I think there should be a fine line between being a budget traveler and a cheapskate. There's really nothing wrong with having the chance to see the world with a limited budget. But it does not mean one should go to extreme lengths to live up to this budget traveling lifestyle, to the point of harassing locals and leaving a bad impression.
Trust me, I've seen this type. One can still be respectful without looking like a total cheapskate and whiny snowflake to others, because one thing is for sure, it is totally annoying. They might not understand the language in a country but they are for sure a big topic. Have you ever met a traveler who would rather walk for miles to save a couple of pennies for a bottle of water? When water is potable, I suggest one should just try to harden up their stomach and get used to what most people drink. Have you ever met a traveler who would rather hitchhike when the bus fare only costs $3? Have you ever met a traveler from a developed country who has the face to busk on the streets of Bangkok competing with the homeless buskers? Have you ever met a traveler who would ask for a free stay and ended up being such a pain in the back?
A couple of days ago, a good friend of mine brought her Couchsurfer guest to my place to have some afternoon tea. As we sat outside, the first thing the guy did when he found out that there's wifi is to make the most of the situation by calling his friends and chatting with them nonstop in front of us. I didn't mind this for sure, wifi connection is such an important thing for budget travelers. It was heavenly whenever there was wifi at my hosts' place back in the day. However, this guy was half-listening, talking to us while looking at his screen. Don't you find that a bit rude too? He didn't even have any idea where he was at that moment, apparently, the only thing he cared for was to take advantage of what he could get for free. I didn't want to create such a big fuss about it but as the conversation went on, I found out what a jerk he really was. He whined about many things because they are 'too expensive' for him, when compared to his country, the cost of these things are just peanuts. I just couldn't believe that my friend was hosting this guy.
I could have just let it go until my friend started complaining to me about his rude behavior in her place. My friend lives with her family and this guy's behavior had become really annoying eventually. But it is really hard to know the real person by just reading the profile and past positive references. Most of the time you get really nice and respectful travelers, but if you're unlucky you get this kind of entitled traveler. The worst thing he did to my friend was that he automatically assumed he could extend his stay and even left his stuff at her place. I couldn't make this thing totally acceptable anymore so I gave him a negative reference on Couchsurfing.
I don't care where you are from, you will hear what you need to hear from me. And if someone needs to be called out, I will not hesitate to do so. So I wrote the truth on his reference but instead of apologizing for his rude behavior, he just defended himself. I guess he is not a bad person, just totally unaware and full of shit. But I realize that it pays to have a 'good judgment' of people in order to protect yourselves from the users and abusers in this world.
The rise of cheapskate travelers is quite alarming actually. Some of them whine about the price of food when they don't really mind spending for a fancy latte and muffin in their own countries. The locals get paid $400 a month and they don't whine paying for stuff. Some travelers still have the nerve to haggle with the old lady selling fruits, why? Afraid of getting ripped off? But their system has been ripping them off all their lives, not to mention ripping the poor countries off so they can go back in the comfort of their homes. Have a think sometimes, hey!
People work hard everywhere in this world and one is not entitled to free things. But if you are treated nicely, then just be grateful. But know that it is not always going to be the same, things change constantly when you travel. Don't expect that another country is the same or that the people are the same. I really lose my patience whenever I hear some travelers who have the habit of comparing countries in terms of economy and how come these places are not adjusted to their travel budget (insert aggressive eye roll). Don't overstay your welcome. This saying is true and very applicable as you travel. Never use and abuse the kindness of people as they have had enough. Don't repeat the history through this ridiculous cheapskate traveler behavior. If you are about to travel the world with your limited budget, just make sure there's still some room for self-respect and dignity.