I have been traveling for longer now so during that time I have noticed some things which I’d like to share with you. If you dream of traveling the world and you are far away from being a millionaire, then this is the right post for you. I am just one of the many examples that prove it is more than possible.
There have been many articles on this topic, and many more are about to come yet as travel the world becomes a dream of many. Here are some of the tips I personally use to travel as cheap as possible and still have a place to stay (not a grass in the park or a bus station), food to eat and a lot of fun.
Save money on transportation
This is one of the most important things to travel cheap. Overland travel is usually cheaper than traveling by plane, so try not to move too often from one place to the one exactly in the opposite part of the world. Better get a ticket to a place and explore it deeper, then move on overland and do not go back, just move forwards to another destination. Make a route without coming back to the same place more times.
If you can, hitchhike or hire a car if you travel with more people so you can split the expenses. Try to walk as much as possible and don’t use taxis to move inside a town. Your feet are your best friend. Trust me, it is easy to walk even a couple of kilometres per day (which will help you to stay fit, too), and if not, use the public transport. Remember, no taxis are allowed.
Save money on food
There is just one tip to use when it comes to eating when on the road – avoid eating out in restaurants. Not only dinners, but breakfast and any snack can be really expensive when bought out, especially in some countries (e.g. Europe.) Try to cook and prepare your meals every time you get a chance, it will save you a lot of money. If sometimes you have no kitchen available, then try local markets to get the best fruit/vegetable/meat and in many cases, you can get there as well a ready meal for very little.
If you do not have any other chance but to dine out, then find a good place outside the touristic zone. If locals go there, it is the best sign. It will be much cheaper and probably even more tasty as they have more time to prepare it without all the tourist hassle. Get the menu of the day. Be careful though, in some countries you can easily get stomachache or diarrhea if you are not used to local food.
Save money on accommodation
Logically, no 5 * hotels nor the 4*and no all inclusive holidays. The cheapest way are usually the youth hostels but you have to get used to share the room and bathroom with others so no privacy offered. If you stay for longer than 2 – 3 weeks, then rent an apartment.
Outside the center/far away from the beach/or any place often visited by tourists is always a lot cheaper than exactly where everyone goes. Small hotels run by the locals are less expensive than the big hotel resorts. And for free, try the home exchange or couchsurfing.org that are widely used now.
Save money on travel agencies
Most of the time, not just travel agencies cost you more than if you took a trip on your own, but if they book your ticket, they charge commissions for that, too. So use some websites such as Scyscanner, Kayak, Expedia yourself and take time checking up everything to find the best deal. You can save even half of the price or more when checking properly the plane tickets.
Or, make your own travel blog and start promoting travel agencies for a free trip in exchange (called press trip.)
