Backpacking around the world is an exciting adventure, but it requires careful budgeting and finding affordable travel deals. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to make global travel more affordable for backpackers, including flight deals, accommodations, transportation, and activities. Below are some of the best options for finding affordable travel deals as a backpacker:
1. Budget Airlines and Discount Flights
- Airline Alliances: Booking a round-the-world ticket through airline alliances like Star Alliance, Oneworld, and SkyTeam can save you money when flying to multiple destinations. These alliances offer discounted multi-stop tickets, allowing you to visit several countries on one itinerary at a lower cost than booking separate flights.
- Budget Airlines: Many regions have budget airlines that offer extremely low-cost flights. Popular ones include:
- Europe: Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air, and Vueling.
- Southeast Asia: AirAsia, Scoot, Lion Air, and VietJet.
- United States: Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and JetBlue.
- Australia: Tigerair Australia and Jetstar.
- Use Fare Comparison Sites: Websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak let you compare airfare across different airlines and booking platforms, often revealing hidden deals and cheaper options.
2. Travel Passes and Train Deals
- Eurail Pass: For backpacking through Europe, the Eurail Pass offers unlimited train travel across 33 countries, making it a cost-effective way to explore multiple destinations. Passes can be bought for various durations (e.g., 3 days, 7 days, or one month), and discounts are available for youth and senior travelers.
- South American Travel Passes: For travel in South America, buses are an affordable way to get around. Companies like Busbud or Redbus offer extensive networks and discounts. There are also region-specific bus passes, like South America Bus Passes, which can save you money on long-distance travel.
- Rail Passes in Asia: Countries like Japan, India, and China offer rail passes that allow unlimited travel within a set number of days. The Japan Rail Pass and India’s IRCTC Pass are popular among backpackers looking to travel around the region affordably.
3. Accommodation Deals
- Hostels: Staying in hostels is one of the most budget-friendly options for backpackers. Hostelworld, Hostelbookers, and Booking.com allow you to book a wide variety of hostels, from basic dorms to private rooms, often at very low prices.
- Couchsurfing: A great way to save money on accommodation is by using Couchsurfing, where you can stay with locals for free. It’s also a fantastic way to meet new people and immerse yourself in the local culture.
- Airbnb: You can find private rooms or entire apartments at affordable prices, especially if you’re traveling with a group or staying in less touristy areas.
- Work for Accommodation: Platforms like Workaway, HelpX, and WWOOF offer opportunities to volunteer in exchange for room and board. This is a great option for travelers who want to immerse themselves in local culture while saving on accommodation costs.
4. Cheap Food Options
- Street Food: Many countries offer cheap, delicious street food. In places like Southeast Asia, India, and South America, street vendors sell local meals at a fraction of the cost of restaurants. Street food is often not only affordable but also gives you an authentic taste of the local cuisine.
- Supermarkets and Cooking: Save money by buying ingredients at local supermarkets or markets and cooking your own meals. Many hostels provide kitchen facilities for guests, making this an easy option.
- Food Apps: Look for food deals or discounts on apps like Too Good To Go, which helps you save on food by buying surplus meals at discounted prices.
5. Local Transportation Deals
- Public Transport: Most cities around the world have an efficient and cheap public transport system. Buses, trains, and metro systems are affordable ways to get around. In cities like Berlin, London, and Tokyo, you can purchase transport passes that offer unlimited travel for a set number of days.
- Ride-Sharing: Use ride-sharing apps like Uber, Lyft, or BlaBlaCar to share rides and cut transportation costs. In many places, ride-sharing can be cheaper than taxis and more comfortable than public transportation.
- Bicycles: In many cities, bike rentals are cheap, and cycling can be a great way to explore a destination on a budget. Many cities now have bike-sharing programs, which are an affordable and eco-friendly way to get around.
6. Free Activities and Sightseeing
- Free Walking Tours: Many cities around the world offer free walking tours, where you can explore the main sights with a local guide and tip them at the end based on what you can afford. These tours are an excellent way to learn about the culture and history of a place without spending much.
- Museums and Galleries: Many museums and galleries offer free entry on certain days of the week or month. Keep an eye out for these deals, or look for discounts for students and backpackers.
- National Parks and Nature: Hiking and exploring national parks are often free or have very low entry fees. Many countries have stunning landscapes and outdoor activities that don’t require a hefty budget, such as hiking in Patagonia (Argentina), exploring Banff National Park (Canada), or enjoying the natural beauty of Kruger National Park (South Africa).
- Local Festivals: Attend free or low-cost local festivals and events, which offer an authentic cultural experience. Check community boards, local tourism websites, or social media for event listings.
7. Travel Deals Websites
- Groupon: Check Groupon for travel deals, including discounts on activities, attractions, and dining. Many cities offer Groupon deals for activities like city tours, adventure sports, or museum tickets.
- Deal Websites: Websites like Travelzoo, Secret Flying, and The Flight Deal specialize in finding discounted flights and travel packages. Sign up for their newsletters to receive alerts about flash sales and hidden deals.
- Discount Cards: Look for city or regional discount cards that give you access to multiple attractions at a reduced price. For example, the I Amsterdam Card provides free entry to museums, discounts on tours, and unlimited public transportation in Amsterdam.
8. Volunteer and Work Abroad Programs
- Volunteer Abroad: Organizations like WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) and Workaway allow you to volunteer in exchange for free accommodation and meals. You’ll get the chance to work on organic farms, teach English, or assist in community projects while saving on living costs.
- Teach English Abroad: Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) is a great way to earn money while traveling. Many countries, especially in Asia and South America, have a high demand for English teachers. Teaching English can cover your living expenses, and some programs even provide free accommodation or a stipend.
9. Stay in Rural Areas or Lesser-Known Destinations
- Avoid Tourist Hotspots: Popular tourist destinations tend to be much more expensive than off-the-beaten-path places. Explore rural areas, smaller towns, or emerging destinations that offer cheaper accommodations, food, and activities. For instance, exploring the lesser-known towns in Eastern Europe, or visiting the countryside in Southeast Asia can be much more affordable than big cities.
- Work in Smaller Communities: Rural areas often offer volunteer opportunities or part-time jobs in exchange for accommodation. Consider staying in quieter regions and immersing yourself in local communities.
10. Group Travel
- Travel with Friends or Fellow Backpackers: Traveling with others can help reduce costs by splitting accommodation, food, and transportation. Many hostels offer group discounts, and booking group tours can often be cheaper than traveling solo.
- Join Travel Communities: Online communities like Couchsurfing, Backpacking groups on Facebook, or Reddit’s travel subreddits can help you connect with other travelers who may want to share costs for activities, accommodation, and even transport.
Final Tips:
- Travel Slowly: The longer you stay in one place, the cheaper your trip becomes. You can often get better deals on long-term accommodation (e.g., renting a place for a month instead of paying nightly rates).
- Be Flexible: Flexibility is key when backpacking on a budget. Being open to changing your travel dates or route can help you snag cheaper deals on flights and accommodation.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye out for flash sales, last-minute deals, or special promotions on travel deals websites, social media, and newsletters.
