Many of us are longing to explore the world, but financial burdens can hold us back from taking the leap. Nearly a third of Americans have never been abroad according to a study on international travel. And yet there are many reasons to travel abroad: to explore a new place, learn about a new culture, meet new people, and ultimately gain a different perspective. Backpacking is an increasingly popular way to travel for the ease of getting around. Don’t let money get in the way of a life-changing experience. You can live minimally and comfortably on the road with a couple simple solutions.
Budget and save
Before you shove all your stuff in a backpack, keep in mind that planning your finances is key. It’s likely that living out of a backpack is very different from your current lifestyle so taking a look at your current monthly expenses can help you determine where you can cut back. Then save and stick to it! Keep your goal in mind as you prep for the trip and remind yourself of the benefits of having an extra $20 abroad.
While you’re saving, you should also determine a daily budget you’re comfortable spending based on the region or location you’re visiting. There are many places in Asia where you can get by on $50 a day. No matter where you choose to go, you’ll want to choose some things to do and calculate a daily budget. Then, save accordingly.
Earn points as you go
Many credit cards offer points toward flights or cash back on your everyday purchases. This will help to alleviate the cost of your travel when you decide where you’re going and give you a little more freedom in choosing your destination. So jump on this early in the process and start earning points as you plan and prepare for the trip. As you buy your gear, charge it. Even just swiping for your daily expenses before you leave can help to alleviate the costs down the road.
Stay in hostels
When you backpack you have more freedom to explore and traveling light can cut down on your costs dramatically. You may have to get creative with planning your wardrobe, but doing laundry abroad is no big thing. If you stay in hostels, which is the cheapest option aside from staying with family, friends, or couchsurfing, you’re likely to have access to laundry and meet other backpackers. Perhaps you’ll find a travel buddy which is a wonderful part of traveling and can help to further cut down on costs as you can split transportation and other expenses.
Eat cheaply
Food and drink can be one of the larger expenses on a trip. Purchasing food at a grocery store or from a local food vendor can be a way to cut down the costs of dining out. You may find the area you’re in has a daily market and you can purchase fresh produce there. Additionally, opting not to drink or drinking minimally is a good way to avoid a higher bill. You’ll feel better the next day and have extra money and energy to keep exploring.
Follow these simple tips and you’re on your way to your next backpacking adventure. Saving and planning are keys to putting yourself on the map!
