How to Travel the World on a Shoestring Budget

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With these tips, you can see the world—without breaking the bank. Here are eight ways to travel the world on a shoestring budget.

Traveling, undoubtedly, provides us with countless benefits. It gives us the perfect chance to escape our busy schedules and spend a few days experiencing new places and cultures. We all want to unplug and get away from it all when stressed. Visiting new places offers us a novel experience to spend time close to nature, experience cultures different from our own, and enjoy uninterrupted quality time with a loved one.

But do you have the luxury or the means to drop everything and leave on a transformational vacation? Most of us believe we don’t. Money solves many of our problems, but not having enough of it isn’t a hurdle in fulfilling your dreams of traveling the world. Not in the way you thought, at least. With the tips below, you can visit destinations you could only dream of without breaking the bank. Here are eight incredible ways to travel the world on a shoestring budget.

Everyone wants to travel, but how can you see your bucketlist destinations on a shoestring budgt? Photo courtesy iStock by Getty Images

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Choose Your Destination Wisely

First and foremost, where do you plan to travel? Some destinations are comparatively more expensive than others. So perform in-depth research and choose your destination according to your budget.

Pro Tip: Jot down the places you haven’t visited before with minimum travel cost and choose the more affordable ones.

When researching, don’t just think about flight and accommodation prices, since these vary from time to time. You also need to pay attention to other factors, such as the cost of food, currency exchange, and tourist spots you intend to visit on the trip.

Plan Your Accommodations

Looking for accommodations near all the attractions, shopping centers, and fun activities? You would be hard-pressed to find one. Or, so you thought.

For example, Sevierville in East Tennessee has all that and more. If you book your accommodation in Sevierville cabins Tennessee, you would be close to the best shopping centers and flea markets, mini-golf grounds, caves and ravines for the adventure seeker in you, and a speed racing course. Of course, you’ll also want to check out Dollywood in nearby Pigeon Forge.

Sevierville, on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a great place for a budget vacation. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

And that’s not even the best part of renting a cabin in Sevierville. You can enjoy the most breathtaking views from your cabin deck while sitting in a rocking chair with a summer drink in hand to keep you cool.

Set Up a Travel Budget

How can you select the perfect destination and accommodation option that fits your budget when you don’t even know your travel budget? You can never overlook the significance of budgeting. Simply put, it can either make or break your entire travel experience. Thus, establishing a strict travel budget is always a good idea before starting your trip.

When planning your budget-conscious adventure, consider destinations that align with your financial plans. Thailand, for instance, stands out as an excellent choice for Indian travelers, not only because it is affordable but also because the visa application process is simple and budget-friendly. The Thailand visa for Indians application process being a breeze is an added bonus for your travel plans. By understanding your budget and exploring visa-friendly destinations like Thailand, you can make the most of your travels without overspending.

Set a budget and go travel. Photo by Jennifer Miranda via iStock by Getty Images

Determine the places or situations where you can save a fortune. This way, you can avoid squandering your hard-earned cash on impulsive temptations.

Keep in mind all your budget planning will fall by the wayside if you are not tracking your daily spending while on the trip.

Make Reservations Beforehand

Most importantly, you should make early reservations before you embark on traveling. Last-minute reservations can be a recipe for disaster. Usually, airline charges differ depending on how close to the time of the flight you book your tickets at. For example, if you choose to book a flight at the eleventh hour, chances are you will need to pay higher.

Book your airline and hotel reservations well before your trip to save money. Photo courtesy iStock by Getty Images

Don’t just make early reservations for your flights only. Be sure to book your hotel before arrival and make prior reservations for the tourist sites you plan on visiting. Delaying reservations can also cause availability issues.

And while you are at it, don’t forget that timings and seasons matter! Since flights get a bit pricey over the weekend, try flying mid-week. However, overnight flights are recommended if you wish to save some bucks. Try flying off-season to avoid paying exorbitant hotel and flight booking fees, etc.

Pack Smart

Are you planning to pack plenty of clothes to keep up with the latest fashion trends? Well, that might not be wise.

Think about what you take and try to fit everything in a small bag. Photo courtesy Adobe Stock

Many airlines only allow one or two free handbags. Airlines ask travelers to pay extra fees for additional check-in bags or even overweight items. So the more light and smart you pack, the greater your chances of saving money.

However, make sure to take everything essential you might need on your trip because if you forget something, you’ll need to go through the hassle, which would also negatively affect your budget.

Be Picky about What You Eat

Sure, trying new restaurants for every meal on vacation sounds lovely. But doing so will burn a hole through your budget.

So, if you are staying at a place with a kitchen, consider cooking your own meals. No kitchen? It doesn’t matter! Take some cutlery, picnic supplies, and a cooler if you’re on a road trip.

Take along a cooler for road trips to save money on food. Photo by Darwin Brandis via iStockPhoto

You can also taste the local street food and save money. Don’t forget to take a reusable water bottle with you to refill at a nearby café, fountain, etc.

Choose Free or Low-Cost Entertainment Activities

A great tip when traveling the world on a shoestring budget is to go for free or low-cost activities. After all, your entire travel plan is to relax and have fun, right?

But how can you do that when you keep on splurging your money? Not spending money wisely can cause you stress. Thus, when researching your chosen destinations, search for activities you can do for free. These involve taking a walking or biking tour, visiting a museum on a free day, or attending local free events.

Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains is ideal for those traveling on a shoestring budget. Photo by Bill Graham

Take Advantage of Travel Insurance

Imagine your precious and expensive items getting stolen while on a trip. Or worse, you or your loved one having a medical emergency on the trip. Did you ever have to cancel your trip for these reasons?

In times like these, travel insurance can be your lifesaver. Travel insurance has many benefits. For example, it can provide coverage for your losses or damages. You might be a little hesitant to pay for travel insurance but consider it an investment that will benefit you in the long run.

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Travel the World on a Shoestring Budget

It is no secret that taking a tour of a new destination will help you satisfy your wanderlust, and you can make beautiful memories. However, with the rise in inflation worldwide, you might feel a little reluctant to travel since you don’t have a hefty paycheck. But guess what? You can travel the world on a shoestring budget even if you are not uber-rich. You just need to be strategic with your spending, get in on the cheap deals, and consider visiting low-cost travel attractions. Check out some of our favorite spots when you’re ready to find that perfect destination—and be sure to read more great international travel tips.