There are plenty of terms I've used to describe my condition! "Travel Bug", "Wanderlust" or "Itchy Feet" are all terms I've used to describe my ever lasting hunger for more travel. The thing is, I believe it's a feeling that should and can possibly last forever if you really work at it. However, people always think they'll need to win the lottery to do something like the journey I am but you can have just as much fun on a hand full of change if you budget and it means you get to do more out of the ordinary things. Here are some essential notes I've learnt while on the road to help you get out in the world in no time at all. And no, you most definitely don't need to sell yourself.
1 - Start smart
This one is simple. Get as far away as possible for as little as possible. That's the trick. You may want to start off in your dream destination but you might have to settle for a rock nearby and work your way up. Flight sales are the best way to do this so set up a flight alert for a route on the given dates you want to fly on sites like Skyscanner, Google Flights of Momondo or Kayak. The Goal here is to cover as much ground as possible with your buck because as soon as you hit the ground, moving around is a lot cheaper by train, bus and my personal favourite, bike. You'll get cheap flights to popular destinations like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Here's the thing, don't bother with your return. You may want to extend your stay and a return will be just throwing money away. Also, look at Holidaypirates.com if you are flying from Western Europe where they have random cheap deals from all over the globe. You may not have much choice on when you're going or where to but it's a great way to save money.
2 - Dig for Dollars
It's not easy but if you work hard for it, it's very possible. Thing is that you probably don't need as much as you think you do. The idea here is to pull out all the stops. A short term pain for a long term gain really. Sell that old guitar you stopped playing 2 years ago, get rid of the last phone you had, you don't need much when you're travelling out of a 65 litre bag. Take on extra hours at work, a weekend job or promo work. Be smart with your money, cut down on the nights out and Sunday brunch. One pint at home is a nights accommodation in a bunk bed when backpacking. Drink less, smoke less or not at all if you can, cook more at home, don't buy new clothes, claim your tax back, call in those loans you gave out, walk some dogs, complete online surveys and just get your hands dirty. There are a million ways ot do it if you put your mind to it.
3 - Pinch the Pennies
Now that you are on the road, you need to travel smart. Put down the cocktails and jet skis. This all depends on what countries you are going to of course. If you are going to South East Asia, then you can get away with about €15-€20 a day including food, accommodation and some left over to rent a scooter or have a few beers. Set out how much you have and divide it up by how many days you have while you're away. Stick to your budget but always try to stay under. Keep an emergency budget aside from this. You never know when you may need to dip into it for bribes, last minute flights or gear if it gets stolen. The trick here is to only take out what you need at a time. If you don't have the money on you, you simply can't spend it. Treat yourself now and again but be conscious of where you are with your budget. The fear of checking your bank account after an all night bender while travelling is all the more alarming when you are away as you've most likely no passive income in the beginning.
4 - Frugal Food
Don't starve but avoid pigging out. Be flexible. Don't expect big steak dinners, bottles of bubbly and lush desserts. Those are for when you go back home and trust me you will most definitely miss them. Eat street food where possible, it's extremely quick and costs very little. Stand back and watch a local eat it first, then see how much they pay. This way they can't screw you over because you're not supposed to know better. Also worth noting is when they are cooking, see if they are busy, if they are busy it means the food hasn't been lying out too long. If in doubt, get them to cook it a little more before giving it to you. The last thing you need is to be parked up in a hostel bed for a few days spraying out both ends. When able to, cook in hostels and make dishes with pasta and rice to keep full. Remind you of your student days much? Most will at least have a kettle or microwave for your noodles or instant soup. Some even have full kitchens so grab food from the market and make some dinner. You can even use left overs for other meals. The cheapest food is most likely at large supermarket chains. You can see which is the discount brand locally online. You'll get cheap yoghurts and essentials like milk and bread here at a steal. Most importantly, only eat what you need, no need to buy tonnes of food. You'll survive on a lot less than you think. Also worth noting is the fact a lot of supermarkets discount food heavily towards the end of the day so pick the evening to do your shop.
5 - Average accommodation that's not average
Hostels are the obvious ones here. Sites like Booking.com and HostelWorld are fantastic resources. Sometimes the cheapest option is sold out but that only means the allocation of beds on that site are sold out. Either check on another site or simply email them/rock up. A lot of sites allow promotion codes. It's worth doing some homework and seeing if they have any on their social media or if any have been leaked on coupon websites that you can use. I got a hotel in Ahmedabad for €4 this way. Another handy way of saving money on accommodation is Couchsurfing. You have to give and take on this one. If you know where you are going to be travelling to, try hosting as many people from these places as possible before you go. When you get there, you can then hit them up for a place to stay. With Couchsurfing, always offer something. Teach them a new skill, bring em out for a beer, offer to cook them a meal or simply bring a gift with you. It's manners and it means they might host you for longer if you need it. Also important not to overstay your welcome. I've had some surfers that have stayed well past their sell by date and it leaves a sour taste in the mouth of the host. Then theres WWOOFing or World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farming. You volunteer and in exchange get food, accommodation and learn key farming skills in an organic environment. It's good if you want to park up for a while and pause your bank account from going down. Last but not least, I recommend having a handy hammock/sheet in your bag. If you're in a fairly safe place, set it up, get in your warm clothes and put that sheet well tucked in for an insect free sleep. It's good for emergencies and when you want to go off the beaten track. It keeps you off the ground and you can keep all your valuables on your person. If you are inland and budget accommodation doesn't have all the pools and facilities you get from fancy accommodation, simply grab a towel shorts, look as fancy as possible and mosey into the nearest resort. Head to the toilet and walk out looking like you belong there. Get talking to the guests and blend in. Now you have a 5* resort experience for a hostel bunk you have around the corner.
6 - Stay in contact the right way
It's important to keep in contact with people back home for safety but also mental stability. Travelling on the road can be lonely especially in places that aren't exactly hotspots for other backpackers. Places like China where it's mainly non English speaking tourists, means you have only yourself to entertain you. You'll talk to yourself a lot. Calling home to relatives who have yet to discover a smartphone or calling your insurance company/bank/agency will rack up credit pretty quick. I've had to call my bank on several occasions to unblock it so I can actually have money to survive on and it's put my bill way up. Don't make the same mistake. Getting an international sim is one option and available in most big airports but Skype will let you do it for about 4c a minute depending on where you are calling and all you need is a WiFi connection or some data (Get a local sim). Sending postcards an rack up a big bill and some never actually arrive. Some apps like TouchNote allow you to take a picture, type ip a message and they'll print it and send it for you for a humble €1.
7 - ATM Money Matters
As I mentioned before, only have on you what you need. However, when taking money out from a hole in the wall, you'll get charged by your bank, their bank and you'll lose a little on the exchange rate. Take out your weeks needs and store it in a safe place. I can't state this enough. In Shanghai, I had a small fortune taken from me as I had a months budget out and a lot of machines weren't taking my card. I found one that worked and took advantage of it. I left it in my bag only to come back and find it missing. Always use the locker if you have one or safety deposit box at reception if available. When walking around, keep your money in a safe place too. A lot of places are fairly safe but you never know. A money belt under your top or simply stick the big notes in your sock for safe keeping. If you can, pick an international bank to avoid withdrawal fees when getting money out.
8 - Make some cash on the road
You'll get to the stage where money is running low and you are starting to think about how you will even get home. If you are near a country with good money making opportunities, you can use some of your remaining budget to head there and grab some quick work. Many people head to Australia, work up some money and head back on the road. If you can't do this, there is a good chance you can pick up a job teaching english that will help you build back up your travel budget in a reasonable amount of time. If that's not for you, there are a lot of hostels that will take you in. You'll be leading tours, welcoming guests and doing some day to day operations. In return, you'll get a small wage but your accommodation and food will most likely be included. So you can save up pretty quickly. It's also a great way to stay on the back packing circuit. A friend of mine stayed working in a hostel in Cambodia and extended his trip by another 4 months. I've mentioned WWOOFing before but there are also some work abroad schemes available too. Check out workabroad.com for more info. Also, if you are within a skiing region, take up some work as a chalet helper. You'll be doing some mundane work but you'll get access to the slopes, meet some cool people and work up some cash. The parties are also insane. The main thing here is to keep you eyes open for opportunities. Look on local sites for jobs, look for signs in windows and in your hostel. If you like the vibe of a place, just chat to the manager and be on your best form. I've been offered jobs in hostels from getting drunk with the manager without even knowing who they were. Also check out Upwork and well....Steemit might just be the new best way if you have a flare for writing
9 - Drinking yourself to debt
This is the expensive thing. Even though some countries are cheap as chips it can still rack up. The trick here is an obvious one. Pre drink in hostels and skip on bars. If there is beach nearby, round a group up, grab some spirits and mixer and head down to build a fire. Hostels will sell beers but usually a little more expensive than the shops. Most hostels have a "No Outside Alcohol" policy but you can always sneak your way around this. Don't drink in nightclubs, it doesn't matter what country you are in, it's always expensive. If you can not drink, you're onto a winner but it's very likely that you will. Also, you can buy drinks for other people but backpackers are all in the same position, so that good looking girl or guy?.... let her buy her own drinks.
10 - Getting from A to B
A lot of the best ways to move around are actually the cheapest. Things like renting a scooter and planning a long drive can be a great way to get everything in and spend very little. Most countries you go to won't ask you for a drivers license. However, do be careful, anyone you see walking around with a bandage is most likely the victim of a moped crash or burn from the exhaust. I've one on the inside of my leg and it's no fun. If you do crash, you're holiday could be over or you could be spending a few days in A&E. Make sure you feel confident, drive slow and are careful starting off or slowing down. Also, hop off the bike to the left, red hot exhaust is on the right. Next tip is to hitch hike but it's only for the brave. You'll spend nothing but you'll need to be wary of who you get in with and they may not be able to bring you the whole way. Be patient, someone will stop eventually. I'm not sure how safe this is for girls though. Car pooling works in some countries where you can put some petrol money in for people doing a road trip. Share tuk tuks and taxis where ever you can. It chops the price down and you'll have people to hang out with. Don't be afraid to walk 20-30 minutes. This is a great way to see the place you are in and stumble on some absolute gems. You'll see locals play cards, kids practicing a dance, people working in a field and much more. Train are good for long distance if you are prepared to rough it. Go for cheap classes and if you can, get a sleeper class. It saves you paying for a nights accommodation although try for top bunks, lower bunks are usually for sitting up and chatting until people want to go to sleep. I had to wait until an entire family wanted to sleep on the way to Mumbai in India before I could pull out my bunk for a snooze. Otherwise, get some work on a cruise ship or cargo hold? It's not for everyone but if you have the languages, they I say go for it. If you have to take a flight, try and see if you can get your bag as carry on luggage, they rarely stop back packers and I have yet to be stopped. The trick is to keep your bag light anyway. It makes it easier to move around and you'll get it in the over head compartment pretty easily.
11 - What you wear
Most place will offer a laundry service. Some are cheaper than others but nothing beats just grabbing a sink and doing it yourself. It costs nothing and you can control how it's being washed. Pick up some detergent for very cheap in a shop pretty much anywhere and keep it in a zipper bag. If you are buying new clothes, go to the discount stores or second hand shops. This is where you'll get bargains. It's all well and good thinking you won't need them but when you move around a lot, so does your climate. I landed into Melbourne in winter after being in the scorching Philippines and I had to buy some warm clothes. A few dollars later and I have a hefty wardrobe. If you have clothes you don't want anymore, maybe see if other backpackers want to do a swap. Nothing will be in great condition but maybe they have something you need. Bartering is always fun anyway.
12 - Medical Emergencies
Get insurance. It's really a no brainer. You're being active and moving around alot. It won't be long until you get a bump, graze, tropical sickness, disease and make a trip to the doctor. Just keep your receipts and file a claim. World Nomads are a good provider and they know how backpacking works. You'll get your money back, it will take a while but you will get it back. Another tip is to get a decent med kit before you leave. All the essentials but get some creams like anti-fungal cream, steroid cream, antiseptic, eye drops, cold'n'flu, pain killers, hay fever tablets etc. You never know when you'll need them and it may be hard to find them in some parts. Some anti itch for bites will help too or failing that, some tiger balm will help the non stop itch. If you are like me, you'll need it. If you feel ill, seek medical help but make sure you really need it. You can get there and they can say you have illnesses you don't have just to make some extra money. You may also not be as bad as you think you are. There's a lot to be said for resting up in bed and taking care of yourself for a few days.
13 - Haggle Everything
Nothing is non-negotiable. Whether it's a street vendor or a shop, always try get a discount. Street sellers rarely expect to get the full price. Offer an offensively low price, be brave and if they shut down straight away, ask them for their best price. Keep at them, keep smiling and use some charm. If that doesn't work, move onto the next place. Always shop around first and more than likely you'll get a rock bottom price when you start walking away as they fear losing the sale to a neighbouring vendor. Even hostel prices can be negotiated. I've negotiated free accommodation for promising to buy meals in tiny tea houses high in the Himalayas. Tuk Tuk drivers will try and get a lot out of you and sometimes they will all stick firm to the same price to screw you over. Talk to one quietly and tell him you will meet him down the road, more often than not, he'll break away from the gang and pick you up a little out of sight.
14 - Police/Bribes
A lot of backpacking hotspots are poorer countries with corrupt police. This means that checkpoints will see you as a money making opportunity and stop you. I don't recommend it but for the most part you can look blindly past and run them. I've done this on 14 occasions in India, Indonesia and other hotspots saving myself 30-40 euros each time. This is the risk you run with renting scooters even with a licence. They will find something, you can be sure of that. I've heard many stories from other travellers about plants of drugs on their bags so be careful. Also, if you are going to be dabbling with substances which I don't recommend, do not bring with you across borders. I've been in a car that has been searched thoroughly with a travel buddy having a near miss with his goods. Avoid at all costs. In fact, avoid the police at all costs. Now if you do get stopped for a bribe...haggle it. That's right, nothing is beyond negotiation. Say you only have half the mount. They will settle for less and make you think they are doing you a favour.
15 - Souvenirs
We all want a little piece of a special place to bring back home so we can remember the times we had there. This costs money, most are cheap factory made junk, they take up space in your bag and you have to lug them around for months on your travels. Instead, keep every map, entrance ticket, hostel business card, restaurant receipts, lowest denominations of paper money, sea shells and brochures to make a scrap book out of when you get back. It helps you jog the memories of places you've been and almost acts as a travel journal leaving plenty of space in your bag for the things you need. when it comes to bringing people back presents, wait until you're in the last country before home or set expectations that you don't have budget for presents. People should understand. Please avoid buying natural goods and animal parts. It's not cool. Don't be shit!
16 - Getting Home
You return is something that will always have to happen. The idea is to travel countries that get you closer to home. This makes flying back cheaper and quicker. This one only really applied for those of you who don't really know when you are coming back. If you do decide to go home, make sure you give yourself plenty of notice, the more you have the cheaper the flights. You can also dip into that emergency fund now as you're on the home stretch.
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