Want To Learn How To Travel Cheap as a Backpacker? Follow These 5 Steps:
I get asked constantly, “Taylor, how do you manage to travel so cheap? What’s the secret?” Well, there are necessary things that each traveler must do before even embarking on their journeys. We’re not talking about special rates on promotional credit cards, or finding the best deals on hotels for short-term stays, no, we’re talking about honest traveling with the little money in our pockets to set out for the goal that we have been inspired to take on. Read these 5 Things To Do while you travel in order to get the most out of your travel budget.
1. Stop Looking For Hotels
The concept of hotel life in a foreign country always surprised me. As someone who despises the luxury of a western-style life while abroad in the concrete jungles or hidden rural oases of new countries, I can never imagine attempting to become accustomed to the tourist trapped locations of modern hotels within a world of entirely different lifestyles and standards.
My biggest gripe: Hotels are owned by corporate conglomerates, typically of foreign entities that take advantage of tourism and do not circulate their profits back into the economy. All of that money gets sent back to the pockets of major players within the hospitality and tourism industry. Take a look at Hawaii, as spoken by Hawaii Business Magazine, only one native Hawaiian family in all of the islands actually own a hotel. They have no say on the economic standings backing the tourism industry to the islands, and that money is escaping to elsewhere, leaving thousands of native Hawaiians to work the underpaid jobs for being in their own country.
This problem is perpetuated across the globe, forcing locals from a country to submit to the pressures of foreign entities and deepening their pockets off of the backs of natives and tourists who pay. So how can we stop the notion of taking advantage of the people whose country we enjoy and should give our upmost respect to?
STOP PAYING FOR HOTELS
Travelers have been blessed with the opportunities for meeting others on the same adventure, and connecting with those also on limited funding. These places consisting of all ages, all backgrounds, ethnicities, and character, there is no other location to stop in for a night or few, than a hostel to find friends and cheap lodging. Sometimes, these locations even come with their own meals and tourism information for your stay and pleasure. You can search for such hostels through sites like Hostelworld and Hostelz, offering cheap prices for budget-travelers to be friendly on their bank account. Further, if enough travelers meet and decide to travel together, prices are sometimes negotiable depending on the owners of the hostel, allowing for cheaper rates than that online, but there’s no guarantee.
With sufficient research, one can find alternatives in any location, especially as a young backpacker. If adventure is what you’re looking for, then no adventure should go without thorough planning. It is important to weigh numerous options about what a certain city has to offer, and what can be provided within the area. Locals in certain foreign countries let out their homes on services like Airbnb and VRBO; however, certain countries may have their own services for people interested in staying in a room or even whole apartments through local websites. The best way to find these is to do a quick google maps search prior to your arrival or even during your day walking around.
I’m guilty of it, but I typically don’t purchase a room to rent until I’m stumbling back home from a bar and I get lucky walking into a side-street motel. Also to not beat around the bush, travelers are privy to the local rizz, and many travelers can find themselves lucky with making a conversation or two with some very generous locals willing to share a night with you. That being said, it’s not a reliable method of finding a place to stay, and telling you to speak to locals and hope to find a place for the night is not recommended in the emphasis of safety.
I have been in the situations in the past where I have arrived from a travel late at night and I tell the cab driver to drop me at some random hotel they recommend. In such cases, I have been poorly duped into squandering funds on places that are unfit for cockroaches. Well, you live and you learn. A thorough search of reviews will save you not only time, but money and effort in attempting to make your destinations fulfilling and cost-effective. The only thing travelers must be aware of is life will be different in local-owned businesses. Sometimes, the shower is different, or there is no aircon, or it’s not up to the “cleanliness” of your typical hotels. Just remember, big expensive hotels just hide their dirtiness better, it doesn’t make them cleaner.
Step 1: Pre-plan destinations and research local areas for hostels and well-reviewed locations for a satisfactory experience at a lower cost. Use sites like Airbnb or VRBO to check local short-term rental possibilities and compare with local owned hotel/motel/hostel options.
2. Research The Destination
When traveling to unfamiliar territory, it is important that proper research is done. The insight to the thousands of resources online can prepare you for unexpected cost, travel restrictions, and tourist locations that can help you not to be scammed.
There are many pitfalls an unsuspecting traveler can fall into, such as finding alternatives to Lyft and Uber in countries that don’t recognize the companies. Some countries even restrict lodging apps like AirBnB, and are technically “illegal”. The difficulty of finding lodging and transportation may be harder without the proper knowledge of services in each country. The truth is, knowing what services each country uses can save yourself more money over time as opposed to paying for local hotels and taxi services prone to scams. knowing where to look can save you more money over time, and an extra $20 saved each night on transportation and lodging over the duration of a trip can add up for more important activities that you’d prefer to do. Some websites like Cost of Living by Nimbeo, allow you to see exactly how much locals spend for services and products. This will give you a general understanding of calculated costs on a daily basis.
A quick Google search on the alternatives of certain services prevalent in the United States can provide a massive relief when freshly arriving to an unknown location. In Thailand, instead of Lyft or Uber, they use Bolt and Grab. Dont get caught up in taxi scams when you can verify a competitive price on the app you can download before your trip. Live like a local, and do as they do. Be perceptive and notice what the locals are doing at the airport, at the train station, hailing a cab, or other means to ensure that you are not being ripped off unwittingly.
3. Eat Like a Local
Food is one of the largest and most unavoidable travel expenses, but it’s also one of the easiest to cut down. Chain restaurants and tourist-oriented eateries often come with inflated prices and watered-down versions of local cuisine. Instead, explore street food stalls, food markets, or small family-run restaurants. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also enjoy a much more authentic and delicious experience.
If you’re staying somewhere with kitchen access—like a hostel or an Airbnb—take advantage of local grocery stores. Cooking your meals saves a significant amount of money, and shopping where the locals shop can provide insight into the culture of the area. Some locations will even provide complimentary lunch and dinner for those staying in particular hostels. This information will typically be listed on the hostel advertisements for your convenience. Consider this: even if the hostel is more expensive than another, if the food they provide is sufficient, the return on savings is likely to be much more than the amount you would spend eating out.
Pro tip: Many places have lunchtime deals or set menus at a fraction of dinner prices. Keep an eye out for these specials to indulge in local cuisine without breaking the bank.
4. Leverage Overnight Travel
Transportation costs can eat into your budget quickly, but combining travel with accommodation can help offset some of these expenses. Overnight buses, trains, or ferries allow you to move from one destination to the next while saving on a night of lodging. If you are unsure if you are able to catch place to sleep for the night, do not be afraid to move on. Many overnight buses are available for ticket purchase well into the late of night. It is possible even with freshly made friends that you might have an entourage to join you on your spontaneous decision making. Most hostels are cheap, and a quick decision to ditch $10 a night at the hostel might be worth it if your next destination is more enticing.
Many countries, especially in Asia, Europe, and South America, offer affordable and comfortable overnight travel options. Bonus: watching the sunrise as you roll into a new city can be an unforgettable experience.
Before booking, read reviews to ensure the safety and comfort of the service. Websites like Seat61.com provide detailed insights into global train travel and can help you navigate unfamiliar systems.
5. Barter and Be Flexible
One of the most effective ways to travel cheaply is to embrace a flexible mindset and the art of negotiation. Many cultures around the world value bartering, and learning to negotiate politely can help you secure better deals on accommodations, transportation, and souvenirs. For foreigners, the prices of tourist-targeted goods will always have an insanely high markup cost. Remember that when in high visited areas, the potential for you to be overcharged for goods and services are exponential compared to more local spots.
Quick Tip: Most vendors appreciate and find respect in a tourist that is attempting to use the country’s native language. Practice a bit from a travelers phrasebook, applications like Duolingo or Mango Languages, and learn how to barter in their language, even if the extent of it is not great. You may notice you will achieve a desired price just for your openness to learn.
Flexibility with your travel dates can also lead to significant savings. Mid-week flights, off-season travel, and last-minute deals are often much cheaper than peak times. Use tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights to explore a range of dates and destinations.
Lastly, don’t overlook opportunities to volunteer or work in exchange for accommodation. Websites like Workaway, HelpX, or WWOOF allow you to connect with hosts in exchange for your skills or time. From working on a farm in New Zealand to helping run a hostel in Colombia, these experiences can be life-changing and cost-effective.
Final Thoughts: Budget Travel Is About Immersion, Not Sacrifice
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean giving up the joys of the journey—it’s about experiencing places authentically, connecting with people, and making the most of your resources. By stepping out of the tourist traps, embracing local living, and planning with purpose, you can create unforgettable adventures without emptying your wallet.
The world is vast, and the opportunities for budget travel are endless. Get creative, do your research, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. The memories and connections you make along the way will be worth every penny saved.
