Top ways I save money while traveling

July 24, 2019
Jess

adventure-backpacker-blue-2450296

As someone who has extensively traveled long-term, I believe everyone should take this opportunity at least once in their lifetime. However, I often hear a lot of people say they simply can’t do it, and one of the biggest reasons is because they think it’s too expensive.

However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Here are some of the top ways I save money while traveling, and how you can do it too:

Data only SIMs

If you don’t have an unlocked phone, this should be the first thing you do before you leave your home country. Otherwise, whichever phone company you use will charge you ridiculously high rates for data overseas.

Since my phone is unlocked, I purchase SIM cards all over the world. In Europe, you can purchase a SIM card in one country and then use it in many countries throughout the continent. And I’ve also used SIM cards extensively in Southeast Asia and Central America.

Personally, I believe that a data SIM only deal is the best choice. No one really calls each other while traveling, and a data SIM card can allow you to keep in touch with other people on the road, along with your friends and family at home. Many of the latest SIMs include global roaming, which you can use your means data no matter where you are, and some also include data rollover as well.

adult-adventure-climb-414017

Choosing the right countries

Obviously, if you’re only traveling in expensive, developed countries, your travel budget will quickly become depleted. That’s why I’ve traveled through a lot of countries where I get more bang for my buck. These countries include Guatemala, Mexico, Hungary, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, and more.

If you want to travel long-term, and if you’re considering working online, your best bet is to start somewhere like Southeast Asia where you can do a lot of travel and live a very comfortable lifestyle for a fraction of what you’d pay in Western Europe, Australia, or Canada.

Traveling slow

The faster you travel, the more you spend, and the worse you feel. It can be traveling to try to see as much as you can in as short of a time period as possible, but this is a good way to end up burnt out and deplete your travel budget.

Instead, spend a little longer in each place, so you have a chance to really see it, meet new people, and get some downtime.

Here are a few of my tips when it comes to saving money while I travel, do you have any other money saving tip? Let me know in the comments section below.