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How much broker can you go?
It’s 2023! Maybe even 202-something else when you read this. Face it, you’re broke! I’m broke too. My dad’s broke! Spongebob’s broke! Everyone is damn poor as hell. It’s a tragedy really. But, you know what they say, out of tragedy burns the brightest fire. Idk who says that but someone probably has once. Speaking of fire, face it the Earth hasn’t got too much time left. We gotta travel while we can. Don’t let the evils of capitalism prevent you. Learn to hack the system, with this guide!
Longtime Globe Junkie readers will know that I’ve already published two previous guides to the broke boy travel lifestyle! Longtime readers may wonder, how can you possibly get broker? Well, I’m here to set the record straight and explain that there are levels to this game we’re in. There are two types of people in this world. Those who choose dorms to save money and those who pitch tents in foreign cities to save money! And, after careful consideration… I’m still the former but who cares? We can still save more money!
As established before
As established before, one of the best ways to save money on vacation is what us cool kids like to call hardcore budget travel. In my previous critically acclaimed installments of the Broke Boy series, also known as the successor to the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, I touched upon many different tips and tricks to keeping that account book happy while abroad. Let’s go over them quickly before diving into the thrilling finale.
In the other renditions of this amazing poverty-based traveler’s paradise of posts, I covered some general options regarding lodging and transportation. I suggested that one need not fall victim to the allure of expensive luxury resorts and could instead opt for cheap, affordable hostels or use apps such as Couchsurfing which allow users to stay with local people in their homes without spending a dime.
After that, I expounded upon the various cheap transport options that exist around the world. This included minibusses, cheaper public transport through services like Flixbus and more. We talked about Blablacar and other carpool services too. I haven’t totally forgotten those and you will hear more about them briefly again here. Double down thing, you get me? However, with all that being said, it’s about time to level up and get into higher grade skills and hacks to save you money while saving travel memories too!
Travel as Lightly as Possible
If you’re looking to travel as lightly as possible in order to save money on your vacation, there are several key strategies to keep in mind. First and foremost, packing light is essential. By not carrying a ton of luggage or big bags, you’ll not only save on baggage fees but also have the freedom to move around more easily.
Nowadays, you’ll find it’s become even harder to know how to save money on vacation than it used to be. That’s because the rules on air travel are constantly. I had a rude awakening on my last excursion abroad that even cary-ons require an extra charge. Was it because I chose cheap airlines? Probably. But so should you if you’ve learned anything from this list!
A lot of people hate flights and want to splurge enough to guarantee good seats and a good experience. To each their own but to me the flight is of little importance compared to the trip that follows it. I would advise suffering any necessary pain it may bring for the sake of your vacation. The same applies to what you carry. It may feel more comfortable to bring 75,000 pairs of socks and 1 million jackets but that means you’ll need to take your wardrobe everywhere you go.
So are you willing to do that on your own? Or will you pay someone to take your things? Will you constantly take taxis when you can move yourself? You need to consider these things if you really aspire to save your money. You’d be surprised how far a limited amount of supplies can go if you allow them to. Plus, it’s not like having less close is the end of the world when you can still clean them regularly.
Find places that can do laundry for you
When traveling on a hardcore budget, one area where you can cut costs is laundry services. Rather than paying for expensive hotel laundry services, consider staying at hostels that offer free or cheap laundry facilities. These hostels understand the needs of budget travelers and provide washers and dryers at affordable rates.
Alternatively, you can also opt for DIY methods to keep your clothes clean while on the road. Pack a portable clothesline and a travel-size laundry detergent to wash your clothes in sinks or showers. This allows you to save on wash costs and have fresh clothes throughout your trip. Of course, this method depends more on the weather but it’s still sometimes viable.
By finding places that can do laundry for you or using DIY methods, you can stretch your travel budget even further. Remember, when it comes to hardcore budget travel, every penny saved counts. Even the drip must bow before the budget in this case, sad as that sentence sounds.
Eat once per day
Eating just once a day is the wave for real broke traveling hooligans in 2023. By intentionally lowkey starving yourself, you can save money on vacation and allocate your limited resources to other essential expenses.
To make the most of your single solitary meal, choose destinations where street food is abundant and affordable. This way, you can savor delicious local cuisine without breaking the bank. Street vendors are notoriously a good deal cheaper than restaurants. Most countries in the world also have traditional markets where you can buy cheap treats as well.
While limiting your food intake may seem like an unnecessary hindrance to the needs of your beloved belly… I dunno, just screw your belly okay! Money is more important!
Time your meals according to what you want out of the trip
When it comes to hardcore budget travel, timing your meals can play a crucial role in saving money while still getting the most out of your trip. By strategically planning your eating schedule, you can maximize your experience without breaking the bank.
This is gonna require discipline, patience, and resourcefulness. But, lucky for me, my sources suggest that you, as a Globe Junkie reader, most likely possess all those qualities in spades! Possibly even clubs! Get it? Anyways, your stomach may rumble many times a day but going for food every single time it does, is a recipe for disaster. Even in cheap destinations, repeated eating will surprise you by adding up very fast! Therefore, forego that and designate a time of day for the meals that matter most.
Think of staying in a hostel or B&B that includes breakfast and then plan around when you’d like to eat lunch and dinner. Or, better yet, if you can manage it, refrain from eating lunch altogether and limit yourself to a morning and evening eating session. Your wallet will thank you if your tummy seems unappreciative.
Rely on others if you can
Relying on others can be a fantastic way to save money on your vacation. Instead of booking expensive accommodations, consider backpacking and relying on the generosity of others for a place to sleep. Websites like Couchsurfing and Warmshowers connect travelers with locals who are willing to offer a spare room or even just a couch. This not only saves you money on accommodation but also provides an opportunity to connect with locals and learn more about the destination.
When it comes to transportation, carpooling or ridesharing can be a cost-effective option. Apps like BlaBlaCar and Hitchhiking.org allow you to connect with drivers who are traveling in the same direction as you and are willing to share the ride. Splitting the cost of gas or contributing a small amount to the driver can help you save a significant amount on transportation expenses.
Of course, there is tact that comes with this. Nobody wants to feel like they’re being used. If you use sites like Couchsurfing, don’t approach them as akin to free hotel stays. No, you need to be grateful and respectful in regard to the opportunity the host has granted you to stay with them free of charge. Focus on the quality of the stay, on the person hosting you, rather than the fact that it’s free.
Dodge Souvenirs
When it comes to learning how to save money on vacation, you’ve probably noticed by now that it requires a good deal of sacrifices. One of them includes the purchase of souvenirs. Everyone loves souvenirs but do they love your bank account? I think not! I once spent two weeks in Nepal, carefully saving my money before my return to the US only to blow what remained on souvenirs the very last day.
Do I regret buying gifts for friends and family? No but did I absolutely need to do it? No. It all comes back to the budget you bring into it. While we’re broke boy traveling, remember we’re also packing light luggage so our capacity to hold items is already less than it usually would be. This means small little trinkets are fin but big elaborate gifts run the risk of ruination for our other cost-saving strategies.
This is a tip that depends on you. If you really want souvenirs, find a way to do it cheap and tactfully. If you can afford and carry something bigger do that. However, for my money, buying souvenirs or not buying them is very far from the be-all, end-all of a trip.
Prioritize what you really need vs what you want
Building off the lesson established before, it’s essential to prioritize what you really need versus what you want. By making smart choices and focusing on the essentials, you can save a significant amount of money while still enjoying a memorable vacation.
First and foremost, let’s focus on activities themselves. When you travel to a popular destination, you’ll find no shortage of expensive tour packages. They may seem appealing but are they really necessary? Would it be impossible to experience the same things the tour offers on your own or via a cheaper option like a public bus?
Consider time concerns. Instead of a multi-day, ambitious addition to your vacation, consider smaller day trips that allow you to add to the trip at hand without costing as much. In any destination, there are usually ways the locals do things and ways the tourists do them. 90% of the time, the locals do it the cheap way, so find out their secrets and implement them. I’m talking about sightseeing, transportation, tickets, all that. What you find first online often does not have your best interest at heart. A little more digging is therefore in order.
In Concluey
In conclusion, traveling on a tight budget doesn’t have to be daunting. By embracing hardcore budget travel, you can make the most of your vacation without breaking the bank.
Backpacking without luggage, opting for budget accommodations like hostels and guesthouses, and leveraging platforms like Couchsurfing can save you money on transportation and lodging expenses. Transitioning smoothly between different travel arrangements and living like the locals can help you save even more. Make it a point to prioritize local street food for an affordable culinary experience.
Lastly, remember that experiences and memories are more valuable than material possessions, so focus on enjoying the adventure rather than buying unnecessary souvenirs. All in all, nobody likes to be broke af, but if you are, you can still travel! You just need to know how to, and with a little know-how, you too can be poor in a plethora of places on this Earth! In other words, you can live the dream of being broke in multiple different continents! 😉
