Travel Tips For The Broke Backpacker.

We have heard the same phrases, statements and complaints a thousand times over and they all refer to lack of funds to travel. When you are stuck on the other side of the world without money, you learn to seek out opportunity like a bloodhound chasing scent.

The truth is, we have our own system the same as everyone, but in this quick guide we will add the links to the sites we use and share a few tips that other friends have passed on to us and many others. After all, travel is all about sharing.

Here is your top ten guide to traveling cheap.

1. Workaway and WWOOF are both great ways to exchange your sweat for food and accommodation. Both websites offer working volunteer jobs which in return promise to feed and house you wherever you are. The reach of Workaway is massive and is also the reason me and Senna met. Even with a healthy bank account behind you, i would recommend engaging in work around the globe to meet like minded people, immerse in the local community and with WWOOF, help on organic sustainable farms and help the world a little.

2. Hitch a ride from time to time, use Blablacar and make use of the local transport. There are hitch hiking apps available to guide you to the safest and most reliable spots to hang your thumb. Local buses are always the cheapest routes outside of Europe for inter-city short trips. For the longer distances within Europe, Blablacar gives you the option to split the fuel and keep the driver entertained, sometimes also giving you the wheel as you take on the long

highways to your next destination.

3. Cooking your own food and washing your own clothes. Cooking is not always easy, but we travel with a camp stove and always use the facilities available in the hostels and home-stays where possible. Washing your own clothes is easy, just use the sink or shower and get some cheap powder. Drying them can be a little more tricky, especially in colder countries but a little thought and a ball of thick string to use as a line can save huge amounts on laundry costs.

4. Working online as a teacher through CoLanguage, teaching your native tongue, writing content for multiple sites or selling photography through Shutterstock. Utilizing your skills can create enough income to sustain you along the way. Writing a blog or creating Vlogs can take a lot of time but if you can break the mold (which we haven’t yet managed) you can generate income from Ad’s and affiliate marketing. Everyone has a unique view on the world and sharing that can be fun. We view our blog as a life diary and if the future brings us profit then so be it.

5. Cheap flights can be found all over and we mostly use Kiwi.com. With a few website and a little freedom you can now enter rough dates and the search parameter ‘Anywhere’ and see what comes up. We have flown from Einhoven to Sofia for 12 euros, Koh Lanta to Singapore for 8 euros and Doncaster to Berlin for 10. Flexibility is key to cheap deals but also, it gives a sense of adventure as you sit in Serbia and discover you next flight will take you to Romania. The real savings are traveling with hand luggage, which is easier than it sounds.

6. Sleeping in airports. This is a thing we have done a lot on our travels. With connecting flights you can spend a lot of money paying for transport to and from the airport and a nights stay close is usually a fair few bucks. Match this with the fact that the cheapest flights have long stopover times and unsociable hours and you may consider this option. Click Here for our post on sleeping in airports around the world, what to take and what to expect.

7. Take your own food on your flights, as long as they are not liquid based. There is nothing to stop you taking a few sandwiches and an empty water bottle (to fill after the security check) to consume on the flight and in the airport. The extortionate prices at most airports really do break the bank, but you should try to pack for most trips and avoid the truck-stops and highway cafe’s that really crush your purse. Just try to be sure that you eat everything before you land in Australia.

8. Use free apps. Don’t pay for maps in the area, use GPS only down-loadable maps that save on Internet costs. Use local sim cards, pay as you go Internet only packages for the cheapest deal and stick to Whats app, Skype and Messenger for contact with the world. Alternatively you can search for free Wi-Fi everywhere you go, but remember, the more remote, the worse the coverage. Torches, travel guides and book apps also save on space, to beat that cabin baggage fee. Remember, your phone can fit so much information on it, you can save all that space.

9. Try different Banking approaches. Most debit cards charge for withdrawal around the world. N26 is an account we utilize and also Transferwise to avoid those heavy transaction fees. Paying with card usually works out cheaper, where available, but exchange rates are always higher in the airport so try to purchase those bus transfers prior to arrival and then exchange your cash in the towns or cities where the cheaper deals are. Be frugal and check rates.

10. Ask the locals. Don’t be afraid to speak, engage and question the local population. The people that live and reside there will know the best bicycle rental, bus tickets and cheapest restaurants. Ask whatever you can, whenever possible. I know how to live cheap in my home town and so does Senna. Information is key and most people are happy to spend a little time explaining all the corners to cut, routes to take and money saving opportunities.