I’ve been traveling for over 20 years now, and if there’s one thing people always ask me, it’s how I afford it. The short answer? I don’t have a trust fund, I don’t win the lottery, and I definitely don’t fly first class (unless something went very right).
What I do have is two decades of experience that includes missed flights, questionable hostels, incredible street food, and a whole lot of learning how to stretch a dollar without sacrificing the magic of travel.
Some of my favorite travel memories come from trips that cost way less than people think. I’ve slept near the beach instead of at a fancy resort, have chosen buses over planes, and I have discovered that the best meals are often the cheapest ones.
Traveling on a budget isn’t about cutting corners. Instead, it’s about traveling smarter. It’s about knowing where to splurge, where to save, and how to make the world feel a lot more accessible than it looks on Instagram. Trust me, if I can do it, then you can too.
Tips to Save Money: How to Travel Around the World on a Tight Budget
The real adventure starts from within you. You must be intentional with every decision you make, from booking flights to buying train tickets and traveling to different countries.
Before diving into my money-saving tips, remember that long journeys often come with lots of time spent waiting for buses, trains, or in airports.
Finding ways to pass the time with low-cost entertainment can help you stay on track with your budget.
For example, checking out the cheapest rent in the US can offer you insight into affordable living options during your travels. It perfectly matches the idea of smart, budget-friendly travel.
And just like on the road, the real joy comes not from big expenses but from thoughtful choices.
In fact, having a daily budget that forces you to spend less money is beneficial.
The goal is to spend very little money, even on your supposed biggest expenses. Below are money-saving tips that can help you on your world trip:
Smart Transportation: Leverage Free and Cheap Flights
There are many ways to buy cheap flight tickets. Try out different dates when you want to book the flight to compare prices and consider using secondary airports.
You might even be lucky enough to get free flights. So, check the airline’s site and time your trip to when the airline is on promo.
Moreover, there are apps for budget travelers that you can use to find cheap flights. For instance, Google Flights, Skyscanner, and others will provide you with flight deal alerts and even compare flight prices across different airlines.
So, suppose you are backpacking in Europe or exploring the beauty of Central America. Use the right tools and information to save money.
Below are other travel tips to half the price of transportation when visiting most countries:
- Compare the prices of different available transportation systems.
- Don’t use public transport during rush hours.
- Use the slow travel strategy.
- Rent a vehicle with other solo travelers.
Budget-Friendly Accommodation: Take Advantage of House Sitting and Pet Sitting Options
Today, the internet has made everything fairly easy. You can now connect with people in a new city and obtain information on local life without even meeting anybody.
As such, getting details on accommodation in a foreign country is also easy online. Interact with cool people or use your favorite search engine to find pet or house sitting opportunities.
You can be lucky and find great hostels, overnight buses, or volunteer programs with free accommodation included.
In fact, there are times you might get a free room with home-cooked meals if you know how to play your cards right and blend with the locals.
Eat Smart and Prepare Your Own Meals
A hack for managing expenses and daily spending during a trip is to act like a local.
Remember, buying food in expensive countries can drain your wallet. So, try to eat street food and leverage hotel breakfasts.
The good news is that you can often get free food from most churches and food banks. After all, not having to spend much money on your own food can make a huge difference in your monthly expenses.
Quick Budget Hack Box:
- Eat at least one meal from a street stall daily.
- Set aside a small budget to buy snacks in bulk.
- Cook dinner with hostel friends and split costs.
- Carry a refillable bottle to save on buying drinks.
- Avoid getting food at tourist spots; they are often overpriced.
Affordable Destinations Are Your Best Bet
Keep in mind that developed countries also have working-class citizens who are living on a budget.
As such, you can also employ the same coping tactics to live within your budget. Simply search for destinations with numerous free or cheap activities to enjoy.
Fortunately, many countries offer more value for money compared to those in Western Europe.
Some popular affordable regions include Costa Rica in Latin America and countries in Southeast Asia.
The table below highlights some affordable regions with the average amount of money needed for your daily activities:
| Region | Average Daily Cost of Living | Why It’s Great for Budget Travel |
| South East Asia | $20-$40 | You can get good food at cheap rates in countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. |
| South America | $25-$45 | Countries like Mexico are getting popular for warm climates and affordable living. |
| Eastern Europe | $20-$35 | Visit underrated European countries with rich culture, like Romania and Bulgaria. You can easily live a cheap lifestyle there. |
| North Africa | $20-$40 | There are many beautiful places to see the Sahara and enjoy vibrant nightlife. |
The Right Mindset: Plan Ahead, Travel Smart, and Be Flexible
A well-planned trip can save you unnecessary expenses. Before booking your first trip, ensure you have travel insurance.
When unexpected costs arise mid-trip — a missed connection, a medical bill, or a last-minute booking — a fast cash loan from award-winning lender EBP Money can help cover the gap without derailing your plans.
Your luggage is very important for a year-long RTW trip. Take extra steps to keep it safe and light during international flights or overland travels.
Additionally, you can also live a digital nomad budget-friendly lifestyle and earn money on your trip.
Technology has made life easier to the point that you don’t need to take a gap year from work.
Nowadays, you can run work exchanges on apps. As such, you can be scuba diving and make money even when you are on a shoestring budget.
Quick Tips to Pack Smart:
- Pack clothes that work well in different climates.
- Carry reusable bottles and bags.
- Don’t carry extra luggage.
- Plan your outfits to avoid overpacking.
- Go with a universal travel adapter to charge your devices in different cities.
Conclusion
Ultimately, you can make your upcoming trip around the world affordable. You just need to avoid booking private rooms every time you are in a new country and not make mistakes with fares.
Remember, the goal isn’t to spend less for the sake of it. It is to stretch your money in ways that still let you experience the beauty of each destination.
So, instead of enjoying luxury getaways that require long flights, consider taking free walking tours. It also helps to get fee-free cards that can work in most regions.
You can also get your own room in many countries in Southeast Asia and other affordable destinations. Plan everything right, and everything you need to go on a budget travel around the world aligns.