Introduction

The travel bug first bit me during my junior year of college while studying abroad in Prague, Czech Republic. During that semester, I explored over 20 countries, and I realized I wanted to make a career out of traveling. After graduation, I moved to a small town in South Korea to teach English. Although I had no teaching experience, I saw it as a fantastic opportunity to live and work overseas—and it truly was!

While living in Korea, I continued to travel and began documenting my adventures through blogging and social media. By the time I left Korea in February 2015, I had built a substantial following, which attracted sponsorships from local tourism boards and hotels. This allowed me to travel full-time to places like India and Eastern Europe. Although sponsorships helped reduce my costs, I had to develop various tricks for saving money while traveling. Here are some of my top strategies to help you explore the world on a budget.

Saving Money on Accommodation

Accommodation can be one of the biggest expenses when traveling. Depending on your destination, hotel prices can soar to $300–$400 per night, which is not feasible for most travelers. Fortunately, I’ve discovered several ways to secure affordable lodging, even in expensive cities.

1. Airbnb

Airbnb has become a popular alternative to hotels. It allows travelers to rent private rooms or entire homes, often at lower prices than hotels. Staying in an Airbnb provides a more authentic experience, as you’re usually located in residential neighborhoods rather than tourist districts.

One of my favorite strategies is to contact hosts before booking. I often reach out with a message expressing interest while mentioning that the listed price is slightly out of my budget. By doing this for multiple properties, I’ve successfully negotiated discounts of up to 50%. For example, I identify 5-10 places I like and send similar messages. More often than not, I receive responses from hosts willing to negotiate.

2. Hostels

Hostels are one of the most economical lodging options and offer a social atmosphere. They typically feature dormitory-style rooms with bunk beds, common areas, and sometimes kitchens for cooking meals. In Asia, I’ve found hostels for as little as $4 a night!

3. Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is the ultimate way to find free accommodation. You stay on someone’s couch, for free! Couchsurfing.com is the most popular platform for this, and I’ve used it extensively, from Slovenia to Japan. It’s a unique experience that I encourage everyone to try at least once.

4. Credit Card Point Earning

Using credit cards wisely can significantly reduce travel costs, sometimes even allowing for free travel. I opened my first credit card in college for credit-building purposes, which offered a mere 1% cash back. Since then, I’ve switched to cards that provide substantial travel rewards.

Currently, I use three different credit cards to maximize my rewards based on spending categories. The cards I recommend are:

• Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: Great for everyday expenses.
• Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Best for travel-related purchases.
• The Platinum Card® from American Express: Offers excellent travel benefits, including airport lounge access and travel insurance.

5. Airport Lounge Access

Gaining access to airport lounges can alleviate travel stress and save money. Airport lounges often provide complimentary food and drinks, comfortable seating, and other amenities.

Priority Pass

Priority Pass grants access to over 1,300 airport lounges and restaurants worldwide. You can obtain a membership directly or through certain travel credit cards, which is often more cost-effective.

American Express Centurion Lounges

As a Platinum Card holder, I enjoy access to American Express’ Centurion Lounges, which generally offer a higher standard of service than Priority Pass lounges. This includes gourmet dining and premium beverages.

Airline Lounges

If you don’t have access to Priority Pass or American Express lounges, check if your airline offers lounges. While typically reserved for first-class passengers, you can gain access through loyalty programs or elite status.

Eating for Free (or Cheap)

Food can be another significant expense while traveling, but it doesn’t have to be. Over the years, I’ve learned how to stretch my food budget effectively.

1. Street Food

Eating street food is not only authentic but also a budget-friendly option. It often allows you to try local delicacies at a fraction of the price of sit-down restaurants.

2. Grocery Stores

Visiting local grocery stores can be a great way to save on meals. If you have access to a kitchen, consider cooking simple meals with fresh ingredients. For example, a sandwich made with freshly baked bread, cured meats, and cheese can be both delicious and inexpensive.

Meeting Locals

Connecting with locals can greatly enhance your travel experience. They often have insider knowledge that can help you navigate the area and may even invite you to enjoy a home-cooked meal. I recommend using social media platforms like Instagram or the app Meetup to connect with locals who share your interests.

Final Thoughts

One of the biggest myths about travel is that it has to be expensive. While costs can add up, there are numerous strategies for traveling on a budget or even for free. Throughout my journey to visit every country in the world, I’ve had to get creative with budgeting and saving money. These tips are designed to help you make the most of your travels without breaking the bank.

Traveling can be accessible and affordable; with a little ingenuity and effort, you can explore the world without overspending. Happy travels!