How To Fund My Travel Experience

It’s no secret that travel costs can add up quickly, whether you’re planning a full gap year experience or a shorter summer trip abroad. A little extra cash can go a long way! Whether you’re dreaming of an Australian adventure or exploring South America, this page highlights some tips and tricks for budgeting your trips as well as some fundraising ideas to get you started.

Plan before you travel

Before you head out on your next adventure, it's smart to budget for the cost of living in the places you're visiting. Some hidden expenses to watch out for? Things like vaccines or visas. Don't let them catch you off guard! It's also a good idea to keep some emergency funds on hand for any surprises that come up. Having that extra cushion means you can handle whatever comes your way and keep travelling stress-free.

Bank accounts

Two essential banking tips for your trip:

1. Set Up a Dedicated Savings Account: As soon as you decide you want to travel, open a separate savings account just for your trip. This will help you easily track your progress and avoid the temptation to dip into it. Keeping it separate from your usual account makes it much easier to stay focused on your savings goals.
2. 2.Get a Fee-Free Travel-Friendly Bank Account: Look for accounts that don’t charge foreign currency conversion fees when you use your card abroad. Where possible, try to find one that offers fee-free cash withdrawals (within certain limits), which is a lifesaver when you're hopping between countries—no need to carry multiple currencies!

Part/ Full time work

It might seem obvious, but working during part of your gap year can be a game-changer for funding your travels, it will offer you the most reliable and steadiest source of funds. Plus, there’s no better feeling than clocking out on your last shift, knowing your adventure is just around the corner!

Fundraising

Fundraising might feel a bit overwhelming—or even awkward—but with creativity and determination, you can hit your goal. Sponsored runs, hosting a car boot sale, or selling old clothes on apps like Depop, eBay or Vinted are just a few ideas. You can also take on “odd jobs” like babysitting or dog walking. Every little bit helps and will bring you one step closer to funding your trip!

Sponsorship

Expeditions and volunteer work abroad can open opportunities for sponsorship from family, friends, and even organizations like Rotary International or the Women's Institute. These groups love supporting meaningful causes and can be a great help in funding your trip. This type of fundraising works best as a group effort, so team up with others to make the most of it.

If you're thinking about volunteering abroad, be sure to do your research and choose sustainable, well-managed projects. Our volunteer programs offer diverse opportunities in countries around the world, from environmental conservation and wildlife preservation to teaching and more. Explore our volunteer abroad options today!

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