How to Travel the World on a Budget
Traveling the world costs no small amount, but if you handle your money well, you will find that you can experience the world for less. The opportunity to travel should never be foregone if we want to see the world. When you spend less money on one adventure, you will have more money for another adventure. At the same time, budget travel can be equally as much fun, and in some cases, you can have even more fun traveling on a budget.
Lower Your Monthly Expenses
You do this in dozens of ways, and you only need to get creative. Lowering your monthly expenses could be as simple as refinancing your student loans. By refinancing student loans, you can secure a new interest rate and monthly payments will change as well. Especially if you plan to travel the world, you may want to keep the payments on your monthly expenses less costly. You can travel to cost-effective destinations all over the world.
Keep Away from Tourist Traps
The tourist destinations and big cities will usually cost more than if you avoid those areas. Going off the beaten track will give you the chance to see what fewer people experience. Even when along the tourist trail, you can often save money if you stray away from the main strip and down a less popular side street. In some cases, the food will taste better, and it will be cheaper. Not all tourist traps are bad, and some places have a popularity for a reason. However, you may want to be aware of how the food, drinks and souvenirs will often cost more because of it being in that area.
Stay in a Dorm or Hostel
You can often increase your savings by staying in a dorm or hostel. That sharing may come with some inconvenience like a shared bathroom or sleeping in a room with strangers, but you can lower your overall costs so that you can spend on the things that truly matter. Just be sure you are still knowledgeable about your resources while you are trying to pinch pennies. You may want to reference a guide on the safest water to consume in your chosen location, for example. Since not all free resources are safe.
Another one of the great ways that you can have a great time, save money, and meet the locals is through CouchSurfing. CouchSurfing especially proves valuable to those who travel on a budget. Just stay aware of the reviews because safety should always be a top priority.
Search for the Free Things in a Chosen Area
Many major cities around the world will offer free tours of the city with friendly locals. You should, however, know that most expect a tip toward the end. Along with that, some museums will be free on a specific day. Walking around and exploring the city on your own will always be free. Just be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas that look dangerous. In many cases, you can save money when you avoid the planned tours and head off on your own. Oftentimes, the touring company will try to take you to places where they will receive a commission from overpriced goods.
