- By Kelsie Nolan |
- (2) Comments
Everybody always asks me how I’ve managed to travel around the world to over 50 countries by the age of 25. They all think I’m filthy rich and I spend a fortune on traveling. In fact, the complete opposite is true. Like everyone else, before I started traveling, I was nervous about paying for everything. I was a broke college kid with very little money saved.
The best thing I ever did was say, “screw it” and get up and go.
The first thing you have to absolutely consider is this:
If you are living at home, or in your flat, or wherever, you are going to have bills. You have to pay your rent, your food, your utilities, etc. You also pay for entertainment, alcohol, and god knows what else. Your food, drinks, entertainment, and Uber tab will just be transitioned to travel spending.... And it’s likely that these travel expenses abroad are A LOT less than what you spend at home!
The Bottom Line:
All you really need to pay for abroad is your accommodations and food. That’s what you need to survive. And,the kicker is...you already pay for this at home!
So, what other costs do you need to worry about when traveling? Well, the major one is the actual cost of travel/transport: flights, trains, buses, etc.
There are also other things such as the up-charged accommodation, activities, souvenirs, unexpected costs, and maybe travel insurance. But let’s not worry about those yet. These are not always necessary to travel.
Okay, again, you DO NOT need to have these things to travel.
What You Need to Know:
1. HOSTEL
This is the best piece of advice that you must wrap your head around. Hostels are awesome! You cannot imagine the amount of people that look at me like I’m crazy when I tell them you sleep in a room with other people. Some people look down upon it, and it’s only because they’re ignorant or uninformed. Stay in a hostel. I promise you’ll thank me later.
Hostels are inexpensive wherever you go. You’ll meet a ton of awesome like-minded people. Sure you’ll have to use some earplugs now and then for the loud snorers, but you’ll get over it. It’s worth it when you realize your rent is actually more expensive per night than the hostel you’re staying at. There have been many times during my travels when an Airbnb or Hotel in Asia would be cheaper than a hostel, and I would still choose the hostel in order to meet people.
Also, hostels generally have kitchens. Hotels don’t. In order to save money while traveling, you have to cook, even if it’s just some rice, pasta or some other cheap meal to keep you going. You cannot eat out every meal and have a long trip. The two just don’t go together. Hostels often supply toast, rice, pasta, coffee, or perhaps even a full meal. They often have hostel dinners too for a really good price. This is a great way to meet everyone and get a good meal.
Buy groceries and get used to walking into supermarkets. It’s honestly one of my favorite things to do when traveling. Don’t laugh! You want culture? Walk into a local supermarket and see how much you learn!
2. BE FREE!
There are a ton of free activities wherever you go. Yes, there are some can’t miss world heritage sites like Machu Picchu and the Taj Mahal that you have to go to. However, almost every church, cathedral, castle, fort, stadium or whatever else you can see from the outsideis free and you don’t really need to pay $20 to go in. I mention stadiums for any sports fans out there like me, I always find it interesting to see where the teams play. Furthermore, parks, beaches and malls are all free. There are also free museums in every city if that’s your thing. Don’t go to the expensive ones. Even the Louvre is free on Sundays and Fridays for young people.
Are you a student? Have you ever been a student?
Bring your Student ID EVERYWHERE. You can get in almost every touristy place cheaper if you have your student ID. Even if it is expired, it usually still works. Discounts range from 10% off to FREE entry, so it’s worth it to carry it around with you.
3. WALK
I enjoy meandering around each city or place that I go. In South America I walked over 800 K’s in 10 weeks - on average 11.5 K’s per day. I look at all the great architecture, and reallyimmerse myselfin each location. Be prepared to walk a lot. You’ll see the most that way and it’ll save you money that adds up in the long run on the metro.
Don't know what a kilometer is? It’s time to learn. The rest of the world is doing it, you need to also. (1 Mile = 1.6 KM)
4. KEEP IT LIGHT
You do not need to buy souvenirs. A true backpacker learns how to be as lightweight as possible. Every item is a well-thought out decision. If you’re going to be traveling extensively, you cannot possibly get souvenirs in each place so you mine as well not get any at all. Worried about not having any memories for your trip? Take a lot of pictures. Your family will appreciate them, and your awesome stories more than a gift.
5. TO INSURE OR NOT TO INSURE
A major concern to many is travel insurance. Most health insurance plans you have at home cover some level of insurance abroad anyway. In most countries outside of the United States, walking into an emergency room will not cost you an arm and a leg. Also,the cost of antibiotics and other drugs outside the United States is a lot cheaper. In a lot of countries, you can walk into a pharmacy and get whatever you need without a prescription. I don’t advise going overboard and taking antibiotics for every stomach ache, but if you’re seriously sick, do it.
What about if I get robbed? If you’re street smart, it’s less likely to happen. Thieves target the easiest opportunity. I’ve never had any problems and I’ve gone to some sketchy places.
Here’s some advice: Avoid walking around in crappy areas, listen to what areas people tell you not to go. Don’t leave your phone out on the table or loosely in your hands. Tuck them into some place like your bra that can’t get pick-pocketed. If you’re a guy, find a girl and put it in her bra.
Don’t carry much cash with you, and you can lock your cards if they get taken. Carry a travel lock to keep your bag secure so no one is tempted to rifle through it. Have another travel lock to put on your personal locker that most hostels offer. Finally, don’t get super drunk to the point where people can take advantage of you. Be careful with your drinks...do not lose sight of them even for a second. The people who are targeted most are people who are impaired and put themselves at risk, especially if they’re alone.
6. GET AROUND
Finally, let’s address the costs of transport. Well first of all I am sick at finding cheap flights. But instead of tooting my own horn, let me explain how!
Skyscanner is the best site there is. You can go on Skyscanner and select the entire month and find the cheapest day to fly. You’re a backpacker now, so having to fly on a Friday is not your concern. Fly during the week, it’s cheaper. In Asia or Europe flights are dirt cheap, even cheaper than the train or bus.
If you look at flights a lot, airlines actually raise the price. Crazy, I know. When you’re ready to book a flight don’t come back to it too many times, and delete your cookies if you have to. Book one way flights, see where their connections are, and then fly there.
Pack light, preferably under 10kg’s. Save your back and your wallet a lot of hassle!
Don’t know what a KG is? It’s time to learn. The rest of the world is doing it, you need to also (It’s 2.2 pounds). 10 KGs means you have 22 lbs to pack your essentials. Pack smart.
Most airlines carry on policy is 10kg’s, don’t waste money paying for a checked bag. If you have 13kg’s and can’t bear to eliminate any of that stuff, wear all your heavy clothes and carry all your electronics in your pockets. Board the plane, and then change back into comfy flying clothes. They’ll usually give you a little bit of leeway.
Some of my go to airlines are AirAsia, Norwegian, Jetstar, Tiger Air, Avianca and GOL Lineas. I have accounts with all of these airlines in order to acquire air miles.
7. FEES
My last piece of advice and the third most important: get yourself a good credit card with 0% foreign transaction fees. This is of the utmost importance. Your trip could cost 3% more if you’re paying for everything without it. I actually have two travel rewards cards that upon signup give you a few hundred dollars in points and 1.5% cash back. This is essentially a 4.5% swing on how much your trip costs. Bank of America and Capital One both offer good Travel Rewards Cards without a yearly fee and sweet sign-up bonuses.
Some notes:
- Most countries don’t have tourist visa costs associated with them, but be aware.
- Change money in the country you’re in, not at home. Airports can also be a big rip off!
- Use Transfer wise to send large amounts of money if you’re opening a bank account.
Share this post with your Tramigos! Encourage them to say, “screw it” and go travel!
