Adventuring on a Budget

I’ve spent a lot of time in the woods, and still have yet to discover my money tree. When I find it, I probably won’t tell you, and my lifestyle habits probably wont change too much either. But for now whether you are going to school, working with a limited income, working to pay the bills or just generally finding ways to cut back on expenses, adventure can be the solution. Money might limit the distances traveled but the spirit and sense of adventure never goes away. And sometimes those backyard adventures are the best.

I once had LOTS of excuses of why I didn’t go on big adventures or vacations filled with adventures I always felt “too broke” and struggled budgeting. And frankly, I still kinda struggle with budgeting but once I got my sense of adventure and travel back all I can think about is budgeting and my next adventure. Granted I am still no expert on budgeting and I have been known to change my mind on a daily basis…. But when you pick one thing and put your mind to it you will find LOTS of creative ways to save money and find the time to make it all happen.

Here are some tips to Adventure More:

1.     Explore Your Backyard

Exploring your backyard is both affordable and fun. You do not always have to travel to the ends of the earth for an epic adventure. Some of my favorite adventures this past summer began when I pedaled out of my driveway and then went on a 20+ mile mountain bike rides all without even moving my car.

2.     Free is always the best

Adventure outdoors instead of paying to go to different venues and their entrance fees. Climb outside, swim in rivers, and lakes, mountain bike, hike local trails. Everything you do outdoors can be free, sometimes there are camping costs or park fees, but in the grand scheme of things those are typically pretty small and budget friendly, but outside of those there is so much free nature to visit and explore. “Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time.”

3.     Spend Less on Gear

Invest in quality gear the first time around, it will last longer and when you need additions second hand shops, trades, renting or even borrowing from friends are some of the best ways to try and test out new products. You don’t always need the best of the best and the top of the line but having gear that works for YOU and YOUR needs is the way to go.

4.     Plan Your Eating

Avoid buying expensive food by planning ahead, preparing at home and buying in bulk. Keep an arsenal of snacks and food, figure out what works best for you and make them go-to items at home.

5.     Watch Your Spending

Fancy coffee, dinner out, and other impulses are sneaky. Have personal limits and give yourself a set amount of cash to spend and then when they money is gone so are your frivolous purchases.

I realize with spending I am not perfect, just the other day I was having a tough day so I splurged on a sandwich for lunch instead of eating what I had brought to work for lunch, but it made me feel better so don’t deprive yourself, you still want to enjoy life.