Travel isn’t just about the destination—it’s about perspective. The kind of perspective that only comes from watching the sunrise over a foreign skyline, tasting a dish you can’t quite pronounce, or getting lost in a conversation where words fail but gestures speak volumes. Travel expands our world, not just through stamps in a passport but through the stories we collect and the people we meet along the way.
Yet, for many, travel feels like a luxury reserved for the wealthy or the carefree. But here’s the truth: if you make it a priority, one great trip a year is entirely possible—even on an average salary. It just takes a little strategy, some financial discipline, and a commitment to making exploration a non-negotiable part of your life. And if a luxury trip feels out of reach annually, consider saving for a bigger adventure every other year. It all comes down to priorities—whether it’s dining out less frequently, cutting back on subscriptions, or simply planning ahead, travel is within reach if you truly want it to be.
The Numbers: What’s a Realistic Travel Budget?
(I’m presenting these figures in Canadian dollars because, well, I’m Canadian! But you can use this as a guide wherever you reside on our planet—adjusting the numbers to fit your local currency and cost of living.) The average Canadian earns around CAD 60,000 per year before taxes, leaving roughly CAD 45,000 to CAD 50,000 in take-home pay, depending on where they live. Life is expensive—rent, bills, groceries—but if you carve out a dedicated travel fund, you’ll be surprised how quickly a trip becomes financially feasible.
Here’s a breakdown of how much you’d need to save per month for an annual adventure:
- Budget trip (CAD 1,500–3,000): Save CAD 125–250 per month
- Mid-range trip (CAD 3,000–5,000): Save CAD 250–415 per month
- Luxury trip (CAD 5,000+): Save CAD 415+ per month
That’s the equivalent of cutting out a few takeout meals, opting for public transport a little more often, or swapping an impulse purchase for a dedicated travel savings account.
Where Can Your Savings Take You?
Once you decide what kind of traveler you want to be—budget-savvy, mid-range, or luxury—you can start envisioning where your savings will take you.
The Budget Explorer: CAD 1,500–3,000
A little creativity and flexibility can take you far. For CAD 1,500–3,000, you could:
- Stay Domestic: Take a cross-country train through Canada, explore Banff on a budget, or road trip through the Maritimes.
- Go Latin: Visit Mexico, Cuba, or Costa Rica, where affordable accommodations and street food make travel easier on the wallet.
- Embrace Off-Season Travel: Score a flight deal to Portugal in the fall, or visit Thailand in the rainy season when everything is cheaper but still beautiful.
The Mid-Range Voyager: CAD 3,000–5,000
With this budget, you can get a little more adventurous:
- Europe on a Budget: Visit Spain, Greece, or Croatia during shoulder season.
- Southeast Asia in Comfort: Enjoy Bali, Vietnam, or Malaysia with a mix of budget and boutique stays.
- Caribbean Getaway: Think Jamaica or the Dominican Republic, but with a mix of local stays and splurges on unique experiences.
The Luxe Adventurer: CAD 5,000+
With a larger budget, your options are almost endless:
- Japan: Indulge in sushi, stay in a ryokan, and soak in an onsen.
- Safari in Africa: A bucket-list trip with lodges, guided tours, and breathtaking landscapes.
- European Summer: Live your Under the Tuscan Sun dreams in Italy or island-hop in Greece.
Making Travel a Priority
It’s not just about the money—it’s about mindset. If you see travel as a necessity rather than an indulgence, you’ll find ways to make it work. Some practical ways to do this:
- Automate Your Savings: Set up a dedicated travel fund and have money transferred automatically each month.
- Leverage Points and Miles: Use travel credit cards strategically to earn free flights and hotel stays.
- Be Flexible with Dates: The biggest travel expense is often flights—being open to different dates can save you hundreds.
- Travel Like a Local: Skip overpriced tourist traps and find the experiences that are authentic and affordable.
More Than a Trip, a Transformation
Travel is about more than just getting away—it’s about growth. It’s about stepping outside of what’s familiar, experiencing cultures beyond your own, and gaining a broader understanding of the world. It doesn’t require a trust fund or an unlimited budget, just a commitment to making it happen.
So, where will your savings take you this year?
Every journey leaves a mark, and small choices can make a big difference. Choosing eco-friendly stays, supporting local communities, and being mindful of plastic use help preserve the beauty of the places we visit. Respecting wildlife, conserving resources, and traveling sustainably ensure future generations can experience the same wonders. By treading lightly and embracing responsible travel, we create meaningful connections and lasting memories. Here’s to adventures that inspire and footprints that honour our planet.
Safe and mindful travels!