How to Travel the World on $50 a Day

1. Travel is affordable with smart budgeting and planning

We need to look for value when we travel. It's about not taking the first offer you see. It's about doing research and planning.

Break the expensive myth. Many people believe travel is inherently expensive, but this is often a misconception perpetuated by the travel industry. By adopting a frugal mindset and planning carefully, you can significantly reduce your travel costs.

• Key strategies for affordable travel:
  • Set a realistic daily budget
  • Track your expenses
  • Prioritize your spending on experiences that matter most to you
  • Be flexible with your travel dates and destinations
  • Take advantage of off-season pricing
  • Look for deals and discounts on accommodations and activities

Remember that traveling like a local often leads to more authentic experiences and lower costs. Avoid tourist traps and seek out local markets, eateries, and transportation options to save money and immerse yourself in the culture.

2. Leverage credit cards and banking strategies for travel savings

Travel credit cards are crucial to reducing your travel costs and making life easier. These credit cards can get you free stuff and cheap flights, help you save on exchange rates, avoid fees, and make you money.

Maximize travel rewards. Choose travel-focused credit cards that offer sign-up bonuses, rewards points, and travel perks. These can translate into free flights, hotel stays, and other travel benefits.

• Tips for using credit cards effectively:
  • Pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges
  • Look for cards with no foreign transaction fees
  • Use your card for everyday purchases to rack up points
  • Take advantage of category bonuses (e.g., extra points for travel or dining)

Additionally, set up bank accounts that minimize fees for international transactions and ATM withdrawals. Consider online banks that offer free ATM usage worldwide and favorable exchange rates. Always inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid having your cards blocked for suspicious activity.

3. Choose budget-friendly accommodations like hostels and hospitality exchanges

Hostels are one of the cheapest forms of paid accommodation in the world. Hostels are places that offer shared (and sometimes private) rooms for travelers looking for cheap rooms.

Explore alternative lodging. Hostels, guesthouses, and hospitality exchanges like Couchsurfing can significantly reduce your accommodation costs while providing unique social experiences.

• Budget accommodation options:
  • Hostels: Shared dorms or private rooms at lower costs
  • Guesthouses: Family-run establishments offering local charm
  • Hospitality exchanges: Free stays with locals (e.g., Couchsurfing)
  • House-sitting: Free accommodation in exchange for property care
  • Camping: Inexpensive option in many destinations

Consider the amenities offered, such as kitchens for self-catering, which can further reduce your overall travel costs. When choosing accommodations, balance cost with location, safety, and comfort to ensure a pleasant stay that aligns with your budget and travel style.

4. Save money on food by eating local and cooking your own meals

If you cook your meals, expect to pay $70–80 USD per week. For that price, your groceries will include pasta, vegetables, chicken, and some other basic foodstuffs.

Eat like a local. Embracing local cuisine and cooking your own meals can significantly reduce your food expenses while traveling. Street food, local markets, and small family-run restaurants often offer the most authentic and affordable dining experiences.

• Strategies for saving on food:
  • Visit local markets and grocery stores
  • Cook meals in hostel or apartment kitchens
  • Try street food and local specialties
  • Look for lunch specials at restaurants
  • Carry a reusable water bottle and snacks

When eating out, avoid tourist-heavy areas and seek recommendations from locals or hostel staff for affordable, authentic options. Remember that experiencing local cuisine is an essential part of travel, so balance saving money with indulging in local flavors and culinary experiences.

5. Use public transportation and budget airlines to reduce travel costs

Budget airlines offer cheap flights that flying is often the most inexpensive way to get around. After all, why go slow when you can go fast?

Travel smart and cheap. Public transportation and budget airlines can significantly reduce your travel costs, especially for longer distances. Research local transportation options and compare costs between different modes of travel.

• Transportation cost-saving tips:
  • Use public buses and trains for city and intercity travel
  • Consider rail passes for extensive train travel
  • Look for budget airlines and book in advance
  • Use ride-sharing apps or services when appropriate
  • Walk or rent bicycles for short distances

Be aware of hidden costs with budget airlines, such as baggage fees or charges for printing boarding passes. Always compare the total cost, including any additional fees, when choosing between different transportation options. Remember that slower modes of travel, like buses, can often be significantly cheaper than flights or high-speed trains.

6. Take advantage of free activities and city tourism cards

I strongly recommend getting travel discount cards. The ISIC card and its youth and teacher counterparts will get you many discounts around the world.

Maximize free and discounted activities. Many destinations offer free walking tours, museums with free entry days, and public spaces that can be enjoyed at no cost. Additionally, city tourism cards can provide significant savings on attractions and transportation.

• Ways to save on activities:
  • Research free attractions and events in your destination
  • Take advantage of free museum days or hours
  • Join free walking tours (but consider tipping the guide)
  • Use student, youth, or senior discounts when applicable
  • Purchase city tourism cards for bundled savings

Balance paid activities with free ones to stay within your budget. Prioritize the experiences that are most important to you and look for ways to save on less essential activities. Remember that some of the best travel experiences, like exploring local neighborhoods or enjoying nature, are often free.

7. Tailor your budget to different regions and countries

Europe isn't the cheapest place to travel on $50 USD a day. Even Arthur Frommer, famed for his book Europe on 5 Dollars a Day, has upped his daily budget to $85 USD, but I don't think you need that much.

Adjust expectations by region. Travel costs can vary significantly between countries and regions. Understand the relative costs of your destinations and adjust your budget accordingly.

• Budget considerations by region:
  • Southeast Asia, India, and parts of South America tend to be cheaper
  • Western Europe, Australia, and Japan are generally more expensive
  • Eastern Europe and parts of Central America offer moderate costs

Research the specific costs in your chosen destinations and plan your itinerary to balance expensive and affordable locations. Consider spending more time in cheaper countries to offset costs in more expensive ones. Be prepared to adjust your daily budget based on local prices for accommodation, food, and activities.

8. Stay safe and respect local customs while traveling on a budget

Travel insurance was there when all those things happened. It is something you hope you never have to use, and with plans costing just a few dollars per day, in my view, it's foolish to not get it.

Prioritize safety and respect. Traveling on a budget doesn't mean compromising on safety or cultural sensitivity. Invest in travel insurance to protect against unexpected events and medical emergencies.

• Safety and respect tips:
  • Research local customs and dress codes
  • Be aware of common scams in your destination
  • Use reputable transportation and accommodation options
  • Keep important documents and valuables secure
  • Learn basic phrases in the local language
  • Respect local traditions and religious practices

Remember that being a responsible traveler not only ensures your safety but also contributes positively to the places you visit. Engage with local communities respectfully and be mindful of your impact on the environment and local economy.

9. Embrace slow travel and flexibility for better experiences and savings

I never know my travel plans until the last minute and I am notoriously fickle. I'll change plans a hundred times before I finally decide on a destination.

Take it slow and stay flexible. Slow travel allows for deeper experiences and often leads to cost savings. By staying in one place longer, you can negotiate better accommodation rates and reduce transportation costs.

• Benefits of slow travel:
  • Better rates for long-term accommodation
  • Reduced transportation costs
  • Opportunities to live like a local
  • Time to discover off-the-beaten-path experiences
  • Ability to take advantage of last-minute deals

Maintain flexibility in your plans to take advantage of unexpected opportunities or deals. Consider using transportation or accommodation options that allow for changes without hefty fees. Remember that some of the best travel experiences come from unplanned adventures and local recommendations.

10. Overcome fears and misconceptions about long-term travel

The most difficult part about traveling the world isn't the logistics of a trip—it's finding the motivation to go in the first place. It takes a lot of courage to leave your life and journey into the unknown.

Conquer travel anxieties. Many people hesitate to embark on long-term travel due to fears and misconceptions. Recognize that these fears are normal but often unfounded.

• Common travel fears and solutions:
  • Fear of the unknown: Research and prepare, but embrace uncertainty
  • Safety concerns: Stay informed but don't let media hype deter you
  • Financial worries: Create a realistic budget and savings plan
  • Career impact: Consider remote work or career break strategies
  • Loneliness: Embrace social opportunities in hostels and through travel apps

Remember that millions of people travel safely and successfully every year. Start with shorter trips to build confidence and gradually work up to longer-term travel if that's your goal. Focus on the personal growth, experiences, and memories you'll gain rather than dwelling on potential challenges.

Last updated: December 8, 2024