9 ways to save money at your travels as backpacker

​​ME.TALK - Have you ever wondered how some people are able to travel so frequently? It seems like they're always on the go, exploring new places, trying new foods and meeting new people. While there are certainly some people who have the means to travel luxuriously, there are many others who are able to do so on a more modest budget.

by Hanan

There are a variety of factors that can infuence how often someone travels, including their work shedule, financial situation and personal priorities. For some people, travelling may be a top priority and they're willing to sacrifice other things in order to make it happen. Others may have a more flexible lifestyle that allows them to take advantage of travel opportunities as they arise. Whatever the case may be, it's clear that travel is a passion for many people and there are ways to make it happen regardless of one's budget.

"There is a lot to learn about the world of budget travel."

Whether you're looking to travel more frequently or simply curious about how others are able to do so, there is a lot to learn about the world of budget travel. From finding affordable accommodations to taking advantage of travel rewards programs, there are many strategies that can help you make the most of your travel budget. So if you have a case of wanderlust but aren't sure how to make it work financially, don't worry - there are plenty of resources and communities out there to help you make your travel dreams a reality.

1. Flight tickets

I always use travel search engines to find cheap flight and I also look for tickets from and to nearby airports. Two search engines I use the most are Skyscanner and Momondo. The first one is very easy to search for a flight if you still don’t know where you like to travel too. You can choose ‘any destination’ and then you get results sort by price to destination in the whole world. With Momondo you also can choose a continent where you like to fly too.

Most of the time when I see a flight on one of them I check double at the other one. And sometimes you can find a cheaper price for the same flight. Both websites direct you to the website where you can book the flight.

INFO
​Skyscanner www.skyscanner.net
Momondo www.momondo.com

2. Accommodations

Because I traveled many times solo I always went to hostels, they are way much cheaper than hotels. Maybe you don’t have a room for yourself, but that’s not the reason I like to travel. I like to meet other people. And a hostel is the perfect place to meet others and to socialize. The most of my hotels I search with Agoda, Booking.com or Trivago. These websites have an offer from hostels and other sleeping accommodations all over the world. And honest, my favourite one is Agoda. Mostly I can find her the cheapest accomodation.

Sometimes I also used Couchsurfing, you sleep in the home of other travellers, and the only price you had to pay was sharing your stories and socialize with each other. But since they made to pay for their forum, I stopped using them. Travellers like me and many others made their forum huge and now everyone suddenly have to pay. I looks me unhonest. But if you still think it's a good way for you to travel, take a look at their website. Travellers are bye the way also welcome at my place when I’m not travelling, take contact with me at the contact page from ME.TRAVELBLOG.

The third advice I can give you is to use discount codes. A lot of travel website have discount codes which you can use. In the past you could also find discount codes at ME.TRAVELBLOG, but we stopped with that. Our team isn't so big and it took a lot of time to keep that page up-to-date. If you like to join our team, always welcome. 

INFO
Agoda www.agoda.com
Booking.com www.booking.com
Trivago www.trivago.com
Couchsurfing www.couchsurfing.com

Read more under the photo

ABOVE: streetfood in Bangkok.

3. Food

The biggest tip to save money about food is don’t go to expensive restaurants but eat local or street food. Buy some food and drinks in a supermarket and cook sometimes at your own in a hostel. The most hostel have a kitchen what you can use. Or cook together with other travellers in a hostel. It’s again a nice way to socialize. In Asia a lot of supermarkets have also a little terrace where you can sit down and drink some coffee or other drinks.

Places like Starbucks are not done. First you pay five double for your coffee, and second in my opinion as coffee lover: the taste is to sweet and terrible. I can't imagine that someone think this is really coffee. And now I'm going to get a lot of haters who adore Starbucks. And if you really like to go to some restaurant, look for lunch a buffet restaurant. ​And guys, don't take this too seriously either. These are just tips, you can do whatever you want.

4. Transportation

Avoid expensive taxis or share a taxi with other travellers. Use local busses and trains or rent some motor cycle. Maybe you travel slower. But why to hurry when you travel? And you see so much more from the country during slow travelling. Because I love walking, I often go on foot when the distance is less than 5 kilometre (3 mile). When you’re more adventurous, try to hitchhike in Europe.

Read more under the photo

ABOVE: transportation in Bima in Indonesia.

5. Tours

Don’t do expensive tours or join at organised group activities. Do things bye yourself or with other (local) people you meet. In cities you can find sometimes some free tours. You can give the guide what you like and what they deserve in your opinion. Rent a motor cycle or a bicycle and search. I have the experience that the most local people will help you to find your way around.

6. Touristic places

Don’t spend to much time there. These places are always more expensive. When you stay in less touristic places you save money and you will discover more unique and authentic people, places and experiences. You will discover the country.

Read more under the photo

ABOVE: backpacking in Thailand.

7. Travel slow

Like I told you above: don’t be in a hurry. Take some time to walk at a beach, to sit down and watch the sunset or sunrise. Do some hiking trip or just hang around in the city and listen to street musicians and watch the people around you. There are always some things to do what are free or almost free. When you’re in a hurry you always will spend more money at transportation, food and others.

8. Souvenirs

It’s not important to have a t-shirt or others stuff from the city or country you travel to. Buy not too much from these things. Many years later they will be broken, or you have boxes full of stuff. And the things you will remember are the experiences and the people you met. 

9. Budget

Write down the money you spend. You will discover very fast where you’re spending way too much money about and it help to save you money during your travels.

"Travelling on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing quality."

The key to travelling on a budget is all about being resourceful and flexible. Whether you're searching for deals on flights, choosing to stay in budget-friendly accommodations, or seeking out local food options, there are always ways to make your travel experiences more affordable. Of course, travelling on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing quality - with a bit of planning and creativity, you can have an unforgettable adventure that doesn't break the bank.

At the end of the day, the most important thing about travel is not how much money you spend, but the experience and memories that you create along the way. Whether you're exploring a new city, hiking through the mountains, or simply relaxing on the beach, travel has a way of enriching our lives in countless ways. So if you're eager to see the world but hesitant to take the plunge due to financial concerns, remember that there are always ways to make it happen - and that the rewards of travel are well worth the investment.

ME.TALK | BUDGET.FRIENDLY | BACKPACKING

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POST BY
Thierry Hanan Scheers
With a backpack and hiking boots Hanan travels around the wolrd. Destinaton? Somewhere, nowhere and everywhere.
​backpacker and storyteller

PHOTO
​Thierry Hanan Scheers

25 November 2020
​updated 14 March 2023