$125 won’t get you to the other side of the world, but here are 10 ways you can use this relatively small amount of money to further your travel adventures.
1. Apply for TSA Global Entry with PreCheck
Ever wish you could breeze through customs and security without waiting in a long line? With TSA Global Entry, you can enter the US at most airports by simply checking in at a special kiosk – no lengthy processing, no paperwork. Moreover, it includes TSA PreCheck, which significantly speeds up security screening. After paying a non-refundable $100 fee, you’ll need to schedule an interview, but after that, it’s smooth sailing whenever you travel.
2. Find an Ultralow Round-Trip Flight
No one enjoys overpaying for air travel; that’s where platforms like JustFly, Skyscanner, CheapOAir, Scott’s Cheap Flights, and Kiwi come into play. Although you may not have as many options as standard booking sites and might need to settle for a budget airline, your savings can be substantial—particularly if you’re ready for a spontaneous getaway.
3. Take a Tour of Your Local Area
As travelers, we’re always eager to expand our horizons by exploring new and exciting places. However, unless you’ve ever played tourist in your own hometown, you might be missing something worthwhile. Do you know how your streets got their names or the history behind your town? Schedule a tour with a knowledgeable guide to uncover what you might not know.
4. Upgrade Your Luggage
Are you still dragging your belongings through the airport with a duffel bag or a suitcase that lacks wheels? It might be time for an upgrade. With $125, you can provide yourself and your family with convenient options for your next travels, such as a set of AmazonBasics Hard Shell Spinner Luggage. This set includes three bags of varying sizes, each equipped with four wheels that roll in any direction, making your travel experience much easier.
5. Buy a Tent and Go Camping
Camping offers one of the most accessible forms of adventure travel. Nevertheless, a tent is essential to protect you and your belongings from the elements. Although tent capacities can be deceiving, a classic option is the Coleman Sundome Tent from Amazon, designed for 4 or 6 people. This will still leave you enough budget for a sleeping bag, a lantern, or campsite fees at a nearby state park.
6. Carry Your Library with You
Take your entire collection of books wherever you go with a quality e-reader that offers exceptional battery life and readability in sunlight. The new Amazon Kindle with a front light is priced at $109 currently, and the Kindle Paperwhite often goes on sale. If audiobooks are more your style, you can secure a full year of Audible membership, plus 12 audiobooks, for under $125.
7. Take a Language Course
Enhance your appreciation for another culture—and your own—by learning a new language. A 12-month subscription to Rosetta Stone’s language learning software is currently on sale for under $100. Alternatively, consider taking online classes from live instructors via TakeLessons. Sessions are convenient, affordable, and taught by experienced instructors. This way, you’ll be ready to converse with locals during your travels in no time.
8. Enjoy a Fancy $125 Meal
For many, luxurious dinners are saved for special occasions. However, it might be time for a memorable dinner ‘just because.’ With $125, you can savor cuisine from a foreign country or indulge in a gourmet meal crafted by a local chef garnering rave reviews. Explore the culinary scene and try something new!
9. Collect Your Digital Memories in Photo Books
It’s often said that the photos app is where memories go to fade. With thousands of photos stored in our devices, locating one or reliving a trip can feel overwhelming. Instead, create high-quality photo books to showcase your travel snapshots. Companies like Shutterfly provide template options and allow you to design a custom photo book, ensuring that you will have keepsakes to cherish.
