How to Backpack Around the World with No Money: A Step-by-Step Guide
May 9, 2023
By Keith Terrell
May 9, 2023
By Keith Terrell
Travelling around the world without money sounds like a total pipe dream, unless you're willing to take on the challenge of backpacking! You don't need a fancy vacation package or a ton of cash saved up to do it– all you need is ambition and a totally free, step-by-step guide to backpacking around the world with no money
You may be able to backpack around the world on a shoestring budget Consider things like couchsurfing, bartending, WWOOFing, and other ways you can make or save money without relying on traditional financial means
Here, we'll cover the basics of backpacking, from picking a destination to finding food, lodgings, and even ways of making money while you're on the go So if you're ready to cross the globe with nothing but a bag attached to your back, let's get started on our journey!
Table of Contents
Every successful round-the-world trip requires a solid budget Before embarking on your journey, it’s essential to determine the total cost of your trip and figure out how to manage that cost while you travel Setting up a budget before you leave can help you stay within your means and ensure that you have enough money to cover everything — from lodging and transportation to food and entertainment
There are several different approaches when it comes to budgeting while backpacking around the world Some people like to set a daily limit or an overall cap on spending each month, while others prefer to create individual budgets for every country they visit throughout their travels While both methods have merit, travelers must assess their own needs and lifestyle in order to choose the best approach for their individual situation
For instance, if a traveler is trying to save money on accommodations, their monthly budget should include more funds for cheap accommodation options such as hostels or house-sitting opportunities On the other hand, if a traveler wants the flexibility of being able to splurge occasionally on nicer restaurants or experiences, they may want to allocate more funds towards entertainment and dining No matter which approach travelers choose, setting up a budget can be an invaluable tool for staying organized and keeping track of expenses throughout their journey
Establishing a budget will also allow travelers to set aside some of their income for saving purposes By understanding exactly how much money is coming in and going out each month, travelers can easily make adjustments if necessary — such as scaling back on activities they don’t really need — in order to boost savings potential even further With proper planning and smart financial decisions, travelers can take control of their finances as they backpack around the globe with no money
By understanding one's needs and taking the time to plan ahead and establish a budget accordingly, backpackers who have no money can still see the world without breaking the bank The next step To turn this into reality, savvy adventurers will need to create a savings plan and stick with it!
Establishing a budget before travelling is an essential tool for staying organized and within one's means, save money when necessary, and ensure that costs are covered Travellers must assess their own needs to choose the best budgeting approach for their situation With proper planning and financial decisions, it is possible to travel around the world with no money
Creating a savings plan and sticking to it is the essential piece of the puzzle when it comes to travelling on a budget with no money It means understanding one’s financial limitations, setting realistic savings goals, and then putting in the effort to stick to that plan While some people might opt for more extreme measures such as living off a minimal amount of savings or hosting Couchsurfing guests at home to save money, these are not necessary steps
The simple act of setting up an automatic transfer of a predetermined portion of your paycheck into a dedicated bank account, each payday, will go a long way in helping you save up enough money to get started on your trip Once the money accumulates, you can use both tangible tools such as a spreadsheet or budget tracker, and intangible tactics such as self-discipline, to ensure you do not overspend or dip into your travel fund unless absolutely necessary The right habit might take some getting used to but will eventually become second nature
It is also important that your plan is tailored to your financial situation; there is no point in setting unrealistic goals with no reward system if success will be difficult to achieve without demoralizing yourself By being true to yourself and setting achievable goals, you will feel more motivated and encouraged to stay consistent with your savings scheme Frequently reviewing your budget accounts for progress and holding yourself accountable for any missteps will also help towards achieving success in this area
Last but not least, try to set aside time for fun trips too; this will give you something to look forward to while satisfying those wanderlust urges within reason Taking small trips within your own country or region may serve as affordable practice runs before tackling more significant worldwide trips - they could even be free depending on what activities excite you