As someone who loves to travel a lot, especially as a means of clearing my head, learning new cultures, and visiting scenic locations, I know firsthand how refreshing it feels to step away from daily stress and immerse yourself in new experiences. For me, this is all thanks to something I learnt a couple of years ago—a guilt-free travel budget.

Whether it’s the calming waves of Tarkwa Bay, the breathtaking hills of Obudu, or the vibrant city lights of Dubai, there’s something deeply fulfilling about exploring beyond familiar surroundings. Travel isn’t just a luxury—it’s a form of self-care, a reminder that there’s more to life than deadlines and daily struggles.

However, traveling as a Nigerian is not always easy. The rising cost of living, unpredictable exchange rates, and endless financial responsibilities can make planning a trip, particularly one that doesn’t strain your bank account, seem like an unattainable dream. How do you justify spending on a vacation when bills are piling up, your family depends on you, and the economy seems determined to test how tough you are?

So, you push the thought aside, convincing yourself that travel is for another time, a later version of you who will somehow have more money, fewer responsibilities, and an economy that makes sense.

But what if I told you that you don’t have to wait? What if you could travel without guilt, explore new places without feeling financially irresponsible, and create unforgettable memories without sacrificing your financial stability? The secret? A Freedom Fund.

A freedom fund is money you save just for you. Think of it as an expansion of your savings strategy—a dedicated travel budget in this case. It’s how you say “yes” to adventure without saying “no” to your financial obligations. And the best part? It doesn’t require you to be rich, just strategic. 

Why Nigerians Feel Guilty About Traveling

For many Nigerians, traveling—especially for leisure—feels like an indulgence, something you should only consider when you’ve “made it.” There’s a deeply ingrained mindset that every spare naira should be going towards something more serious: rent, school fees, family obligations, investments, or just surviving another month.

This guilt is worsened by the current economic reality. With inflation eating away at salaries and the cost of everything rising, even something as simple as a weekend getaway can feel like an unnecessary expense. There’s always that lingering thought: “Should I really be spending money on travel when I could be using it for something else?”

The truth is travel is also an investment in yourself. New experiences open your mind, give you a fresh perspective, and sometimes even create opportunities that lead to financial growth. The key is not to travel recklessly but intentionally—which is where budgeting and smart financial planning come in. Here’s how to go about it.

1. Define Your Travel Priorities

Before you start saving, decide where you want to go and how much you’ll need. Do you want to explore a hidden gem within Nigeria like Idanre Hills or take your first international trip to Zanzibar or the Cape Coast Castle in Ghana? Research the cost of flights, accommodation, food, and activities. 

Having a specific goal makes saving easier because you know exactly what you’re working towards.

2. Create a Dedicated Travel Account

One of the biggest mistakes people make is mixing travel money with their regular savings. Instead, open a separate account specifically for your Freedom Fund. This way, you won’t be tempted to dip into it for unrelated expenses.

3. Invest and Grow Your Travel Fund

Instead of just saving, try to invest your travel fund. Investing your travel fund helps protect it from inflation, makes it grow faster, and gives you more travel options without straining your pocket. 

With platforms like Bravewood that offer safe, high-return investment options with daily compounding and interest rates of up to 21% per annum—you can build long-term wealth all the while enjoying guilt-free travel.

4. Automate Your Savings

The easiest way to grow your guilt-free travel budget is to automate it. Set up a standing order that moves a portion of your income into your travel fund every month. Even if it’s ₦5,000 or ₦10,000. 

This feature is pretty easy to set up on your Bravewood account. Pair it with daily compounding and your money adds up over time.

5. Look for Travel Deals and Travel Smart

You don’t have to spend a fortune to have amazing travel experiences. Look for flight deals, consider traveling during off-peak seasons, and explore budget-friendly destinations. 

Sometimes, staying in a cozy Airbnb instead of a fancy hotel or using local transport instead of private rentals can save you a lot of money.

6. Monetize Your Travel

While this bit is not for everyone, if you’re someone who loves traveling, why not make money from it? 

Start by creating a travel blog or a vlog, offer travel planning services, or even create content around your trips. This way, travel becomes an asset, not just an expense.

Final Thoughts

The truth is, life is unpredictable. If you keep waiting for the “perfect time” to travel, you might never go anywhere. Responsibilities will always be there, bills won’t disappear, and the economy may not magically improve overnight. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t live, explore, and create memories.

The key to this is planning and smart financial choices.

So, start today. Choose a destination, set your budget, save consistently, and invest smartly. Because at the end of the day, money will come and go, but experiences last forever.

Bravewood provides Nigerian professionals with low-risk, high-return investment products, licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria.