A Backpacker’s Guide to Low-cost Traveling

Traveling does not have to be costly. You can travel anywhere in the world on a budget if you’ve got the correct mindset. 

Backpacking is perhaps one of the easiest ways to go on this type of travel. It might not be luxurious and fancy. However, it is an excellent way to make your dreams a reality if travel is your priority. 

 Traveling is such a great opportunity. Luckily, a lot of people can access it if they know how to travel on a budget. 

Furthermore, if you spend less on one trip, you’ve got money to spend on another. Low-cost traveling does not have to be any less fun as well. 

Below, you will find several tips that can help you lower your expenses and find value when traveling. Here is a backpacker’s guide to low-cost traveling.

Look for Affordable Accommodation

Staying in luxury accommodation is obviously out of the equation if you’re backing on a budget. Keep in mind that backpackers usually do not book a room in a 5-star hotel. 

For backpackers, hostels are the number one choice. Typically, the most affordable option for them is to book a bed in a dorm room. 

Also, hostels are not simply about saving money. They are also an excellent place to meet other backpackers and possible travel buddies. 

It might be a bit scary to stay in a hostel, especially if it is your first time. However, you should forget about the scary things and look forward to meeting tons of new friends. 

You can also bring your own custom led lights to decorate your hostel room, making it a bit luxurious. 

You can also consider camping if you’ve got the gear. A couple of countries around the world allow wild camping where you can pitch your tent anywhere you want. 

You won’t have to waste your money if you spend the night under the stars. It is free. 

Another thing you can consider is Couchsurfing. You can stay for one evening for free in a house. All you need to do is to share a drink, cook a meal, or share some cool stories. 

However, you’ve got to be cautious when you’re Couchsurfing. Be sure the person that hosts you is reliable and trustworthy.

Ask Locals for Recommendations

 If you don’t know what to do during your trip, want to find something different, or look for somewhere to eat, try to ask a local. 

In general, people are pretty friendly everywhere you go. They will always be glad to show off their city and help a tourist in need. 

There is a huge possibility that the locals know a couple of hidden gems their town has to offer and would love to share them with you. 

Pack All the Medicines You Need

You might feel invincible when traveling. However, that is not the case at all. You can still get sick. If you’re traveling alone, it can be difficult to enjoy your vacation if you’re ill. 

Because of this, it is extremely helpful if you pack all the medicines before you travel to another country. This will help you save money from potential hospital bills as well. 

You should carry with you a range of basic medicine that you trust to handle any disease.

There are also a lot of DIY tips online on what medicines to bring when you travel to a particular country.

Do Not Eat Out All the Time

 One of the biggest ways to save money when traveling is to shop at a grocery store and cook for yourself. 

If you can, factor in trying a couple of local delicacies into your budget. However, as much as possible, try to prepare your food. 

You can always eat at a fancy restaurant. However, do not do it regularly. Chances are that the local food is much better and a lot cheaper than a 5-star restaurant. 

Plan Your Budget

Oftentimes, it is easier to look at the money you have before you make decisions about where to go and how long you’ll stay. 

Think about how much money you’ve got right now and how much more you can save before you head off to a new country. 

When it comes to planning your budget, you need to be honest with yourself. You don’t want to plan a trip that will cost you $2,500 if you only have $1,000. 

Understanding your budget will help with your vacation planning. This will also allow you to stop the trip if you have overspent your budget. 

Do Not Visit Expensive Destinations

 If you are backpacking, try to choose destinations where you do not have to spend a lot of money on the essentials. 

For instance, if you really do not care about the destination, why would you spend $12 for a pint in Norway when you can simply get one for $2 in Thailand? 

Also, don’t forget to research the exchange rates of the country before you travel. 

Embrace Slow Travel

Another ideal way to save money when traveling is to slow travel. This is particularly true if you’ve got a lot of free time. 

Typically, the slowest way to get somewhere is also the least expensive. On the other hand, the fastest method is typically the most expensive. For example, walking costs nothing compared to riding a taxi. 

If you’re planning to walk during your entire trip, make sure you carry a hand sanitizer to sanitize yourself regularly. 

Conclusion

Traveling might appear like an expensive dream. However, the truth is that you can do it without draining your wallet.

 Though there are a couple of expenses you should not compromise on, there are a lot of ways you can travel anywhere in the world on a budget. This is especially true if you follow these backpacking tips.