how to budget for travel on a small salary

if you've got a mean case of wanderlust with shallow pockets, you may still be able to get out and enjoy the world.
here are a few tips i have collected in my planning process that might help you satiate your travel craving even if you don't have a queen's budget:
1. decide which places on which you are willing to spend a decent amount of money. don't just travel for traveling's sake when you're on a tight budget, even if the trip might seem like a good deal. vegas is a pretty inexpensive vacation, but if you hate the environment, it's not worth spending the money.
2. after deciding where you want to go, decide which ones you can financially cover even if you can't find a discount. this is why #1 is important. if you can only afford to go one place each year, it should definitely be to a place you'd really like to go. think quality over quantity.
3. after choosing your place(s), look around for deals. definitely try groupon and livingsocial, but also look into cruises as an all-inclusive affordable option. cruises do dictate how long you can spend at each stop, which has its negatives and positives. additionally, look into travel packages that may be offered through churches and other organizations, including any alumni groups at your alma mater (thanks for this, cef!).
4. create a strict budget and stick to it. i have already calculated how much i will need to contribute from each check to afford next year's vacations and scheduled all of the transfers. be sure to include cushion for incidentals and spending. calculate how much is left from your check after paying your travel expenses and spend no more than that. sometimes that might mean sacrificing things you want to buy in favor of your travel experience.
5. if you fronted deposit money for yourself and other members in your party who will pay you back, immediately transfer that money to your travel account or to pay down on the reservation. it's better to be really strict and purposeful with that money or else you could spend it on something else. there's nothing worse than receiving that final bill without having those contributions because you spent them already.
6. have travel buddies! not only is traveling with friends fun, but also a means of accountability to ensure that you stick to your budget. when you know others are counting on you, it's a little harder to justify impulse buys that will cut into your travel budget.
linking up with rachel ♥