I have picked up many travel hacks in my time as a backpacker. 33 years on the road, you could say I am one of the most experienced backpackers out there. I could list over a hundred that will save you time and money.
This blog post details 10 of my best money-saving hacks.
Hint: Travelling doesn’t have to be expensive.
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1. Use Free Wi-Fi:
Why buy a local SIM when you can find free Wi-Fi pretty much everywhere these days? Just connect for free. Just make sure you use a VPN and avoid using any old free connection in the street.
2. Make Use of the Public Transport:
In some cities, public transport can be insanely cheap. In Mexico City, a ride on the metro costs just 5 pesos. Make use of it.
3. Take Local Transport:
Shuttle buses are not for budget travellers.
Sorry, not sorry!
Can’t find the bus online, just head to the bus station and ask. Old School!
4. Border Crossing Strategy
Avoid the long-distance buses from, say, San José to Panama City. Take a bus to the border, walk across and pick up onward transport. You’ll be surprised how much cheaper this method is.
5. Be Careful of ATM Fees
Not all ATMs are created equal. Some banks offer free withdrawals. Some charge 7 or 8 USD.
6. Use Ride-Hailing Apps to Good Effect:
Ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Bolt, or Yango are a great alternative to regular taxis, or authorised airport taxis or when public transport has stopped running for the night. Never put your safety over the cost of a ride.
7. Volunteering:
I have volunteered in a few places: Karakol in Kyrgyzstan, Seoul in South Korea, and Hong Kong.
Discuss expectations with organisations; working on a tourist visa can be risky. You also might be depriving a local of a job.
8. Weekly/Monthly Discounts:
Travel slowly. Stay for a week or more, and get to know a place. Hostels offer discounts for long-term stays.
9. Hitchhiking:
I have hitchhiked in New Zealand, Malaysia, Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and am happy to say, I never had a problem. Hitchhiking is not without risks. In some places, I hitched for fun, or I was bored. In other places, I was left stranded and had no choice. Sometimes there is no hitchhiking culture, you will be expected to pay – don’t be that asshole. Check that the ride is free before you get in and discuss exactly where they are going and how far they can take you. Start early, making full use of the day.
10. Budget Airline Flights Can Be A False Economy:
Those early morning, no-frills flights can often end up costing you more money in the long run.