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How to Travel the World on a Shoestring Budget

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How to Travel the World on a Shoestring Budget

Traveling is often considered a costly pastime, but it really doesn’t have to be. However, if you plan effectively, stay adaptable and live frugally, exploring the world on a budget is certainly possible. So whether your budget travelling as an international student, a gap year or a long trip abroad, this guide on budget travel will help fill your wallet with the right cash in the right coins in your wallet.

Here is all the information you need to travel cheap, book flights, car rentals, accommodation and attractions for cheap, eat great and avoid spending a fortune.

1. Plan Your Trip Wisely

a) Opt for affordable destinations

Choosing the right budget-friendly destination is the first crucial step to budget travel. Naturally, some nations will be less expensive than others thanks to lower living costs. Swap those expensive destinations, the like of Switzerland, the UK or Japan, for cheaper locations like:

Southeast Asia: India, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia are cheap with places to stay for only a few dollars a night, food for less than $3 and affordable activities too.

Eastern Europe: Poland, Hungary and Bulgaria are much cheaper than we often think (when we compare with Western Europe).

South America — Bolivia, Peru and Colombia offer a great cultural inequality at low cost.

India and Nepal: You can live there on literally nothing for food, transportation and accommodation.

☝🏽NOTE: Daily costs must be researched before deciding on your destination. Tools – sites like Numbeo, help juxtapose the costs you envisage across cities.

B) Go for Off — Peak Season travelling

High tourist periods (over summer time, holidays and principal festivals) inflate the price of airfare, lodging and activities. With off-season travelling you can:

  • Save on all flights & hotels.
  • Stay away from the crowds and enjoy the attractions in peace.
  • Get a real taste of local life, rather than tourist-fed.

Each locality will have its own idea of an off-peak season but as a rule, skip June-August in Europe and the U.S. and always go with the shoulder season (April-May, September-October).

c) Smart Itinerary Planning
  • Limit to a fewer number of destinations to keep transport costs lower.
  • Plan ahead for any free attractions and budget-friendly activities.
  • Make sure you plan an efficient route, so you do not backtrack.

By planning, you maximize experiences while spending very little.

2. Booking Budget-Friendly Flights and Commuting

A. Flight Comparison Websites

Flights are usually the most costly part of traveling. Use flight comparison sites such as:

  • Google Flights (Tracks cheapest passages)
  • Skyscanner (Discovers cheap flights around the world)
  • Momondo (Exposes Hidden Deals And Budget Airlines)

Tip: Turn on Price Alerts to be notified when prices drop on flights.

B) Flexible With Dates & Destination

If you have no set dates or destination in mind, incredible cheap flights can be discovered with :

  • Skyscanner "Everywhere" search feature
  • Google flights flexible date calendar for the cheapest day

Do not choose weekends and holidays; flight prices, in fact, are often high during this time.

c) Use Budget Airlines

You can find cheaper prices offered by low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and EasyJet in Europe and AirAsia and Spirit Airlines in the US. Just be careful with all the extra fees like the baggage fees.

d) Whenever Possible, Travel Overland

Instead of flying, opt for:

  • Thailand — Buses (FlixBus in Europe, Greyhound in the U.S., or local bus in Asia)
  • Use of transportation (Eurail in Europe and Indian Railways in India).
  • Carpooling apps (like BlaBlaCar to share rides with locals).

TIP: save money on accommodation and get far covering a good distance – by taking overnight buses and trains.

3. Cheap Places to Stay

a) Stay in Hostels

Hostels are cheaper and a good way to meet travelers like you. Some offer:

  • Dormitories that are as cheap as $5 per night (in some countries).
  • Kitchen (saving money on meals).
  • Social events and free tours.

Read reviews of hostels on Hostelworld or Booking com before booking.

b) Try Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is based around the principle of locals offering free lodging to travelers. It’s a great way to:

  • Save money.
  • Experience local culture.
  • Make new friends.
c) House-Sitting or Work Exchange

You can use trusted housesit websites to stay in homes with free house-sitting in exchange for looking after people’s pets.

You can join platforms such as Workaway and WWOOF, which will allow you to work a couple of hours a day in exchange for free accommodation and food.

4. Affordable Ways to Obtain Food While Traveling

a) Eat Where the Locals Eat
  • Overcharging tourists by restaurant located near tourist spot. Instead:
  • Dine at local food markets & street stalls.
  • Dine recommended budget eateries from locals
b) Cook Your Own Meals

Many hostels and Airbnbs have kitchens as well so you can cook your own food with locally bought ingredients.

c) Allot Free Breakfasts

If you can, eat free breakfast at a lot of hostels or cheap hotels — then there you can save a few meals in one go.

5. Tips to Save Money on Sightseeing and Activities

a) Look for Free Attractions

Many destinations offer:

  • We love free museums and historical sites
  • Self-guided walking tours.
  • Trails to hike, beaches, and reserves.
B) Purchase City Passes and Discount Cards

Most city passes give entrance to many point of interest in the city with a discount rate or without entrance fee at all.

6. Bring your student or senior ID card for a discount.

Earning Money While Traveling

a) Teach English Online

Teaching English Online With VipKid, Cambly, iTalki, etc.

b) Freelance Work

Whether your expertise is writing, design, or social media, you can work online for:

  • Upwork
  • Fiverr
  • Freelancer
c) Blogs and vlogs about travel

A travel blog or travel YouTube channel can provide income through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

d) Work Khaliyan or Local Store

Free Work in Exchange for Place to Stay

7. Budget Travel Safety Tips

  • Pick up some Travel Insurance: Budget travel insurance is a must because accidents happen. Some names you can use for tourist insurance are World Nomads and SafetyWing etc.
  • Steer clear of tourist scams: Before coming to a foreign country do your research on typical scams.
  • Stay in Safe Areas: Use well-reviewed and safe neighborhoods for your accommodation.
Final Thoughts

If you think traveling the world on a small budget is too good to be true, well, let me tell you it is not. With some smart decision making, a little flexibility, and the use of budget travel hacks, any tourist can travel the world without breaking the bank.