I traveled to 15 different countries while unemployed and only spent $25 a day — here’s how I did it
If the dreamy idea of traveling out of the country makes your wallet scream — this one globetrotter shared how she traveled the world for a year for only… wait for it — $25 a day.
Only spending $25 a day for accommodation, travel, food and activities sounds like a pipe dream, but freelance writer Lydia Swinscoe managed to do exactly that.
In 2009, Swinscoe decided to leave her boring office job to travel the world. At the time, she only had a little over $9,000 in her bank account — but that didn’t stop the jet setter from traveling to 15 different countries.
Swinscoe spent an entire year bouncing from country to country — which included places like Bolivia, Malaysia, Thailand and Brazil, according to her blog post in The Standard. She admitted that traveling on such a restricted budget is tiring but worth it.
Here is how she did all of her impressive traveling while on a strict budget.
Dormitories and hostels are not most people’s No. 1 choice when it comes to travel accommodations. However, if you’re looking to ball on a budget — these options are your best bets.
Supposedly, in some countries, a traveler can find a place to stay for under $10 a night.
“…dormitories provide not only the ability to share stories and tips with fellow adventurers but are economically essential,” Swinscoe said in her post.
“In most well-curated hostels, a simple breakfast is included too.”
“I rarely have a rigid plan before heading off into the unknown, and this is handy when trying to keep spending to a minimum,” the writer admitted.
Swinscoe also explained that many countries with a low-key lifestyle are usually less expensive, “and it’s these countries I would recommend exploring when a budget is to be adhered to.”
Many people who go on vacation are thrilled to have a few days off from cooking and cleaning. However, if you’re looking to save a buck while abroad — Swinscoe recommends checking out a place’s local ingredients to whip up a quick meal for yourself.
And if you can’t fathom the thought of having to cook while on a trip — check out “food stalls and night markets that provide endless dining options for anyone on a budget.”
Trains, buses and boats are all inexpensive options to consider when traveling for long periods, according to Swinscoe.
“Buses are my preferred way of exploring since travelling overland allows for a much deeper connection to the soul of a country due to prolonged periods of observing daily life as it happens.”
Swinscoe said that relying on taxis or ride shares while away is an easy way to drain your travel money. Instead, she suggested exploring a new place on foot. “It also kept me fit and strong when on the road and kept my finances in check.”
Supposedly, many places offer free strolls to help travelers explore “historical landmarks, points of interest, and sights so easily missed without local expertise.”
“These insightful tours almost always feature local guides keen to promote their hometown’s identity beyond the obvious,” she said.
A smile and a friendly attitude will get you far when traveling. “I made a handful of fantastic friends who offered up their own homes to me without question when I found myself in their hometown many months later.” That’s another sure way of saving money.