More travelers are taking the backpacking route, choosing camping sites and hostels over luxury hotels. If you are cash-strapped, here are some ways to save on your next backpacking adventure.
1. Get a hostel with a kitchen
Camping is not for everyone. You might not be able to bring all the gear you need, or you might just want the comfort of a bed. Try one of the hundreds of backpacker-friendly hostels across the world.
The best ones have free breakfasts, or even a communal kitchen with access to cooking stuff. If you buy groceries and make a couple meals in the hostel, you can save a ton of money over a long trip.2. Bring your own snacks
Being on an adventure and living out of your trusty backpack can really drain you. Snacks might seem like a silly addition to your gear, but it can really help you keep energy levels high between meals and rests. Even in the cheapest countries to visit, local vendors know that snacks are necessary during travel.
3. Check the price
For the love of backpacking, check the price per kg on every item! Price and packaging can be very misleading but supermarkets will tell you the price per weight or quantity as a tiny price in the corner of the food label.
4. Use your feet
Backpacking typically requires a great deal of strength and endurance. Before you go walking around the world, make sure you are in shape. Start walking a few months before your trip to get used to the longer distances, and if you have any health conditions, check with your doctor before you embark on a trip that may be physically strenuous. Get good shoes!
5. Pack light
To travel like a backpacker, you have to pack like a backpacker. Take only the necessities and try to pack according to your trip. Pack fitness wear if you are going to be active and more comfortable clothing if your itinerary is packed with long hours of sightseeing.
6. Be careful of pickpockets and scam artists
No matter where you are backpacking, if it is Europe, Southeast Asia, or somewhere else, cities have some form of pickpockets or scam artists. They can spot a tourist from a mile away, and will go out of their way to take advantage of you. It would be heartbreaking to be staying on budget and then have that all ruined by a theft, so you need to keep your money close at hand. The best way to do this? Hidden pockets and money belts.
