Money-saving tips, how to stick to a budget, eating and drinking on the cheap, finding cheap travel and free attractions: see how our previous World Travel Hackers traveled the world in the most budget-friendly way possible
When you have to travel the world and take on challenges while spending as little as possible, you're sure to learn a thing or two about budgeting, saving money, and making the most of the money you have. So what advice can you give us? Hackers of the travel world give to our 2024 competitors — and you as a travel enthusiast?
Eat local
It was a universal response. “Avoid the tourist traps and opt for authentic street food or “Local markets, where you can enjoy delicious meals at a fraction of the price,” says Rafail.
Miles agrees: “Talk to the locals and they will usually point you in the right direction. Singapore had my favorite meal I think. It was a nice BBQ style place and we had a lovely brisket with miso roasted potatoes and lychee beer, hands down the best beer I've ever had. Absolute local secret.
Do your research
It sounds obvious, but it can save you money, reduce stress, and give you a more complete overall experience. Bianca: “Find out what you can do for free in each destination, it makes such a difference.”
Thanasis agrees, saying that “many destinations offer free or low-cost flights.” attractions, such as parks, museums with free entry days or guided walks “Take advantage of these opportunities to explore without breaking the bank.”
Don't be afraid to get naughty
“Be flexible with your accommodation: consider alternative accommodation options like hostels, “Guest houses or couchsurfing, which are more affordable,” advises Thanasis. This also applies to food and drinks.
“Hostels and homestays can offer a place to cook meals, which is great if you’re travelling the next day. Buy the basics and do a bit of prepping,” Miles advises.
Be flexible
Another recurring theme was flexibility: you don’t always know when the best deals will come along. Rafail offers advice on travel and finding accommodation: “Booking accommodation in advance while being open to last-minute deals can result in significant savings. Avoiding peak tourist times can result in significant savings on flights, accommodation and attractions. Plus, you’ll be able to experience destinations without the crowds. This is something we didn’t have during our summer trip and really missed.”
Book with Kiwi.com
Of course! Amin lists the features that have helped him and Nathan save money on flights.The research of : Anywhere feature on Kiwi.com (as well as the possibility to combine this with specific flight times). NOMAD to find the cheapest multi-city itineraries available. Automatic transfer, meaning Kiwi.com can create itineraries involving airlines that would not normally cooperate, opening up more low-cost travel connections.
Quick Tips
In addition to the tips above, we asked a selection of our 2023 World Travel Hackers—Amin and Nathan, Kat and Cezary, Bianca and Miles, and Rafail and Thanasis—for their one-liner money-saving tips… and here they are!
- Put everything you don't spend from your daily budget into a savings account.
- Get insurance. On a long trip, anything can happen and it's cheaper in the long run to get this insurance than to spend a fortune replacing that hard drive/phone/laptop.
- Learn the local rules about bargaining and bargaining and don't be afraid to get involved
- Don't spend too much money on expensive meals: it is a very temporary pleasure.
- Use public transportation whenever possible. It’s the most economical way to explore a city, get your bearings, and interact with people.
- Cut down on your alcohol consumption! In some places it is extremely expensive
- Have a good influence on each other: Do you really need this expensive good, accommodation or experience? If not, help each other find a good alternative
Budget items
Finally, what are the travel items our World Travel Hackers discovered they couldn't live without on their global adventure?
Cezaire: “Insect repellent!”
Cat : “A decent phone.”
Miles: “A sturdy backpack. Don’t skimp on something you’re going to spend your life in.”
White : “Cheap disposable cameras. Available everywhere and take the cutest pictures!”
Rafail: “Charger, reusable water bottle”
Nathan: “Food Bank and Social Skills.”
Amine: “Nathan!”
