10 Money Saving Hacks for Budget Travellers
Posted: January 30, 2025 | Tagged: Travel Hacks
I have been travelling as a backpacker - a person who travels with a backpack - for the last 33 years, and during that time, I have picked up a good number of travel hacks. Here are 10 of my best hacks (I could list more than 100) to save you money as you backpack the world.
Hint: Travelling doesn't have to be expensive.
Hint: Travelling doesn't have to be expensive.
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1. Use Free Wi-Fi:
Unless you are a successful travel blogger or feel the need to be connected every waking second, Wi-Fi is mostly good everywhere you go (Africa accepted). Why buy data plans, local sims, or eSims (they can be cheap, BUT they are NOT free; just use the free Wi-Fi, making sure you connect through a VPN and avoid using any 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:
If you are using shuttle buses, you are NOT a budget traveller, sorry not sorry, you have money to burn, and you are most likely a flashpacker and will run out of money after a couple of months. If you can't find the bus online, head to the bus station and ask. Many countries still have bus companies that do not have any internet presence.
4. On Crossing Borders:
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, while others charge as much as 10 USD (BBVA in Mexico just put their fee up to an incredible 197.20 pesos).
6. Use Ride-Hailing Apps to Good Effect:
Sometimes, using ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Bolt, or Yango will save you some cash over using regular taxis or authorised airport taxis and can be a great alternative when the public transport is not so good or 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 - Kyrgyzstan, Seoul - South Korea, Kong Kong. Always discuss what is expected of you and what you get in return. Some are sweet but many are just using you as cheap labour. They should be using locals instead of using rich gringos. And officially, you are NOT allowed to work on tourist visas. Even if you are not getting paid, it is still regarded as working !!
8. Weekly/Monthly Discounts:
Travel slow. stay a week or more, and get to know a place. Hostel/hotel discounts are still possible if you are prepared to commit yourself to a week or more in one place.
9. Hitchhiking:
I have hitchhiked distances both long a short in New Zealand, Malaysia, Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and am happy to say I never had a problem BUT hitchhiking is not without risks. In some places I hitched for fun or i was bored. In some places iI was left stranded and had no choice. In many parts of the world 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:
These early morning, no-frills flights can often end up costing you more money in the long run.
