How you can travel and do it frequently!

I often get people asking me -- 'Amanda how do you travel so much?'  or 'Amanda how do you have money to do all this traveling'.

Really -- it's simple.  Here are some tips:

--Pack Light.  Never pay extra for baggage on flights
--Fruit & Granola bars.  Never eat out when traveling; it's far too expensive and you'll want to use this money as entrance fees.  Go to the grocery store if you have to and buy a take away sandwich for approx 2 USD.
--Sleeping.  Don't leave on Friday night for a weekend get away if you can avoid it.  If you do have to leave Friday night - you're getting in really late and wasting your money on a hotel for 5-6 hours.  Sleep in the airport Friday night!  I do it all the time and have saved hundreds of dollars.  When you do sleep -- sleep in hostels!  They are easy and you can always make friends
--Use the same water bottle over and over.  Avoid buying water as it's usually expensive in tourist spots.
--Walk.  Subways in cities can cost a lot.  If you must use it -- look into buying a day pass to ensure you get the most value.
--Student ID!  Bring it - especially in Europe where you'll most likely get a discount
--Search multiple websites before buying a ticket.  Whether it's air, bus, etc.  Look for ways you can buy together to save money

As for saving up for these trips -- here is what I do:
--Shop the clearance racks and always buy food that is on sale.  I never buy clothing full priced or will hardly pay more then $10 for a sweater or shirt -- unless I really like it.  Think about buying before you do.  Remember that everything you buy something that you DONT REALLY NEED you're further from getting a trip.
--Don't eat out -- again rule of thumb is eating out is way expensive.  Even in the states - an average meal plus tip and maybe one drink is at least $25.  If you do this a couple nights a week - this is enough for your plane ticket easily!!  Pack a lunch.

So no everyone I'm not rich and don't make loads of money but I do know how to manage it because I know what I want to do with the money that I do make -- and that is TRAVEL.  If I didn't travel - then I would be rich!  -- well maybe not....