4 Ways to Save Money while Backpacking

Have you ever backpacked? Once we did during the first year after coming to the USA. We went to Florida, Georgia area for a couple of weeks. Probably to date, our best travel experience. We didn’t see a wonder, no show, no cruise, no star hotels or restaurants. But it was the best way we could have known the new country. Today, I’ll write about ways to save money while backpacking.

Traveling across the globe can be one of the most rewarding, self-reflective experiences one could have. A lot of people, however, do not feel like this is an affordable option for them. Everyone should have the opportunity to get out there and explore the world at least once in a lifetime.

Backpacking is one thing that many young people choose to do to make this a more affordable experience. Instead of setting off on a luxurious cruise or international tour, backpacking can give you a more realistic experience of the culture and everyday activities in a new place.

It can also teach you to live like a minimalist for a limited time, for a month or two, giving you a greater appreciation for the less materialistic things in life.

You realize being a minimalist is in-fact, your calling.

While backpacking is an affordable way to travel around the country, there are even more ways you can save extra money on your journey.

Here are a few things you can do to cut costs and still have the trip of a lifetime.

Hotel Alternatives

One of the biggest costs while traveling is lodging. Unless you’re camping along your journey, which means hauling a lot of gear around, you’ll probably need to drop a few bucks on a place to sleep for the night.

Staying in a hostel is a great way to save money and meet new people along the way.

I know those of us who have seen Eli Roth’s film might be scared of the concept, but hostels are actually very safe, clean, and friendly places.

Do your research and stay in places that are rated well on websites like HostelWorld.com. Many even offer free meals and clean spaces to cook your own food. Speaking of food…

Cook for yourself

Of course, you’ll want to try the local cuisine wherever you’re headed. There are likely some interesting dishes you can’t get your hands on anywhere else in the world that you’ll want to enjoy.

For the rest of the time, grab some groceries at a local market and try to cook for yourself as much as possible. Most hostels or lodging will have some sort of kitchen or kitchenette available.

You can also stock up on protein bars and other non-perishable snacks to stow in your bag during your travels.

You don’t want to get stuck buying an expensive snack en route to your next destination just because you didn’t think ahead.

Don’t party too hard

While you’re backpacking across the world and meeting new people, it can be pretty tempting to head out for drinks together every night to socialize and enjoy the nightlife.

Unfortunately, no matter where you go, alcohol can come at a pretty hefty cost. If you want to enjoy a drink with your new friends, consider grabbing a bottle and enjoy it back at the hostel before heading out on the town together.

No matter what, always drink safely, especially if you’re in an unfamiliar area. Depending on where you’re headed, you may not have the option to grab a drink.

Skip the souvenirs

One of the best parts of traveling is bringing home gifts for your friends and family. Especially with backpacking, you want to travel light so many people choose to mail home gifts and trinkets.

Not only are souvenirs expensive, but the postage can take just as much of a toll on your wallet.

Instead, opt for inexpensive things like postcards, or take photos of your friends and families will love and get them printed upon your return.

They know how hard you worked to save up for this trip of a lifetime and how expensive traveling can be, and a postcard will mean just as much.