Traveling the world is often seen as an expensive endeavor reserved only for the wealthy. However, with some planning, flexibility, and creativity, it is possible to travel the world on even the tightest of budgets.
Potential target audiences that would find value in this article include:
- College students and young people with limited incomes
- Families looking to travel more while sticking to a budget
- Retirees and seniors on fixed incomes
- Anyone looking to travel long-term or full-time on a budget
Rather than focusing on mainstream destinations and luxury experiences, this article will provide tips on how to see the world while cutting costs in areas like transportation, lodging, activities, food, etc.
Plan Your Route Carefully
One of the biggest costs associated with travel is transportation, so mapping out an efficient route is key. Focus on destinations that are close together or connected by cheap overland routes to avoid costly backtracking or long haul flights. Opting for buses, trains, ride shares and low-cost regional airlines over flying can dramatically cut costs as well. Consider open-jaw tickets that allow you to fly into one city and out of another.
Use Budget Airlines and Air Passes
Major airlines are often the most expensive way to hop between countries. Instead, research budget carriers like EasyJet, Ryanair and AirAsia that offer cheaper fares but may fly in and out of alternate airports. Look into air passes like the OneWorld Explorer and Star Alliance’s Visit Passes which bundle multiple flights at a discounted rate.
Travel Over Land
For shorter distances, traveling by train or bus can be much cheaper than flying and allows you to see more of the countryside along the way. Look into rail passes like the Eurail Global Pass or opt for overnight sleeper trains to save on accommodation. Buses also offer very cheap hop-on, hop-off routes between countries.
Choose Cheaper Destinations
Opting for more affordable destinations in the first place significantly cuts down on costs. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to spend a fortune to have an amazing trip. Not every destination has to be Paris or Bora Bora. Considering lesser known but equally exciting destinations helps your budget go further.
Travel During the Off-Season
Visiting popular destinations during their low or shoulder seasons means fewer crowds and lower prices on everything from flights to hotels to tours and attractions. While the weather may be slightly less ideal, the savings tend to outweigh this. Some destinations even become more appealing in their off-season.
Try Less Touristy Destinations
Venturing just beyond major tourist centers reveals a whole different side of a country for a fraction of the price. Rather than Venice, Italy try Verona. Instead of Paris, try Nice or Bordeaux in France. Getting off the beaten path opens the doors to more authentic experiences and cheaper costs.
Get Creative With Accommodations
Hotel costs can quickly decimate a budget. While it’s nice to treat yourself to comfortable digs occasionally, there are many cheaper lodging options.
Hostels
Contrary to their reputation, hostels have come a long way in recent years and many now offer private rooms in addition to dorms. They attract a young, social crowd and often organize activities and tours. What you save on lodging can be better spent on actual experiences.
House Sitting
Trusted house sitting sites like MindMyHouse and Nomador connect travelers with home and pet owners looking for sitters to watch their property and animals while they’re away. Sitters typically only pay utilities and get free accommodation in return.
Home Shares
Services like Airbnb and CouchSurfing have revolutionized lodging, allowing travelers to stay in locals’ spare rooms or vacant homes for free or for much less than a hotel. You get insider access to a destination and often make new friends in the process.
Camping
An often overlooked but very budget-friendly option is camping, especially in destinations with great nature and outdoors. Invest in some gear like a tent, sleeping bag and camping stove if you plan to do this a lot.
Travel Slowly and For Longer
Slow travel allows you to fully immerse yourself in a destination at a more relaxed place, avoiding burnout and saving money. Taking your time also means finding more free activities and saving on transportation between places. Opting for longer stays also lets you find discounts on weeklong and monthly accommodation rates.
Walk or Bike
Exploring locally on foot or by bike is an easy way to discover hidden gems most tourists miss. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for a place’s layout, culture, street life, etc. Renting a bike for longer stays can be cheaper than relying on public transportation too.
Visit Free Museums and Attractions
Almost every city offers a selection of free museums and galleries on certain days or times. Free walking tours led by knowledgeable locals are also available in many popular destinations. Taking advantage of these free activities significantly cuts down on costs.
Enjoy Nature
Opting for walks in natural settings, people watching in public parks, and taking advantage of any viewpoint and beach is an easy way to soak up a new destination on a next to nothing budget.
Eat and Drink Affordably
Dining out three times a day adds up quickly. There are easy ways to cut down on food costs for the frugal traveler.
Grocery Shop
Preparing even some of your own meals saves substantially. Many hostels and home shares have kitchens available for guests. Shopping at local markets is a great way to eat fresh, local produce on the cheap.
Street Food and Food Stalls
Sampling tasty street food is one of the top reasons to travel. Roadside vendors and small food stalls offer very affordable, authentic dining options. You can try a variety of local specialties without breaking the bank.
Set Lunch Specials
Opting for the daily set menu at restaurants rather than ordering a la carte helps cap meal costs. In many countries, this is an affordable way to sample higher end dining you might otherwise not be able to afford.
Happy Hours and Drink Deals
Taking advantage of happy hours and drink specials helps limit alcohol spending. Pre-drinking before going out saves money too. Go out later to avoid pricey cover charges and stick to cheaper bars over flashy clubs.
Cheap Eats and Discount Apps
Apps like Groupon and Travelzoo offer substantial dining discounts and deals. Sites like The Infatuation highlight affordable, local eateries everywhere from Paris to Portland.
Splurge Strategically
While sticking to a budget is key, don’t deprive yourself completely either. Working in a few splurges enhances any trip but it’s important to do so strategically.
Focus Splurges Around Key Experiences
Prioritize your must-do activities and experiences first when deciding where to direct splurges, whether it’s a cooking class in Thailand or glacier trekking in New Zealand. This ensures you don’t miss out on trip highlights.
Watch for Deals and Bundles
Booking activities like tours and museum visits online and in advance when possible allows you to spot sales and discounts you won’t get paying in person. Multi-attraction passes can dramatically cut costs too.
Consider a Vacation Rental
Opting for an Airbnb over a hotel for part of your stay can work out to be cheaper per night depending on the destination. You gain access to extras like a kitchen and laundry which further help stretch your budget.
With some strategic planning and a bit of effort, it is entirely possible to travel the world and have amazing experiences even on the slimmest of budgets. Focusing more on cost-effective destinations and transportation combined with cheaper accommodation options and eating smart are all key factors.
Remember that splurging on a few memorable activities will ultimately enhance any trip. Seeking out deals and discounts along the way gives you more leeway to do so. Slow travel also allows you to deeply immerse yourself in destinations over weeks or months rather than days.
Ditch the mindset that you need to be wealthy to travel. With resourcefulness and creativity, even perpetual backpackers can circumnavigate the globe. Let these tips open up your world to all the planet has to offer.
