How to Travel the World on a Budget

Every traveller has a list of dream destinations around the world that he or she would like to visit during this lifetime or a specific period of their life. While many of us may put off the dream of travelling the world due to real-world responsibilities and the sheer cost of such a journey, it is possible to see more of the world without going bankrupt in the process. Here are some practical ways to travel more for less and see what this wide world has to offer.

Prioritise Affordable Destinations

One mistake that most aspiring globetrotters make is attempting to cross off too many high-end destinations off the bucket list in one go. Needless to say, travelling to France, Germany and the Caribbean will set one back quite a bit, especially in terms of budget so perhaps it is time to reconsider which destinations are on your list in the first place. You may be surprised to find how many affordable holiday hotspots are scattered around the globe and how compelling these destinations can be as holiday alternatives to those on your imaginary wish list. Cross off the affordable countries first and then save up for the big cities that are likely to cost more. Some destinations to consider include Nepal, Sri Lanka, China and Vietnam, which are perfect for budget travellers of even the smallest means.

Find Occupations that Involve Travel

Those who wish to make travelling the world a part of their lifestyle or everyday life experience should choose careers that involve quite a bit of travel. This is perhaps the most feasible and profitable way to see the world as you will literally be paid for living and staying in locations around the world. If the idea of becoming a chef, travel agent or a digital nomad doesn't appeal to you, then consider finding temporary jobs overseas such as teaching English, DJing or bartending so it is possible to pay for the trip with what you earn in these jobs. It may be a hassle to secure these employment opportunities and secure work permits from different governments, but the effort is well worth it for those who want to essentially see the world for free.

Explore Woofing Options

The concept of Woofing is relatively new, but it has been a means through which many tourists have funded their overseas adventures. Woofing opportunities are working at a farm or similar setting in exchange for food and a place to stay. Organisations such as Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms provides listings for those looking to offer their labour in far off locations and the trade-off is quite profitable, especially for those who enjoy manual labour, farming and working with foreign communities. While a willingness to get one's hands dirty is a pre-requisite, the fact that accommodation and meals are paid for means travellers can use their free time to see the area and engage in tourist activities.

Stay with a Local Family

Travel News Talk and other resources or world travel guide sites advocate cutting costs by arranging homestays with local families. The concept is similar to Couchsurfing although it's not simply a place to stay that's on offer as a full immersion in the local culture is part of a home-stay. While it is not entirely free of charge, the cost of lodging with locals is far cheaper than hotel reservations. It's also a great way to make friends and build relationships with people from different cultures.

House-sit Around the Globe

With so many websites dedicated to finding house sitters, one would think that the idea of house sitting would appeal to travellers who are hungry to explore new horizons. House sitting is another paid opportunity in which you can take care of someone's house, garden and belongings while they are away and enjoy travelling around the city or destination for free.