5 Tips For Backpacking On A Budget
23. Jan, 2012 
8 Comments
You have decided to travel the world. You bought the best backpack that money can buy, you made sure that your hiking boots were comfortable, and you have stocked up on freeze dried snacks. Buying a business class ticket instead of flying economy probably sent your budget into a tailspin, but not to worry as there are plenty of things that you can do that will let you enjoy your trip without maxing out your credit card.
Avoid Expensive Hotels
Hostels have gotten a bad rap over the years, but there are actually some great places where you can spend the night that are not full of cockroaches. Before you get on the plane do your research. Find out which hostels cater to backpackers. It is a great way to meet fellow travelers, and you may even get your own room. When all else fails, you can always barter hostel cleaning for your accommodation.
You’ve Got To Eat
If you have run out of your freeze dried snacks, you do not have to eat fast food. Opt for the local street vendors, or better yet ask the locals. They can point you in the right direction when it comes to saving money on cuisine. Street vendors prepare local delicacies that will not cost you an arm and a leg. Another great way to save on food is to prepare your own. Head to the village markets and stock up on fruit and vegetables.
Activities
Exploring the sites is one of the reasons that you took your trip in the first place, but the last thing that you want to do is spend the rest of your cash on guided tours with a bunch of people that you have never met before. Regardless of your destination, there are plenty of walking tours that will not cost you a cent. Quite often you will find galleries and museums that are free to the public, and don’t forget, the beach is always free.
Getting From A to B
You can’t always walk everywhere, and if you need to travel to the next city, you should consider ride-sharing. You can go online before you leave and find rides from locals who will know exactly where to go. Another option is to take the train or bus. Most public transports systems offer backpackers discounted rates. Avoid taking a cab at all costs. Taxi drivers can spot a tourist a mile off and the last thing that you want to do is end up with a 100 dollar bill from a long taxi ride.
Don’t Forget To Haggle
Most backpackers travel to areas where the locals like to sell their wares to the tourists, and if you are planning on buying souvenirs do not be afraid to haggle over the price. Try and stay out of the touristy areas and spend your shopping time at the local markets and street stalls. Vendors expect this and will almost often be disappointed if you don’t haggle on the price. Pay what you think the item is worth, not the original asking price.
These tips are our suggestions for how to backpack on a budget, make sure to leave any suggestions that you have in the comments.
Author
Josh is an avid outdoorsman who loves hiking and works with OutdoorPros.com which sells everything from knives to camping gear
Photo credit: Sergey Kravtsov
Haha can never forget about eating!!!! Great advice!
Rich recently posted..Taco Beach Shack: Cheap Eats in Hollywood, Florida
One thing that many people don’t consider is the amount of money you spend doing “must do” attractions in the place you are visiting. While not seeing the Louvre in Paris would be a tragedy, it is important not to get carried away doing everything there is if you are aiming to save money. There are plenty of free attractions that can help you save money too!
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I like the first tips “avoiding expensive hotel” I sometimes do not understand why people stay in such hotel when they go to visit attractive locations. I think they should consider more in eating and traveling then stay in expensive hotel. Thanks for great tips. I really like it.
Castleridge dog walker
Personally, flying economy is not so much a sacrifice so I will opt for it. By this time, I would have found the best and cheapest hostels in the areas I am about to visit and the cheapest, but healthy food retail/restaurants around them. Then, I should have a general itinerary for a specific destination, allowing for impromptu decisions for unlisted areas in my travel plans.
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That’s a great advice on “how to eat” when traveling. Going to the market and getting fruits and vegetables is not just going to save you money but you’ll be eating “healthy” too. Food from the street are yummy but make sure they’re clean…you don’t want to be sick when backpacking.
Great tips… I normally choose backpackers hotels to stay on shared basis. That helps in cutting down costs & you make some new friends but not advisable to stay if you carry valuables like laptops with you unless lockers are available.
I always take a bit of time to get into the haggling whe I go to Asian countries – but over the course of a month or two away it can save you some decent money
Plan your own backpacking excursions. Although guided hiking trips can be nice, they are expensive. Just plan your own. Choose a location, do your research online, and start looking for the cheapest plane tickets that will get you there. If you are planning for backpacking cheap, it is very important to look out for more deals. If you do the proper research on the net, you will be able to find some of the hiking products such as outdoor clothing, sleeping bags, tent etc for half price sale.
~Clariz