Budget travel
If you want to see the world on the cheap for necessity, lifestyle or challenge, there are some ways to do that. Basically, they fall into two categories: Either work (see Working abroad, and check that you are allowed to) or limit your expenses.
This article is focused on reducing expenses. For those willing to sacrifice comfort, time and predictability to push expenses down close to zero, see also Minimum budget travel.
The advice in this article does not suggest that readers violate the law, beg, or otherwise exploit other people for their own gain.
Some of the budget travel advice also reduces your environmental impact, using more efficient transportation, and consuming less commodities.
PrepareI would rather own a little and see the world than own the world and see a little of it.
Get inConsider where you're going in the first place, especially if you are going to stay a longer time, or are considering travelling far. A "staycation" of day trips around your home area might be a viable alternative.
Get aroundTravelling slowly can reduce costs.
SeeMany art galleries, museums and other attractions are free, and major sights in cities are virtually always free to see from the outside.
DoGambling is set up so that the house wins in the long run.
BuyCountries have different payment systems. In a highly connected country, an international debit card is a good option for major purchases. For some uses a credit card can be better.
EatThe cheapest places to buy food are usually traditional markets, supermarkets and street vendors.
DrinkAbstaining from alcoholic beverages is good for your health and your wallet in more ways than one, since intoxication might cause poor judgement and reckless spending.
SleepCamping is an obvious choice for cheap accommodation, and it's often the closest accommodation to lots of natural attractions.
EarnThe most straightforward way to earn money on the road is obviously to find some work. This is more easily done through contacts, and as a matter of fact hitchhiking may come very handy here.
VolunteerConservation organisations sometimes want volunteers to spend some time, maybe one week, helping on their projects in exchange for accommodation and maybe food or travel.
Stay healthyDon't get thrifty when it comes to health. Paying to see a doctor in the first instance can prevent a lengthy stay in hospital if your illness progressed.
ConnectFees for mobile telephones and Internet connections can be hefty, especially when you are in a foreign country. If you are in a foreign country with plenty of Wi-Fi hotspots, you might do well without mobile Internet.
SaveMany discounts for senior citizens are available to people as young as 55, or even younger people in welfare programs.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Budget travel" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: J Doll, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons