A backpacker’s guide to travelling when you're broke AF

Look, there are healthier ways to approach this whole cash-strapped fandango. Some of which I'm still learning.

I’ve successfully explored several countries on a (pretty pathetic) budget, occasionally working only part of the year. Now that’s not to say I’m suggesting I have all the answers but I can give you my two cents. Plus, I’d like to acknowledge the privileges that I have that have enabled me to travel in the first place rather than deal with difficult financial circumstances.

Now if you’re in a position where travelling is a primary ambition but you’re not exactly rolling in it, I’m writing this for you. With hard work and a bit of luck, anything is possible. Overly simplistic? Sure. Worthy dose of optimism? Yes. Here's my five-part system to decide what to do with your limited funds when your bags are (nearly) packed and ready to go.

Prioritize

What’s your priority with this trip? What truly matters to you? Nail down the top one or two priorities before you leave. Whether it's cultural experiences like an annual festival, hiking to view beautiful landscapes, or indulging in culinary delights, knowing your priorities allows you to allocate your budget more effectively. Once you know that, you can better recognize when activities that don’t align with your interests pop up. In those cases, you can see these as unnecessary expenses this time and skip out. Yes, Machu Picchu is a big deal, but do you need to invest in a five-day hike or would the train be good enough? If your focus is taking a deep dive into a city's history, allocate funds for museums and guided tours. Perhaps you’re keen on updating your wardrobe or home decor. So set a budget for shopping. You get my point.

Hey, you can’t always do it all! This is one of the best ways to ensure you get the most value from every dollar… or peso, sole, or baht.

Reflecting on my 23-year-old younger traveller self, I see how my priorities then greatly differed from what they are now at 33. Though I'm not proud to admit it, at 23, most of my budget went to local bars. I survived mainly on Ritz crackers and cheap pizza and I’d sleep almost anywhere. Now, I'll spend eight bucks on a latte without batting an eye and I’ll invest extra money in a place that looks clean and comfortable, with the promise of a good night's sleep. That's right, I'm an adult. My priorities have certainly changed. Fortunately, so have I.

Be realistic from the beginning

Be realistic about your budget before you even book anything. While the dream might be to replicate that trip you saw a hot influencer post about, assess the costs, and, more importantly, do the research. Researching extensively can help you manage expectations and provide insight into your savings goal and the time required to achieve it. It may not always be glamorous, but you can embark on budget-friendly adventures with proper planning and dedication.

When possible, allow flexibility with time

Time is a valuable resource that can significantly impact your travel budget. Sometimes, your time is worth less than your money. Flexibility with your travel dates, for example, can open up opportunities to find budget-friendly deals. Taking a long bus ride rather than a flight, staying in one place for longer, working for free accommodation, and travelling during off-peak seasons can all provide more economical options. The same thing goes with booking a flight with an inconveniently long layover but saves you hundreds in turn.

Sometimes, your time is worth more than your money—but that doesn't mean you can't still snag a good deal. If your time is limited—like you have a finite number of days off to use for travel—planning ahead of your vacation becomes important. This means you’ll know what’s on offer and where the deals are rather than falling into tourist traps.

Ditch creature comforts

Knowing how to rough it = automatic savings. It can be liberating to discover what truly fulfills you… and it may not be what you think. Identify your personal creature comforts but keep an open mind while you’re away. While everyone's comfort threshold varies, being open to alternative accommodations, free activities, transportation options, and dining experiences can also stretch your budget further. Embrace the adventure of staying in hostels, letting your taste buds explore local street food, and hopping on public transportation. Sacrificing a bit of comfort can lead to more immersive, authentic, and affordable travel experiences. Plus, these opportunities can invite some unexpected memories like sharing a seat with a chicken on a bus. With that being said, don't be shy to treat yo'self! Think of it like a balancing act.

Make sacrifices along the way

I’ve already mentioned that successful budget travel boils down to getting clear on priorities, managing expectations and aligning your spending with the purpose of your trip. What do you hope to gain from your trip? That should always be at the center of your decisions around money. That said, you don’t have to honour that priority Every. Single. Time. For example, if you focused on a good old time sampling cream-of-the-crop local foods, world-renowned chefs, and Netflix-famous restaurants, that’s cool. But recognize that you may have to eat some beans and rice on your journey as well. By keeping expectations realistic, you can make informed choices that enhance your experience without breaking the bank. The beauty of travel is setting goals, but letting go a bit and valuing the sacrifices you made in order to make it all happen.

Travelling is a spectacular experience, offering a profound journey of self-discovery. It provides opportunities to learn, confront challenges, and foster personal growth. Money—or the lack thereof—can be stressful but in my years of exploration, I've discovered that life extends beyond the anxiety of depleting funds. The friendships I've made, the stories and laughter we've shared, and the enduring memories are more significant than any price tag. After all, it's about the journey, not just the budget.

Get after it!