Exploring The Globe: 418'S Guide To World Travel

How to Travel the World on a Budget

Introduction

It is a common misconception that travelling the world is an expensive affair. However, with some careful planning and smart decision-making, it is entirely possible to explore the globe on a shoestring budget. This article will offer tips and tricks on how to make your travel dreams a reality, without breaking the bank. From choosing the right destination to making the most of free activities, we will cover everything you need to know about travelling the world on a budget. So, get ready to pack your bags and embark on the adventure of a lifetime!

Pick the Right Destination

The first step to travelling the world on a budget is to choose your destination wisely. Opt for countries with a lower cost of living, where your money will stretch further. Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe are known for offering budget-friendly options. Research the average costs of transport, accommodation, food, and activities in your desired locations to create a realistic budget. Additionally, consider travelling during the off-season to take advantage of lower prices.

Plan Your Transport Wisely

Transportation can be one of the biggest expenses when travelling. To save money, consider taking buses or trains instead of flying. If you must fly, use incognito mode or a VPN to find the cheapest flight deals, and avoid travelling on weekends, as prices tend to be higher. For longer journeys, consider travelling overnight to save on accommodation costs. Carpooling services, such as Bla Bla Car, can also help reduce transport expenses.

Accommodation Options

Accommodation can make or break your budget. Opt for hostels with shared dorms, or try Couchsurfing to find free accommodation with locals. If you prefer more privacy, look for apartments on Airbnb, especially new listings that offer introductory discounts. Alternatively, consider volunteering or house-sitting in exchange for free accommodation.

Food for Thought

Dining out at restaurants for every meal can quickly deplete your budget. Instead, cook your own meals whenever possible, especially in expensive destinations. Shop at local supermarkets or street food stalls, and take advantage of free breakfasts offered by some hostels. If you do eat out, opt for lunch specials or street food, which are usually more affordable.

Free Activities and Discounts

There are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy while travelling. Take advantage of free walking tours, self-guided excursions, and local events. Many museums offer free entry on certain days, so be sure to check their websites. Student and youth discounts are also widely available for attractions, transportation, and meals, so don't forget to bring your student ID!

Work and Earn While You Travel

If you're looking to extend your travels, consider working while on the move. Teaching English, bartending, or working in hostels are popular options. You can also pick up odd jobs through websites like Craigslist or TaskRabbit. Additionally, look into working holiday visas, which allow you to work and travel in specific countries for an extended period.

Final Thoughts

Travelling the world on a budget is entirely achievable if you plan carefully and make smart choices. Remember to be flexible, embrace local culture, and keep an eye out for deals. With a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you'll be well on your way to exploring the world without breaking the bank! Happy travels!

How to find cheap flights

Finding cheap flights can be tricky, but with a few tips and tricks, you can save a lot of money on your airfare. Here are some strategies to help you find the best deals:

• Be flexible with your dates and destinations: The more flexible you are, the better the deals you can find. Consider travelling during off-peak seasons, such as January for domestic flights, and avoid booking during busy holidays or in July and August. If you can be flexible with your destination, you can use tools like Google Flights' "Explore" function to find the cheapest places to fly to from your origin.
• Compare prices using search engines and aggregators: Use websites like KAYAK, Skyscanner, and Google Flights to search for flights across hundreds of different sites and airlines. These platforms also allow you to set up price alerts, so you can be notified when prices drop for your desired route.
• Book in advance or last minute: While last-minute deals can be found, booking in advance often yields cheaper prices. For domestic flights, booking up to one week before departure can result in lower prices, while for international flights, you may find deals up to one week prior to departure.
• Use credit card deals and rewards: Consider signing up for credit cards that offer lucrative deals and rewards programmes. For example, some cards offer bonus points or miles when you spend a certain amount within a specific time frame. You can then use these points to book flights or for other travel perks.
• Look for hidden city ticketing: Sometimes, it can be cheaper to book a flight with a layover and then simply not take the second leg of the journey. For example, if you're flying from City A to City C with a layover in City B, you may find it cheaper to book a flight from City A to City B and then purchase a separate ticket from City B to City C. This is called "hidden city ticketing" and can save you money, but be aware that airlines may not allow this practice.
• Break your trip into multiple legs: Instead of booking a direct flight to your destination, consider breaking your trip into two or more legs. For example, if you're flying from a smaller city to a major hub, you may find cheaper prices by booking a budget flight to a larger airport and then purchasing a separate long-haul flight from there. Just be sure to leave enough time between flights in case of delays.
• Mix and match airlines: When booking a round trip, you don't need to fly with the same airline for both legs of your journey. Search for the cheapest options for each leg separately, as this can often result in a lower overall price.
• Use a combination of online tools and human assistance: While online search engines and aggregators are great tools, don't be afraid to call the airline directly. Sometimes, speaking to a customer service representative can help you find deals or negotiate a better price that may not be available online.

By following these tips and keeping an eye out for deals, you'll be well on your way to finding cheap flights and planning your dream trip without breaking the bank. Happy travelling!

How to save money on accommodation

Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses when travelling. Here are some ways to cut down on accommodation costs.

Book directly with the hostel

If you're staying in a hostel, book directly through the hostel itself, rather than through a third party. By doing this, you save the fee of 15-25% and the hostel saves too. It's a win-win situation. You will also often find better cancellation policies and customer service when going directly through the company.

Stay in a dorm

If you're travelling solo, a bed in a hostel dorm will nearly always work out cheaper than a private single room. The bigger the dorm, the cheaper the bed – a bed in a 16-bed dorm will normally be cheaper than a bed in a 4-bed dorm.

Travel with a partner or in a small group

If you're travelling with a partner or in a small group, you can save money by sharing a private double, single or triple room. In some places, it's possible to get a spacious double room with an en-suite bathroom and free WiFi for just $5 per night, or $2.50 per person if split between two people.

Travel slower and rent for longer

By staying longer in one destination, you can get access to the long-term accommodation market, which includes properties like apartments, flats, and entire homes. There are serious savings to be made if you can pay a bit more money upfront, like a month’s rent, and especially if you can share the rented space with several other people.

Book in advance

If you're visiting a popular destination during peak season, you could save a lot of money by booking your stay online well in advance.

Shop around

Never settle for the first accommodation you visit. Shop around to make sure you’re getting the best accommodation for your budget.

Stay with locals for free

Consider using hospitality exchange networks where you can stay in someone’s home for free. Couchsurfing is the most popular hospitality exchange community. Bewelcome is a non-profit hospitality exchange community that is run by volunteers.

Take overnight transport

If you’re trying to get from point A to B, why not look at the option of overnight trains or buses? Firstly, you’ll save money by not having to pay for a hostel. Secondly, you will save a full day instead of wasting it in a smelly, non-air-conditioned bus.

How to travel sustainably

Travelling sustainably is about being mindful of the impact your trip has on the environment, local communities and economies. It's about maximising the positives of travel while reducing the negative consequences. Here are some tips to help you travel in a more sustainable way:

Do Your Research

Before booking your trip, do your homework. Research the local culture, traditions and etiquette of your destination. Be mindful of any gestures, clothing or language that might be considered offensive.

When looking for sustainable options, be aware that 'green' certificates aren't always what they seem. There are a multitude of different labels and certifications, and while some are well-enforced, others may be a form of greenwashing.

Choose Sustainable Transport

Planes and cars tend to be the least environmentally-friendly modes of transport. Opt for trains or coaches for shorter distances, and once you're at your destination, walk, cycle or use public transport. If you do need to rent a car, choose an electric, hybrid or smaller model.

Stay Longer

Instead of taking multiple shorter trips, opt for one longer vacation. This will reduce the carbon emissions generated by flying or driving between destinations.

Choose Sustainable Accommodations

Look for eco-friendly or green-certified hotels that focus on reducing waste, water use and chemical use. Airbnb, for example, has an 'off-the-grid' filter, and other sites offer eco-ratings.

Support Local Businesses

Keep your dollars in the local economy by supporting local businesses. Stay in locally-owned guesthouses, dine in local restaurants and buy from local markets. This will help to spread the benefits of tourism to the local community.

Conserve Water and Energy

Take steps to conserve water and energy. Turn off lights and electronics when not in use, and keep air conditioning to a minimum. Take shorter showers, and hang up the 'Do Not Disturb' sign to avoid unnecessary laundering.

Avoid Single-Use Plastics

Bring your own refillable water bottle, coffee cup and food containers. Avoid disposable plastic bags, bottles, straws and other single-use plastics, which can end up in the ocean and harm marine life.

Visit Parks and Protected Areas

Many countries rely on tourism fees from national parks and protected areas to preserve their natural resources and biodiversity. Your visit will help fund conservation activities and support local communities.

Offset Your Carbon Footprint

Use an online carbon calculator to work out the carbon footprint of your trip, and then purchase offsets to balance out your emissions. This will support projects that reduce carbon and other greenhouse gases.

By adopting these practices, you can help ensure that your travels benefit local communities and the environment, creating a more positive impact on the world.

How to find the best travel insurance

When it comes to finding the best travel insurance, there are a few key factors to consider. Here are some detailed instructions to help you make an informed decision:

Understand the Importance of Travel Insurance

Firstly, it's crucial to recognize the significance of travel insurance. While it may seem like an unnecessary expense, it provides essential financial protection in case of unexpected events during your travels. This includes coverage for medical emergencies, cancelled flights, lost luggage, and other incidents that can be costly without insurance.

Know What to Look for in a Great Travel Insurance Plan

When choosing a travel insurance plan, look for one that offers high coverage limits on medical expenses. A good benchmark is $100,000 USD in coverage, but you can opt for higher amounts if needed. Additionally, ensure that your policy covers emergency evacuation and care separately from your medical coverage. This protection should cover expenses up to $300,000 USD.

Furthermore, make sure the plan includes worldwide coverage, especially for the countries you plan to visit. It should also provide coverage for sudden illnesses, injuries, lost or stolen possessions, trip cancellations due to emergencies, and political or natural disasters that may force you to return home early.

Be Aware of What's Not Covered

It's equally important to understand the exclusions of your travel insurance policy. Typically, most plans do not cover accidents during extreme adventure activities, alcohol- or drug-related incidents, careless handling of possessions, pre-existing medical conditions, or lost/stolen cash.

Research and Compare Different Insurance Companies

There are numerous travel insurance companies to choose from, and it's essential to select a reputable and reliable provider. Look for companies with high coverage limits, excellent customer service, affordable prices, and comprehensive protection.

Some recommended companies include Safety Wing, known for its convenient and affordable plans for digital nomads and long-term budget travelers; InsureMyTrip, which is a good option for travelers over 65; and Medjet, which offers additional evacuation coverage if you prefer not to be hospitalized abroad.

Purchase Travel Insurance as Early as Possible

Don't delay buying travel insurance. While you can purchase it until the day you leave, it's best to have it in place as soon as your trip is booked. This ensures that you're covered in case any unforeseen events occur before your departure.

Understand Coverage for Pandemics and COVID-19

With the recent pandemic, it's crucial to carefully read the fine print regarding coverage for pandemics and COVID-19. While most companies now offer limited coverage for these situations, the specifics can vary. Be sure you fully understand what is and isn't included in your chosen policy.

Final Thoughts

Travel insurance provides essential peace of mind and financial protection during your travels. Accidents, illnesses, theft, and travel disruptions can happen anywhere, and having a good insurance plan ensures that you're covered for these unforeseen events.

By following these guidelines and comparing different insurance providers, you can make an informed decision about which travel insurance plan is best suited to your needs and provides the coverage you require.

How to pack light

Packing light is a skill that takes practice, but it's worth the effort. Here are some tips to help you pack light for your travels:

Plan ahead

Give yourself plenty of time to pack. Last-minute packing often leads to overpacking. Make a list of what you need and stick to it. Be ruthless—only pack the essentials and avoid including "just in case" items.

Choose the right luggage

Select a bag that's small and light. A good guideline is to limit yourself to one carry-on bag. This will force you to pack light and make it easier to move around during your travels.

Pack versatile items

Select clothing that can be mixed and matched and worn in multiple ways. For example, a sarong can be used as a towel, a picnic blanket, or a skirt. Pack layers instead of bulky items, and choose lightweight, quick-drying fabrics.

Limit your clothing

You don't need as many clothes as you think! One week's worth of clothing is usually enough. You can always do laundry during your trip. Stick to a simple colour palette so you can easily mix and match outfits.

Bring multi-purpose footwear

Two pairs of shoes are usually enough. Wear your heaviest pair during travel days. Choose comfortable, broken-in shoes suitable for multiple activities, such as running shoes that can also be used for walking and hiking.

Minimise toiletries

Leave most of your toiletries at home. You can buy toiletries at your destination or use what's provided by your accommodation. If you must bring your own, opt for travel-sized containers or transfer your products into small bottles.

Use packing organisers

Maximise space and keep your things organised with packing cubes, compression bags, or zip-top bags. Rolling your clothes can also help save space.

Prepare for the unexpected

Always keep your essentials with you, such as your passport, money, eyewear, and medication. Wear or carry your bulkiest items, like a jacket or hiking boots, to save space in your luggage.

Happy travels!

Frequently asked questions