Tips for Earning , Budgetting and Saving Money Before You Go
Fund Your Gap Africa Adventure
October, 2024 | Margriet Borman
To afford your trip, it’s a good idea to create a savings plan. Start by drafting a budget for your journey. If you’re curious about the cost of living in Cape Town, we’ve put together an overview and a blog to help you while budgeting.
If you have a certain number of months to save, consider setting a monthly savings goal to reach your total amount. Don’t forget to allocate extra funds for additional expenses beyond the trip’s overall cost, such as travel insurance, visa applications, vaccinations, and public transport. We recommend creating a comprehensive budget and adding an extra 15-20% for flexibility—just in case you want to extend your stay, book extra excursions, or indulge a little too much in South African cuisine!
Once you’ve outlined your savings goal, it’s a good idea to seek suitable work. You may be able to gain experience in a field that interests you. It’s always smart to ask your school for tips, as they might know of companies offering internships or temporary positions. You could also work as a homework tutor (through programs like Students Helping Students or Students On Assignment). Other well-paying side jobs to consider include administrative roles, house cleaning, customer service, or call center work. Alternatively, you could become self-employed: work as a barista, start a dog-walking service, become a gardener, or offer babysitting services.
Did you know that working as a food delivery person can also be quite lucrative? Plus, you could cancel your gym membership since biking around will keep you in shape!
Check out studentjob for more ideas and opportunities. Remember, this period of working and saving not only helps you achieve your goal but also enriches your CV and provides valuable experience for your future career.
Crowdfunding and sponsorship can be effective ways to finance your volunteering adventure. By sharing your goals and the impact of your work, you can rally support from friends, family, and your community. Platforms like GoFundMe and Kickstarter allow you to create a campaign that outlines your project, the organization you’ll be volunteering with, and how contributions will help.
When setting up a crowdfunding campaign, be transparent about your financial needs and provide updates on your progress. Visuals, such as photos or videos, can also engage potential donors and illustrate the cause you’re supporting.
Additionally, consider seeking sponsorship from local businesses or organizations. Many companies are willing to support community initiatives, especially if you can demonstrate how their sponsorship will enhance their visibility and community involvement.
In return for their support, you can offer to promote their brand on social media or during your travels.
By utilizing both crowdfunding and sponsorship, you can not only finance your volunteer trip but also build a network of supporters who believe in your mission and the positive impact you’ll create.
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Written by
Margriet Borman
Margriet is an educator with experience as a high school teacher in the Netherlands. Inspired by her own backpacking adventures during her studies, she now lives with her family in South Africa, where she enjoys helping students find their paths as volunteers and interns. With her educational background and experience living in Cape Town, she seeks to help young people have meaningful experiences abroad.