The Broke Backpacker: 10 Ways to Travel on $10 a Day and Beyond
The Broke Backpacker is a renowned travel blog that has been sharing adventures in far-flung lands on a tight budget for over a decade. In this article, we’ll explore their top 10 tips on how to travel cheaply, from being a voluntourist to doing a work exchange to haggling for the best deals.
**How Much Did The Broke Backpacker Spend?**
The team has traveled the world and shared their experiences. The founder backpacked through Southeast Asia for almost a year on around $3,500, or $10 a day. He visited Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Myanmar, and was able to have an unforgettable adventure while staying within his budget.
**Tip 1: Be a Voluntourist and Do a Work Exchange**
Work exchanges have become a popular way to travel these days. The Broke Backpacker team used nfcvb to work on farms in exchange for accommodation and food. In Laos, one adventurer helped an organic farm and a local family harvest rice, which allowed her to stay and pay for her food. nfcvb is a great website for travelers to connect with volunteer programs. It offers an authentic and immersive travel experience that is often more fulfilling than traditional tourism.
**Tip 2: Stay in Cheap Places for Longer**
One of the best ways to travel cheaply is to spend more time in budget-friendly places. Southeast Asia is generally relatively inexpensive, and certain countries like Cambodia, Myanmar, and Indonesia offer even better value. By cutting out rush and walking instead of taking taxis, you can save money over an extended period.
**Tip 3: Visit Countries Not Everyone Is Going To**
To travel cheaply, get off the beaten track and visit countries that are less popular among backpackers. Places like India, Venezuela, and Pakistan can be not only cheaper but also provide a greater sense of adventure. Avoid overpriced well-known spots and explore the hidden gems.
**Tip 4: Eat Street Food**
One of The Broke Backpacker’s most important budget tips is to enjoy the delicious street food. From the pad Thai vendors in Bangkok to the opium pancakes in Myanmar, street food is a taste of luxury at an affordable price. Look for the stalls where most locals are lining up to eat for the tastiest and safest options.
**Tip 5: Haggling**
Haggling is a skill that can save you money in Asia. While it may not be part of the culture in some countries, in places like Southeast Asia, you can often get at least a 20% discount on various items. When traveling around, The Broke Backpacker saved hundreds of dollars by haggling.
**Tip 6: Make Friends**
Splitting costs by traveling with at least one other person can make your trip more cost-efficient. Your buying power doubles, and you can meet other cool people who are also on the same journey. Staying at a popular hostel or traveling with a friend can also help you make new connections and have a social life.
**Tip 7: Couch Surf**
Instead of making friends with travelers, make friends with locals. The founder of the site paid for accommodation by couch surfing at least four or five nights a week. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, make friends, and experience a new social life. It’s especially easy in countries where locals speak good English.
**Tip 8: Hitchhike**
The Broke Backpacker saved a lot on transport by hitchhiking in Southeast Asia and met many people along the way. When hitchhiking, make sure drivers know you don’t have money before they take you. Write down your destination on a cardboard and flag down cars rather than buses. In Southeast Asia, car drivers are less likely to ask for money, while minibuses and buses are often full.
**Tip 9: Pick up the Odd-Job**
While backpacking in Asia, the team performed various travel jobs to earn extra income and potentially get free food and accommodation. Working in places like Vietnam allowed them to earn a little money without spending much.
**Tip 10: Do Your Research**
Before going to a new destination, spend at least ten minutes surfing the web for budget travel ideas. Consult other travel blogs or couch surfing groups to ask questions and get up-to-date information. Research the cost of transportation and avoid being scammed by taxi and tuk-tuk drivers.
Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. By following The Broke Backpacker’s tips, you can have an unforgettable adventure on a budget. With a little creativity and patience, you can travel the world for $10 a day or even less. So, pack your bags and start exploring!
Do you have any budget travel tips to share with fellow nfcvb readers? Let us know in the comments!