Traveling, even backpacking, can be expensive, which means we have to be mindful of our budget. If we want to visit the amazing places we’ve always dreamed of and spend a decent amount of time there, we need to save money. We need to create a travel budget and stick to it, or else we’ll have to fly home early. Let’s be more strategic about planning our next backpacking adventure.
If you want to know how to travel the world without spending a lot of money, keep reading! These tips will help you make the most out of every adventure:
● Create a travel budget
Paying for airfare, accommodation and transportation with your credit card points is a fantastic way to travel cheaply – if you have the points, that is. Credit card companies offer rewards points or miles every time you use them, so you could earn a free trip just by paying your bills, doing your shopping and using your credit card wherever you spend money.
● Travel with Friends
What could be more fun than sharing your travel adventures with your best friends? Your group chats are already full of talk of different ways to travel, so why not turn it into a reality? For any vacation this is one of the best ways to save money, because you can split all the costs. Groceries, accommodation, activities, car rentals; all of it gets so much cheaper the more people you have. Grab your friends and get planning!
● Be Flexible
You can save a lot of money on your flight by being flexible with your schedule. Take a less-than-ideal flight in the middle of the night or one that has more layovers, and you will see the price drop. Or, look at a multi-stop open-dated ticket to cover the countries you want to visit. You can get these for up to a year, and the prices are great.
● Look Into Programs to Volunteer Abroad
Volunteering is great for the community, planet and your soul. Find a volunteering opportunity abroad to take your good deeds on a mission. With so many programs and causes, you’re sure to find something that fits you. Not to mention, this is a unique way to travel that’s also great for budget travelers. Usually, you have to pay to join the program, but that covers costs like accommodation, meals and plenty of other things.
● Get a Part Time Job
If you’re not into budget travel and would rather live a luxurious lifestyle like they do in the movies, don’t worry! You can still enjoy your trip by getting a part-time job. This way, you can fill the gaps in your finances without sacrificing comfort or activities that you really want to do. If you’re on a visa that allows you to work and you’re okay with staying in one place for a while, talk to a local temping agency about finding a short-term role. You’ll make some money and add some great experience to your resume!
● Budget Travel Destinations
You don’t have to write off a country as “not worth visiting” just because it’s budget-friendly! Many cheaper countries can be great places to get off the beaten path and save some money. Countries like Colombia, Bosnia, Portugal, Sri Lanka, and many others are safe, unique, and affordable places to travel, even if you’re going solo. In general, food, transportation, and accommodation are cheap in these countries, so you can save your money and spend it on pricier destinations later.
● Go for an All-Inclusive Package
You don’t have to be old to go on an all-inclusive holiday. Travel packages can save your money no matter your age. Opting for lesser-known locations during the off season is usually the best way to save. But, even if you go with a more expensive option, meals, accommodation, transportation, and activities are often discounted or included with these packages.
● Intern Abroad and Gain Experience
If you’re not the type of person who can take a lengthy break from work and studying to travel, interning abroad is a great alternative. Programs can set you up with the perfect placement in whatever country you want for whatever duration works for you. Interning can even be a cheap way to travel abroad in countries that aren’t exactly budget travel destinations. Even though the program tuition and cost of living are expensive, you’re gaining priceless experience and forming international connections.
● Travel During Off-Peak Times
Although you cannot control the weather, you can avoid busy periods and crowds by visiting your chosen destination during its off-season. Not only will you save a lot of money, but you’ll have the place to yourself!
● Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing is a great way to meet locals and stay with them all over the world, especially if you are traveling on a budget. You can stay at people’s houses for free, but just make sure you stay safe by choosing people with consistently good reviews.
● Search for free things to do in your chosen destination.
One top tip for traveling on a budget is to look for free things to do where you’re going. For example, some museums might be free on certain days or there could be local events happening. And don’t forget the classic ‘free walking tour’ – it’s a great way to see the city you’re visiting.
● Get a local SIM
Data roaming or paying for WiFi while abroad can be extremely expensive. A way to save money when traveling is to get a local SIM card with data packages priced for the area. You’ll need the data to get around and stay in touch back home!
● Don’t eat out all the time.
Another suggestion to consider when traveling on a budget is to buy groceries and cook your own meals. Make sure to include local cuisine in your budget (if possible), but other than that, plan to prepare your own food. Most hostels provide kitchen facilities that are open for all guests to use. There might even be a shelf with food left behind by other backpackers!
● Try your negotiating skill
Prices are often hiked up for travelers, so use your bargaining skills to try and get a discount! You’re more likely to be successful if you’re in a group, either traveling together or friends made along the way, and all of you book the same excursion, for example.
You’re prepared to take on the world without borrowing money!
If you’ve always dreamed of traveling the world, there’s no time like the present. Just know that you need a vacation, everyone deserves to travel every now and then, no matter their budget. And, with our tips, it can be done for less money than you might think. Happy vacation!!
