For many individuals, traveling the world is a dream – experiencing new cultures, tasting unfamiliar food, and seeing stunning landscapes. For most of us, we feel that it is a dream we cannot afford once we start to consider the expensive airplane tickets, expensive hotels, and expensive activities. The good news is that world travel does not have to be excessively expensive. If we think ahead, stay flexible, and remain creative, it is possible to travel the world on less money without sacrificing good times. Here’s how.
1. Plan Ahead, but Leave Room for Flexibility.
If you are going to travel on a budget, you are going to need to plan ahead. Start with researching destinations where the dollar goes further. Best bets would be countries in Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa, or South America, where the experiences are just as good as the cost of the experience would lead you to believe.
However, keep in mind, it is not always wise to lock in absolutely every detail in stone. Some flexibility would also allow you to take advantage of last-minute flights, or discounts for off-peak seasons. With the aid of yours truly, sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper, you should be able to get good deals for flights, and whenever possible, take advantage of the Tuesday and Wednesday flights, or better yet, choose to fly during the shoulder seasons, which is just before and after peak seasons. Depending on the number of individuals, you may be able to save hundreds of dollars, and even more from here on.
2. Select Affordable Lodging
You don't need to find a costly hotel to have a pleasant stay. There are many economical and convenient options that will also add a sense of fun and authenticity to your trip!
Hostels: New hostels are not just for backpackers or college kids! Many modern hostels offer private rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, and social activities!
Bed & Breakfasts & Staying with Locals: Staying in a local residence, such as a Bed & Breakfast, is a great way to experience culture in a more personal way, while saving some dollars.
House-Sitting or Couchsurfing: These options offer the opportunity to stay for free in exchange for minor tasks or just in exchange for friendship!
Short-Term Rentals: Websites like Airbnb and Booking.com can often present some incredible deals for places to stay, especially when you are staying for an extended period of time.
If you are adventurous, you can consider sleeping in a tent or overnight train or bus. not only does this help you save even more, but it adds to the exciting experience of your trip too.
3. Eat Systematically Local
Restaurants quickly eat into your budget, especially as a tourist dining at tourist spots. Freely, you should eat where the locals eat. Street food is the best evidence of delicious and authentic local cuisine. Begin purchasing food at local farmer markets that offer fresh fruits, wholesome snacks, and local dishes.
If you are in a place where your housing offers access to a kitchen, buy your own healthy food to prep for meals. Buying and prepping meals is often a great way to save money in a foreign country — and this gives you a chance to prove to yourself you can cook!learn about local food. You should also carry a reusable water bottle to avoid paying for bottled water, and check if your destination has safe water fountains.
4. Utilize Budget Transportation
Keeping transportation costs low is a big part of sticking to your budget. Public transportation - buses, trains, metro - is almost always more affordable and you can experience actual life there! For short distances, walk or rent a bike. Many cities now have affordable scooter-sharing or bike-sharing. If you're traveling between countries, you can find budget airlines like Ryanair, AirAsia, or EasyJet. Just check the luggage rules - this can sometimes add up to a big fee! Also consider taking overnight buses or trains! This is a great way to save on accommodations and see more of the country!
5. Identify Free and Cheap Activities
You don't necessarily have to spend a lot of money to have fun. In fact, I'll bet a number of the best things to do are free! Walk around local parks, beaches, mountains or historical neighborhoods. Visit free museums, temples and cultural festivals. You might want to join one of the free walking tours, these are typically locals giving walking tours on the "hidden gem" tours and other history. If you have an app like Meetup or are comfortable using Facebook Events to find out about local happenings, you can find any range of things from art shows to a community event or a place to learn about local food!connect with others and have fun for little to no money.
6. Slow Down Your Travels
Instead of hopping quickly from country to country, slow down and spend more time in a location. Slower travel will reduce your transport costs and when long-term, you will find better deals on your accommodation. You will also get to know a little more about the culture, make new friends, and enjoy life with less stress.
7. Travel and Earn Money
One of the best ways to be frugal, and travel longer is to earn money while traveling. You could teach English online, freelance in writing or design, remote work, or work in hostels or on farms to cover your accommodation. Workaway, Worldpackers, or WWOOF are available online as websites connecting travelers and the opportunity to travel to a country and earn money.
8. Keep it Positive and Be Openminded
Budget travel is not about being privileged - it is about freedom and adventure and experiences that is new. Some days may be more difficult than others but every experience, even the bad days, are all able to be turned into stories. Live like a local, make friends from different cultures and remember that happiness is not about buying new lavish things but making meaningful and worth while experiences.
Conclusion
Traveling around the world on a budget does not have to mean cutting out the fun. Traveling this way just means you will experience it in a more real and satisfying way. With some creativity and planning, you’ll be exploring amazing places, meeting amazing people and creating amazing memories — all for very little, if not basically no money. The world is out there waiting for you — go see it in your own way!
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