Tight budget?
Travel does not have to be costly. Yes, it can be, but you don't have to stay in 5-star hotels and eat at Michelin-starred restaurants to quote-on-quote travel the world. There are lots of ways to travel cheap while experiencing as much as possible in each country and location. It is true that "if you really want to travel, you will find a way."
Tips for saving money while traveling:
Stay in hostels or other low-cost accommodations. I have a strong opinion on this because I travel light and try to be as low-maintenance as possible. When all you need is a bed and a bathroom, staying in shared rooms and co-living spaces can save you a lot of money. It's also a great way to meet new people and make new friends while traveling in new areas.
Cook. Yes - cook if you have access to a kitchen. Make a point of stopping at a nearby grocery store to shop for groceries and normalize roadside cooking. Meals don't have to be fancy, and not eating out three times a day, seven days a week can save you a lot of money. This way of life can also help you stay healthy and stick to diet-friendly options (keto, paleo, vegan, vegetarian, etc.).
Look for free or low-cost experiences. This will require some preliminary research (as with anything else), but try asking locals about things to do in the area, and you'll be surprised at how many experiences are free, do not require admission fees, and are open to the general public.
Take advantage of public transportation. Although Ubers are quite cheap in some countries (in comparison to US fares), you should look into taking public transportation to get around because it can help you save a lot of money.
Make time in your schedule to exercise on your own. This is more of a health tip than a budget-saving tip, but incorporating this routine into your daily routine can make a significant difference in your overall lifestyle and mindfulness while traveling, allowing you to save dollars on fitness classes and gym memberships.
Yes, I said it - traveling does NOT have to be expensive, and you CAN see the world on a budget. Let me know what you think of these money-saving tips, whether you find them useful, and if you have any other suggestions! I'm constantly learning from previous experiences and other travelers I meet on the road. Good luck, and I hope to see you out there!
Author: Leslie Lung 