Choosing an affordable backpacking adventure is not as easy as it sounds. There are a lot of factors that you need to think about before deciding where to go. I have put together a guide for you. It includes 7 Tips for Choosing an Affordable Backpacking Adventure. I hope you find it helpful!
If you are planning to travel Asia, check out the article Top 15 Cheapest Countries to Visit in Asia to know which countries are suitable for backpackers.
For budget travel, an itinerary is a great way to save money read the 5 reasons why you need a travel itinerary.
1. Choose a Destination
Where are you heading? The best way to find affordable destinations is by choosing a country that isn’t expensive in general. Check out Numbeo or World Bank data on the cost of living in the countries you’re interested in visiting. Generally speaking, if a country’s cost of living is low, then the cost of travelling around within that country will also be below.
You can find great deals in Latin America and Southeast Asia. If you choose somewhere more developed like Europe or Australia/New Zealand, you may end up paying a lot for transportation and accommodations.
One way to save money while backpacking is by choosing a destination where the seasons vary widely and visiting in the least expensive season. Winter is often the cheapest season in many parts of the world because it’s off-season for tourism, and ski resorts aren’t open. You’ll still get plenty of sun, but you won’t have to deal with the high costs associated with going during popular tourist seasons.
2. Stay in Hostels
Hostels are the most affordable accommodation when backpacking. They offer many benefits such as clean and comfortable beds, shared washroom facilities and dining space. You may be sharing your room with several people. Hostels also provide information on local attractions and tours, provide maps and directions or even act as your travel agent.
The best part about staying in hostels is meeting new people from around the world. Hostel staffs are friendly and always ready to help out backpackers. Most hostels have an internet café that allows you to stay connected with friends, family or business contacts via email.
3. Only Bring the Essentials
When planning a backpacking adventure, it’s best to have a checklist of items you need and only bring the essentials. It will make your trip much more enjoyable because you won’t worry about things you don’t need. It is important to remember that the lighter your pack, the easier your journey will be.
The problem with travelling with just the essentials is that everyone has a different idea of what is and isn’t essential. You need to travel with only the items you will use, not what you think you might use.
Sure, it’s easy to believe that you’ll need your phone or camera while hiking on the Appalachian Trail, but you won’t if you stick to the trails. The same goes for other items, too. Think about what you need to have fun on your trip and keep it simple.
4. Prep Food at Home
It is a great way to save you money by allowing you to prepare your food at home. By preparing your food yourself, you can eliminate the cost of having someone else prepare it for you on the trail. It saves money and time because you do not have to purchase as much food or bring as much with you as you would if you were buying meals in restaurants or cafes. Prepare at least two meals ahead of time and freeze them.
Another great tip that will save you a lot of cash is to plan out your meals before you leave. Many websites will give you ideas on what foods pair well together and provide recipes that are easy to make and delicious to eat.
This also saves money because it allows you to buy the necessary materials in bulk, which is less expensive than buying individual ingredients. If you’re not sure what foods are ideal for backpacking, several websites can help you out, as well as additional resources like healthy recipes for camping or trekking.
5. Pitch a Tent Rather Than Book a Campsite
Pitch a tent rather than book a campsite, why not!. A tent gives you the freedom to enjoy your holiday without tied to campsite facilities. You can bring your bedding and sleep as you would at home. You get to wake up looking out from your tent over fields and trees rather than over wire fences!
When you’re planning a backpacking trip, you have several options for lodging. You can opt for a campsite, which typically includes all the equipment you need to pitch a tent. However, camps can be expensive, and some are not very private. If you prefer more privacy than a campground offers and you enjoy sleeping outside under the stars, you might want to pitch a tent instead.
6. Find Free Activities and Opportunities
When looking for a backpacking trip, it’s essential to consider more than just the cost of transportation, lodging and food. If you’re looking for an affordable trip, you should also look into free activities and opportunities that can help you save money while still enjoying the beauty and wonder of the great outdoors.
Free activities are a great way to get out of the house or apartment on a budget and see what your new city has to offer. Take advantage of free museums, free walking tours, or free events.
There are also plenty of things to do for cheap or free in smaller cities and towns. Find activities such as festivals, concerts, parks, zoos, public transport that can all help you meet people while enjoying a low-cost visit!
7. Do Your Research and Wait for the Best Deals
A backpacking trip can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 or more depending on your destination, budget and other factors. Here’s how to pick a great deal and prepare for your trip:
Start your search early.
Most travel deals are available about a month before departure so start checking websites such as Viator, Expedia, Travelocity and others for deals at least 30 days before you want to go. This will give you time to compare prices and book your trip when it’s cheapest.
Know what you’re looking for
You’ll have much better luck finding affordable travel if you know where you want to go and what you want to do there. Consider checking out Lonely Planet’s “Best In Travel” recommendations for some inspiration.
Look at all of your options carefully
When comparing flights, look closely at layover times, flight times and distances between destinations. If possible, look up information on the location of your layover locations so that you know what they’re like before booking a flight with a long layover there.
Finally, As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to planning an affordable backpacking adventure like these. You should know the price range that you’re willing and able to spend on your trip. You should know what kind of experiences you want (and don’t want) in terms of lodging, food and entertainment. Look over this list, figure out what will work best for your unique adventure, and start researching. Talk to people who have done it before. Then, go out and make some great memories on the trail!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Where can I go on a trip with a limited budget?
There are plenty of places you can visit without spending much. For example, if you live in Malaysia: Bangkok, Siem Reap, Bali and HCMC Vietnam are great places for a vacation with a limited budget. You can get some amazing deals on flights to these places. Some of them even offer flights less than RM 200 sometimes.
Q2. What should I spend my money on?
It’s hard to answer because every person and every situation is different. My advice is simple: Prioritize spending your money on the things that matter most to you.
Q3. Do I need insurance for adventure travel?
In short answer yes and long answer also YES. The reality is that most of us need to be protected when we travel. Backpacking in unknown territory can be dangerous. Trips to developing countries can have their own set of risks, and sometimes even the most developed countries suffer from extreme weather and other such risk. Get your travel insurance before you start your backpacking journey.