Travel

How to change your ‘I don’t have enough money to travel’ mentality

Jun 05, 2017

It might be a friend, a relative or, heck, it might even be yourself, but there are some people who feel that they are limited by the amount of money they have to spend.

It’s a genuine concern to have, especially if you’re worried about where your next meal is coming from, or if you have enough money to pay your rent next week. But there is a difference between not having enough money to travel and thinking you don’t have enough money to travel.

Unfortunately, the “I don’t have enough money to travel” is all too common, especially those of retiring, or almost retiring age.

Travelling is not necessarily a luxury that is only available to those who have a hefty bank account with an endless supply of spending money. Travel, like anything else, has to become a priority that you work towards. But in order to take that first step towards a holiday, that “I don’t have enough money” mentality has got to go.

Before you realise it, that mentality becomes a habit and stops you from even trying. It’s the same as saying: I’m too old to exercise, or I’m too busy to make time for myself. If you keep saying it enough, you’ll eventually believe it.

Here are a few simple ways we can begin to make a shift in our mindset, so we can attract positive energy and create great holiday experiences as a result.

1. Change your vocabulary

Instead of saying things like, “I can’t afford to travel” or “I don’t have enough money to go on a trip”, use positive vocabulary to change your outlook about your situation. Alternatively, you can say things like, “I’m saving money for a holiday in the future”, or “I’m grateful that I am able to dream up my next big trip.” Like attracts like, so if you can swap your negative thoughts with positive ones, then that will make way for good changes to occur.

2. Make a plan

If you truly want to travel, then you, and only you, can make that happen. It won’t be easy. There will be concerns and worries, there will be times when you don’t think it will be even remotely possible, but if you make a plan, it can be done. Take some inspiration from Travel at 60 community member Barbara who puts a small amount away into a special account each pension day. “Admittedly we have to go without things,” Barbara says. “But it’s all worth it in the end.”

3. Express gratitude

Oh, gratitude! The act of being grateful for what we have can be a powerful catalyst for creating what we want. If you wake up each morning and express your gratitude for having a warm bed, for the companionship of a pet, for a catch-up with an old friend or just that there’s enough milk in the fridge for a cuppa this morning, you can create a ripple for positivity and gratitude that can extend into other areas of your life. Rather than thinking about what you don’t have and what you don’t think you will ever have, appreciate what you have right now in this moment and think about how you can best make use of that. If you’re grateful for living in a beautiful part of the world, then see that as an opportunity to get out and see it. If you’re thankful that the sky is blue this afternoon, then take note of that and let it put a smile on your face.

4. Organise your funds… every little bit helps

A recent survey found that three out of four Australians over 45 would like to retire in the next five years, but only two out of five will actually be able to because of financial concerns. Finances make up a significant part of why people can or cannot travel, but without organising your funds, there’s no way that travel plans are going to be possible. The best way to attempt to afford to travel is to put a small amount away every week, fortnight or monthly, whatever is more achievable for you and your situation. That way you are motivated to continue to work towards your dream of going on a holiday.

5. Keep it local

Going on a holiday doesn’t have to be an elaborate and expensive affair. There is always the option of staying local and exploring your own neck of the woods like a tourist. Visit the museum, take a walk through the local gardens and pop into the visitor information centre to get an idea of what tourists often see and do while they’re in town. There is a world waiting out there!