Travel Globally, Spend Smart: A Budget-Savvy Guide

How to Travel the World on a Budget

Travelling the world is a dream for many, but it often seems out of reach financially. However, with some careful planning, it is possible to explore the globe on a shoestring. Here are some tips to help you see the world for less.

Planning and Research

Before you set off, it's important to have a rough budget and stick to it. Be realistic about what you can afford and choose your destination wisely. Research the average costs of transport, accommodation, food and activities in your chosen location. Some countries, such as those in Southeast Asia or Latin America, tend to be cheaper to visit than others. It's also worth bearing in mind that travelling during school holidays will be more expensive, so try to travel during the 'shoulder season' instead.

Accommodation

Accommodation can be one of the biggest expenses when travelling, but there are ways to save money. Hostels are a budget-friendly option, especially if you are happy to share a dorm room. Websites like Airbnb and Couchsurfing can also help you find cheaper places to stay. Alternatively, you could consider house or pet sitting, or even staying in a monastery!

Transport

When it comes to transport, it usually pays to book in advance. Last-minute flights tend to be much pricier. Midweek travel is often cheaper than flying at the weekend, and travelling overnight can save on the cost of accommodation. If you're staying fairly locally, it's worth considering public transport or even walking instead of taking taxis or hiring a car.

Food

Eating out for every meal can soon add up, so try to cook for yourself where possible. Stay in accommodation with a kitchen, or if that's not an option, buy produce from local markets and make your own breakfast and snacks. Eating street food or choosing local restaurants with cheap lunch menus can also help you save money.

Saving Money

There are lots of ways to save money when travelling, from taking advantage of free walking tours and seeking out free events, to using a local SIM card to avoid data roaming charges. If you're a student, make the most of those discounts! It's also worth looking into travel credit cards, which can help you earn points and miles for free flights and accommodation.

Working Abroad

If you're planning a longer trip, you might want to consider working while you're abroad. This could be teaching English, working in a hostel or even doing some farm work. That way, you can earn money as you travel and extend your trip.

Plan ahead

Planning ahead is essential when it comes to travelling the world on a budget. Here are some detailed instructions to help you prepare:

Research your destinations thoroughly:

• Start by deciding on the regions or countries you wish to visit. Consider your interests and preferences. Are you an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking and nature, or are you more interested in cultural experiences and city life? Choose destinations that offer a variety of activities and sights that align with your interests.
• Use online resources and guidebooks to learn about the local culture, customs, and any potential language barriers you may encounter. Understanding cultural nuances will help you navigate your interactions and show respect to the locals.
• Research the

Travel off-season

Travelling to expensive destinations during the off-season is a great way to save money. During the off-season, prices for flights, accommodation and activities usually drop.

For example, in destinations like Hawaii or the Caribbean, the off-season means lower humidity and fewer storms, which is an ideal time to enjoy the beaches or go hiking. In southern Spain, off-season (meaning winter) is a perfect time to escape the cold and enjoy the winter sun on a budget.

If you're looking to travel to Europe on a budget, it's worth noting that renting a car will help you go off the beaten path and save money. If you start searching for deals and try to book in advance, you can rent a car for as little as $20-$25 per week.

If you're looking to travel to Europe on a budget, it's also worth noting that there are many cheap budget airlines that can get you from place to place, and you'll find out about these after you're in the country and seeing the sales.

Be smart about accommodation

Accommodation is often the biggest expense when travelling, but there are many ways to save money in this area. Here are some tips for finding budget-friendly places to stay when travelling the world.

Free Accommodation

• Couchsurfing: Couchsurfing is a budget-friendly way to travel, used by thousands worldwide. It involves staying with locals who are willing to host travellers in their homes, either on a couch, bed, or spare room, free of charge. To get started, create a friendly and accurate profile on a site like Couchsurfing, and reach out to potential hosts with a nice message explaining why you want to visit their city.
• Housesitting or Petsitting: Websites like Trusted Housesitters, HouseCarers, and Mindmyhouse connect travellers with locals who need someone to watch their homes, pets, or plants while they're away. In exchange for your services, you get free accommodation.
• Camping: In many countries, it's legal to camp for free, such as in Scandinavia, the Baltics, and some Eastern European countries. Alternatively, some governments provide free campsites, like in New Zealand. Make sure to be a respectful camper by taking your rubbish with you and not lighting fires unless it's safe to do so.
• Work Exchange: Websites like Worldpackers, Workaway, and WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) offer opportunities to work in exchange for free accommodation. Work can range from housekeeping and bartending to farming and animal care.
• Stay with Friends and Family: Take advantage of your social network and stay with friends or family who live in or near your travel destination.
• Sleep at the Airport: If you have an early morning flight, consider hanging out at the airport overnight. It's not glamorous, but it's free!

Budget Accommodation

• Hostels: Hostels are a budget traveller's best friend, offering cheap, clean, and social accommodation. Dorm beds can cost as little as $5 USD per night, with average prices ranging from $10-20 USD. In expensive cities, expect to pay around $20-40 USD. Hostelworld is a great site to find and book hostels.
• Camping: During the summer months, many places offer permanent tents or tent rentals. Search "camping" on Google Maps to find options near your travel destination.
• Overnight Transport: Taking overnight trains or buses can save you money on accommodation, especially if you can sleep on them. Plus, you'll arrive at your destination well-rested and ready to explore.
• Guest Houses or Homestays: Finding genuine local homestays can be difficult online, so it's best to look for signs and ask around when you arrive at your destination.
• Last-Minute Booking Sites: Sites like Lastminute.com offer hotel rooms at heavily discounted rates if you book at the last minute.

General Tips

• Stay in Big Cities on Weekdays: Weekends tend to be the most expensive time to stay in cities, so plan to spend weekends in smaller places and visit cities during the week.
• Book in Advance or Last Minute: Accommodation costs can change depending on availability. Sometimes you can save money by booking a day earlier or later, or by booking at the last minute on sites like Lastminute.com.
• Factor in Transport Costs: Consider the location of your accommodation and whether it will result in high transport costs to get to and from the city centre.
• Longer Stays: Many hostels and local accommodations offer discounts for longer stays, so it's worth asking about this if you plan to stay in one place for a while.
• Read Reviews with a Critical Eye: Reviews can be useful, but take them with a grain of salt. Remember that people from different cultures and backgrounds have different expectations and perspectives on what constitutes good value for money.
• Incognito Window: When searching for accommodation online, use an incognito window to prevent search engines from hiking up the prices based on your previous searches.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your accommodation expenses and stretch your travel budget further. Happy travels!

Book flights in advance

Booking flights in advance is a great way to save money when travelling the world on a budget. Here are some tips on how to do this effectively:

Book in Advance

Booking flights in advance is generally a good way to secure cheaper prices. For domestic flights, the sweet spot is usually around 28 days in advance, while for international flights, it's recommended to book around 60 days ahead. This allows you to take advantage of lower prices before the last-minute surge.

Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations

Flight prices can vary significantly depending on the day of the week and the time of year. Tuesdays tend to be the cheapest day to fly, while weekends are often more expensive. Consider travelling during the off-season or shoulder season to find lower prices. Additionally, be flexible with your destination choices.

Use Flight Comparison Websites and Incognito Mode

Use flight comparison websites such as Kayak, Momondo, and Skyscanner to find the best deals across multiple airlines. When searching for flights, use your web browser's incognito mode to prevent airlines from tracking your search history and potentially increasing prices.

Sign up for Flight Deal Notifications

Subscribe to flight deal services or newsletters, such as Jack's Flight Club, to receive notifications about cheap flights and error fares. This can help you find great deals, especially if you're flexible with your travel dates and destinations.

Book Changeable or Refundable Flights

Consider booking changeable or refundable flights, especially if your plans may change. This allows you to rebook at a lower price if the fare drops or cancel your flight if needed. While you may not receive a refund, you may get a travel credit that can be used for future flights.

Evaluate the Number of Flights

If you're planning a round-the-world trip, evaluate how many long-haul flights you'll need. You can often find cheaper alternatives, such as budget airlines, for shorter distances within the same continent.

By following these tips and staying flexible, you can save a significant amount of money on flights, making your dream of travelling the world on a budget more achievable.

Embrace public transport

Public transport is one of the best ways to save money while travelling. It is almost always cheaper than travelling by taxi, private car, or plane. In some countries, public transport is heavily subsidised by the government, making it incredibly affordable.

In many cities, you can save money by taking the bus instead of the metro or train. For example, in Bangkok, the local bus is much cheaper than the BTS skytrain. However, this is not always the case – in London, the tube is more expensive than the bus, but it will often get you to your destination faster.

If you're travelling long distances, taking an overnight bus or train can be a great way to save money, as you won't have to pay for a night in a hostel.

If you're travelling in a group, it may be cheaper to charter a minivan than to take the bus or train. However, this is not always the case – be sure to do your research.

If you're travelling in a country with high fuel prices, it may be cheaper to take the train than to rent a car.

In some countries, you can save money by buying a rail pass, which will allow you to travel on the national railway network for a fixed price.

If you're going to be using public transport a lot, consider buying a travel card, which will allow you to benefit from discounted fares.

Frequently asked questions