Table of Contents
How to Afford Travel: Introduction
How do people afford to travel is a recurring question I see on social media every single day. So ofc I had the idea to answer that question. So if you are travelling in 2026? Or you want to make 2026 your year of travel? Here is how I afford to travel the world and for you, how to afford travel for yourself in this upcoming New Year. Because if you really want to travel you have to make it a lifestyle. You have to make changes in your life (very small changes of course) to make travel an actual thing in your life.
It’s the start of a New Year! Happy New Year! First I just want to say thank you. Today we are talking about how do people afford to travel.
Thank you for joining my community and being here. You could have been anywhere else but today you came here and that means so much to me because it means that you really want to travel and see the world and I am here to tell you that you really can.
Second, I would highly recommend that if you haven’t subscribed already that you do that today here. I have a lot of things in stall for you this year and I can’t wait for you to join me on this journey.
And lastly, I am praying that we have a fulfilled year filled of travels and so much joy!
But let’s be real. You are not here for the semantics. You want to know how do people afford to travel the world. Because you also want to be able to travel. You’ve got the desire, but the bank account? Not so much. What about the tools and the strategies?
And with flights, visas, accommodation, and life expenses, it’s now wonder why people ask how people afford to travel right. Not to mention feeling like your year of travel is only for the rich and sponsored. I’m here to tell you that it’s really not. I’ve been there. But I want you to know this. I’ve travelled to over 60 countries without a single brand paying for my trip, and I did it while working a very intensive full-time job, buying my very own property (by myself), managing my finances, and not going broke.
So let me help you do the same in 2026. Because I want this to to be the year of ‘travel for you!’
Related Posts:
- The BEST Debit Card For Airport Lounge Access
- Budget Travel: 7‑Month Journey Through 15 Countries
- My 2026 Travel Wishlist: I’m Dreaming of Visiting These Countries
Why It’s The Time to Start Financially Prepare for Your Travels 2026 Now
The truth is, how people afford to travel is not really any of our business. One thing we should know is that travel is only getting more expensive, especially when:
- flight prices fluctuate every 5 minutes,
- visa costs are creeping up,
- and the euro/dollar is unpredictable.
But if you have said 2026 is my year of travel, then you need to prepare now strategically so you can make 2026 your most well-travelled year ever. Here how to financially prepare for your travels and how to afford travel with the right tools and practical tips. Which may I add I use for myself every single time.
9 Practical Ways on How To Afford Travel
1. Create a Dedicated Travel Fund
First and easy step on how you can afford to travel is by opening a separate savings account (Starling, Monzo, Wise, Chase all very easy) and name it “Travel 2026.” And get involved in the 1p, 2p or 4p challenge its such an easy way to save money in this new year. I did the 1p challenge last year and I now have more than £600 in my account, thats a full trip somewhere nice in Morocco, Serbia or even Italy.
Even £20 a week adds up fast. If you stop buying coffee every single day you can wrack up quite a bit of money and use it to pay for a flight!
2. Track Flights in Advance
If you are thinking how can I afford to travel the world then it’s easy. You have to use and explore websites like Expedia, Google Flights or Skyscanner and start watching prices now. Set alerts and avoid last-minute bookings that drain your budget. You might want to go away for your birthday start looking for flights now! And read my 12+ Best Travel Websites That Are Totally Bookmark-Worthy
3. Tap into the Travel Sales
Another way on how you afford to travel is by tappiung into the the sales happening right now, there are usually sales with Eurostar, Wizz Air, British Airways and more for travel which is the time to utilise and save some coins. Even if you are not from the UK you could plan a trip to London and then have another European tour to Paris, or Brussels with the Eurostar.
- Eurostar have a sale from £35 each way – I literally just booked a trip this morning. Book tickets from London. Travel between 19/01 and 25/03. The sale ends 12 January so book here.
- British Airways – I am eyeing a package for my birthday trip this year. Book by 27 January 2026 so book here.
- The Great British Rail Sale – You could go Margate for the day or even Brighton. They have up to 50% off over 3 million selected Advance and Off-Peak train tickets. The sale ends 12 Janary so book here.
4. American Express
Such a fantastic way to travel, it is essentially your travel card. You can get yours here today and rak up your points while also getting free access to travel lounges and travel insurance. Your travels don’t have to start at your destination they can start right at the airport. Book your American Express here.
5. Cut One Thing You Won’t Miss
Uber Eats, Deliveroo, extra subscriptions, or buying lunch daily? Coffees, Brunches! All of them add up costs! Cut one and redirect that money to your travel fund. I promise you it is a life changer! I would say this is a game changer if you really want to be able to afford to to travel
6. Join Loyalty & Points Programs
If you’re not already collecting Avios, joining hotel memberships, or using reward cards start. Points are free money when used right. During my trip to Peru I booked a hotel right by the hotel using my Avios points meaning I stayed in the hotel for free!
7. Quidco or Rakuten
You know when you’re planning a trip and suddenly you’re spending on flights, hotels, tours, and all the bits in between? What if I told you that you could get money back just by clicking one extra button?
I use websites like Quidco or Rakuten all the time, and it has paid for some of my European trips lol. How? It allows you to earn cashback on everything from Skyscanner to airport transfers, Iceland, Boots, Sports Direct and more. It’s literally free money for purchases you were already going to make. Just sign up, install the browser extension, and activate cash back before checking out.
8. Travel Off-Season
January in the Caribbean? Yes. October in Eastern Europe? Even better. Learn how to stretch your money by going where others don’t. It’s not everyday go where everyone else is going go somewhere new, underrated it’s so nice to explore a new country that isn’t often travelled in it’s my favourite thing to do.
9. Viator, Eatwith and GetYourGuide
These apps Viator, Eatwith and GetYourGuide are my absolute favourite, and are my go to when travelling around the world. You can book now and pay later so it doesn’t feel like your spending a lot of money all in one go. You can also check out MBV’s 12+ Best Travel Websites That Are Totally Bookmark-Worthy which shares a list of websites I use for my travel.
Real Talk: You Don’t Need Brand Deals to See the World
I’ve done luxury trips and £3 hostel stays. In the olden days and before anyone speaks I was a student ok. But I say this to say that if you really want to travel you can. You don’t need to be rich!
I’ve also travelled alone or solo, with friends, family and on a budget. Even today. I have choosen between travelling the world and brunch dates with friends. I have always chosen the former because travel experiences are lasting, build memories and allow my life to feel slower and different.
What I’ve learned from all of this is: You just need a plan to travel and see the world.
And guess what?
I’m giving that to you!
I’m hosting something special just for you and it’s FREE!
🎉 Join My Free Workshop in January!
💻 How to Afford Travel in 2026 (Without Going Broke) 18 January 2026
A 60-minute live session covering:
- Mindset & confidence to prioritise travel
- How to actually budget and save
- Booking hacks, apps I use, and how I planned 60 trips without a single sponsorship
- And yes… a live Q&A so you can ask anything you want from me on how to afford to travel
Save your spot now → How to Afford Travel in 2026 (Without Going Broke)
Space are limited, and this is only happening once, so grab your spot early.
Final Word Anyone Wondering How Do People Afford to Travel?
So now you know how people afford to travel it’s now time to go out there and see the world. Don’t wait for people or anyone to magically sort your finances or your travel goals. Start today! Like start right now. If you really want to travel you have to start with baby steps and you will gain big results.
And if you start today 2026 could be your biggest travel year yet… and it should be if you really want it to be! And if you plan for it properly.
Welcome to 2026 the year you travel and see the world! For now download Stop Waiting for Your Friends Starter Guide there is more coming to you if you join my free workshop today!
Are you ready to make 2026 your year of travel?
Speak soon and see you at the How to Afford Travel in 2026 (Without Going Broke) workshop.
Debs MBV X
