"For an article on adventure travel, I’m looking for tips from finance experts, outdoor guides, or seasoned travelers: What are the smartest ways to finance a big outdoor trip without ending up in debt?"
Here is what 6 thought leaders had to say.
Save First, Travel Later
My rule is simple: pay for the trip with savings, not debt. Borrow or rent gear if needed, but do not borrow money. Set up an automatic transfer into a trip fund in a savings account every week. Use credit card rewards only if you pay the card in full each month. Book flights and hotels you can change or cancel, and use the 24-hour rule for flights. Travel in the shoulder season when prices are lower. Rent, borrow, or buy used gear. Plan for all the small costs early, like permits, park fees, rides, tips, and emergency rescue. Get travel insurance for medical care and rescue that matches your activities. Skip buy now, pay later, and do not carry a card balance.
Alex Veka, Founder, Vibe Adventures
Debt-Free Adventure Plan
I’ve always believed that a great adventure should leave you with memories, not credit card debt. When I plan a big outdoor trip, I start by creating a “trip fund” months in advance—almost like a little ritual. Every week, I move a set amount into a separate savings account. Watching that balance grow feels like watching a campfire slowly build up its glow—it makes the anticipation part of the adventure.
I also keep my trips realistic. I’d rather sleep under the stars with a simple meal and a good bottle of local wine than blow my budget on luxury lodges. One thing I learned the hard way: avoid last-minute bookings. They tend to be the most expensive and can tempt you into swiping your card recklessly.
A well-financed trip feels lighter—you’re not thinking about interest payments when you’re standing on top of a mountain. That, to me, is freedom.
Robert Kurz, Founder, Adverta Treuhand AG
Working Holiday Visas Fund Decade of Gap Years
I have done back-to-back gap years for a decade (since 2015 and counting) and I personally take gap years in countries where my nationality allows me to work on a working holiday visa for example. This way, I can enjoy my trip overseas and get short-term or temporary jobs to support my travels. In the instance I want to travel to a place where I cannot possibly work due to absence of appropriate visas, I would prioritise my travel saving fund for about 6 months before I leave, and cut down on unnecessary expenses such as eating out when I can eat for a fraction of the cost at home, find free events rather than expensive paid ones and maximise my time outdoors in nature instead of going to cafes, theatres, restaurants and more that cost money to enjoy. If you stay consistent, every little bit helps. Plus, if legal in your country, you could offset some of your home rental costs by subletting your room or property so you're not completely out of pocket.
Michelle O'Donnell, Travel writer, BritAdventures.com
Budget Every Detail Before Adventure Begins
When I plan a big outdoor trip, I start with the numbers before I start dreaming about trails. Flights, equipment, meals, and even the little things like park entry fees, so I make sure to budget for everything. In order to have the money available when I need it, I then automatically transfer savings into a different account every month.
I try not to use credit to pay for vacations because I don't want to return home burdened by debt. I will postpone the trip a little if I can't pay for it in full in advance. Coming back from an adventure knowing that I won't be paying for it for the next six months is a lot better, even though it's difficult to do.
The objective is straightforward: have fun on the trip without making it a financial burden.
Eugene Musienko, CEO, Merehead
Trip Jar Method: Pay First, Worry Less Later
Planning a big outdoor trip is a lot like making a big investment. It's half the fun and half the work. I always start by making a "trip jar," both in real life and online. It's nice to throw spare change into a jar and watch your savings account grow in the background. I try to plan ahead so that I can save in small, easy-to-manage amounts. For example, skipping one takeaway meal a week can pay for a night at a campsite.
I also like to pay for as much as I can before I leave. I get my flights, park permits, and even gear rentals out of the way early so I don't have to swipe my card in the middle of the trip and worry about the bill later. And to be honest, I set aside a little "oops" money because trips never go exactly as planned. When you don't have to worry about overdrafts, that unexpected stop at a diner or an extra day by the lake is always worth it.
Tim Nolan, Co-founder, Quoteplicity
Cut Small Expenses Now for Debt-Free Adventures
When I plan a big outdoor trip, I treat it like any other important goal — I start early and make it a line item in my monthly budget. I'd rather cut back on takeout or streaming subscriptions than come home from a trip with a credit card bill hanging over my head. I also set up a separate savings account just for travel. Watching that balance grow over time adds a bit of excitement — it feels like I'm already halfway to the trailhead.
I've learned that the smartest trips are the ones you can actually enjoy without worrying about money the whole time. If I can't pay for it up front, I wait. The view at the top of a mountain feels a lot better when you know you're not going to be paying interest on it later.
Rick Elmore, CEO, Simply Noted
