How to travel cheaply

I’m often asked how I can afford to travel. And my primary answer is, “I don’t seek luxury”. Amidst all the good that has come from social media, belies plenty of the bad. Glamorous photos of exotic getaways are what many people think of when it comes to travel. Many often assume that that is the only way to travel. I, however, regularly reside in hostels, which are hundreds of dollars cheaper than a hotel. With access to your own stove and refrigerator, I go to the grocery store and stock up for the next few days (or for however long I plan to stay at that location), and I cook for myself daily. Hotels and food are the main expenditures while traveling, and with these simple steps, I’m able to cut my spending in half.

Travel as the locals do. If most of the people where you’re visiting use the bus, do the same. That applies with taxis, trains and shuttles as well. If it works for the locals, it’ll work just as well for you. While an Uber or Lyft can add a certain level of convenience, they can also add more to the costs of your trip.

If it sounds too expensive, you’re probably being hustled. Most front desks at hostels and hotels will offer tours for the main tourist attractions in the area and will have a better price than any of the local companies 90% of the time. If you venture out to find a tour guide, they may often charge more because they know you may be unaware of what you’re supposed to pay. Hostel staff tell you what price you’ll usually have to pay for transportation as well and inform you that if anyone tries to charge you more, then don’t pay it and refuse service. They will almost always lower their price. And it never hurts to know a little bit of the language, so you can determine for yourself whether you’re being hustled, and to also discourage the attempt altogether.

With these 3 tips, you can save ultimately hundreds of dollars in a short period of time. Use hostels, cook for yourself as often as you can, and use the tour companies associated with where you are staying.