How to Travel Around the World for Cheap
The Key to Cheap World Travel: Flexibility and Mindset
One of the biggest misconceptions about traveling the world is that it costs a fortune. The truth is, it's often about how flexible you are and what mindset you bring to the journey. If you're willing to forgo five-star hotels and luxury tours, you can travel the world for months—maybe even years—without breaking the bank.
Let's talk numbers. The average cost for a one-year trip around the world can range from $15,000 to $30,000, but some have managed to do it for far less. Here’s how they did it:
1. Score Cheap Flights
The number one expense for most travelers is airfare, but you don't have to pay premium prices to cross the globe. Here’s how you can fly for much less:
Use Flight Aggregators and Alerts: Tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak are your best friends. Set up alerts for specific routes, and jump on deals when they arise. Be flexible with your dates and consider flying mid-week or during off-peak seasons.
Be Open to Unconventional Routes: Sometimes, booking multiple legs of a journey with budget airlines or using overland travel to cross borders can save hundreds.
Leverage Points and Miles: Sign up for airline credit cards, frequent flyer programs, and loyalty schemes. Some travelers use points and miles to cover their entire airfare costs—often flying long distances for next to nothing.
2. Accommodation: Go Beyond Hotels
Hotels are an obvious drain on your budget, but the good news is that there are alternatives:
Couchsurfing: Stay with locals for free, make new friends, and get a unique cultural experience. Websites like Couchsurfing.com connect travelers with hosts around the globe who open their homes for free.
Hostels and Guesthouses: If you're looking for a budget option, hostels provide an affordable way to sleep, often costing as little as $5 to $20 per night in cheaper countries.
House Sitting and Work Exchanges: Websites like TrustedHousesitters or Workaway allow you to exchange services like pet-sitting or working on farms in exchange for free accommodation. It's not only free but often provides you with food as well.
3. Eat Like a Local
Food costs can easily add up if you're dining in restaurants for every meal. To keep your food budget low, adopt the habits of locals:
Street Food: In places like Southeast Asia and Latin America, street food is a staple, and it’s often fresher and more delicious than what you’d find in restaurants—for a fraction of the price.
Cook Your Own Meals: When staying in hostels or Airbnbs, take advantage of kitchen facilities to prepare simple meals. Shopping at local markets is not only cheaper but also gives you a better sense of the local culture.
Eat Where the Locals Eat: Avoid tourist traps. Go where locals dine—whether that’s a family-run restaurant, a food market, or even fast food in some cases.
4. Travel Slowly and Overland
Rushing from one place to another often means spending more on transportation. Instead, consider slow travel:
Buses, Trains, and Ferries: Often, the cheapest way to get from one place to another is by bus or train, especially in countries like India, Vietnam, or Eastern Europe. Overnight buses or trains can save you the cost of accommodation as well.
Hitchhiking: While it’s not for everyone, hitchhiking can be a free (and sometimes fascinating) way to travel. Countries like New Zealand, Ireland, and Argentina have hitchhiker-friendly cultures.
Rent Bikes or Scooters: Renting a bicycle or scooter can be a low-cost and efficient way to explore a new city or even cover long distances.
5. Earn While You Travel
The ultimate way to make your travel affordable is to earn money on the road:
Freelance Work: If you can write, design, code, or offer any number of services remotely, platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or even LinkedIn can help you find gigs that you can do from anywhere in the world. Many travelers fund their trips entirely by freelancing online.
Teach English: Teaching English is one of the most common jobs for travelers. Countries in Asia and Latin America often have high demand for English teachers, and you don’t always need a formal teaching degree—just a TEFL certification.
Seasonal and Odd Jobs: Depending on where you are, you can find seasonal work in agriculture, hospitality, or even tourism. Countries like Australia and New Zealand offer working holiday visas that allow you to work and travel at the same time.
6. Save on Tours and Attractions
Many travelers blow their budget on tours and entry fees to major attractions. But with a bit of planning, you can save a lot:
Free Walking Tours: Many cities offer free walking tours where you can tip your guide what you feel is appropriate. These tours are often more personal and informative than expensive guided tours.
DIY Your Sightseeing: Instead of booking a costly tour, research how to get to the site on your own. In many cases, you can save a significant amount by taking public transportation or visiting during off-peak hours.
Travel Passes: Some countries and cities offer travel passes that give you unlimited or discounted access to public transport and major attractions. For example, Europe’s Eurail pass or Japan’s JR Pass can be a lifesaver for travelers on the move.
7. Track Your Spending
No matter how savvy you are with deals, budgeting is key. Use apps like Trail Wallet or TravelSpend to keep track of every cent you spend on the road. The more aware you are of your expenses, the easier it will be to stick to your budget and avoid going overboard.
Sample Budget Breakdown for a Month in Southeast Asia:
| Category | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (hostels) | $300 |
| Food (street food/local) | $150 |
| Transportation (buses) | $100 |
| Sightseeing (DIY tours) | $50 |
| Miscellaneous | $100 |
| Total | $700 |
Final Thoughts: Make Your Journey an Adventure
Traveling the world cheaply is not just about pinching pennies—it’s about adopting a mindset of adventure, embracing flexibility, and seeking out experiences that are authentic and affordable. The less money you spend, the richer your journey can become.
So, are you ready to pack your bags and set off on the adventure of a lifetime? You don’t need a lottery win or a trust fund—just a bit of planning, creativity, and the willingness to take the road less traveled.
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