Traveling on a budget, why not?

When asked “What worries you before deciding to travel?”, most people say it's mainly about money. Many answer “I don't have enough money to travel” or “The money I earn from my job isn't sufficient for traveling”. So how to tackle this? How can everyone afford to travel?

First and foremost, remember this: “You don't have to be wealthy to travel!”. What matters is knowing how to manage and save enough money for travel. How? Make traveling a priority! If travel isn't a priority, you'll always find other expenses to prioritize, and as a result, you'll never have “enough” money to travel. All you can do is prioritize saving enough money for travel, and nothing else!

Here are some tips from Nomadic Matt (a professional American backpacker) on some ways you can travel on a super cheap, even… free:

1. Work abroad

Your current job doesn't provide enough money for travel? Why not try working abroad? There are plenty of opportunities for you to choose from as long as you're not too picky, not too concerned about how it might affect your career. It's just one of the ways for you to earn money for your trip. Here are some suitable job suggestions:

– Au pair
– Mixologist
– Guesthouse attendant
– Waiter/waitress
– Farm worker (very common in Australia and New Zealand)
– Tour guide
– Cruise ship crew member
– Casino staff
– Seasonal worker at resorts…

And here are three websites that can help you find jobs abroad: CIEE, Allianceabroad

2. Teaching English abroad

One of the best ways to earn money for traveling is to teach English abroad. You can make a lot of money from this. All you need is fluent English speaking ability and if possible, a TOEFL or IELTS certificate (depending on the country you work in).

3. “Hunting” for free flights

There are many ways to find cheap or even free flights: sign up for several credit cards from different banks, collect points (by signing up for all bank transactions linked to airlines, shopping at member stores of airlines like Amazon, Apple, Best Buy, Target…; paying with cards…) and then… fly for free!

It is now known that with over 1,000 destinations to choose from, you can convert airline miles from Credit Card Rewards Points of various banks to redeem flight tickets from many partner airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Singapore Airlines, SilkAir, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, Dragon Air, American Airlines,… along with many other valuable benefits. Simply accumulate Reward Points by spending with Credit Cards, then convert the available points to redeem miles, and finally… fly for free.

4. Learn about and sign up for CouchSurfing

Have you ever imagined traveling, sleeping, and eating for free at a stranger's home in a completely unfamiliar country? CouchSurfing makes this possible.

The CouchSurfing organization allows connecting all travelers with local residents everywhere in the world (who are willing to host them for free). By logging in and using the website couchsurfing.org, you will never have to pay for accommodation, not to mention you also have the chance to meet amazing people. Sometimes you will be staying in a fully equipped room, but sometimes you will only sleep on a couch or a thin mattress… however, everything is free.

5. Hitchhike

One of the relatively safe, convenient, and quite popular ways to explore around destinations in many places worldwide including Central America, Northern Europe, Eastern Europe, Australia, or New Zealand is: hitchhiking or joining a free walking tour.

5. Homestay experience

Can't afford accommodation costs while traveling? Experience resting and living with local residents right in their homes. You can sign up with websites like House Carers, Mind My House, The Caretaker Gazette and then stay at a friend's place, or even a stranger's home. With this approach, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the local customs, lifestyles, and discover the best places to visit, play, eat, and all that without having to pay for accommodation.

6. Cooking your own meals

Cooking your own meals – The best way to save money while traveling. If you're CouchSurfing, you might even have the chance to use super “cool”, super clean, and super convenient kitchens. In case there's no kitchen, you can still prepare meals with bread and salad… Because traveling doesn't mean you have to eat out!

7. WWOOFing

WWOOF is a non-profit organization linking organic farms in 99 countries worldwide. Farm owners register as hosts with WWOOF, and backpackers sign up as volunteers. WWOOF acts as a connection between the two parties. WWOOF connects travelers with organization-affiliated farmers, individuals looking to rent out rooms, and helps you find accommodation. Working on a farm will provide you with free accommodation and the opportunity to breathe in some fantastic fresh air.

– Stay in hostels: Hostel rooms are considered budget-friendly accommodations. If you don't have the opportunity to experience CouchSurfing, then hostels are your next best option to save money on finding a place to stay during your trip.

– Use student cards and other discount cards (if you're a student, teacher, or an individual under 26 years old).

– Get a tourist card: If you plan to visit multiple attractions in any city, you should get a tourist card that offers you discounted or free access to major attractions, museums, as well as free public transportation…

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Source: Travel Guide by Mytour – From Nomadicmatt.com