Whenever I travel, one thing that always helps me stay on budget (and avoid those post-trip financial regrets) is keeping a spending journal. I know, it sounds old school, but trust me—it’s a game-changer! If you’re someone who wants to make the most of your trip without stressing about money, this might be exactly what you need.
Let me break down why I use one and how you can start using it too.
What’s a Spending Journal, Anyway?
A spending journal is super simple—it’s just a place where I jot down everything I spend while I’m traveling. Whether I’m grabbing coffee, buying metro tickets, or splurging on a nice dinner, I track it all. You can keep it in a small notebook, or if you’re more into tech, use a budgeting app or even a spreadsheet.
The idea is to stay on top of your spending in real time, so you know exactly where your money is going each day.
Why I Can’t Travel Without a Spending Journal
- I Know Exactly Where My Money Goes
When I’m traveling, it’s so easy to lose track of all the small expenses. I mean, grabbing a snack here, paying for a taxi there—it all adds up! By writing down every little expense, I can see the bigger picture. It helps me avoid surprises when I check my bank account at the end of the trip.
- It Keeps Me On Budget
I always set a budget before a trip. But staying on budget? That’s the hard part. My spending journal acts like a reality check. It keeps me accountable and helps me make better choices. If I know I’ve already spent a bit more than I planned, I can adjust and save somewhere else—maybe skip the fancy dinner and go for street food instead.
- It Gives Me Peace of Mind
There’s nothing worse than stressing about money when you’re supposed to be enjoying your trip. Keeping a journal gives me peace of mind because I’m in control of my spending. No more guessing, no more worrying. I know exactly where I stand financially at all times.
- I Can Adjust on the Go
One of my favorite things about tracking my spending is that I can make adjustments as I go. Say I realize I spent a bit too much one day—no problem! I’ll just be a little more mindful the next day. Maybe pack a picnic lunch or skip that extra round of drinks. The key is flexibility.
How You Can Start Your Own Spending Journal
- Pick Your Format
First things first, decide how you want to track your spending. Do you want to use a small notebook you can carry around, or are you more of a phone person? I personally love using a simple notes app, but there are tons of budget-tracking apps out there too. Whatever works for you!
- Track Every Single Expense
I mean everything—even the tiny stuff! Whether it’s a $2 coffee or a big-ticket activity, it all goes in the journal. It may seem tedious, but trust me, those little expenses add up fast, and this way you won’t get caught off guard.
- Organize Your Spending
I like to break my spending down into categories—things like food, transportation, activities, and shopping. It helps me see where I’m overspending (spoiler: it’s almost always food for me!) and where I can cut back if needed.
- Review at the End of Each Day
I take a few minutes at the end of each day to look at what I spent and how it compares to my daily budget. This gives me a clear picture of whether I’m on track or need to slow down a bit.
A Day in My Spending Journal
Here’s a real example from one of my travel days to give you an idea:
Date: October 14, 2024
• Breakfast (Café): $10
• Metro Ticket (Daily Pass): $8
• Lunch (Street Food): $12
• Museum Entrance: $15
• Dinner (Restaurant): $25
• Total for the day: $70
If my daily budget is $80, I’m under budget, which means I might have a little extra to splurge on something fun the next day—like that souvenir I’ve been eyeing!
Why It’s Worth It
Traveling is all about having new experiences and making memories, but keeping a spending journal lets me do that without blowing my budget. It takes just a few minutes a day, and it gives me so much peace of mind. I never have to guess if I can afford something, and I’m always in control of my finances.
So, next time you’re planning a trip, give it a try. You might be surprised at how much it helps!
Happy travels—and happy budgeting! 😊
