How to Travel On a Budget and See More of the World

Author Mark Twain once warned against 'vegetating in one's little corner of the earth for a lifetime', and although he probably wasn't considering how to travel on a budget (we think), he highlights the importance of seeing and experiencing as much as you can.

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We're shaped by our experiences, and the more we have, the more rounded person you become. Yet, unfortunately like most things in life, you need some money to do so.

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Even if you've got the budget of many in today's economy, you're lucky if you take any vacation time at all. How can you see the world and travel on a budget?

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All travel entails some expenditure, but if you learn how to travel on a budget, you can make your holiday dime stretch further.

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Here's how.

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1. Explore International Careers

Have you ever wanted to take on route 66 and explore the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon in America?

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Or take in the bright lights of New York? How about exploring the rich history and eclectic culture of New Orleans?

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If any of these lights a fire under you, then working in America is definitely for you.

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Securing a place at a summer camp in America is the ideal entry to the United States, as the J-1 visa will allow you to earn, save and travel on a budget.

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You can also find work teaching English abroad, even if you're not a certified teacher. If you have a bachelor's degree, you can pursue your Teaching English as a Foreign Language certification.

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Some programs will pay for your certification in exchange for a predetermined term of service in their organisation.

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2. Take on freelance work

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If you've ever explored work-from-home opportunities, you probably receive a ton of email advertising, "Work from anywhere."

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It does take time to establish yourself as a freelancer, but once you do, you have the freedom to choose your office space. Would you prefer an oceanfront or mountain view?

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Another option? You can offer your labour in exchange for lodging. If you can swing a hammer, some hostels — and private homeowners with guest quarters — will happily trade a roof for handy help.

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A staple for many backpackers, this is the quintessential way of travelling on a budget.

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3. Work your rewards

Do you have a travel credit card that pays you in miles?

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If you have financial discipline, you have an instant way to take advantage of one of the best money-saving travel tips. Use your rewards card for everyday purchases — such as when you run to the grocery store or book an Uber.

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Then, pay it off immediately when you return to your computer. With this method, you build up your points or miles quickly, but you don't pay a fortune in interest and fees.

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Rewards can also come in the form of discounts. If you are looking for museums, some cities open their doors to visitors for free.

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Your demographic could also score you some savings — in some French attractions, for example, you can pay less for entry if you are under the age of 25.

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4. Find last-minute fares

You can find better deals on flights if you're flexible.

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Unless you absolutely must depart on a Friday and return on Sunday, try to schedule your travel times for midweek to get the lowest fares.

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You can also find price breaks if you're willing to fly the redeye — you can always sleep on the way.

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Sometimes, airlines offer last-minute budget travel deals to fill unsold seats.

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Download an app that scans for surprise deals to never miss out on an opportunity to get away.

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The cheaper the travel, the bigger the travel budget for fun things instead.

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5. Consider a housing swap

Do you have a friend living in Karachi, Pakistan?

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If you've always wanted to explore the history-rich nation (or any nation for that matter) and they've wanted to visit your home country, why not arrange for a housing swap?

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In such an arrangement, you house-sit their property while they do the same for you.

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It helps if you know the host, but you can network on exchange sites as well.

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You can even find groups that cater to travellers with special needs.

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6. Dine in and do your laundry

Take reusable grocery bags and a small hot plate or crockpot. You can cook homemade meals instead of dining out.

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At the very minimum, brew coffee on your own in the morning instead of hitting up the $5-a-cup shop — if you consume two cups daily, you will save $70 weekly.

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Also, who says you need to schlep a different outfit for every day of the week? Choose one colour palette for your wardrobe choices and wash and wear the same clothes more than once.

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7. Seek out free activities

You could pay admission to visit a museum — or you could take a nature walk through manicured grounds for free.

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Why rent a car when you can use public transportation? Seek free activities to enjoy wherever you go.

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If you travel to natural areas, you will find plenty of hiking trails to explore.

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Enjoying life in the city?

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Check out free film screenings and restaurant openings featuring samples.

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If you are looking at travelling on a budget, free activities are essential when combating boring days.

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8. Find hostels, or give glamping a try

People usually envision Europe when you say the word "hostel," but you can find establishments stateside or in the UK countryside, too.

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Do you prefer more private, if primitive, accommodations?

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You can find affordable glamping locations, where you can rent an RV or a yurt for an evening instead of a pricey hotel room.

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Such properties give you the feeling of immersing yourself in nature.

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9. Live on the road

Finally, if you have work you can do from anywhere, consider selling or storing your possessions and living in an RV for a year — or longer!

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You can find campgrounds for approximately $30 per night.

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You can also rough it on national land, especially in the west, where open spaces abound.

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You can even take your pets on the road via this route — the ocean is the only barrier to how far you can go.

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Seeing the world doesn't have to cost the world, and if you travel on a budget in an efficient manner, those pennies will go further than ever before.

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