A young woman dedicated herself to working multiple jobs to fund her global travels. Research conducted by travel insurance provider Staysure revealed that families have had to reduce their vacation budgets by an average of £941, with the current cost of a holiday exceeding £2,800. Consequently, 44% of people are now more inclined to choose staycations over trips abroad.
Despite the rising costs, the desire to travel remains strong. Holiday bookings in the UK have increased by approximately 10% this year, as reported by the Advantage Travel Partnership, even though overall growth has remained stagnant.
One individual determined to explore the world despite financial challenges is Lauren Wright, a 20-year-old from Essex. She began working at the age of 15 specifically to finance her travel aspirations.
Lauren shared, “I am fortunate to have supportive parents who made saving easier for me. With minimal expenses, I could save every penny I earned for my journey. Setting a goal of around £14,000 based on advice from friends, I always aimed to have enough money for any activity during my travels. I have a natural inclination to save rather than spend since I started working at 15.”
Combining savings from her teenage years with earnings from various jobs over six months, Lauren meticulously planned her finances. Juggling roles such as lifeguard, duty manager, team leader, receptionist, and recreational assistant, she worked tirelessly, sometimes up to 60-hour weeks and back-to-back shifts throughout the day.
Achieving her travel savings goal required sacrifices. Lauren cut down on luxuries like dining out, takeaway coffees, and unnecessary shopping to bolster her savings.
For aspiring travelers, Lauren recommends researching others’ journeys on social media platforms like TikTok. She emphasized the importance of setting a budget based on the cost of living in different countries. In budget-friendly destinations, she aimed for around £30 daily, covering accommodation, food, activities, and essential expenses. In pricier countries, her budget increased to about £60 daily, including higher accommodation costs, leading her to cook meals in hostels instead of dining out.
Thanks to her disciplined approach, Lauren has explored numerous countries worldwide, including Dubai, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Europe. Despite facing challenges like a breakup during her travels, she embraced solo adventures that enriched her experiences and expanded her horizons. Lauren looks forward to further exploring the world as she continues her journey of self-discovery and cultural immersion.