Money saving tips for long term travel

Are you tired of staring longingly at other people's travel photos, only to realize that your bank account is not quite ready to fund your wanderlust? Long term backpacking may seem like a far-off dream, but the good news is, with these money-saving tips, you'll be a savvy traveller in no time.

First up, where to?

A good starting point is to begin your journey in destinations that offer a lower cost of living, yet have reliable tourist infrastructure. Places like Central America or Southeast Asia are popular for those wanting to get a better bang for their buck. Don't be the person who waits until the last minute to book their flight, only to end up paying more than someone who bought their ticket six months ago.

But if planning ahead isn't your style, and you don't have your heart set on a particular region, then it's always fun to look out for cheap flight deals and let that choose your starting point.

Don't forget to bear in mind when a destination's "peak-season" is. Travelling off-peak season can be significantly cheaper, and you can also avoid the crowds - just be sure to check that you're not planning on going sunbathing during monsoon season...

To book or not to book?

As a general rule of thumb, we recommend booking the first three nights of accommodation in a new region in advance. This saves you from the stress of arriving somewhere new and scrambling to find cheap accommodation that isn't booked out. Travelling can be exhausting, and gifting yourself three nights of certainty allows you to acclimatise to the chaos of your new surroundings.

The reason we say not to pre-book everything is that you never know what kind of amazing experiences you might stumble upon during your travels. You might meet someone who has just done something incredible that you hadn't even considered, and suddenly, you'll want to add it to your itinerary. It's also worth mentioning that if you haven't travelled long-term before, you may not know what style of travel suits you best, and you don't want to be locked into spending a month in the same place, nor a new city every night.

By leaving some room for spontaneity and not making too many plans in advance, you'll be able to take advantage of unexpected opportunities and make the most of your adventure.

Accommodating your wallet

If you think you'll be able to afford to stay in fancy hotels every night, then we're sorry to break it to you. The good news is backpacker hostels or local guesthouses often provide excellent amenities for an affordable price and are fantastic places to meet other travellers.

Finding your ideal lodging can be done in two ways: by pre-booking online via websites like Airbnb or by walking around town when you arrive. Both options have their advantages. In bustling cities during peak season, it's best to book in advance since the most affordable and popular hostels tend to fill up quickly. This will help you save some cash in the long run.

However, if you're in a smaller town or travelling during the off-season, arriving with nothing booked can often get you the best deals. Take a stroll around the area and visit hostels and guesthouses to inquire about availability. Since you're dealing directly with the managers and not using a third-party agent, they may offer you a special price. Plus, you get the added bonus of being able to take a look around before committing to a place. For those seeking more immersive experiences and interactions with locals, online couchsurfing communities are definitely worth checking out.

Getting from A to Z

When travelling to a new city or country, you'll have a variety of transportation options available, such as trains, buses, private cars, taxis, boats, planes, tuk-tuks, rickshaws, horses, motorbikes, and more.

Our top tip is to ask the friendly folks at your hostel or hotel for advice on how to get around town or between destinations. Trains offer an enjoyable experience, but buses may be quicker. In some countries, flying can be surprisingly affordable.

If you're exploring a large city, resist the urge to take a taxi every time. Embrace public transportation! After all, billions of people commute this way every day. Not only will it give you a local experience, but it can also save you money.

But, our absolute favourite way to explore a new place is on foot. Walking allows you to truly immerse yourself in the surroundings and gives you the chance to stumble upon hidden gems that you might have missed otherwise. Plus, walking gives you the opportunity to interact with locals and make unforgettable memories.

Sustaining your trip

Eating in foreign restaurants and making questionable street-food decisions are all part of the fun of travel. However, eating every meal out can quickly add up and become a significant expense while travelling. Consider cooking your own meals, especially if you're staying in accommodations with a kitchen. This will allow you to save money and also give you the opportunity to experience local cuisine by shopping at local markets and cooking your own meals.

Going the distance

Speaking of sustenance, when you're in it for the long haul it's important to manage your energy. Sure, you can blitz through a Contiki surviving off less than four hours of sleep each night in a new city - but after a few weeks, that hundred-mile-an-hour lifestyle takes a toll. We say embrace slow travel. You'll have a chance to immerse yourself in the culture, discover hidden gems beyond the typical tourist attractions, and avoid exhaustion.

Travelling at a slower pace also helps you save money. You can negotiate better rates on accommodations, find the best budget-friendly eats in town, and pace your sightseeing trips apart to give your wallet a rest.

Upping the fun and the funds

If you didn't quite meet your savings budget before you departed, don't panic - there are tons of ways to make money and keep travelling.

If you're young and spry (under 30), lots of countries offer working holiday visas, so you can legally work in all kinds of cool places like bars, ski resorts, and orchards. And if you're willing to trade some elbow grease for a bed and some grub, many hostels are down to take on foreign workers. Living in one place for an extended time not only allows you to create deeper friendships with locals and fellow travellers, but it also allows you to fully immerse yourself in a new culture.

Cutting the clutter

When it comes to travel, less is definitely more. Not only will travelling light save you luggage fees, but it makes your life easier. Whether you're travelling for a week or a year, you really don't need much. Just pack a few high-quality items that can withstand the journey. We've got you covered with all the clothing and gear you could need for any climate, and even put together this handy guide for packing light for travel(/blog/how-to-pack-light-for-travel). Don't worry about wearing the same clothes over and over again - you can always do laundry on the road, and nobody's gonna judge you for it. Check out quick-dry items that you can wash at night and have ready to go by morning. Easy peasy.

To conclude, travel is all about experiences, not simply checking items off a list. So take it slow, savour every moment, and above all, enjoy yourself. Happy travels!