Advice on how to save money to go travelling.

This topic may not be as interesting as trekking the great wall of China, surfing on Bondi beach or abseiling down the Statue of Liberty, but saving is probably one of the most important parts of travelling because you sure hell can't go without it!

Saving money is a difficult task at the best of times, that's why I'd like to share a few penny pinching techniques I used. (believe me I'm an expert!!)

Is it really worth it?

Before I started planning my trip, I was a real sucker for buying expensive clothes, gadgets and accessories. Now I can't remember the last time I purchased anything of the sort. I'm sure when I'm lying on a beach in Thailand nobody will be concerned how much I paid for my clothes. Ask yourself, do you need it, think about it for a few days then buy it if you still think you need it.

Cut Monthly Outgoings

Try to drive down the cost of your monthly outgoings by cutting down on your bills. As a result of my notorious irate calls to Three, 'Mr Nathan' managed to halve the phone bill and cut the contract length to month rolling. Other useful ways of cutting down monthly outgoings include avoiding too many expensive nights out and taking your own lunch to work.

Vouchers & loopholes

If you can't avoid that expensive night out, try making it less expensive by using vouchers & loopholes. Tesco clubcard, Strada 2-4-1, cheap cinema outings, Vodka Revolution card, there are plenty of them about. I'm a frequent user of Martin's money tips, I always keep this page in my favourites and check it before planning an outing: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/cheap-restaurant-deals

One of the best loopholes I've achieved is the one I described in my previous blog entry in relation to the vaccines required to go travelling: http://www.offexploring.com/sudders/blog/uk/london/2011-03-17%2016:19:44 I saved £££'s thanks to the Superdrug loophole.

Move Jobs

This maybe a tough one in the current climate, however if you have the opportunity move jobs and make more money. Even the slightest increase will help towards your trip. If you're worried about leaving your friends behind, don'tbecause you'll be away for several months soon. So unless you plan to fit your office buddies in your backpack, you'll have to leave them behind at some point anyway.

Smart Banking

I have banked with Nationwide for several years. They've always been kind with the cash withdrawal fees abroad. However they've now started to raise their fees to what other banks charge. This made me look elsewhere and I came across Metro Bank (https://www.metrobankonline.co.uk/) they are a relatively new bank and only have branches in London at the moment. However they are looking to expand and the key is, they don't charge for cash withdrawals abroad. Even if you were only charged 3%, this would still amount to £300 over the course of my trip - A nice little saving. My trusty 'Martins money tips' put me on to Metro Bank. Another link for the favourites: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money

I'm sure many of you have your own ideas about the best way to save money, however I hope these few tips help you in some way, shape or form. All the best of luck and keep telling yourself it'll be worth it in the end!