Hey there, fellow travelers! I’m Savanna, a travel enthusiast in my early 30s who juggles the demands of a full-time job with my passion for exploring new places. If you’re like me, you know how important it is to make every trip count, both in terms of experiences and finances. That’s where values-based travel budgeting comes in. Let me share how this approach can transform your travels into more meaningful adventures (and maybe save you from the dreaded post-travel horror of checking your credit card statements).
Values-based budgeting is all about aligning your spending with what truly matters to you. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about making conscious choices that reflect your values and enhance your travel experiences. For me, it means splurging on memorable experiences like delicious meals and safe, comfy accommodations, while saving money by using public transit instead of pricey Uber rides and opting out of expensive group tours. It also just means simply being mindful of what you spend (no “money doesn’t count on vacation” here, even though we’d all like for that to be true).
Prioritize Your Spending Based on what Matters to YOU
Accommodations:
As a female who general travels alone or with other females, safe accommodations are important to me, and I’ll pay a little more to ensure I’m staying at a place that has good reviews and is in a safe area. This doesn’t mean I always opt for luxury hotels (in fact, I rarely do). My favorite way to save on accommodations while still being mindful of safety is to compare prices using Google Maps hotel search & Airbnb. Sometimes (especially in Europe & SE Asia) you can find cheaper Airbnbs than hotels, or vice versa, so it’s always good to cross reference both.
Also, If I know the trip will require a rental car (or if I’m visiting a place with great public transit), I’m willing to stay further away from main touristy areas to save on the nightly rate. If I’m traveling in a larger group (like the time I went to Thailand with 6 friends) we booked larger Airbnbs and split the cost which was more fun and cheaper than having to book one hotel room per couple.
All that being said, it’s generally not important to me when traveling to stay in a place that has a pool, room service, laundry, or a gym. So I’m able to save by staying in places with less amenities and use that money to eat a nice meal, etc. But if staying in a nicer accommodation is really important to you, make it work! I know some travelers who will eat $2 noodles for every meal in Thailand in order to stay in a luxury villa, and that’s totally okay. It’s all about what makes the trip the best experience for you!
Food and Dining/Nightlife:
Eating local is THE biggest joy of traveling for me personally. I’ve worked in the food industry in various ways for the past 10+ years and Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations is the reason I started dreaming about traveling in the first place. Whenever I plan a trip, the first thing I look up is the best local restaurants and the cost of dining at any Michelin star spots. But I also have a deep love for street food. One of my all-time favorite meals was a $1 bowl of Khao Soi in Chiang Mai, Thailand, served out of a lady’s garage.
Because I’m willing to save in other areas, I generally allow myself 1-2 nicer, more expensive meals while traveling. This varies based on the destination (obviously you can get more bang for your buck in a destination like Southeast Asia than you can in New York City).
If I’m staying in an Airbnb or a hotel with a fridge/microwave, I’ll sometimes pick up local snacks or breakfast foods from the market, so I can spend more on lunch & dinner. I also love sharing with friends when I travel, which is a great way to try even more food but split the cost of the dishes.
I also usually save a lot of money while traveling because I don’t drink much alcohol. As a solo traveler, it’s safer, and it aligns with my personal preferences, even at home. That doesn’t mean I never enjoy a drink or visit a dive bar, but nightlife isn’t a major part of why I travel. This lets me save money, which I can then spend on other experiences.
Activities:
I’m not a group tour girl, but there are certain experiences that I’ll spend money on, like whale watching in Maui or visiting an elephany sanctuary in Thailand. I do want to make it very clear that it’s so important to conduct thorough research before participating in animal tourism. It’s always worth it to spend the extra money to ensure you are supporting a company that is doing things the right way.
Many animals involved in these activities may be subject to cruel and inhumane treatment, and by supporting such practices, you could inadvertently contribute to their suffering. Additionally, some attractions may claim to be sanctuaries or conservation efforts when they are actually exploiting animals for profit. Research helps you distinguish between responsible and harmful operations, ensuring your visit supports ethical treatment and conservation efforts. Understanding the impact of your visit also allows you to make informed decisions, promoting responsible tourism that prioritizes the well-being of animals and the environment. And on that note, you should never visit an “elephant sanctuary” that allows you to ride or bathe the elephants; they are not actual sanctuaries.
Plan Ahead and Be Flexible
Research is your best friend (that’s why this blog exists!). I always plan my trips with an eye on my values. This means looking up accommodation options, finding local restaurants, and pre-booking activities that resonate with my interests. However, I also leave room for spontaneity. Sometimes, the best experiences are unplanned, like stumbling upon a local festival or a hidden gem of a café. Just be prepared for those moments when your “plan” is thrown out the window and replaced with a delightful “lost in the city” adventure.
Adjust
After each trip, I reflect on my spending and experiences (it’s not glamarous, but it is necessary). Did my choices enhance my travel experience? Did they align with my values? This reflection helps me fine-tune my approach for future trips, ensuring that each adventure is even more fulfilling.
Final Thoughts
Values-based travel budgeting has transformed the way I travel. It’s not just about stretching my dollars further; it’s about making every dollar count in a way that’s meaningful to me. So, fellow travelers, next time you plan a trip, try aligning your budget with your values. You might find that it leads to more enriching and memorable experiences—and fewer “why did I spend so much on this?” moments.
Happy travels!