Many of us fantasize of seeing new countries and learning about diverse cultures, and if you’re considering longer-term travel, you’re certainly not alone. However, we may feel that we don’t have enough money to see as much of the world as we would like.
The good news is that it is very possible to travel on a budget. In addition to discovering excellent travel offers, there are other helpful tips and methods that can help you save money along the journey – and some that will satisfy your wanderlust for free!
Here are eight methods to travel on a shoestring budget.
How do you Travel the World on a Shoestring?
1. Work abroad
If you want to get on the road as soon as possible and don’t have a large savings account, there are numerous ways to earn money abroad. This means you can travel to another nation and earn money while there, which you can use to pay for your accommodations and activities.
One of the finest methods to earn money overseas is to teach English, which requires only a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification. There is a huge demand for TEFL teachers globally, and some employers will even pay for your flight overseas. If you have a degree, you can charge more and seek for more desirable positions.
Online TEFL tuition is very popular these days, which means you can teach English and make money from anywhere, as long as you have a reliable Wi-Fi connection. You can accomplish this through websites such as italki, VIPKid, and Cambly.
If you don’t want to teach English to pay your travels, there are numerous different jobs you can perform while traveling, depending on your situation. The idea is to consider what qualifications and experience you have and how to apply them.
For example, if you have a diving qualification, you could become a diving teacher, or if you are knowledgeable about history and comfortable speaking in public, you may work as a tour guide.
While working abroad does not normally pay much, it does allow you to travel while living in a new nation. Furthermore, it’s an excellent way to meet new people and extend your horizons.
2. Stay in hostels
When it comes to accommodation, one way to keep costs to a minimum is by staying in hostels.
While hostels are still largely associated with younger travellers, they’re actually very diverse, and many hostels around the world attract older guests. Just be sure to read the reviews to make sure you don’t end up at a party hostel if that’s not the scene you’re looking for!
The standard of hostels has rocketed over the years, and many offer comfortable private rooms, free WiFi, and a decent breakfast for a very reasonable price. However, if you’re really looking to cut costs, you might want to think about staying in dorms. These can save you serious money in the long run and help you preserve your budget. Just remember to bring some earplugs if you’re a light sleeper!
In cities, it isn’t usually too difficult to find quiet hostels where the guests are interested in getting a good night’s sleep. Plus, another perk of staying in hostels is that you’ll meet other like-minded travelers and might get recommendations for other ways to save money.
3. House or pet sit
If you don’t want to stay in a hostel, home-sitting is an excellent option to receive free housing. This is a fantastic option for folks who intend to stay in one spot for a specific period of time.
In addition to free lodging, many house-sitting arrangements include access to a vehicle, which can save you money on transportation costs. Furthermore, if you appreciate animals, house sitting for pet owners is a great chance to spend time with them.
You will also have access to a kitchen. Food is generally one of the most expensive aspects of any trip, so being able to prepare your own meals can be a lifesaver.
TrustedHousesitters, Home Exchange, and House Carers are among the best house-sitting websites. These websites verify and review all accounts, so you can be assured in your choice of accommodation.
4. Cook your own meals (or eat like a local)
One of the quickest ways to run out of money while travelling is eating out all the time. Aside from staying in free or cheap accommodation, cooking your own meals as much as you possibly can is probably the best way to save money while on the road.
Of course, to do this, you need access to a kitchen – another reason why staying in hostels, couchsurfing, or house sitting is such a good idea. Eating out is expensive, and in some countries, it can deplete your budget quickly.
If you don’t have access to a kitchen, you might like to consider travelling with some Tupperware and cutlery. This means that even if you can’t make cooked meals, you’ll still be able to prepare quick meals and snacks, like salads and sandwiches.
Eating like a local is another good way to save money. If you do have to eat out, make sure you avoid the overpriced tourist restaurants! Instead, you could buy food from street vendors or head to a local food market.
If you want to sit in a restaurant and enjoy a properly cooked meal, try to look for where the locals are eating. These usually serve up simple, traditional food – and the portions tend to be generous. And, if you’re traveling in Western Europe or South America, look out for the menu of the day (or menu del dia). This is a fixed-price menu that usually serves a three-course set menu for a reasonable price.
5. Use a credit card to get free flights and hotel stays
If you want to fly for free, consider signing up for a credit card that allows you to collect air miles. As long as you pay the money back on time, using a travel credit card to buy food and shop can save you money on flights.
Read Also: The Importance of Total Quality Management in Tourism
Many credit cards also offer points that may be used to book free hotel stays. If you plan to travel in the future, signing up for a card now and making sure to collect rewards will help you accumulate a lot of miles and points before you leave.
6. Get a rail pass
Depending on where you want to travel, a train pass can be a great purchase. For example, if you are traveling around Europe, the Eurail Pass can save you a significant amount of money. It’s an all-in-one train ticket that grants you access to most European trains and allows you to travel anywhere at any time, with no reservations required.
If you’re traveling in Japan, the Japan Rail Pass can help you save money. It applies to all national trains in Japan, including the Shinkansen bullet trains and the Narita Express trains.
7. Use city tourism cards
If you’re visiting a city and want to see all of the major attractions, it’s nearly always worth buying a city tourism card. These often include free or highly discounted access to all of the major attractions, as well as free public transportation.
For example, the Paris Pass provides admission to over 90 attractions, ranging from an Eiffel Tower tour to a river ride along the Seine. The Los Angeles Pass lets you visit as many attractions as you want, from Warner Bros. Studios to the Hollywood Sign. Meanwhile, the Rome Pass offers significant savings at key attractions.
8. Take advantage of free tours
Finally, there are numerous methods to explore and learn about a new nation, city, or culture without spending money.
Simply walking around a city, people-watching, and taking in the local mood is an excellent way to discover a new place. If you enjoy being with other people, you can get the best of both worlds by taking a free walking tour.
Free walking tours are quite popular around the world, and they can be found in almost every major city. These are excellent methods to acquire your bearings in a new location, as well as to meet other travelers and explore less-touristic places. Please remember to tip at the conclusion!
How to Backpack Around the World?
The “art” of backpacking may be overly sensationalized, but it could also be more than simply exaggeration. When you first start backpacking, you are horrible at it. You’re probably taking way too much or too little. Maybe you hiked a trail that was beyond your capabilities, but as you do it more, you become more comfortable and develop your own unique style.
Packing a backpack may be a true art form. Mastering the skill of packing your backpack efficiently is essential for a successful backpacking trip. These principles can also be employed while preparing your daypack for longer journeys. Here’s a thorough guide that will help you pack like a pro:
Choosing the right backpack is the foundation of effective packing. Aside from choosing one that is both comfortable and fitting, you must also select the appropriate size. Quick overnight journeys may require only 35-50 liters of room, whereas week-long trips may demand up to 85 liters. This depends depend on the equipment you have and what you need to bring. Some tents and sleeping bags compress down smaller than others, and some journeys necessitate specific pieces of equipment that may not be part of your standard pack.
Making a backpacking gear checklist:
Before you start packing your bag, always create a detailed checklist of all the gear you want to take. Dividing your checklist into categories such as shelter, clothing, cooking gear, food, and miscellaneous items helps you to notice if something is missing. This will also show you if you are overlapping on certain pieces of gear. While we would all love to have backups of everything “just in case” this can add unnecessary bulk and weight to your backpack.
Prioritize Items that you may need on the hike in:
Identify the essentials that you’ll need easy access to during your hike, such as water, snacks, rain gear, gps, etc. Reserve external pockets, toplids or other specific compartments for these items to ensure quick retrieval without unpacking your entire backpack. I always prefer to do this at home instead of at the trailhead.
Distribute weight evenly to stabilize the pack while you are hiking. Place heavier items closer to your back and toward the middle of the backpack to minimize strain on your shoulders and hips. This cannot be overstated as it can be the difference between having a comfortable hike in and having to re-adjust your pack every 200 steps. Utilize compression straps to secure the load and prevent shifting. Having plenty of compression options is one of my biggest deal breakers when selecting a backpack.
Utilize stuff sacks, dry bags and compression sacks:
Stuff sacks are super valuable for organizing clothing and gear, maximizing space, and keeping items dry. They provide organization and protection to your gear. Compression sacks are great for making gear pieces more space-efficient in your pack. Most tents and sleeping bags come with stuff sacks but a lot of the time those items can be made into a smaller package and that’s where compression sacks are useful. When adventuring in wetter climates or on the water, dry bags provide a waterproof compartment to place electronics, clothing and sleeping bags.
Master the Art of Backpack Packing
Continuously assess your packing methods and gear selection to uncover opportunities for improvement. I usually bring a variety of small stuff, such as lightweight string lights, alternative water, or new apparel. Reflect on each journey to decide what went well and what may be improved for future travels. Adjust and improve your packing plan accordingly.
Mastering the art of packing your backpack efficiently requires practice and experimenting. The ideal setup is undoubtedly a pipe dream to some extent, but by using these suggestions and strategies, you may expedite your packing process, improve your backpacking or hiking experience, and start on unforgettable backpacking experiences with confidence. So, pack smartly, light, and enjoy the process.
Finally
Discovering new nations and cultures is one of life’s most fascinating adventures, and there’s never been a better moment to start making your travel dreams come true.
As this article demonstrates, you do not need to be wealthy or have large savings to explore the world. With a little forethought, an open mind, and a can-do attitude, we can all experience the beauty of traveling to different nations for extended periods of time.
