Traveling the world remains a dream for many, but the question of how to travel the world cheap or on a budget is a whole other subject.

While it’s certainly possible, it does take some meticulous planning and research to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck. But, for those who deem travel as a far away dream which is only available to the rich, you’re wrong.

It is very do-able, you just need to know how to go about it. 

You may not be sailing from island to island on mega yachts, but you can definitely enjoy the beauty of the world on a budget. 

Let’s get into how you can travel the world for cheap…

Become a Digital Nomad

Are you a remote worker? Or, can you utilize skills which are highly sought after? If you’ve already got the first one down, you can [in theory] work from anywhere. 

If you’re contracted or employed with a specific company, ask HR about the legalities or any requirements about where you can or can’t work from. If they give you the go ahead, you’ve got free reign to travel and work simultaneously. This way, the money will stay rolling in while you’re exploring the world.

For those who have much sought after skills, or are able to provide a service, why not give it a go?

There are many digital marketers, strategists, writers, artists, etc, working remotely on a freelance basis, while traveling.

This often provides a flexibility that you wouldn’t otherwise experience. You can work for a few hours a day, or focus some days and then take the rest of the week off. And what a better way to enjoy your down time than being in a far flung destination that you’ve been vying to visit for years.

It’s a win-win situation!

Volunteer in exchange for free food or board

Becoming a Digital Nomad isn’t for everyone and that’s okay. If this doesn’t sound feasible, or like something you’d enjoy, there are other ways you can earn money while traveling. 

Many hostels around the world accept volunteers who exchange their time and skills for a free room.

Source – Marcus Loke

If that doesn’t float your boat, there are thousands of opportunities online just waiting for the right person. 

At the time of writing, Workaway (a platform that arranges homestays and cultural exchanges for volunteers) has numerous experiences available including: helping a family look after their farm in Germany, volunteering at a nonprofit animal shelter in Sicily, and teaching English to local children in Indonesia. 

Websites which will help you find these opportunities are Workaway, Worldpackers, and HelpX.

Seek employment overseas

This one will entirely depend on where you choose to go. However, in some countries, you can apply for a visa to work with a company in that area.

By traveling the world in this way, you can slow down and focus on one destination at a time before then moving on. Essentially, this place could become your home for however many months or years, who said traveling the world was a race?

Depending on the visa, some of the typical jobs involve becoming an au pair, bartender, farm worker, waiter, dive instructor, and much more. The list is endless.

Follow the path less traveled

London, LA, and Paris may be in your sights, which is still possible, but you’ll definitely feel the pinch. 

Source – Karl Moran

If you’re not too precious about certain cities, opt for a lesser-known area rather than the capital. Or fly into the main city and explore for a day or two before moving on to a different area.

If you’re planning a visit to England, for example, try Manchester, York, or Cornwall rather than basing yourself in the capital city: London. 

Buy at the right time

We all love a bit of spontaneity, but it can cost you if you’re that way inclined.

If you’re planning your trip with notice, start looking for flights as soon as possible.

Maybe you have Black Friday, Boxing Day (UK sales day on 26th December), or Cyber Monday sales in the run up to your trip? There’s no harm in trying for a bargain when these days roll around. 

And while you’ll likely be gambling on the best time to buy that long-haul flight, being flexible on dates can be advantageous. 

Nick Kelvin, the Points Guy, spoke to CNN about timings: “Only the most expensive fare classes are typically left a day or two before departure, and the cheaper fares are reserved for purchases made at least 21 days before your flight.”

The flight expert advises getting in early to secure the best deals.

Sites like Google Flights and Skyscanner will help you find the best prices. You can also set alerts to keep you in the loop whenever a price drops.

Opt for minimalism 

Source – Markus Spiske

Gone are the days where buying a plane ticket automatically included meals and luggage.

Now, you have to pay extra to carry your precious cargo. 

Because of this, the less luggage you travel with, the less you pay.

If you can keep your belongings to a minimum while traveling the world, this will set you in good stead for paying the lowest possible price for transport.

Establish a home base

The last point leads very nicely into establishing a home base…

If you’re planning to be in Europe for a long period of time, for example, it may be more beneficial to book a monthly stay at an Airbnb or elsewhere and then jump on a cheap flight with just your backpack rather than lugging a suitcase and bag every few days.

From London to Italy, flights (at the time of writing) are around the $18 mark. 

Similarly, flights from Italy to Germany are $17. And that’s just the start. Rail travel in Europe is just as cheap, if not cheaper.

This works the same for islands in Asia or the Caribbean, where boat travel between places can be a good price.

Use sites like Kayak or Skyscanner to find the best prices for flights. 

Join others along the way

Staying in a hostel dorm can dramatically cut down the cost. Many are fit for 4,6,or 12+ people. 

It’s a great opportunity to meet like-minded people, with people from all over the globe under one roof. 

As you make friends, you could join forces for excursions or trips – this can also cut down the price as the total cost can be split between a group rather than a solo person.

Avoid the tourist traps

No matter where you go, there will likely be tourist traps – especially if you go to popular destinations. 

Google can be your best friend here – if you’re going to be paying out for something, have a quick check to see it’s worth your money first. 

Do as the locals do

If you want to travel the world for cheap, doing as the locals do may be the best option. 

Source – Filiz Elaerts 

Dining out can be expensive, especially when you’re going every day. Instead, go to a supermarket and grab some food which will see you through multiple meals. 

This can be a much cheaper alternative. 

Another way to beat the crowds and to spare some money is to visit the restaurants or eateries that are popular with the locals. These are often cheaper and [sometimes] much nicer than the tourist-ey ones.

Utilize discounts

Depending on where you go, there’s usually always a discount or two to be found.

If you’re a student, teacher, forces, or under 26 you can often save big abroad. Search for youth cards, or military / student etc discounts. 

In some countries, this can mean free entry to museums, exhibitions, and major tourist attractions.

Enjoy free events

Many cities around the world hold free events throughout the year. When you have your dates set, do some research into any events taking place at that time. 

Many will coincide with national holidays or long-standing traditions.

Travel the world on the cheap – it is possible

Source – Alex Azabache

Those are just some examples of how to travel the world cheap or on a budget. With many of these tips allowing you to integrate into your chosen destination more than you would if you opted for a 5* resort with everything you need in one area. 

Traveling the world is an amazing feat and one that shouldn’t be influenced by money.

By traveling smartly and resourcefully, you can explore new destinations, make new friends, and gain life long skills that will carry you through for years to come.
For more information on becoming a digital nomad and remote working, read our other blog posts here.