Often find yourself scrolling through your social feed, daydreaming about faraway lands, inspiring photography and life-changing adventure? Then you wake up and check your bank balance…dammit. To travel on a budget is a daunting thing to many people, and unfortunately can deter some would-be wanderers from experiencing this incredible planet. To help you get the most out of your journey, here are 10 genius travel hacks for when you’re broke AF:
- Stay in hostels
This one is pretty obvious but it cannot be overstated just how much more wallet-friendly budget accommodation options like hostels are compared with hotels, resorts, and rental homes. Not only are you getting lower prices (some hostel beds are literally just a couple of dollars per night), but you’re getting the authentic backpacker atmosphere, and memories to last a lifetime.
- Take free classes
So many hostels around the world offer free classes for guests. You can soothe your soul with some yoga, learn how to whip up some local cuisine, or even flex your creative muscles with some art. With a little research, it’s pretty easy to find out which hostels offer the best free classes for backpackers.
- Free hostel food
It may seem obvious, but SO many hostels offer free food. Yeah of course breakfast is often a given, but there are hostels all over the world that provide baked goods, BBQ, pizza nights and loads more. Stock up on free eats to take with you while you’re off adventuring for the day!
- Explore, walk around
Tourist traps can be an absolute nightmare for your wallet. Sure, they are usually popular for a reason, but literally anywhere you choose to visit will have so many incredible things to see, people to meet and food to try that you won’t have to spend loads or queue for hours just to get close! Even some destinations that appear to be a little off-the-beaten-path are becoming more and more popular with backpackers as their hidden gems are slowly discovered.
- Experience things
Souvenirs are overrated. Seriously! Instead of bringing back a suitcase full of touristy paraphernalia, why not focus on collecting memories and experiences instead of material things. It makes your travel so much happier, your bags so much lighter, and your wallet so much fatter.
- Work in a hostel
Save even more money on accommodation by working in hostels too. Most hostels need cleaners and reception workers and many offer work exchange programmes where you work a few hours per day in exchange for free accommodation.
- Visa-free countries
Some countries don’t require visas for entry as a short-term traveler, and others charge for the privilege of entering. Be aware what you’re getting into, as you can plan your journey to destinations with cheap visa processes.
- Book in advance
Another simple thing to remember, but often prices will go up as time gets closer to your trip. Booking train journeys, hostel beds and of course air travel ahead of time guarantees you won’t get stuck having to spring for a flashier room or a last minute price gouged flight.
- Travel off-peak
Be aware of the seasonality of travel. What is considered to be “off-peak” in one country might not be in another. Various destinations have different tourist seasons so make sure to do your research. With a little planning, you can ensure you plan around the price hikes and tourist swarms!
- A high-quality backpack for day to day travel.
We have some pretty awesome backpacks, so we’re biased. But check us out! We’ll make your adventure a lot easier.