Do you dream about traveling the world, but don’t think you have the funds to do so?
You might be surprised at all the cheap ways to travel. Even to the other side of the world.
Sure, you won’t be flying first class or staying in luxury hotels. But when you get right down to it, that’s not much of a way to authentically experience the culture of another land.
And why travel all that way to just stay locked up in luxury?
Cheap Ways to Travel That Allow You the True Experience
A natural by-product of traveling on the cheap is it requires you to get up close and personal with the people and customs of the country you’re visiting.
And it’s awesome.
Of course, there are some situations where you’ll want to rely on experts. For example, tours of otherwise private areas. Or safaris that focus on specific migration patterns – which you can learn more about here.
But for the most part, you’d be amazed at how much you can see and do on a tight budget.
1. Get a Job
Maybe you’re traveling to get away from it all, so the notion of work doesn’t appeal to you.
But a lot of people pick up work while they travel. And we’re not talking about signing up for full time work in a factory.
If speak English and are heading to Asia or South America, you could get a gig teaching English. Maybe doing some seasonal work like picking grapes in beautiful New Zealand or working a fair in the United States is more your thing.
Another option is to do a work trade. You can volunteer any one of a network of organic farms across the globe and get bed for the night in exchange.
Whichever you choose, they’re all great ways to meet the locals, save some money and learn something along the way.
2. Travel Slow
If you’re trying to pack in seven destinations in five days, you’ll be shelling out a lot of cash on buses, trains and planes. Especially if you’re choosing the express option.
You’ll save a lot of money if you can whittle down your number of destinations and instead take the time to explore each one slowly and thoroughly.
This slower pace will allow you to truly appreciate where you are. You may even get to know the owners of an establishment and be invited to dinner or their home for the weekend.
3. Shop Stores and Markets for Food
Cafes and restaurants are a cool part of your travel experience.
But they’re also a huge money suck.
Think about how many times per week you can realistically afford to eat out, and then find a local market where you can grab a yogurt, local fruit, some cheese and crackers or maybe a bag of nuts for a quick lunch.
When you frequently make your own meals, you’ll be saving money to do other things. Or perhaps you’ll even be able to afford dinner at a really nice restaurant.
4. Stick with Cheaper Destinations
Paris is beautiful. But it’s also expensive.
Maybe you haven’t considered places like India, Thailand or Latin America. Especially because flying there might seem a little cost prohibitive.
But once you’re there, your dollar is going to stretch in ways it never will in Europe. For the price of a cup of coffee and a sandwich, you’ll be able to get a meal and place to sleep.
5. Sharing is Caring
The sharing economy – i.e. things like ride sharing, couch surfing, and crowdfunding – is built on the idea that it’s far more efficient to share goods, services and skills.
This has extended into websites that help give travelers direct access to locals. And since locals know where to find the best restaurants, stores and accommodations at the lowest prices, you’ll get access to that information before you get there.
6. Pack Light
Checked luggage fees can quickly cancel out that good price on an airline ticket. So pack only the essentials.
This will also work to your advantage once you start traveling because you’ll be able to keep your things with you at all times. And you can’t really put a price on peace of mind.
7. Sell Your Services
Do you have a cool skill that you can peddle while you’re traveling?
It might be something as simple as playing your harmonica in the street for some coins. Maybe you offer some consulting services to a fellow traveler.
You might even find someone on a site like TaskRabbit or Craigslist who are looking for a dog walker or house cleaner at your destination city.
Get creative.
8. Buy Rail Passes
Train travel can quickly gobble up your budget if you’re not careful.
So if you’re planning on staying in one region for a while, look into a rail pass. It’s going to be cheaper than booking individual trips.
If it’s not worth your while to get one and you don’t mind being locked to a schedule, then if you book your individual trip ahead of time, you’ll also save a significant amount of money.
9. Travel Overnight
This one makes perfect sense.
If you’re planning to take a train or a plane to another destination, try to book an overnight time.
Yeah, you won’t have the comfort of a regular bed. And depending on the country, you might not even have a sleeper. But you’ll be traveling while also taking care of your overnight accommodation.
It’s a twofer.
10. When in Rome…
In other words, do as the locals do.
And the best way to do this is by avoiding travel guides. Even if they claim to be off the beaten path, they’re still marketed to tourists. And that means those destinations are going to be marked up.
To really venture off the beaten path, connect with the locals. Ask your cab driver where he eats. Inquire of the shopkeeper her favorite cafe. And if you want a truly authentic experience, look for establishments with no English on the menus.
Ready for Adventure?
Don’t let a tight budget put the kibosh on your wanderlust.
With the internet and some ingenuity, you can use all of the above cheap ways to travel and wander the world.
And for more great travel tips, keep checking back with us!
