When I gave my notice to quit my soul-sucking short law career at a mid-size firm, I knew I wanted to do things that bring me joy and happiness. I decided to follow my heart for the first time in my adult life.
I love helping people, I love food, I love travelling, and I love writing. So, the emotionally intelligent thing to do is to pursue a career based on all the things that bring me joy. At the same time, my rational lawyer brain tells me to take the safe option and continue slaving at a firm doing a repetitive job that kills all creativity and passion. You got it; I went with the former. I have set up a blog like this one to write and help people, but how do I satisfy my craving to see and explore the world while building my financial freedom? I came up with this list of things I must do in order to live the life I want. Without further delay, I give you the 12 hacks to travel the world on a budget and the Organisations that can help you along the way if you have the right mindset.
1. Travel Off-Season: Visiting during non-peak times can save you a lot on accommodation and flights.
2. Go Slow: Slow travel, i.e., staying longer in one destination, decreases your daily costs significantly. If you don't need to be anywhere, get a discount on Airbnb for your weekly or monthly stay.
3. Hitchhike or Carpool: Hitchhiking or sharing rides can reduce transportation costs. This is especially beneficial if you are young and travelling with others.
4. Cook Own Food or Eat Local: Opt for accommodations with kitchen facilities and prepare some meals yourself. This is how I have lived in China for nearly a year and only eat out about twice a month. Try local food from street vendors or markets instead of eating at upscale restaurants. That I struggle with because I like fine cuisine.
5. Use Public Transit: Discover the city using buses or trains instead of taxis or private cars. This is a great way to see a city without signing up for those tour bus schemes. When I travel, I get on any bus, not knowing where it is going and ride and back. If I see something interesting on the way, I stop and explore further.
6. Volunteer: Volunteering in exchange for accommodation and meals can reduce expenses. The resources below are some organizations that offer excellent opportunities to travel and work a few hours per day in exchange for room and meals.
7. Stay in Hostels or B&B: These are cheaper than traditional hotels. These are the best options if you don't want to work while travelling or already have a demanding remote job.
8. Utilise Credit Card Points and Mileage: Use reward points or miles for flights or hotels. These are great schemes to get into if you plan on travelling in the future. I flew from Toronto to South Africa many years ago with only my air mileage. I remember paying $172 for taxes or something.
9. Travel Light: Avoid expensive baggage charges by packing only what's necessary. This can make a huge difference. Airlines now charge for checked bags and having heavy baggage prevents you from walking short distances, and you are not as mobile. If you don't need it, leave it at home. If you're in doubt, leave it out.
10. Seek out Free Activities: Explore free museums, parks, or historical sites.
11. Buy Travel Insurance: It may seem like an extra expense, but it's cheaper than losing money on unexpected incidents.
12. Work While Traveling: Become a digital nomad or get temporary jobs to fund travel. A broad range platform offers various positions, including teaching languages, sustainable farming, etc., in return for room and board. Getting a remote job is the easiest thing in the world. If you don't want a traditional job, here are a few organizations to help you.
Here are a few organizations enabling work and travel options:
1. WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms): Provides opportunities to work on sustainable, organic farms worldwide in exchange for food and accommodation.
Contact: https://wwoof.net/get-started/
2. HelpX: Another site similar to WWOOF, but the placements are not limited to organic farms.
Contact: https://www.helpx.net
3. Workaway: A broad range platform offering a variety of jobs, including teaching languages, sustainable farming, etc., in return for room and board.
Contact:https://www.workaway.info/
4. CoolWorks: This is for those who want to work in the US's most beautiful outdoor spaces like national parks, ranches, etc.
Contact: https://www.coolworks.com/
5. Peace Corps: A US government organization that provides long-term volunteering opportunities worldwide.
Contact: https://www.peacecorps.gov/
6. Aupair World: Become an au pair and immerse yourself in a new culture while living with your host family.
Contact: https://www.aupairworld.com/en
7. YCI (Youth Challenge International): Opportunities for young adults to gain international work experience and development.
Contact: https://www.yci.org/
8. STA Travel: Offers work and travel packages primarily for students and young people.
Contact: https://statravel.hu/en
Before deciding, research the hosts and the jobs they're offering.
Remember, the key to budget travel is planning and flexibility. Happy adventures!
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