How to save money for travel in a year

iStockphoto by dolgachov

There's a common myth that travel is an expensive hobby that is exclusive to the rich and famous. And that is far from the truth. Travel is for everyone and if you want to travel the world or just take an epic vacation, you’ll need to get creative about saving money for it. A good experience is worth paying for and it's important to be intentional about your finances so you can turn your travel dreams into a reality. Here’s how to do it.

• Track your spending

The first thing you need to do to save money is to know where you’re spending it. In an age where you tap an app and a car comes, it’s easy to not think about how much we spend. Create a spreadsheet or use an app to track all your expenses. You’ll probably be surprised at where your money goes once you start paying attention. Cutting your daily expenses, being more frugal, and downgrading to a simpler way of living will allow you to save money for your trip without having to find extra sources of income.

• Develop habits that save you money

What skills can you learn that will cut your daily costs? Here's an example, by cooking your meals instead of buying them prepared, you can save a lot of money every year. It's a skill that puts decent money in your pocket. Plus it's fun too. You don't have to give up on excellent coffee or tasty toast, just prepare them yourself and save money. Cooking for yourself, especially lunch and dinner can save somewhere between $5 and $10 per meal. So if you previously spent all our time eating out, you'd save between $70 and $140 every week just by cooking.

• De-clutter and sell out stuff 

If it’s worth good money and you can’t travel with it, then is it really worth hanging onto? Look around your apartment and you’ll just find a ton of stuff you have no need for anymore -  couches, tables, stereo equipment. Sites like Craigslist, Amazon, OfferUp are excellent places to sell your unneeded consumer goods. If you’ve got a ton of stuff, consider having a yard sale. That’s the fastest way to clear out your house and make a few bucks in the process. 

• Cut down on snacking

A snack here and there not only adds calories to your waistline but also empties your wallet. We don’t think much of them because they cost so little, but they add up over time and eat into our savings. Eat fuller meals during lunch and dinner and avoid snacks. Bring snacks from home and plan your snacks in advance. That way, you can buy cheaper (and healthier snacks) and avoid buying chips, chocolate bars, and other expensive junk.

• Earn extra money on the side

The sharing economy has made it really easy to earn extra money on the side. Find a “side-hustle” that you can work part-time. It doesn’t need to be an amazing job. Just something to boost your income a bit. Do some research, and figure out what kinds of part-time positions match your skills & talents.

• Budget for your trip

Once you get your travel savings rolling, you may need some help planning your trip. You need to work out how much your trip is going to cost you. If you know what you’re doing, your travel budget can be as low as $50 a day. The amount is going to vary wildly depending on where you want to travel, and how thrifty you are. If you choose wisely, your accommodation can cost next to nothing and you can hop on cheap flights. Again, this doesn't come easy for most people as researching a trip can be exhausting. However, we can help you set up your trip with a fun and flexible itinerary to any destination of your choice starting at $45 a day. Sounds great? You can reach out to us here and we'll guide you through.

Saving money doesn’t come naturally to most people so saving money won't come easy but the formula is simple. Live below your means, and save the rest.

Yet implementing this formula is not always easy. There are social pressures. We’re bombarded by ads and promotions. Our willpower is lacking. We make excuses and lie to ourselves.

You may have additional roadblocks — like obligations to support loved ones, repayment of loans, debilitating injury, chronic disease, or a lack of job opportunities where you live.

If that’s the case, it may just take longer to reach your savings goal. But longer does not mean never. A little bit every day adds up to a lot over a long period of time. 

Following through is the difficult part. If this was easy, everyone would be doing it.

Which of these tips will you be implementing?

Five Things to Not Do in Dubai

Dubai Miracle Garden photo by Jessica

Rated as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Dubai has a lot to offer. The city is home to Burj Khalifa, the tallest man-made structure in the world. Under all the glitz, actually lies a conservative city that takes its religion and culture very seriously. So, if Dubai is your next vacation destination, take note of these things not to do in Dubai to avoid getting in trouble with the authorities and city owners during your stay.

• Use your left hand to greet people

When in Dubai, be mindful of the manner in which you use your left hand. You must never ever use your left hand to eat, to greet anyone, to open doors, and to hand over something, especially food items to someone in Dubai. The reason for this is that before toilet paper, toilets, and flushing water, the left hand was used to clean up in nations like Dubai, India, and others. As a result, it is still considered unclean today. Drinking with your left hand, on the other hand, is OK. So, if you're left-handed, you should endeavour to appear as ambidextrous as possible in public to avoid offending the locals and receiving a rude stare.

• Indulge in public display of affection (PDA)

While there is no doubt that the United Arab Emirates is a popular honeymoon destination, travellers should be aware that public demonstrations of affection are prohibited in the country. Holding hands, hugging, and kissing in public is considered a social taboo in Dubai, and if found doing so, you could face jail time.

• Take photographs without permission

Dubai is a beautiful city, and you may be tempted to take photographs as you go around it. Irrespective of how great the urge is to capture the locals through your camera lenses, do not do it. So either absorb the visuals or concentrate on the scenery. Visitors should also avoid looking at local ladies for an extended period of time or engaging in an unwelcome conversation with them.

• Wear revealing clothes

In public places in Dubai, like malls, markets, beaches, theatres, and mosques, women are expected to dress modestly. So, despite the fact that Dubai is the fashion capital of the world, you are not permitted to wear short, tight, tiny garments that reveal a lot of skin in public settings. Aside from that, in Dubai's hot and dry atmosphere, wearing loose modest clothing might help you stay comfortable. So, when packing your bag, make sure to bring plenty of loose and modest clothing that covers your arms, legs, and chest so that you don't draw unwanted attention, don't get fined for wearing indecent attire in public places, and can stay comfortable on your journeys around the city.

• Miss visiting popular tourist sites

Do not let these rules dampen your holiday enthusiasm. When in Dubai, get out and explore. Visit the Burj Khalifa, which stands 2,716 feet tall and is three times the height of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. If you're not afraid of heights, climb to the 124th story and take in the view. Do not leave Dubai without taking the desert safari. Enjoy the Arabian Desert in its full glory any time of the day along with live dance and music shows, camel rides, sand dunes and many more.

Ready to discover enchanting Dubai? Then you should join us this April. Some of our destination highlights are;

Day trip to Abu Dhabi

Get to know Dubai more intimately through this tour. You will see the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, visit the Heritage Village and a lot more. This tour is for a full day and it will be fun and enjoyable.

Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village Tour

You will get to explore this attraction with over 50 million flowers and 250 million plants. Afterwards, you will head to the Global Village for an opportunity to shop for souvenirs and try sample food from around the world.

Beach Day and Desert Safari

The desert safari provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the desert and give the you a rich glance of the desert life. This is an opportunity to cool off, bond with the crew and just have an overall jolley time. Think henna tattoos, a night show, camel riding, sand dunes and many more. This will certainly be a thrilling adventure. Prepare your mind for a surprise here.

Burj Khalifa Tour & Private Yacht Goodbye Party

You’ll get to visit Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building and marvel at the beauty from the 124th floor. Afterwards, you’ll head to the Dubai Aquarium to check it out.

But that’s not all. You’ll also go onboard a luxury yacht and cruise around Dubai for a goodbye rodeo. It’s the last night in Dubai so it’s only right to bid the city farewell in style.

You can check out our itinerary for the full experience. This trip is packed with non-stop fun and adventure in one of the world's most famous cities. Experience Dubai like never before in this 7-day adventure. This trip is perfect for you if you love adventures, sightseeing, and immersing yourself in a new culture. Your days will be filled with discovery upon discovery, in a country where the culture and history are rich, the people are friendly and the scenery is breathtaking.

This is not just a city, but an experience... One to remember.

How to Connect to a New City you Visit

iStockphoto by MStudioImages

Arriving in a new city, especially on your own, might be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. You can always turn an unknown journey into something spectacular. When you leave your familiar surroundings, the air will likely get thicker or lighter, the ground may be different in comparison to your regular terrain, and you may even notice a distinct aroma unique to these locations. You could get a shove in the belly to turn around and rush back to where things are safe and familiar. It's all up to you. Should you press on with the adventures that lay ahead, or should you escape to your nest and brood? If you prefer the former, here are some tips for acclimating to a new city.

• Explore like a local.

While downtowns and touristy districts can provide insight into a city's charm, getting a true sense of a place requires venturing beyond the gleaming major avenues and into the neighborhoods where locals live, work, and play. How do you go about doing this? Inquire of baristas, drivers, bartenders, and concierges about local life - where to dine, where to hang out, and how to view the city through the eyes of a native.

• Collect information as you get around.

You don't simply learn about a city by visiting various locations within it; you also learn a lot by physically commuting to and from those locations. You don't have to just ask the locals for directions; you can also have a conversation with them about interesting topics and learn from their point of view. Engage in nice conversations with the folks around you when you're out sipping coffee or waiting in line. This will allow you to get a sense of the city through the words of locals. Inquire about cool hangout spots and cool places of town that tourists tend to overlook. Sometimes you'll find that locals are just as uncomfortable or shy to communicate with you as you are, but building a connection, no matter how small, is important.

• Look for fresh experiences.

The whole goal of stepping away from your usual surroundings is to experience a new way of life. Don't limit yourself in any way. It's fine to plan a trip with comprehensive to-do lists tailored to your interests, but you also need to be daring. Experiment with things that aren't on your list. Try a new meal and a new drink to excite your taste senses. If you haven't done so already, take a boat ride, go camping, or have a mud bath. Do something that makes you wonder if you really did it.

• Attend local events.

Participating in local events can help you feel more at ease in your new surroundings. This is where you'll find folks who share your interests and with whom you'd like to connect. Check out Eventbrite to see what's going on in your area.

• Consider staying with a local.

Why not live like a local instead of staying at a hotel? Couchsurfing and Airbnb are two websites that can connect you with people who are prepared to offer their homes and experiences. There's nothing quite like waking up in a seemingly familiar setting.

• Take advantage of public transit.

It will be much more difficult to establish your bearings if you take a taxi everywhere, and it is usually not particularly long-term sustainable. Taking public transit will make you feel more independent and allow you to pick up more cultural cues.

• Put your adventure hat on.

You've already taken the first step by opting to travel to a new location. After all, it's not something that everyone can accomplish! Don't underestimate your adventurous spirit; keep pushing yourself to do new things and meet new people.

Don't get too worked up if things don't click right away; remember, you can't expect everything to be flawless in a new place; it's all about experimenting and exploring. However, with a little trial and error, you'll be sure to come across some fantastic moments, and who knows, you might just find your home away from home! 

Ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Come have a fairytale Summer with us in Cappadocia, Turkey this June. Or would you like to connect with a different city and put these tips to work? Then, let's help you plan your trip starting at $45 only.

10 Ways to Overcome Your Fear of Travel

Photo by Gojolley

If your thoughts about an upcoming trip are focused on a great deal of negative-sounding “What ifs,” then you’re most likely feeling anxious.

The fear of traveling is termed 'hodophobia'. The phobia can present in a variety of ways, ranging from a fear of traveling to new locations to a near-inability to leave a comfortable home. This fear can readily turn into anxiety for most people. Even if you don't have a history of anxiety, the prospect of being in unfamiliar terrain can make you feel anxious which can be caused by the stress of researching and organizing your trip.

Some people are exclusively fearful of specific modes of transportation, such as planes or ships, while others are terrified of being passengers on any trip. Highly publicized events and disasters can induce fear. Pandemic outbreaks are one example of situations that cause people to be afraid of traveling. The dread of traveling is frequently the outcome of a bad vacation experience in the past. Other factors that contribute to hodophobia include:

• Anxiety over the destination you'll be visiting.

• Worry about becoming lost or stranded, as well as the difficulties you may face language differences.

• Thoughts that you won't be able to leave your house because you believe you're the only one who can deal with a problem.

• Fear of being criticized by family and friends if you travel amid particular global disasters.

• Feelings of guilt about people's financial insecurity, which prevents them from traveling as frequently as you do. 

The fear you experience may leave you confused or scared when faced with queues at the airport, checking in luggage or waiting in line. You may have a difficult time checking into the hotel or reading a map. You might be concerned that you will get lost, become disoriented or lose control while traveling.

There are a few things you may do to ease your travel anxiety. These are some of them:

• Make arrangements for your tasks at home while you're away. If you're nervous about leaving home, preparing for your absence can help you relax. Hire a house sitter or invite a trusted friend to stay at your home while you're away to help with your affairs. While you're away from your home, children, or pets, a competent sitter will keep you updated and communicate with you frequently.

• Plan your trip in detail. Plan your trip ahead of time, regardless of which method of transportation you choose. Draw the path you'll be going on a map. Make bookings ahead of time and call to confirm any travel arrangements a few days before your trip. If this is your first time planning, you may feel overwhelmed. As a result, you have the option of joining a group trip or enlisting our assistance with travel planning and itinerary development.

• You should travel with someone you can trust. Invite a friend or relative to accompany you. A companion can assist you in remaining calm and handling things like bag check or cab hailing. If you need some alone time to de-stress, a friend may step in. If you're worried about your safety, having someone you can trust around will help you relax.

• Prepare yourself. If you're flying, attempt to book your seat ahead of time. Learn as much as you can about the destinations you intend to visit, including security and legal/safety protocols. To overcome communication barriers, download a language translation app to your device. Knowing where restrooms, restaurants, and other conveniences are located ahead of time makes you feel more at ease.

• Allow yourself some time. When traveling, it's usually a good idea to plan ahead and allow plenty of time to arrive at the airport, train station, or your final destination. As a general guideline, arrive at the airport three hours before your scheduled departure time. Make a contingency plan in case of delays.

• Make sure you get enough rest. There's a chance your adrenaline could spike in the days leading up to your trip, but don't forget that not getting enough sleep and rest will raise your anxiety levels. Make sure you get a decent night's sleep the night before you fly.

• Keep yourself hydrated. Bring a bottle of water with you. You won't be able to take it on the plane anyhow (since it will be provided), but having it with you when you get off will be useful. It's difficult to face obstacles when you're dehydrated.

• Eat well and carry some snacks with you. Take some light foods and fruits with you to prevent abdominal triggers when traveling. Making sure you're not hungry can help you feel less anxious.

• Have faith in yourself. Imagine yourself walking through all of the important steps of your journey in your mind's eye. Envision yourself walking through the airport, and boarding the plane. Consider how easy it would be to navigate city traffic and find the perfect parking spot. Visualizing accomplishment boosts self-esteem and decreases anxiety.

• Look for the positive benefits of traveling. Exploring different cultures, cuisines, and experiences is a fantastic way to broaden your horizons. It may be beneficial to jot down all of the great experiences you hope to have while traveling prior to your trip. Keep this list with you on your trip and refer to it when you're feeling anxious.

This isn't a one-size-fits-all situation. Anxiety is triggered in different ways for different people. It's a good idea to figure out whether you're afraid of the journey itself or the destination.

Some people prefer domestic travel to foreign travel, and vice versa. It's critical to figure out what your worry is about as precisely as possible. The more you travel, the more you'll be able to know what to expect.

Hopefully, some aspects of traveling, such as passing through security checks, will become normal, and what may have started out as fear will turn into delight. It's important to realize that preemptive worry is common in new settings. The more experience you gather, the more self-assured you will become.

How to Determine if a Group Trip is Right for You

Group travel photo by Gojolley

Traveling with others can be a lot of fun, but there are a few things to consider before going on a group trip. Do you prefer to spend time alone or around people? If you don't like being alone for a day, odds are you won't love being alone for an extended amount of time. It's also essential to make sure the group's offerings are a match for your expectations and the travel experience that you seek. If you're trying to decide between going with a tour group or planning something on your own, here are some things to consider. 

• All or most of the planning will be done for you

Researching a vacation can be overwhelming, especially for a first-time traveler. When you travel in a group, all of this is taken care of for you. You won't have to bother about arranging tours, researching the finest things to do, or locating hotels. This allows you to unwind and enjoy yourself without having to worry about preparing each day's activities, giving you more time to explore!

• Travel companions

If you're a traveler hoping to make friends along the way, group travel is ideal. The possibility of meeting new people is one of its pleasures. You'll usually meet people who share your interest in the destination and want to explore and learn as well. Dinners, walks, and tours will provide opportunities for you to bond with people via shared experiences.

• Access to attraction sites you may not get if you're traveling solo

There's a chance the average solo traveler may not get access to visit certain locations or have certain experiences. This comes as a bonus to group travel. Some destinations, like an African safari, are not easily accessible to solo travelers. As a group, you'll often be able to skip long lines at places that you'd have to wait if you were traveling alone. 

• Insider information 

There is no better guide book than a tour guide. Good recommendations from them about the best things in the city come in handy. When learning something new, it's easier to understand and remember if the information comes from a real person who has their own jokes and anecdotes to tell. 

• Safety in numbers 

Organized trips, without a doubt, create a stronger sense of security. You don't have to look for a place to stay or feel stranded with no idea of where to go. When traveling in a group, mobility, language, accommodations, and food accessibility are all made easier and safer. Having a companion with you in a new and unfamiliar environment reassures you of your safety. As a group, you are looking out for others as they are for you. 

• Cost

Because group trips are packaged with a single price, determining whether the tour is of excellent value or not can be difficult. The cost per day is one basic estimate, but it is by no means an indication of the value of what you get out of the tour. Gojolley offers flexible payment plans as an incentive, allowing you to split the overall cost of a trip's full experience into little batches that fit within your budget.

Organized group trips are the way to go if you don't want to arrange your entire vacation but want a well-planned trip. All you have to do to prepare for a group vacation is figure out what to wear and book your flight. Everything else is taken care of after that!

Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?