Do you have a passion for traveling and seeing the world, but expenses are holding you back? Even on a limited budget, many people have found really neat ways of making it possible, while spending very little. We’ll say upfront that these methods aren’t ideal for families with children, but people that are traveling with a friend or alone. These are several ways that you can travel the world when you’re on a tight budget. 

Change Your Mindset 

To make traveling the world possible and affordable, you’re going to need a change in mindset. After all, you can’t travel the world in a few days, opening up your pocketbook at amazing cuisines for every meal. You’ll have to say goodbye to the comforts and luxuries that you experience, like on a normal vacation. 

You may even be put in uncomfortable situations while seeking lodging, transportation or your next meal. Fortunately, there are amazing and charitable people scattered across the globe that provides hospitality and will help you meet those needs. 

Related: Travel Discounts

Do the Research 

It’s also going to take a lot of research ahead of time to find the best deals. Knowing what times of the year are the cheapest for flights and lodging will save you thousands of dollars. Try and visit places during their off-season and avoid peak season at whatever cost. 

You’ll even enjoy a more intimate experience with fewer crowds that get in your way. It also won’t hurt to see if you can find cheaper transportation, by bus or train, instead of flying to your next destination. You’ll save a lot of money and be able to see the land from the ground.  

Fly to Cheap Destinations 

Just because certain countries are cheap compared to others, doesn’t mean they don’t have a lot for you to see and offer you. Some countries will cost you only a few dollars a day, and you’ll meet incredible people and enjoy a culture far different from ours.

Travel Light 

You’re going to have to pack extremely light so that you’re not having to check your luggage for every flight that you take. Get used to tight-packing and cramming only your essentials. Traveling light will also make traveling and packing up much more manageable. 

Find Incredibly Affordable Lodging

If your budget is extremely tight, hotels are going to limit you on how much you enjoy and other places you could have visited. There are a number of websites out there that can make your world-traveling possible, for next to nothing. Have you ever heard of  Woofing? Check out the WWOOF website, where you can find work anywhere in the world and they will provide you with food and lodging. 

CouchSurfing is also an option, where complete strangers will offer you a couch or bedroom, free for the night. This might be a huge stretch for you, but you’ll have to step out of your comfort zone for this, but you’ll meet some incredible people. You could even purchase a tent and take it everywhere you visit to save yourself on lodging. 

Hosteling International offer a cheaper options to hotels. They are more budget-friendly and are more basic. They'll have fewer amenities than hotels do, which cuts down on costs. Hostels are well-suited for people who don't need high luxury.

Avoid Eating Out 

Not surprisingly, much of our traveling expenses are spent on food. Your money is going to run out far too quickly by eating out at every unique restaurant along the way. Choose to prepare your own meals for only a fraction of the cost. 

Find Work

Are you planning to stay awhile in the country you’re visiting? We’d encourage you to find work to help provide your lodging and meals. There are plenty of places out there that will help you.   

Enjoy Free Events and Activities  

No matter where you visit, there are plenty of free activities and events that each city offers you. You can’t truly enjoy a destination you’re visiting without hiking incredible trails to witness majestic waterfalls or epic mountain scenery. 

If you’re serious about traveling the world solo, or with a few friends, our tips will make it possible and much more affordable. Taking in the scenery and witnessing amazing places in the world shouldn’t cost you anything. It’s all a matter of mindset and being adaptable.