How to travel for free (when you’re not an influencer)
Ok, so we’re not saying you can actually travel for free—there’s no such thing! Even influencers have to work for it. But putting money aside ahead of time can make your vacation *feel* free because it prevents you from having to dip into funds you use for everyday expenses.
So you wanna know how to travel for free, huh? If your social media feeds look anything like ours, it’s crowded with images of attractive 20- and 30-somethings on luxurious vacations (thanks so much, algorithms). And you’re probably wondering how on earth everyone is able to afford the room with a water view in Positano, the wine tours around Napa, or those cute little bungalows over the water in Fiji. Well, stop scrolling and listen up.
How to travel for free
Most of the people you’re seeing are influencers who have spent countless hours, and likely lots of their own money, amassing enough followers for brands to throw them free flights, hotel stays, and vast amounts of boozy seltzers in exchange for shoutouts on social media.
That’s the bad news. The good news? You can travel for “free,” too. And we’re going to tell you how to do it without having to hawk products on your IG reels.
Designate a separate travel fund
Ok, so we’re not saying you can actually travel for free—there’s no such thing! Even influencers have to work for it. But putting money aside ahead of time can make your vacation *feel* free because it prevents you from having to dip into funds you use for everyday expenses.
Step 1: Open a separate savings account designated only for travel. If you already have a trip in mind, name the account accordingly. You’re less likely to withdraw money from an account called “Ski trip to Swiss Alps” to pay for another round at the bar.
Oh, and make sure the account is one with a high yield to maximize your savings. You want your money working hard for you, but you shouldn’t invest funds you plan to use in the next 1–2 years.
Note that we don’t recommend simply sending more money to a savings account you already have. Sh*t happens, and expenses can and do crop up that may force you to dip into those savings. That’s why it’s really important to keep this account separate.
Set it and forget it
Next, figure out how much you need to send to your travel savings account each paycheck to make your trip happen. For example, let’s say that one year from now, you’re planning to spend two glorious weeks glamping in Banff at a cost of $2,000.
$2000/12 months = $166.67/month or $83.33 per paycheck if you’re paid twice per month.
Schedule automatic contributions in your desired amount to the account, and that’s it! You don’t have to do anything else until you need to start using the funds to pay for the trip.
Other saving tips and tricks
Finally, while there’s no getting around the fact that travel costs money, there are some hacks you can use to make your hard-earned cash go farther. We’ve compiled a few of our favorites here:
Book in advance and be flexible
The old book-on-Tuesdays rumor is bullsh*t, but there is evidence that flying midweek can save you money. And the earlier you book, the better. Think 1–3 months out for domestic travel, and 2–8 months out for international.
Travel to destinations in their off-season
We all tend to chase peak times, but lots of places are actually more enjoyable (read: less touristy), and more affordable, in their off months. Telluride is known for its killer ski slopes but is gorgeous in summer, autumn in Florida is warm and devoid of snowbirds, and Iceland’s winters are chilly but the northern lights put on some of their best displays. Or, simply book immediately before or after peak season. You can often score deals while the weather is still on point.
Work those credit card points
Credit card promotions come and go, but a few cards emerge year after year as frontrunners in the travel rewards game [as of 2022]. Two of these are the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the American Express Platinum cards. Both cards have steeper annual fees, but taking advantage of the rewards more than makes up for them. (Reminder: as of 09/2022) The Reserve card offers a $300 annual travel credit, 5X points when you book flights, 10X points on hotel stays and car rentals, covers TSA and global entry application fees, and more. The Platinum card offers similar perks and admission to some of the swankiest airport lounges around. We could tell you about a bachelor party we once spontaneously attended in an Amex lounge that was legendary.
Want the rest of your financial life to look as good as your travel account? Talk to us about getting a Stash Plan.
Stash Wealth provides financial plans designed to assist high earning young professionals build and manage their wealth.
Stash Wealth offers a pragmatic approach to financial planning and wealth management. Whether saving up for Tahiti or a Tesla, we help you achieve your short-term and long-term goals.
Written by Stash Wealth Staff Writer
Stash Wealth Staff Writers are knowledgeable about personal finance topics. Their objective is to unravel the complexities of finance trade jargon, products, and services in order to equip HENRYs with a sound understanding of financial matters.