How to travel on a budget: 3 tips
I’d saved $30,000, but I found I could survive (and thrive!) on much less—around $10,000 per year. Was I in extreme comfort? No, but I was having great experiences. I traded luxurious (and expensive) flights for low-cost 17-hour bus rides—and for incredible memories, like the time I met a Peruvian potato farmer who guided me to the Rainbow Mountains. They’re as stunning and as colorful as they sound.
Read more: How to spend mindfully with a values-based budget
Your travel budget is all about your comfort level and risk tolerance. It’s possible to travel with very little, but you can splurge on what matters to you. I liked spending on experiences and activities, so I saved in other areas. Here’s how you can do the same:
1. Live like a local: Hotels and Airbnbs are usually a big expense, which is why I recommend more cost-effective alternatives. Apps and websites like Trusted House Sitters and Workaway give you a place to stay in exchange for a bit of work. Couchsurfing is another app that lets you stay in people’s homes and enjoy the cultural exchange.
2. Travel smart: I advocate long-term travel for many reasons, but one of them is giving yourself more time and flexibility. If you don’t have to fly on a specific date—or even to a specific destination—you can usually find cheaper flights. I also saved up airline miles before traveling, used credit card points to earn free flights, and sometimes took trains or buses instead of a plane, all in the name of traveling on a budget.
3. Earn as you go: For some fun and a little extra money, I picked up seasonal work as a hostess for sailing charters at The Yacht Week, a summer festival on a sailing flotilla in the Mediterranean. It became an important part of my finances: I’d work for a few months, and then travel for the rest of the year on that income. A bonus perk? I got to connect with people from all over the world, and they’ve opened their doors for me to come visit them. Seasonal opportunities in hotels and restaurants are a good option for many long-term travelers. You can also look for work teaching English—either online or in-person wherever you are staying.
