She Strengthens

Traveling the World on a Shoestring Budget

Are you dreaming of traveling the world but think it’s only for the wealthy or retired? Think again! With some careful planning and frugality, you can explore the globe without breaking the bank.

My Gap Year Adventure

Before starting university, I decided to take a gap year and travel the world. However, when I researched online, I was shocked to discover that previous gap year travelers had spent an average of $13,000. As I didn’t have that kind of money to spare, I had to get creative and find ways to travel on a tight budget.

Accommodation on a Shoestring

One of the biggest expenses when traveling is accommodation. However, with some resourcefulness, you can find free or cheap places to stay. Here are some tips:

• Couch Surfing: Use social media to find locals who are willing to host you for free. I used Couch Surfing and not only got a free bed but also made some amazing friends who showed me around their city.
• Volunteering: Volunteer in exchange for accommodation and meals. I spent three months teaching English in Cambodia for just $2 a night.
• House Sitting: Take care of someone’s home while they’re away in exchange for free accommodation. I house sat in Melbourne and Toulouse and even saw ads for a year-long house sitting gig!
• Help Exchange: Work in exchange for board and lodging. I worked in a hostel bar in Koh Samui and met someone who was searching for Bigfoot!
• Camping: Pitch your tent in someone’s garden or find a campsite. I was often offered free breakfast and even got invited to stay for a month to teach a family’s children.

Earning Money on the Road

To extend your travels, consider earning money while on the road. Here are some options:

• Working a Passage: Get a job on a cruise ship or yacht in exchange for passage. You can also volunteer on a Mercy Ship and get transportation to the next country.
• Cooking for Yourself: Eat in instead of out to save money. I saved a fortune by cooking my own meals and avoiding cafes and restaurants.
• Jobs Abroad: Search online for jobs abroad, such as teaching English, working as a ski instructor, or being a kids’ entertainer.
• Tour Guiding: Become a tour guide and earn money while showing people around. You can even get free entry to tourist attractions!
• Blogging: Start a blog to document your travels and earn money through advertising and sponsored content. However, be aware that it may take years to gain a following and become monetized.

Sticking to Your Budget

Research is key to setting a realistic budget. Here are some tips to help you stick to your budget:

• Withdraw Your Weekly Budget: Withdraw your weekly budget on Mondays and only spend that amount for the week. Any leftover money goes back into the bank.
• Look for Cheap Excursions: Research different variations of the same excursions and opt for the cheaper ones.
• Avoid Unnecessary Tours: Skip guided tours and follow a free audio tour instead.
• Be Frugal: Be mindful of your spending and prioritize what you want to do. There’s no point traveling if you can’t afford to enjoy the sights!

With these tips, you can travel the world on a shoestring budget and still have an amazing time. Remember, a year is a long time, so be frugal and make the most of your adventure!