10 Tips for Traveling the World on a Budget
Traveling the world is something many people dream of, but few actually make the leap to do it. While you may not be able to leave your job behind and jet off around the globe for six months at a time, there are still plenty of ways to get out there and experience the world without breaking the bank. Read on for 10 budget-friendly tips to help you travel the world on a budget!
1) Set Realistic Expectations
Traveling is an experience that everyone should take in, but it's important to set realistic expectations. It might not be possible to explore everywhere you want to go and eat at all of your favorite restaurants. You'll likely stay in some budget accommodation and only eat at the type of food you can find in a grocery store - that's part of what makes travel challenging!
There are plenty of ways to cut down on expenses while still exploring new locations and cultures.
2) Use Local Transportation
If you want to explore somewhere, it's worth using public transportation. A lot of places have really good bus systems and this will save you money on gas money. Subway systems can be found in major cities such as New York City and Toronto where they are used daily by residents. They're also much cheaper than renting a car or taking taxis. You'll be able to see more of the place you're visiting, meet locals and spend less!
3) Spend Time on Night Markets and in Local Neighborhoods
One of my favorite ways to have an authentic experience and also save money is by visiting night markets. These are all over Asia and Southeast Asia, where vendors sell everything from clothing to food to flowers, so it's always fun trying something new. Plus you can walk around with a drink in your hand and not worry about paying too much - if anything, you'll end up just taking pictures of things.
4) Eat Street Food
Some travelers shy away from eating street food because they're worried about getting sick. And while this is always a possibility, people are actually more likely to get sick from their own country's food than what they eat abroad. If you want to try something new, just make sure that it looks clean and people are eating it and don't forget to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
5) Pack Light
#1 Pack Light and Choose the Right Baggage
-Find the right size bag that can hold everything you need, but also remain under your airline's luggage weight limits. -Avoid bringing extra-large bags or suitcases that are too heavy to carry. -Try to use a backpack instead of an awkward rolling suitcase.
6) Be Flexible
Make sure you're staying flexible with your plans as anything can happen when you're traveling. You may be delayed, flights could be cancelled or you could have to change destinations. I never know what's going to happen when I'm traveling but one thing that has become a constant for me is always having patience. That and watching out for my personal safety!
7) Find Accommodation That Suits Your Style
For any backpacker, finding an affordable place to stay is usually at the top of their priorities. However, it's important to find a place that suits your personal style. Different types of accommodation can range in price, location and comfort level so keep these things in mind when choosing where to stay during your travels.
8) Get Out of Town
Travel is expensive and people are always looking for ways to save money. Here are some tips on how to make it more affordable: 1) Don't go at peak times. Prices can be 3-4x higher during summer, Christmas, and other major holidays. 2) Consider camping or staying in a hostel instead of an expensive hotel.
9) Be Willing to Sleep in a Hostel or Couchsurf
To save money while traveling, it is important to be willing to sleep in hostels or even couchsurf. A lot of people think that staying at hotels will give them the most comfortable stay possible and allow them to have much more peace of mind when they are far from home, but this isn't always the case. Hostels can often be cheaper than hotels and provide access to locales that you wouldn't be able to visit otherwise.
10) Keep Costs Down By Not Drinking Alcohol
Since bars, lounges, and clubs charge exorbitant prices for watered-down drinks and cans of cheap beer, drinks are not a good place to cut back when budgeting. If you’re trying to save money by traveling abroad, it may be more advisable to avoid this expense altogether. Instead, focus your attention on cheaper options like taking the train or eating street food. A bottle of water will run you anywhere from $1-$3 in most places around the world while cocktails could cost up to $12 each. By skipping alcohol and opting for cheaper forms of entertainment like outdoor activities or free walking tours, you'll keep your costs down!
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