Many people don’t get to travel as much because they think that it costs a fortune. The cost of travel quickly adds up if you consider the airfare, accommodation, tours, food, and other expenses. While this is true, it does not always have to be true. There are several ways to travel the world on a budget.
Take note of these tips and ideas so you can travel the world without breaking the bank.
1: Budget first, destination second
Be realistic about what you can afford. The best way to do this is to have a budget plan and refer to that when making a travel plan.
You might have a dream destination in mind. But can you afford to travel there? Examine your financial status and determine if you can afford to travel to a particular destination.
Rather than fixing a specific destination, make the cost of travel your deciding factor. Most people decide where they want to go first and then search for flights that fit their budget. If you want to travel the world on a budget, you must take the opposite approach. Determine how much you can realistically afford, and then search for flights and destinations that fall within that category.
There is a good chance you will discover new places you did not even consider your dream destination. It makes travel more exciting, so you’ll want to look forward to it.
Take northern Europe, for example. Scandinavian countries like Denmark, Norway, and Sweden may be breathtaking, but they are incredibly expensive to visit. Eastern European countries like the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Romania are relatively cheap, so they might be a better alternative for your budget.
You should also consider the timeframe. Even cheap destinations can be expensive during the high-traffic season.
If you’d still like to visit expensive countries, make sure to book your flight and accommodation ahead to find the best deals. It would be ideal to book off-season, as flights, accommodation, and tours are usually cheaper. You also get to fully enjoy these destinations without the influx of tourists.
2: Research the cheapest flights
Airfare costs will probably take a huge chunk of your travel budget. You can, however, find reasonably priced and affordable flights with proper planning.
The key to finding cheap flights is in knowing where to look for them. Google Flights and Kayak are excellent tools, they even ping you with different price alerts for the destinations and places you are interested in.
Also, when searching for flights through your computer, use your browser’s incognito mode. Some airlines put more expensive prices for certain geographical locations.
Most flights are cheaper if you book them on Tuesdays, and they are the cheapest to book in certain months, such as September.
3: Curb your food expenses, cook your meals instead
Some people travel to sample the local flavors of their travel destination. It’s a great way to learn about the destination’s culinary history and culture. However, it does not mean that you must eat out for every meal throughout your trip. You can save on your food expenses by making your meals in the hotel.
Most hotels and hostels have a fully-equipped kitchen that you can use to prepare your meals. You can stock up on basic food supplies and items from a local grocery or convenience store. For starters, you can make breakfast in the hotel before leaving for your activities during the day. You can save tons of money by skipping restaurant meals and making your own food instead.
When dining out, pack your food if you cannot finish it. Store the leftovers in a refrigerator (most hotel rooms have them), so you can reheat them the next day for a free meal.
4: Work online or work overseas while traveling
The proliferation of remote work has made it possible for many people to work while traveling. You can work anywhere and anytime with a laptop and a reliable internet connection. This setup has given rise to the concept of digital nomads.
When traveling, you can earn money by doing freelance and virtual work such as transcribing, writing, graphic designing, editing, and more. You can also offer your service as a virtual assistant. Many companies also allow their employees to work remotely.
Another option is to look for work opportunities overseas. International schools abroad provide teaching opportunities for students, especially in English. Some websites offer such job opportunities. You might want to check them out.
If you are traveling on a cruise ship, and you happen to have cooking skills, can entertain children, become a waiter or server, etc., there are plenty of job opportunities for you.
5: Do volunteer work
Traveling is often a selfish experience—it is a personal journey, a privilege. And while that isn’t bad, it pays to think outwardly when you travel.
Many non-profit organizations and charitable groups offer volunteer work in exchange for housing at a cheap price to cover board and lodging. Search for these groups in your prospective travel destination, and sign up online for an interview.
This option, however, is not for everyone. Most of these volunteering jobs require long-term commitment, which typically could last a year or two. Make sure to consider that when making your decision. Also, you will be immersed in a lot of community work, working on farms, wildlife sanctuary, and similar places. If you decide to sign up for such a program, you must be willing to participate in these activities.
6: Always opt for cheap and free options
Another huge chunk of your travel budget will go towards your accommodation, especially if you opt for hotels. Hotel alternatives like Airbnb provide a cheaper alternative. Make sure you do your due diligence and research Airbnb’s community reviews, including awarding premium properties with “super hosts.” ID the profile and double-check the name of the Airbnb for any potential complaints and concerns.
Moreover, it is easy to get tempted to do “touristy” tours. However, while packaged tours can be fun, they can be expensive. Plus, they will limit your opportunity to wander around and discover new things. Not to mention many of these things are “packaged” to be tourist-friendly, meaning they are not always authentic.
The best way to experience a different country and culture is to immerse yourself with the locals—go where locals go, eat where locals eat, and have fun where locals party. Many cities have plenty of free bike and walking tours, attractions, gardens, parks, museums, events, etc. Make sure to check out these places.
