companies offer discounts if you give them feedback online. You should also make an e-mail address to give when asked at the counter because you might get discount on your purchase. That way your personal e-mail won't receive junk mail from every place where you sign up for discounts.
With deals like this you will save a lot of money in the long run.
10. Avoid eating in a tourist area or right in the city center. Just walk a few blocks and find much cheaper local places to eat. If you are not sure about the place where you might eat there is one simple way to find out if it is worth trying: if there is a line it is prolly a good place.
Countlessmilesandsmiles thinks that saving is an everyday act which is good to keep in mind at all times when planning a trip and during the trip.
Free hike, free sight! Makapuu Lookout, Oahu, Hawaii
Mahalo for reading!
See you soon!
Memi & Henkka
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