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Home » Budget Travel » 20 EPIC Ways to Get Paid to Travel! (2024)

20 EPIC Ways to Get Paid to Travel! (2024)

Wait… you can actually get PAID to travel!

Spoiler alert: YES!

While people have been traveling the world and making money for decades, in the past 10 years or so, travel blogging, vlogging and other forms of influencing has transformed what it means to be a working traveler.

In the age of social media, there are more ways than ever to make money on the road–but I’m not here just to tell you all about brick and mortar travel jobs.

Don’t get me wrong, those are great and we will get into them at the end, but you’re here because you want to know how to get PAID to travel.

And as someone currently doing this myself (as well as many members of The Broke Backpacker Team at large), you can rest assured that with a bit of patience and a whole lot of hard word, traveling really can be a career in and of itself.

The most important thing to note though is that this is anything but a get rich quick scheme , and any influencer who makes it out to be that way is lying. While everyone’s timeline is different, you’re going to want to be ready to commit for the long haul.

It was August 2018 when I first discovered this crazy career path, and after a lot of trial and error, a little bit of luck, and some serious perseverance, I’m finally making it work with multiple streams of income.

Dying to do the same? I got you! Let’s dive into 20 incredible ways on how to get paid to travel the world.

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20 Iconic Ways to Travel and Get Paid!

The question you’ve been dying to know the answer to, how to get paid to travel. The dream for so many. Well, fellow globe trotter, let’s kick things off with epic travel jobs that you’ll literally get paid to explore the world:

1. Press Trips

When you think of getting paid to travel, what’s known in the travel world as press trips might come to mind. This is when you quite literally get paid to travel. Here’s how it works: a brand, tourism board or other organization will invite known bloggers/vloggers or travel writers to come to a specific definition in exchange for some type of coverage. 

So if you’re a freelance journalist, you’re going to be expected to place an article with a publication, whereas a well-known travel blogger might have to deliver 1-2 full-length blog posts and so on.

The best part is that in addition to being paid, you also get a completely free trip! The only downside is that, unlike some of the other methods, you’re going to have to build up a sizeable following or portfolio before you start getting invites.

How much does it pay?

• Up to $10,000

2. Brand Partnerships

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Another way to make money as a travel influencer is by doing brand partnerships. This is when a brand will reach out to you and ask you to create content about a specific product or their company as a whole.

Brand partnerships can range from $100 to well over $10,000 depending on your audience size and notoriety. When you’re just starting out, brands may ask you to do a review for free in exchange for a product or service.

This is great to build your portfolio, but once you’ve got a few under your belt, stop working for free and charge a fee!

• Up to $10,000 or more per campaign though can start at $0

3. Affiliate Marketing

One of the two main ways that travel bloggers (or bloggers in general) make money is through the magical world of affiliate marketing. Affiliate marketing is, essentially, when you promote a product or service to your audience and then make a commission off each and every sale.

Like almost every lucrative way to make money on the road, there’s a major learning curve, but once you know what you’re doing (and your audience is large enough) affiliate marketing can make you bank. You’ll just need a solid travel laptop to get going.

If you’re new, Amazon Affiliates and Booking.com are two of the best programs to start with. Though you might start off with pennies at first, I promise you’ll always remember the moment you made your very sale!

• Up to $20,000 per month or more

4. Destination Campaigns

Destination campaigns are similar to brand deals but instead of promoting a product or a brand, you’ll be tasked with promoting an entire destination . Tourism boards typically run these types of collaborations, and usually work with travel bloggers, travel video creators, or travel writers.

A good destination campaign will not just provide you with free accommodation and activities, but they’ll also pay you for your work. Such proposals should give you a formal contract in advance and make it clear what deliverables they expect.

These days deliverables can be anything from Reels, TikToks and other social media posts, to blog articles or reported stories commissioned in advance by a publication.

• $500-$10,000+

5. Display Advertising

Ah, display advertising . It’s about as close to passive income as you can get these days, and is the ultimate goal for most travel bloggers. The way it works is simple–once you join an ad company, your blog will be fitted with ads that pay a certain amount per every 1000 views.

The exact amount will vary widely depending on where your readers are from (US-based views pay the most), how many you have, and which ad company you’re with.

These days, Mediavine is the holy grail of ad companies, and many bloggers make a full-time income from their high RPMs. Once you reach 50,000 sessions per month on your blog, you can count on making about $400/month with them at the bare minimum.

AdThrive has an even higher threshold at 100,000 sessions per month, while other companies like Ezoic, Monumetric, and SheMedia have lower bars to entry, but have their own respective issues.

While meeting the requirements of top companies can take several years, successful blogs can easily make 5 figures a month.

• $200-$40,000+

Youtube can be incredibly lucrative once you get enough subscribers. While it’s certainly not easy to get a channel off the ground, this is one of the absolute best ways to get paid to travel if you ask me.

To get started, you’ll first have to meet Youtube’s monetization requirements which currently want creators to have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time within 365 days. Unsurprisingly, the watch hours are the more difficult aspect of the requirement.

Travel vloggers these days can make well into the 6-figure range, and once you add in brand deals, you might end up having more cash flow than you even know what to do with.

The caveat is that vlogging and Youtube in general is HARD, and the competition only increases week after week. But with time and consistency, you can make it happen. It really is true that just one viral video can change your life.

While Youtube tends to love more raw and authentic content these days, the world of videography is a big one. If you’ve got a knack for filming and editing, you can edit videos for other vloggers or even find yourself creating cinematic scenes for companies or brands.

• $200-$10,000+

7. Digital Products

Another way to make money while you travel is by selling your own digital products. Of course, you’re going to need an audience for this, but once you have one, this is another stream of income to look into.

The most common type of digital products these days include E-Books and courses. E-books are short, online-only books that are kind of like blog posts on steroids. You can create one pretty easily with services like Canva and then sell them to your readers/subscribers for around $10-$20.

If you’re truly an expert at something that you can share with others, courses are another way to go. Not every niche is fit for a course, but you’d be surprised that everything from affiliate marketing tips to solo backpacking can be turned into a profitable product.

• $10-$600+ per purchase

8. Freelance Photography

While sometimes they go hand in hand, freelance travel photography is quite different from writing or other types of content creation, with an arguably bigger bar to entry. Freelance photographers get paid for their photos the way writers do for their articles, though there are other ways to make money with your camera as well.

Shooting for travel-related brands or orgs is a big one, as is photographing for athletes or influencers. If you’re just getting started, a high-quality travel camera in addition to a neat portfolio are going to be the most important things to consider.

Freelance photographers can also make money by selling their photos either directly or via platforms like Shutterstock. I wouldn’t count on this route though as it’s not very reliable month by month. As a photographer, building up a decent social media presence will also be important, though not make or break if your work is good enough.

• Extremely variable, but up to several thousand for a project

9. Freelance Writing/Journalism

Perhaps my favorite way to make money from my travels is via freelance writing and journalism. This is when you get paid to write an article for a publication. I’ve been doing freelance writing for over two years now, and let me tell you, nothing beats the feeling of landing a pitch you really want to write.

A pitch is basically an email to an editor detailing a story/piece you’d like to write for them. Rejections and non-responses are incredibly common in the freelance world, but it really is true that the more you pitch, the better your odds of landing a story are.

There is a distinct difference between freelance writing and journalism though–while the former includes narratives and the types of articles you’d associate with blogs, journalism requires significantly more work. 

You’ll typically have to interview more than one source, and ensure you have a strong angle. I personally recommend building up your portfolio with SEO/narrative-style pieces before delving into the complex world of travel journalism.

• $150-$2000/article

10. Run your own tours

Are you an expert in a specific destination? Then why not lead your own adventure tours? I’m not going to lie, this can be quite tricky to get off the ground without a large audience and/or connections.

But once you get started, it can be incredibly lucrative, especially in countries that are quite cheap to begin with. The only downside is that running tours is incredibly labor intensive and requires a whole lot of social interaction that other travel jobs do not. 

• Up to $20,000 or more per tour

11. Virtual Administration

Are you a social media pro? Why not run brands’ accounts or do other tasks for influencers or website owners?

The work of virtual admin-ing is a big one, and it’s by far the most versatile way to get paid to travel. VA’s are often the backbone of a good website, and being one can definitely fund your digital nomad lifestyle .

As there’s so much that you can do as a virtual assistant, here are a few common tasks to get you thinking about what skills you have to offer:

• Creating pins and running a Pinterest account
• Formatting blog posts
• Posting on social media for a brand/influencer
• Doing basic edits of Youtube videos
• Managing databases and spreadsheets
• Responding to/sending emails
• Answering phone calls or social media messages
• Extremely variable depending on your clients and hours, but anywhere from $100-$5000+ per month

12. Website design/development

Becoming proficient at website design isn’t for the faint of heart…but for those with natural skills or anyone willing to put in the work, it can pay very well. Plus you can do it from anywhere!

Website designers do exactly what the job name says: they design websites. To do this, you’re going to have to learn CSS, HTML, and Javascript and you’ll certainly want to be comfortable with programs like Photoshop.

After you’ve mastered all that, a portfolio site is another essential to attract clients and get paid. Like many other types of freelancing, you’ll want to get comfortable with cold emails to get your first clients.

But once you get started, you can charge hefty prices for what will soon become relatively easy tasks.

• $500 – $10,000+ per project

13. …Any Other Remote Job

Getting paid to travel doesn’t mean you NEED a travel-focused job! Any remote job that allows you to work from anywhere is good enough. While you won’t be getting paid for the actual traveling you’re doing, you’ll still be able to travel as much as you want AND get paid.

So still a win-win situation!

Stable digital nomad jobs –where you’re often an employee instead of a freelancer–might pay more to start, but often have location restrictions. Your best bet is finding one that doesn’t care where you are as long as the work is getting done.

Anything from online translation to a remote engineering job could fit the bill!

• Extremely variable, but up to 6 figures

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Other Epic Ways to Travel and Get Paid!

While all of the above typically relate to the general realm of digital nomadism, there are a whole lot of other more traditional travel jobs that will allow you to work abroad and explore the world.

14. Teach English Abroad

Teaching English online is all the wave these days, as it should be. You can make you own schedule, and work from ANYWHERE you can find a stable internet connection. But that’s not all–from Pakistan to Japan, there are plenty of foreign schools that are keen to hire foreign English teachers to teach in person.

Many of these packages are quite lucrative–salaries are more than enough to live (and save) on, accommodation is often free, AND you get to do a ton of exploring in your free time. Keep in mind that most of these positions will require at least a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certificate.

If you happen to have a Masters, you can expect even more $$$ to come your way!

• Up to $3000 (or slightly more) per month

15. Work At a Hostel

Working at an epic hostel has long been a favorite gig for long-term travelers. It’s fun, usually includes free accommodation, and is an epic way to really get to know a destination. Do keep in mind that the pay might not be great, but it certainly can be more than enough to live on.

You’ll also get to meet fellow travelers and hone all types of skills–working at a digital nomad hostel might be your best bet if you’re looking to follow that path and find some inspiration.

• Anywhere from $0 (but free food and stay) to $2000 or more/month

16. Teach yoga!

Are you a certified and somewhat talented yogi?

Then you might be able to teach yoga abroad. You’ll be able to teach yoga all over the world–and there are some particularly incredible ones in India and other parts of Asia. But opportunities can be found literally ANYWHERE.

Nowadays, virtual yoga is IN meaning some teachers have been able to turn their practice into a nomadic lifestyle. You can go about this through Instagram, Tiktok or even a blog, but know you’ll have to work hard to stand out from the rest.

There are of course some downsides though such as:

• Digital competition

Even so, if you love yoga and you love places like Southeast Asia , you’ll love life as a traveling yoga teacher.

• Anywhere from $100-$2000+

17. Working Holiday Visa

One of the most popular ways to work, travel AND save money for travel, is a working holiday visa! Several countries offer these visas to nationals of other mostly western countries. Typically, it allows you to easily obtain employment for up to a year and sometimes more.

Working holidays in Australia are particularly popular, though you’ll also find opportunities in Canada, New Zealand, Spain, and beyond!

• $1000+ per month

18. Work on a yacht

While TV shows may make it look glamorous, yacht work is WORK, so if you go this route, be prepared for that. But if you’re ready to put in the hours, then the world’s most incredible tropical destinations await.

You’ll also get to meet people from around the world real well, as you’ll be spending so much time with your coworkers.

• $1200+ per month

19. Busking

As one of the world’s oldest professions, busking just had to make the list. If you’ve got some type of musical talent, get out there and put on a street show. If you’re actually skilled, you might be in for some pretty sick tips.

Do some research beforehand to make sure you’re in the best area. And really put on a show. It’s busking 101 that enthusiasm and smiles (combined with talent) can pay for a few days on the road.

• $300-1000+ per month

20. Flight Attendant

Last but not least is the most well-known travel job is one you should already be very familiar with. Flight attendants obviously get paid to travel, but that also means very long hours on your feet and dealing with all kinds of passengers.

You might have to change time zones frequently, which could mess with sleep patterns. Even so, the perks are incredible and include free travel, weeks off at a time, and long layovers where you can get to know different cities.

The pay is pretty great too!

• Up to $100,000 per year

Getting Insured BEFORE Getting Paid to Travel

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Ready to Get Paid to Travel?

Getting paid to travel really is as epic as it sounds. Freebies in exchange for social media posts is just one way you can travel for free and get paid. Luckily, there are many other ways to make travel your career, and my best advice is to focus on what you love.

If the passion is there, you’ll make it happen! And out of all the travel jobs I’ve listed, there’s got to be at least one that appeals to you!

Get to researching and make a plan today–a life that combines work and travel can and will be yours.

Samantha Shea

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Wow, there’s so many different ways to get paid to travel! I knew about some of these, but other options surprised me as well. Definitely going to do some more of my own research now.

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How to Save Money for Travel – 15 Tips to Get Started Now

Written By: The Planet D

Travel Planning

Updated On: January 5, 2024

It’s no surprise that most people want to  travel more , but how do you save money for travel and still live a full life at home?  The other day I read something online that most millennials are willing to give up Tim Hortons, Netflix, shopping & hockey to travel. So what would you give up to save up to travel the world?

Table of Contents

Ways to Save Money for Travel

Before Dave and I became  full-time travel bloggers , we had full-time jobs, mortgage payments, and bills to face each month. This was not how we wanted to live our lives. We didn’t love our jobs and we were constantly feeling behind the eight ball. What we did know is that we knew we wanted to travel more.

Dave and I already traveled extensively for nearly a decade before we decided to become  bloggers. Before putting a word on the Internet, we already traveled to 40 countries while juggling our careers and life in Canada. From our months abroad between jobs, we decided we wanted to make travel a full-time career, and we were determined to make that happen.

Many of our friends and family members thought we were flaky and wasting our hard earned money on travel. The truth is, we never once dipped into our savings. We didn’t want to go into financial ruin to follow our dreams, so we decided to find out how we could save more money and put that money towards travel whenever we could.

These are the tips we found that helped us to save most money for travel and follow our dreams.

1. Don’t Travel on Borrowed Money

Our number one rule for traveling is to never travel on borrowed money. I know that’s not necessarily a Millennial way of thinking, but take it from us, coming home to a mound of debt after a life-changing travel experience is not what you want to face. Debt is stressful and if you can avoid it, you’ll live a happier life.

We never left home until we were sure that our monthly bills, investment contributions, and expenses could be covered for the months we were away.  If we didn’t have the money saved, we either changed travel plans to cut it shorter, visit a cheaper destination or spend more time exploring our own backyard until we did save our money.

2. Create a Travel Budget

We have found that the best way to save for travel is to create a budget. If you ask these questions, it will help you identify how much money you’ll need to travel.

How Much Should You Be Saving for Travel?

• What will your daily travel budget be?
• How much are you going to spend on a hotel nightly?
• What is your allowance for meals?
• What is your excursion budget?
• What do you plan on spending on meals?
• How Long are you Traveling For?
• Are you going to be a budget traveler or mid-range?
• Read more at How to Travel on a Budget – Our Top Cheap Travel Tips

For example, hostels are definitely a way to keep costs down and you could easily go lower than that if you are traveling through places like South East Asia or Central America.

If you are traveling through South East Asia, you may easily be able to budget $50 – $100 a day. That means you will need $10k – $20k for a six-month trip. Not including flights  – We talk below about using rewards credit cards to help you save on flights.

So if you want to travel within one year and you need $15k for a  six-month trip , you will need to put away $1250 per month if you start from zero. But don’t worry, you won’t have to start from zero, we’re going to show you ways to find the money. 

• Some people travel for much less:  See How PE World Tour traveled on $2400
• Make sure to check out our tips on  How to Travel on a Budget .
• Check out the book  How to Travel the World on $50 a Day  for more ideas.

3. Set up an Automatic Travel Fund Saving Account

Now that you know how much money you need to travel, we suggest setting up an automatic withdrawal to go into a travel savings fund. In the same way that you have automatic withdrawals for your bills, your investments, and your rent. Set up that fund and have it come out of your bank account every single month.

4. Track Spending

When saving money for travel it is really important to know what you are spending your money on. I can’t stress this enough, pay attention to where your money is going when budgeting for travel.  Sit down and start making a list of where you spend every single penny each month. Be diligent and don’t let anything slide by.

Perhaps you stop every day at the corner store near the subway and grab a snack or a coffee that you could have taken from home or gotten at work. If you spend $5-$10 a day on little things, that’s $150-$300 a month that could have gone to travel. See how quickly money can add up?

Do you have a Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO Max account? Maybe you only need one. Are you still paying for TV cable? Get rid of it!

I have cut Dave’s hair for years saving us a ton of cash. (See picture above) And I grew my hair out needing nothing more than a monthly trim which I did myself (and had Dave help in the back) That’s a good $100-$200 savings on haircuts a month! (thanks to Minority Nomad for reminding us about this point!)

Is your cell phone bill the highest one you can get? Maybe you can drop it down to a smaller plan. Do you have a gym or Peloton membership that you never use? Cancel it. It’s all these little things that can add up to big savings.

Insider tip: Use FREE apps like  Mint  and  Wally  to help you budget and track your expenses.

5. Pay off Your Credit Cards

We have always been really good with paying off our credit cards. Holding a balance on a card stresses me out, so I pay it off every month before the due date. Don’t throw money away by paying interest on credit cards. If you can’t afford something, don’t buy it on a credit card hoping the money will magically appear. 

But that doesn’t mean we don’t use our credit cards. We actually put everything on a credit card. It is the easiest way to track expenses. You can check your statement each month and see where your money is going. And it is the easiest way to save money for travel. Plus, when you get the “right credit card” you can earn money for travel as you pay for your every day expenses.

6. Get a Rewards Credit Card

One of the most expensive up-front costs for  long term travel  is your flights. This is where a travel rewards credit card will come in handy.  But as I said above, only if you pay it off each month  and are diligent about not spending more than you need.

You’d be amazed how quickly you can earn travel points and rewards when you buy things like groceries, toiletries, and even medication on your credit card. Rewards add up fast.

We usually have anywhere from $1000 – $2000 towards travel by the end of each year. We purchase a ticket and then give American Express or Visa a call and ask them to pay it off with our rewards. (if we have enough – which we usually do because we put all expenses on it)

With a travel rewards card, you also get a  sign-up bonus.  Just by signing up, you could get a lot of money for a flight. Do some research to see what card is best for you. What card offers the flight rewards you want?

• We use  American Express  most of the time, but our TD Travel Visa does not have a fee and it has great travel benefits too. Our Amex offers travel rewards. We make purchases all year on it and we get rewards with each one.
• Chase Sapphire is popular in the United States and we hear it is even better than Amex.

7. Change Your Living Situation

If you have a house, but you have a dream to travel, you may want to sell it. That’s what we did. We knew we weren’t happy being homeowners at the time, so we put it up for sale.

I remember the time that we owned that house was the most stressful time of our lives because all we wanted t do was travel. We were always worried about money and what we would do if the next movie contract didn’t come in. We felt trapped and wondered if this was going to be where we were stuck for the rest of our lives.

If you don’t want to sell your house, you may just want to start looking for a subletter to rent your place for a year or so. I know people that have sublet their house while building equity and traveling full time. They rent in other places instead of moving back home and are perfectly happy. And of course there is always AirBnB or VRBO to make money from your property.

If you are currently renting, you may want to move to a smaller place in a cheaper neighborhood. Think of any way to cut costs. This is a relatively easy way to save money if you have larger assets like this. And if you have a loving and generous family, (like we did) you may want to stay with them for a few months. This can put thousands of dollars in your pocket for your travels.

8. Sell Your Things

We had a garage sale to get rid of all the stuff we had bought over the past few years. We made a couple of thousand bucks on our garage sale if you can believe it. We sold everything from lawnmowers to our Doctor Ho massager and even a knife (that we didn’t realize was worth so much) but a guy offered us $50 for it!

Of course you can simply go on Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace too. You’ll be surprised at what people will pay for.

People were giving us 20 bucks for glassware sets and knick-knacks. We had so much clutter. And it felt amazing once it was all gone. Even if you don’t want to sell your house, having a garage sale or selling it online will make you some extra cash while lifting the weight of all that extra clutter.

9. Lifestyle Change and Mindset

When you need money to travel, one of the most obvious places to look at is your lifestyle. By changing a few habits you can put away more cash for your next trip. We owned two cars that we were paying two monthly payments. When we went down to one car, we sold the newer one and paid off the other.

With no car payments (and because the car we were driving was older, we canceled the collision insurance on it) we saved hundreds of dollars a month. We cut our insurance fee by hundreds. Now with no car payments and less insurance, we were spending a lot less on car expenses. Plus, by living in the city, we paid less for gas and could ride our bikes or walk to wherever we wanted.

10. Stop Eating Out

This was a tough one for us. We loved eating out, it was our time to chat and catch up. But once we started eating at home more, we saved a lot more money. If I could tell my 23-year-old self to learn to cook at home, I would have saved myself a lot of money headaches.

We made cooking an event and bought only fresh ingredients in bulk. When we did have wine or beer, we went for the cheap stuff. Yes, we bought boxed wine and cheap beer. Luckily, we were so busy with life, we didn’t miss alcohol at all while saving for our travels. We had a goal in mind and when thinking about putting $40 towards alcohol or our travel fund, the fund usually won out.

And we invested in a good coffee maker so we didn’t have to go to Starbucks whenever we needed our caffeine fix. I always called Starbucks “Four-bucks.” Four bucks a pop, for a coffee, adds up fast!

11. Cut Entertainment Costs

We used to meet friends at the bar or nightclub and spend a fortune on drinks and food. As our lifestyle changed, we started to go over to friends’ houses and have them over to ours. We still had a social life, but we weren’t throwing money away downtown and we were saving money toward our goal.

12. Cut Expensive Hobbies

When we had our house, our hobbies were pretty expensive. We had a ski pass at Blue Mountain Resort and often stayed over at the hotel after eating out at the restaurant. We also did a lot of scuba diving trips in the summer around the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River staying in lodges each weekend.

These were very expensive hobbies so we cut them out and took up cheaper hobbies. Plus by selling our dive gear and snowboarding gear, we pocketed more money. We never bought it again. Now when we go diving or snowboarding we rent the gear.

13. Find Free Things to Do Instead

When we moved downtown, we got more into rock climbing. Our one splurge was our rock climbing gym membership, and we basically became gym rats. We loved climbing and were there nearly every night during the week!

But having THAT gym membership (that we used and loved) we saved money from eating out every night and going to clubs on the weekend. We loved being at the climbing gym and that took up a lot of our time. Instead of spending a ton of money each weekend, we went camping near the crag and then went rock climbing for free.

We ended up doing a lot of fun free things like mountain biking, and meeting up with the cycling club for evening rides. We took up hiking and spent our weekends exploring Niagara Glen or the Bruce Trail. We were busy and adventurous and didn’t spend much money on anything except for snacks and maybe a park entry fee.

14. Think Positive

I know it seems like a lot, but it can be done. If you take things one step at a time and follow our tips for saving money, you can achieve your goal of traveling the world.

Make a list, take stock of your expenses, debt, and income and figure out what you need to do to follow your dream. For us, it was overwhelming to do all of these things before we left for our travels, but once we were on the road, we were free to enjoy our travels because we didn’t have any worries at home.

And we have never missed all that stuff we gave up. Since we  started a life of travel , we’ve enjoyed the freedom of not having clutter in our lives and debt in our bank accounts.

Final Thought

Dave and I have always found that whenever we take a chance and make room for  our dream s, great things happen. If you are not happy where you are in your life, start thinking differently and make that change. The best journeys start with the first step.

If you like this post why not pin it on Pinterest!

• How to Travel on a Budget – Our Top Cheap Travel Tips
• Get Paid to Travel – How Travelers Make Money
• How to Be a Travel Blogger – From Dream to Reality

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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12 Ways to Make Money While Traveling

• Make money while travelling

Earn money from anywhere in the world while traveling freely might sound like a pipedream. However, thousands of travelers have already lived out this dream and are getting paid to travel. On this page, you will find 12 ways to earn money while traveling.

Is It Possible to Earn Money While Traveling?

Since 2020, remote work has become much more common, so it’s hardly a secret that you can work from anywhere. Nevertheless, for those who have never tried it, the question of whether it is possible to make money while traveling may come to mind.

This question is best answered by sharing real examples of people who earn and travel at the same time. Popular travel bloggers earn over $10,000 monthly . For example:

• Nomadic Matt
• OneStep4Ward.com
• The Planet D
• WanderingEarl.com

Among people who earn money while traveling, there are also freelancers who work in the field of digital marketing. For such work, often only a computer and Internet access are necessary. Estimated income can be calculated from average hourly rates (for example, on Upwork ).

These examples don’t cover all the options for making money while traveling but demonstrate that you can indeed travel and earn money at the same time. Below, you will find the best ways to make money while traveling

How to Travel the World and Make Money

It is hard to single out the best and worst ways to make money while traveling, as the ideal method depends on each individual case. With that said, explore all the below methods to find the best approach for you. Some methods can even be combined to generate even higher income. For example, travel blogging and selling your own travel photos.

1. Travel Blogging

Your dream to travel the world and make money should ideally be combined with the opportunities that travel provides. For example, you can share your stories and travel expertise with people and earn money through advertising or affiliate marketing (by selling services or recommending hotels). For this, you will need to:

• Create a Website: It’s not as difficult as it seems. There are plenty of courses and instructions . As an alternative solution, you can hire a freelancer. For example, on Fiverr , a basic travel website can cost $150 to $200.
• Create Content: This is an ongoing process. You must write articles that will drive traffic from Google or other traffic sources . Ideally, you should take into account the interests of users when choosing topics. Check out a free course on this topic.
• Monetize Your Traffic: Once you create content and attract visitors, you can monetize that traffic.

There are even more ways to earn on travel blogs, such as selling guest posts. Regardless of which approach you choose, travel blogs often start to generate a solid income, but not on the first day. You will need to create content that attracts people to your blog and it takes time for Google to value the quality of your content and start recommending your blog to potential audiences.

How to Make Money on a Travel Blog

Advertising is the main method of earning money for most travel bloggers. This can be either in the format of contextual ads (for example, through Mediavine) or recommendations (when you receive a commission for the sale). The latter is called “affiliate marketing” and can become your main source of income. For example, let’s say:

• You have visited Barcelona and are familiar with some good hotels. Recommend them to your audience, add a link to those hotels on Booking.com or Trivago, and receive a 4% commission on each booking
• You know which tour to take in Washington DC and which not to take. Help your audience by recommending an online booking on GetYourGuide or Viator and earn a 8-10% commission from each booking

This will allow you to provide a lot of benefits to your audience, while earning solid money. In this case, the income is a one-time thing. You will earn as long as an audience interested in traveling comes to your blog every month. Moreover, as the number of articles on your site increases, your income will certainly grow as well.

On the Travelpayouts Partnership Platform , you will find over 100 travel affiliate programs of such brands as WayAway , GetYourGuide , or TripAdvisor , and will be able to make money on a travel blog by recommending various travel services to your audience, including flights, hotels, excursions, car rentals, etc.

Join the Travelpayouts Partnership Platform

Access exclusive tools and the best travel partner programs, including flights, hotels, car rental, insurance, tours and activities, all in one place.

Travel blogging is not a hackneyed idea. Even if you have never blogged before, in 2024, you can still start your own travel blog that will generate a solid income.

For inspiration, read the stories of travel bloggers , some of whom created a blog less than two years ago and are already making over $1,000 per month. In addition, consider the option of a blog in the form of a YouTube channel or Instagram account (or any other social media account), which does not require you to create your own website.

2. Sell Photos on Photo Stocks

You are already on a journey, which means that there are many places around you, photos of which may come in handy to other people. Of course, you can post these photos on your Instagram and receive likes, but you can also choose to sell them to other people for their business purposes.

You do not need to personally look for customers on the market, if you use platforms where sellers and buyers meet, such as:

• Envato Market  
• Shutterstock

Before making money on stocks from travel photos, study the rules of a particular photo stock. For example, such platforms often require high-resolution photos, the absence of recognizable faces in photos, extra permission to use the names of brands, and so on.

The quality of your pictures is also important, but thanks to modern technologies, even on an iPhone, you can take a photo that will not only be accepted by photo stocks, but will successfully sell many times. Of course, professional photo cameras can significantly increase the quality of your photos, and with that, your chances of generating good earnings. However, your unique travel location is still more important.

One of the biggest challenges in making money from photography is the high competition level. You can check the request you are interested in on photo stocks as well as how many photos are already available for said request. For example:

Don’t expect your photos to be bought in bulk and immediately establish a solid income stream for you. You may need to focus on a specific niche (i.e., food, transportation) or take an additional photo stock course to earn more:

As with travel blogging, selling photos takes time to generate a solid income. You need to collect a portfolio, fill in all the details to optimize your offers, and, possibly, try other methods of promotion.

Selling photos on photo stocks can become your main source of income and cover all your travel expenses. Moreover, if you decide to become a travel blogger at the same time, you will certainly need photos for your blog too. Thus, these methods can easily be combined.

3. Sell Videos on the Stocks

The 2020s is the era of digital content. Many people already know about the first two formats: texts for blogs or photos for stocks. However, video is gaining popularity right now and is one of the best ways to make money while traveling.

Just like with photos, you can record videos and sell them on specialized platforms:

As with photos, there is also competition in the video niche as well, so study the market and search queries for which you are going to create videos. Your clients can include both companies and individuals, such as YouTubers who need a video for their project.

You will need to invest in equipment and learn at least minimal video-editing skills. As with photos, selling videos can be a primary or additional source of income for you while you travel.

4. Copywriting

You don’t have to create your own travel blog to write about your travels. Having problems in a new country and knowing how to solve them makes you an excellent source of information. If you improve your writing skills, you can earn great money. For example, you can take the following courses:

• Copywriting For Beginners
• Creative Writing Specialization
• SEO Copywriting Training
• How to Craft Contagious Content
• SEO Copywriting: Rank and Get the Click

The price for your work can vary greatly depending on the language. If you write in English, as a beginner copywriter, you can earn about 5 cents per word. As your skills improve, the rate can increase significantly. On average, travel content creators receive 10 cents per word.

Offer your articles not only to large companies, which often have full-time authors, but also to successful travel blogs. You can also offer your services in specialized groups on Facebook where travel bloggers gather (for example, in this group ) as well as on Upwork or similar platforms.

One of the main benefits of this method is that you can start earning almost immediately. When you sell an article, you will make money on it. But there is a downside as well. This is a one-time payment. You will not receive income when someone clicks on an ad in your article or visits the Booking.com website to book a hotel. In these terms, your own blog is more profitable, as you create content once and then continue to get profit when your articles have traffic.

Creating blog posts for your own website takes the same time as creating content for someone else. But, in the long term, working on your own blog will probably be more profitable for you.

If you need money for travel urgently and love to create content, you can at least combine these two methods: create your own blog and write blogs for other people as a service. In addition, your own blog will serve as a perfect portfolio that will help you find more customers.

5. Freelance 

Writing articles is just one type of freelancing work practiced by digital nomads. You can earn money while traveling and doing other online work, such as:

• Translations
• Data collection
• Graphic design
• And hundreds of other options

In this case, your trip does not even have to be related to work. For example, you can travel and work as a Data Analyst.

The advantage of this option is that you are not connected, in any way, to a particular place. Today, you can work from France, next week from England, and next month from the Philippines. Wherever you are, if you have a computer and Internet access, you can work.

You can search for clients using your own portfolio website or via online platforms, such as Fiverr and Upwork. Your income is limited by your free time, but in general, you can expect about $10 an hour for a simple job and $25-40 if you’re skilled at a narrow niche. You can check approximate rates for various jobs on this page .

6. Work in a Local Company

Even if you prefer the lifestyle of digital nomads, don’t limit yourself to online work. In some countries, you may work in local firms. 

This way to make money while traveling is complicated in terms of documentation and regulations. As usual, an ordinary tourist needs additional permits to work in another country. Furthermore, if you’re in the country for a short period of time, business owners may be reluctant to hire you since they are often searching for full-time workers. 

However, your experience and skills can be useful for local businesses and can help you earn extra money. Examples of such vacancies:

• Hotel Receptionist
• English Teacher (or other languages)
• Dance Instructor (or whatever skills you have)
• Low-paying jobs where there aren’t enough employees, like farm work

Working at a local business may not sound like a dream job; however, if you run out of money to continue traveling, you may be able to earn it right in the country where you are now. Just try your best not to violate the laws of the country where you are currently staying.

You can find work in specialized groups on social networks or offline through job advertisements. If your work while traveling is in no way related to your professional skills, then expect that your earnings will not differ much from the average in the region (and may be even lower).

To make good money, you can look for a job teaching English or in another language of which you are a native speaker. In many countries, people are willing to pay native speakers who will teach them the language.

7. Work on a Cruise Ship

One of the most popular travel jobs is working on a cruise ship. Cruise ship workers are actually traveling and working at the same time. Unlike flight crews, whose work is limited in time and location, it is possible to spend several weeks on a cruise, see many countries, and, depending on the terms of your contract, go into cities with passengers.

Cruise ships are not a dream work environment, of course. While guests are relaxing and enjoying themselves, you have to work. Some companies also do not allow staff to use entertainment facilities (pools, cinemas, etc.) Nevertheless, this is a great opportunity to get paid for traveling. On some cruises, you can earn more than $3,000 per month and see several countries at once.

You can learn more about working on a cruise ship from the following video:

8. Sell Digital Products

Selling digital products is a perfect way to travel and make money. One of the most popular options is selling courses online.

For example, you can create a course about solo travel or another topic that you understand deeply and post it on Udemy or any other online course platforms. The creators of all these courses get paid every time someone buys their courses:

Your income depends entirely on your number of sales. No one will pay you to create a course, people will pay to access it. Therefore, you definitely have to think about how you will promote the course and boost your personal brand.

If you set things up correctly, then selling digital products may even help you grow an online business. With a full-fledged online business, you would not need to save money anymore and could travel as much as you want.

9. Passive Income Online

If traveling long term or even 365 days a year is your dream, then perhaps you can take care of the money for travel even before the trip. Creating passive income is a difficult-to-obtain goal, but is definitely possible.

Of course, buying a few apartments and traveling on rental income is an option for a few, but you can also create other sources of passive income.

For example, you can set up a dropshipping business or another model that does not require active management. Of course, all this requires additional knowledge. So, before taking action, it would be nice if you learned all the details.

10. Volunteering

Despite the fact that volunteering is more about helping, you can also solve your financial problems by joining volunteer projects abroad. There are many projects around the world where you can help and, in return, get a place to live, food, and (sometimes) money.

Volunteering is hardly worth considering as a full-fledged way to travel the world and make money, but if you want to see the world and help those in need, this is a great option.

You can find affordable volunteer projects abroad on https://www.lovevolunteers.org/ or similar platforms.

Note: Please be extremely careful not to participate in programs that ask you to transfer money in advance. There are a lot of scams in this niche, which at best will result in a loss of money.

11. Consultancies

Giving consultancies is one of the unusual, but effective ways of making money while traveling. You can consult both local customers or work remotely.

For example, if you are an accountant in the United States, there will be clients in the Philippines or France who may need your help with taxes and other things related to financing in the USA.

Consultancies are where a portfolio and/or references of your past work come in handy, as clients usually choose only those whose expertise they have no doubt about.

You can also take advantage of your geographical position and give advice to people outside the country you are visiting. For example, if you are traveling in India, customers may need information about that country that is not available online. 

This method is profitable, as one consultation can cost several times more than the time of this consultation (up to several thousand dollars). Since the client pays not so much for the time of the consultation itself, but for the knowledge and experience that you have gained over the years.

12. P2P Delivery

Every day, millions of people around the world need to send documents and other small things between cities and countries. Some of them use DHL or other postal services; however, there is a perfect alternative: P2P delivery. 

If you are flying to a new city anyway, why not make some money? You can hand over a document and help someone, while at the same time, earning $10 to $50:

Delivery by people is a high-demand service, as it is:

• Faster than classical delivery companies
• More reliable: the order will not be thrown from hand to hand
• Clients are always in touch with the “courier”

Therefore, people are willing to pay for this service, which can sometimes yield even higher earnings than the cost of a one-way ticket. Moreover, you can take several parcels at once if the destination is especially popular.

To search for clients, you can use specialized services, such as Grabr.io , or check local groups in Facebook. 

Of course, the transfer of parcels and documents between cities is not a way to make lots of money. But this is a great way to save on tickets by recouping their cost by delivering goods and helping other people.

What is the Best Way to Make Money While Traveling?

Making money while traveling is a dream that can easily come true. You can make travel your job. For example, work on a cruise ship, use the unique location and your skills to your advantage, become an English teacher in a new country, provide consultations, or perform freelancing jobs.

You will get a lot of experience while traveling, which is worth sharing with the world. Sharing your experience, in an article on your blog, social media accounts, or in any other way is a great way to earn additional money.

Becoming a travel blogger is not a one-day game. Success will take time, but it is worth waiting for. Recommending brands, such as Booking.com or GetYourGuide, to your audience makes travel easier and generates income for you if you join the Travelpayouts Partnership Platform .

There is only one best way to get paid to travel: the way that works for you. You can try different options, including being a travel blogger, doing affiliate marketing, selling digital products, or just finding a full-time job in a new city. If it works well to earn money while traveling the world, then it’s the best approach for you.

22 Fun Ways You Can Get Paid to Travel The World

Marc Andre, Contributor

• Updated December 20, 2023
• Co-authored by: R.J. Weiss, CFP®

There are more opportunities to get paid to travel than most people realize. While many online jobs let you work from anywhere, this article focuses specifically on jobs where travel is integral.

Below you’ll find 22 options, broken down into the following categories to help you find the ideal travel job:

• Freelancer/digital nomad jobs : Work on your own terms, whenever and wherever you want.
• Short-term jobs : Get paid to travel for a few weeks or a season, although the long-term potential is minimal.
• Career track travel jobs : Make travel a key part of your professional development and long-term career goals.
• Free or nearly-free travel opportunitie s: These are temporary and volunteer jobs that offer compensation for travel, room and board, or some combination of the two.

You can also click the menu button below to see a list of all the opportunities in this article and jump to the ones that you’re most interested in.

Table of Contents

Freelancer/Digital Nomad Jobs

The jobs in this section aren’t traditional jobs that involve working for an employer. In most cases you’ll be freelancing or running your own online business. If you’re looking for adventure and you want some control over your schedule, these jobs could be perfect for you.

#1. Travel Writer

Summary : As a travel writer, you’ll write articles, reports and reviews related to travel and tourism. Naturally, your work will involve visiting a lot of different locations in order to gain the experience needed for your writing.

How much it pays : According to Glassdoor, the average travel writer makes $52,930 .

How to get started : We’ll look at two different options below. If you want to start your own blog, you can refer to our guide “ How to Start a Blog And Make Money .” If you want to get hired by other publications, refer to our guide on how to become a freelance writer .

Freelance Travel Writer

Freelance writers work for a variety of different publications. Travel writers are hired by websites, blogs, magazines, guidebooks and other publications to produce articles and reports helpful to travelers. 

You might be assigned to review a particular resort or hotel, verify details of things to do in a specific city, or any number of different things. 

In most cases, you’ll be assigned to specific tasks and destinations, so you probably won’t be able to choose your own itinerary. You may be hired for a one-off assignment to write a specific article, or you might be hired for an ongoing assignment, like writing a new article each month.

Travel Blogger

If you want the freedom to travel wherever you want, whenever you want, start a travel blog. Instead of writing for clients, you’ll be writing for your own website, so you get to make all of the decisions.

Having a profitable travel blog is a great way to earn a living, but it will take some time and effort to reach the point where your blog income is enough to sustain you. Most blogs don’t make very much money the first year, so you’ll need some patience to make it through those first few months without giving up.

Potential avenues for revenue include brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, public speaking  and creating your own digital products to sell to your audience.

Where to learn more : If you want to see what it’s like to work as a travel writer, these two articles provide a lot of insight:

• How We Get Paid to Travel the World (travel blogging)
• What It’s Really, Truly Like to Be a Travel Writer (freelance travel writing)

#2. Travel Influencer

Summary : A travel influencer is someone with a large social media following hired by brands to promote a product or service.

How much it pays : According to a study done by TourismTeacher.com , the average income of a travel influencer is about $1,500 per month. This shows that it’s a side hustle rather than a full-time job for many people.

How to get started : This first step is to choose the platform you’re going to use. Instagram, TikTok and YouTube are the most popular choices. Next, you’ll need to start growing your audience by regularly posting content that appeals to travelers, and also by actively engaging with other users.

Having success as an influencer is all about your following. Of course, having a lot of followers is helpful, but you also need to have loyal followers who genuinely care about you and your recommendations. Influencers with smaller audiences can still be extremely valuable to sponsors if their followers are highly receptive. 

Where to learn more : Check out our guides on making money on YouTube and making money on TikTok to learn more.

#3. Freelance Photographer

Summary : As a freelance photographer, you could get paid for photographs used by publications. You might be given an assignment to travel and photograph a specific location, or you could sell or license photos that you’ve already taken. Stock photography websites are a popular option for licensing photos.

How much it pays : According to PayScale, the average freelance photographer makes $44,219 per year.

How to get started : The easiest way to get started is by using the photos you already have. You can submit your travel photos to stock photography sites like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock , or you can work with a stock agency to get more exposure for your photos.

Getting assignments where a client will pay your travel expenses and hire you to photograph a location is pretty rare today. That’s not to say that these opportunities don’t exist, but most companies don’t go that route because there are cheaper alternatives.

Stock travel photography makes it much more affordable for publications to get the photos they need, so they’ll often choose to license stock photos rather than hire a photographer for an assignment. 

Most freelance photographers use a few different revenue streams to generate their income. It might involve licensing stock photos, private licensing deals with companies, selling prints, leading workshops or tour groups, and the occasional assignment from a client. You could also combine it with a few of the other options we’ve already covered, like becoming an influencer or starting a travel blog.

Where to learn more : To learn more, read “ How to Become a Freelance Travel Photographer ” by Ilaria Cazziol.

#4. Remote Jobs

Summary : A growing number of jobs can be done remotely. While these jobs may not incorporate travel into your work, they do give you the flexibility to add as much travel into your lifestyle as you want.

How much it pays : The salary from a remote job will vary depending on several factors like the type of role, requirements of the job, location of the employer and more.

How to get started : There are several job boards ideal for finding remote jobs, including FlexJobs , Remote OK , JustRemote and We Work Remotely .

Finding a remote job is one of the best and most realistic options for many people. You may be able to continue in a job that’s very much like the one you already have, but with the freedom and flexibility to work from anywhere. 

The downside to going this route is your travel expenses won’t be covered, so you’ll need to account for that in your budget. Most employees working full-time remotely outside the U.S. rent on Airbnb. A free option is a house sitting, though that restricts where you can stay.

Where to learn more : This article on Insider shares the stories and details of life as a digital nomad. After reading the article, you’ll have a better idea if this might be a good opportunity for you.

Short-Term & Limited Upside Jobs

If you’re interested in traveling for a short season of your life and not looking for anything to set you up for a long-term career, there are some additional options.

The jobs in this category can help you make some money or provide you a place to stay for a few months or even a few years. They don’t offer much in the way of long-term potential or career development, but they could be the perfect fit for someone who wants to travel for a while before moving on to a more career-oriented position.

#5. Play or Coach a Sport

Summary : If you have athletic abilities or the experience to work as a coach, you might want to consider using this as a way to travel. 

How much it pays : The income varies depending on the location, the level of league you play or coach in, and your skills. On the low end, your income might be enough to cover your living expenses or supplement other income. 

How to get started : Do some research to find opportunities in your sport. Find countries where your sport isn’t extremely popular and look for opportunities there. One World 365 is a good place to start.

The key to finding opportunities to play or coach in another country is to look for where your sport isn’t extremely popular. For example, your skills as a baseball player may not be enough to play professionally in the U.S., but you may be good enough to get paid to play in Europe. 

There are many lower-level pro teams or semi-pro leagues that are actively looking for players. The same can be said about various sports in other countries.

If your playing days are behind you, coaching might be an option. Or if you’re willing to do some coaching as well, you might be able to play and coach in order to make yourself more valuable. BaseballJobsOverseas.com shares the stories of several Americans who’ve found opportunities in European leagues.

Where to learn more : Six Star Pro offers some details for anyone interested in getting paid to play a sport abroad.

#6. Tour Guide/Trip Leader

Summary : If you enjoy being around people, leading tours or trips could be a great opportunity. You might be based in the U.S. and travel with groups, or you could live in a foreign country and lead tours for groups, families or individuals visiting the area.

How much it pays : ZipRecruiter reports that the average international tour guide makes $38,411 per year, but this can vary significantly from job to job.

How to get started : Tour companies like Contiki and One Life Adventures hire tour guides and trip leaders. Of course, with some research, you can find other similar jobs as well.

Working as a tour guide or trip leader can be a lot of fun, but it also comes with plenty of responsibility. You’ll be dealing with people from all walks of life and with different personalities, and need plenty of organizational skills. 

Depending on the job, you may get to travel to many different places or you may be in the same locations repeatedly. Of course, this will have a big impact on your experience with the job and will impact whether it’s a good fit for you.

Where to learn more : To get a better idea of what it’s like to work as a trip leader, read this article on Erin Outdoors : So You Want to Be an Adventure Trip Leader .

#7. Work on a Cruise Ship

Summary : The cruise industry relies on thousands of workers in various roles, many of whom are in it primarily for the travel experiences. 

How much it pays : According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a U.S.-based cruise ship worker is $48,404 .

How to get started : Most cruise lines have a jobs or careers section on their website that lists openings. Some examples include Carnival , Royal Caribbean and Norwegian .

If you’ve ever been on a cruise, you know it takes hundreds or thousands of workers to be able to support all of those guests 24 hours a day. This includes entry-level jobs such as dishwashers, bartenders and servers, as well as more specialized jobs such as chefs, photographers and yoga instructors. 

Generally, your room and food will be completely covered and many ships offer things like employee-only bars and activities.

The downside to working on a cruise ship is that you’ll probably work long hours, which doesn’t leave a lot of time for exploring the amazing places you visit.

Where to learn more : The popular travel blog Nomadic Matt published an interview with Wandering Earl about life as a cruise ship employee. It’s a very interesting read and Earl shares an overwhelmingly positive experience of working on cruise ships for 4.5 years. 

#8. Get a Seasonal Job at a Resort

Summary : The travel industry includes millions of seasonal jobs that won’t support you year-round, but they may provide the perfect way for you to spend part of the year in a beautiful location.

How much it pays : The pay will vary depending on a few factors, but most importantly the location of the resort. In many countries the salary might seem very low, but the cost of living will generally be lower as well. 

How to get started : Websites like CoolWorks and Wander Jobs are great places to find seasonal jobs. Alternatively, you could choose a destination where you want to go and research resorts in the area to find opportunities.

Seasonal jobs aren’t going to offer the highest pay, but if you’re looking for a way to travel and a job that earns enough money to get by, this is a possibility you might want to consider. Many seasonal jobs at resorts also provide housing for staff, and meals may be included as well (depending on the resort).

There are opportunities at beach resorts, ski resorts, mountain lodges and more. Although these jobs are seasonal, openings exist in all seasons throughout the year at different locations. If you wanted to, you could work multiple seasonal jobs at different times of the year.

#9. Do Research for Travel Guides

Summary : A job as a researcher for a published travel guide like Lonely Planet involves plenty of travel. It’s a challenging job that involves verifying tedious details, but you’ll get to see a lot of new places.

How much it pays : Most companies hiring for this type of research pay a lump sum. You’ll use that money to cover your travel expenses and keep whatever is left. The less you spend on travel and accommodations, the more you’ll keep.

How to get started : Lonely Planet ’s website offers information for anyone looking to contribute to their guidebook. You could also check the websites of other companies that publish guidebooks .

Travel guides like Lonely Planet provide valuable information for travelers, and they hire researchers to compile new data and verify details from past publications. 

This job involves plenty of travel and you’ll get to see and experience places you would otherwise never visit, but it’s a lot of work.

Simon Sellars, who worked for Lonely Planet said , “I feel one of the biggest misconceptions about Lonely Planet is that the company pays its authors to swan around on holiday and then do a bit of writing as an afterthought. The reality is that you are on your feet for twelve hours a day, during torrential rain or baking heat or whatever testing conditions you’ve parachuted into: coups; insurgencies; dealing with the horror of warm beer in Britain. There’s very little time for actual sightseeing. It’s actually hard work.”

While this job is not for everyone, it could be an ideal fit for someone who wants to visit as many places as possible without spending money out of pocket.

Where to learn more : The New York Times published an interesting article titled “ A Job With Travel but No Vacation .” In the article, you’ll read stories from several people who have held this type of role, giving valuable insight into what it’s really like.

#10. Deliver Cars and Boats

Summary : While it’s not the first travel career that comes to mind, delivering cars or boats might be the right opportunity for you. You’ll get to spend your days on the road, or on the water, rather than sitting at a desk. 

How much it pays : According to Zippia, the average “driveaway” driver makes $43,313 per year.

How to get started : Check the websites of companies in the relocation industry for job opportunities. Auto Driveway is one of the leaders for vehicle relocations and CruiseJobFinder provides information on yacht deliveries. 

It’s a pretty straightforward job and your primary responsibility is simply making a safe delivery. Trips will vary in length, depending on where the car or boat is being delivered to.

One of the nice things about this job is the variety you’ll get. Each trip will be to a different location, so it’s possible to see many new places. On longer trips, you may have time in the evenings or when you’re not driving to see and experience the places you’re passing through.

Where to learn more : CNBC published an article about retirees working as relocation drivers as a way to travel and see the county with low expenses.

#11. Be an Au Pair

Au pairs work as live-in childcare providers for a host family, typically working between 25 and 45 hours per week in exchange for room, board and a weekly or monthly stipend. 

How much it pays: The U.S. government sets a minimum pay rate, which is currently $195.75 per week before taxes. Host families may choose to provide additional compensation to their au pair.

If you’re looking to work outside the U.S., you’ll want to narrow your search to more developed countries, where the pay will be better. Expect to receive free room and board, as well as a small sum of pocket money each week. 

How to get started : Most au pairs are hired through agencies, which both screen applicants and then place them with a family. It’s best to narrow down your search to the countries you’d like to stay in, then find an agency that works within that country. 

Where to learn more : View VeryWell’s guide to the best au pair agencies .

Career Track Travel Jobs

These travel job qualifications, descriptions, compensation packages and career paths might be very similar to traditional jobs in your local area. The difference is that these jobs are done either in another country or involve frequent travel.

By pursuing the opportunities in this section, you won’t sacrifice long-term career opportunities for the sake of a job that involves travel. You also won’t need to have an entrepreneurial outlook, as these are all traditional employment opportunities.

#12. Foreign Service Officer

Summary : Foreign Service Officers are diplomats working for the Department of State. They’re responsible for promoting peace and protecting American citizens in foreign countries. There are about 8,000 FSO positions available around the world.

How much it pays : According to PayScale, the average annual salary for a Foreign Service Officer is $88,544 . How much you’ll make depends on your tenure as well as where you’re stationed.

How to get started : You must be a U.S. citizen to work as a foreign service officer. But one thing to note is that the Department of State hires FSOs of many different ages and career backgrounds. And yes, in many cases, your family can come along with you to your destination.

To be considered, the first step is to register for the Foreign Service Officer Test , which is held periodically throughout the year. The test is notoriously difficult, with an 80% failure rate. If you do pass, there’s an extensive, multi-step interview process.

The Department of State offers five different career tracks for Foreign Service Officers :

• Consular Officers
• Economic Officers
• Management Officers
• Political Officers
• Public Diplomacy Offers

Your responsibility and role will vary greatly depending on which career track you choose. There’s an interactive questionnaire to help you to decide which track is right for you .

Where to learn more : Read through the Department of State’s FSO web page .

#13. Peace Corps Officer

Summary : The Peace Corps is a federal government agency that offers a variety of overseas positions (as well as volunteer opportunities). The career-track jobs are primarily in management or for medical officers, but volunteers — who carry out tasks like teaching and providing social services in some of the poorest nations on earth — are given living allowances as well as a lump-sum stipend after completion of the program (which is currently $10,000).

How much it pays : Peace Corps salaries are set by approved government-wide ranges and vary by position. Salary ranges are provided in each job listing. According to PayScale, the average Peace Corps employee makes $63,000 per year.

How to get started : Most of the opportunities available with the Peace Corps are for volunteer positions . If you’re looking to get paid a more regular salary, there are limited employment opportunities . Only U.S. citizens can be hired for overseas positions with the Peace Corps. 

Volunteer positions last for two years. Jobs with the Peace Corps are time-limited appointments and most employees are able to work a maximum of five years for the agency. As a result, working for the Peace Corps is more of a stepping stone than a long-term career move. 

However, a few years spent working for the Peace Corps will be valuable experience that’s likely to lead to other excellent opportunities in the future. For example, serving two years as a volunteer is a perfect choice if you want to become an FSO.

Where to learn more : The Peace Corps website provides information about positions, benefits, and more.

#14. Work for an NGO

Summary : Non-profit and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) may provide travel opportunities for employees. Depending on the role and the organization you work for, you might be able to experience a lot of different cultures.

NGOs carry out many different tasks — from international economic development to democracy building and everything in between. Their name comes from the fact that they carry out many functions typically associated with government agencies, even though they’re independent organizations. 

How much it pays : The pay varies significantly depending on the position and the country you’re living in and the type of work you’re doing, but you should expect a salary that’s close to — but slightly below — the salary you would command in the private sector for similar work.

How to get started : Finding a job with a non-profit organization is much like any typical job search. You can use any of the major job search websites to find openings. Additionally, websites like DevEx and Idealist are excellent resources.

If you want to work for an NGO overseas, it will be helpful — and in many cases, necessary — for you to be fluent in a second language. 

Where to learn more : “ Put Your Skills to Work in Non-Profit Jobs ” shares some details about what it’s like to work with non-profits in foreign countries.

#15. Flight Attendant

Summary : Working as a flight attendant provides plenty of opportunity for travel. Unlike some other traveling jobs, you’ll also be able to enjoy many of the places you visit as a flight attendant.

How much it pays : According to PayScale, the average flight attendant makes $44,885 annually. 

How to get started : Airline websites are the best place to find job openings. Be aware that it’s extremely competitive and not easy to land a job in this field.

Of course, working as a flight attendant involves travel every day that you’re working. Although there’s plenty of work to be done during the flight, many trips will involve overnight stays — sometimes of more than one night — and you may have some extra time to enjoy the places you’re visiting.

In addition, most airlines allow flight attendants and other employees to fly for free on standby. That means you’ll need to have flexibility and you may not be able to get every flight you want, but when there’s room on the plane, you’ll be able to fly for free (or very cheap). 

One of the downsides to working as a flight attendant is the limited career upside that’s available. If you’re looking for a job that allows you to work your way up the corporate ladder, becoming a flight attendant is not the best fit. The skills and experience you build in the role aren’t directly transferable to other fields, and there’s no obvious “next step.”

Where to learn more : The article “ What it’s REALLY like to be a Delta Airlines flight attendant ” offers a glimpse into the life you might experience if you pursue this career.

#16. Traveling Nurse

Summary : As a traveling nurse, you’ll get the opportunity to travel to specific locations for a few weeks or a few months at a time. The education and requirements are the same as the requirements to be a nurse in hospitals and other settings.

How much it pays : ZipRecruiter reports that the average international travel nurse makes $85,075 per year.

How to get started : In order to work as a traveling nurse you’ll need to be a Registered Nurse (RN), a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Traveling nurses usually find jobs through agencies specializing in this field. The agency or employer will often provide housing or a stipend to cover your living expenses during the assignment.

Where to learn more : “ The Road to Becoming a Traveling Nurse ” from AllNursingSchools.com will give you all the information you need about this opportunity.

#17. English Teacher

Summary : There are positions available in many countries around the world to teach English. In general, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, but not a teaching certification.

How much it pays : According to GoOverseas , the top-paying countries for English teachers pay anywhere from $1,600 to $5,500 per month.

How to get started : The demand for English teachers in many parts of the world is greater than the supply. As a result, there are several businesses and organizations that place Americans in teaching jobs around the globe. Some of these organizations focus on a specific country and others offer placements in multiple countries. 

The best way to get started is to apply through an organization like:

• JET Program USA (Japan)
• Open Book (Thailand)
• English First (China, Russia and Indonesia)

Those are just a few examples, but there are others that focus on opportunities in different parts of the world. In addition, many companies hire remote tutors to teach English online. See our article on the best online tutoring jobs you can do from home to learn more.

Where to learn more : “ 10 Things to Know Before Teaching Abroad ” provides some insight that might be helpful if you’re considering this option.

#18. AmeriCorps Teacher

Summary : AmeriCorps is a government agency offering a wide range of services and programs, including some initiatives related to education. You could work as a teacher and benefit by getting assistance with student loans.

How much it pays : According to Indeed , most AmeriCorps teachers make about $1,400 to $1,500 per month. However, that does not include benefits related to student loan forbearance while you’re working, or assistance paying off your student loans.

How to get started : The Urban Teachers website provides additional information about the opportunity.

Working as an AmeriCorps teacher won’t allow you to travel internationally, but it will almost certainly involve living and working in a part of the U.S. that you’d never experience otherwise. For example, Urban Teachers is an AmeriCorps program that places teachers in urban schools throughout the country.

AmeriCorp teaching assignments usually last for 10 to 12 months and can be done as you’re completing your education. You’ll receive a stipend that’s intended to cover your living expenses, and you’ll get assistance with your student loan debt (more than $12,000 over two years). 

Where to learn more : Study.com offers information about the AmeriCorps Inspired Teacher Certification Program .

Bonus: Get Free (or Nearly Free) Travel

The opportunities in this section won’t come with a regular paycheck, but there can be some perks like free accommodations.

#19. Mystery Shop at Resorts

Summary : Free stays at luxury resorts might seem unrealistic, but it’s actually possible through some mystery shopping jobs . 

How much it pays : The details vary depending on the assignment and the company you’re working for. Typically, your expenses are reimbursed and you may receive modest additional pay for your time. The primary benefit is free travel and free stays at great resorts and locations.

How to get started : You can apply for work with companies like Coyle and Kantar that offer mystery shopping in the travel and hospitality industry.

Mystery shopping is a popular way to earn a little bit of extra money. Gigs in your local area may be fun as a side hustle, but many people don’t realize there are opportunities to travel as a mystery shopper.

It’s important to note that these jobs are in high demand and they’re not easy to get. As you can imagine, it’s not hard for companies to find people interested in working as a traveling mystery shopper.

Your job will involve observing the conditions and service provided by the hotel or resort staff, and writing a detailed report. It doesn’t involve working around the clock, so you’ll have free time to enjoy the places you stay, but it is work and it does require some responsibility. 

Where to learn more : Be sure to check our guide: Mystery Shopper Jobs: A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Secret Shopping . The article provides an excellent introduction to the role of a mystery shopper and some specific companies in the industry, including Coyle.

#20. Work on Organic Farms

Summary : If you’re interested in experiencing life in another part of the world, you could work on an organic farm. Depending on the arrangement, you may or may not be paid.

How much it pays : With World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF), no money is exchanged between the workers and hosts. You’ll get a place to stay and food to eat, but you won’t be paid and you’ll need to pay for your own transportation and personal expenses.

How to get started : The WWOOF website lists opportunities throughout the world. Transitions Abroad also provides information about similar roles.

Working on an organic farm could be the ideal way to learn something new while getting free room and board in another country. Farmers obviously need help, and organizations like WWOOF make it easy to find opportunities around the world.

Where to learn more : WWOOF’s website provides plenty of information about the program, how it works, and what to expect.

#21. Staff Festivals Across Europe

Summary : There are countless festivals across Europe, and they all need workers in order to function. Most of the opportunities in this category compensate in ways other than cash.

How much it pays : Typically, you’ll be compensated with a free place to stay (probably a tent), as well as free food and free drinks. You’re certainly not going to set yourself up for early retirement with this job, but for something short-term, you might be sold on the free drinks.

How to get started : Stoke Travel and Hotbox Events both provide details about some opportunities. Of course, you can find more possibilities by researching specific festivals or other companies that provide staffing.

If you love to meet new people and have fun, working at a festival may be a good choice. While free drinks might sound amazing, you’re not going to be able to pay bills (including the cost of traveling there) with them. Unfortunately, this isn’t the right opportunity for anything other than a short period of time, unless you’re able to land one of the paid jobs to work as a festival organizer. 

However, if you’re already traveling across Europe, you may want to look into opportunities to work at festivals as a way to get the perks. If you have an interest in attending festivals anyway, working can be the perfect way to get the experience at no cost.

Where to learn more : You can read more about what it’s really like to work at festivals in “ How to Get an Epic Job at Oktoberfest .”

#22. Volunteer

Summary : There are many opportunities to volunteer your services in order to see and experience new places. If you’re in a position where you can afford to have no income for a while, volunteering can be fun, educational and rewarding.

How much it pays : Nothing. You’ll be a volunteer, so you won’t be paid. However, in most cases you’ll have a host to provide you with a place to stay at no cost.

How to get started : Workaway.info is the perfect place to start, with over 50,000 opportunities listed. HelpX is another great site where you’ll find volunteer opportunities.

What do you love about traveling? If meeting new people and experiencing other cultures (in a way that tourists don’t) are at the top or your list, volunteering may be an ideal fit for you. Many volunteer opportunities are in places that tourists don’t usually see or experience.

You’ll provide some sort of work to the host in exchange for accommodations. The work will vary depending on the arrangement, but there are a wide variety of opportunities available.

These arrangements are typically short-term, which means you’ll get to experience a new place for a while, and then move on. 

Where to learn more : The Wokaway.info blog publishes traveler stories that can help you get a feel for what the experience of a volunteer is like.

Get Paid to Travel: Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are a lot of different ways to make money while traveling. If you love to visit new places and meet people from other cultures, there are legit options available.

However, not all travel-related jobs offer the same perks and not all of them are appropriate for the same type of people.

Be sure to consider things like:

• Your long-term career goals.
• Your strengths and weaknesses.
• The level of flexibility that you want.
• The travel frequency that would be ideal for you .
• The amount of money you need to make.

Based on these details, you should be able to identify the options from this list that would be the best fit for you.

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A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2024)

Last updated on January 4, 2024 by Shannon

When I left on my first round the world trip, I asked veteran travelers a key question: How much does it cost to travel around the world ?

It was the single biggest factor impacting my trip length and destinations, and the number of things that impact a long-term travel budget are far different than a two-week European vacation.

Estimates varied wildly, and knowing where my own around the world trip would fall in that spectrum was a great unknown. I had no idea how long my travel savings , my freelance income , and travel blogging to would keep me on the road, so over that first year, I tracked every single dollar I spent while traveling.

Since that first around the world travel, I’ve spent more than a decade of traveling, and budgeting for short- and long-term around the world travel is my specialty. My upbringing was modest , yet I was still able to save the money to travel and work remotely for all 15+ years of my world travels.

Table of Contents

Breaking Down the Cost of World Travel

Let’s dive into a very detailed breakdown of what it costs to actually travel around the world for one-year trip —the hard costs associated with around the world travel, and the factors that most dramatically impact your travel budget.

I’ve included some notes on the impact of the Covid pandemic on costs that are likely here to stay—from the dramatic inflation hitting the U.S. and the UK to increased costs at hotels as many of them make permanent their increased sanitation measures.

How Much Does Traveling the World Cost?

Generally, $20,000 is the baseline cost for a trip around the world for one person for one year. This estimation falls in line with popular recommendations that budget travelers can spend an average of $50 a day on the road, and allows additional budget for flights and vaccines.

You’ll spend up to $30,000 for a budget trip that includes fewer hostels, and more upscale accommodation, transport, or food. Traveling as a couple or family does not directly double/triple/ etc the costs because lodging and transport are shared expenses.

As you’ll see in the detailed trip budgets below, world travel costs for mid-range to budget-luxury world travelers can run as much as $50,000—or much more!

My Personal Round the World Trip

On my first RTW trip, I traveled around the world for for 328 days (11 months) through 15 countries and I spent USD $17,985 .

Then I decided to keep traveling. I’ve been on the road since 2008, still “traveling” as of 2024, although from my home base in Barcelona, Spain .

In the years since I originally posted my cost breakdown for world travel, other backpackers have loved the precise and meticulous details of just how much I spent throughout a year of active world travel. And even with rising global food costs a decade later, people still travel on similar budgets —yes, so many elements impact travel costs that you can still travel the world for the same price as a trip 15 years ago (more on how that’s possible later).

Let’s dive into the good stuff. The following tables and charts further outline my around the world trip costs including the country-by-country expenses and budget.

Just want the cold hard costs? Navigate my Google spreadsheet by the countries listed at the bottom of my full World Travel Budget .

My Total Costs to Travel the World for a Year

My final costs of $17,985 for the nearly year of world travel completely include of everything from getting jabbed in the arm for my Yellow Fever vaccine to buying all of my pre-travel gear , my travel insurance , all of my plane flights , bus rides , camel safaris , and surfing lessons , and straight through to my first delicious sub back on home soil when I passed through Philly on my final layover.

What does that number not include?

Some personal choices upped the cost of my round the world trip: an external hard drive for photo storage, a new camera (old one was waterlogged in Australia ), and a rental car splurge in Ireland . My personal total, inclusive of all of that, was just under $19,000 … so it’s still a bargain considering I was on the road for nearly an entire year.

In the above category breakdowns, consider:

• Lodging includes all accommodation; I couchsurfed in a few countries and stayed with friends a couple of times.
• Food includes everything from three meals a day to snacks, and funding for my chocolate obsession.
• Entertainment covers going out on the town, sharing beers with friends—this will be much higher if you drink often. My budget was for drinking on average once a week.
• Activities includes my volunteer program in Nepal, and all tours, trips, and group adventures—everything from diving to ziplining to visiting temples and museums .
• Transportation excludes flights, but covers all intra-country transportation like buses, trains, taxis, and tuk-tuks.
• Misc is a catch-all and a large portion of costs there came from paying for fast internet—it was pricey to make sure I had a strong connection for my work. It also includes shipping things home, gifts, and toiletries along the way.
• Flights includes puddle-jumper little flights between countries in the same region—I did not use a RTW ticket, but instead booked along the way ( here’s why ).

Budget of Daily & Total Costs Per Country

Don’t forget to check out my well-loved Travel Planning Resources .

And consider using the blank, formatted spreadsheet to log your own RTW travel budget (this is a Google Spreadsheet, either save a copy of this to your own Google drive for editing, or download as an excel file!).

How Much Will Your Dream Trip Cost?

Finding a way to travel the world is a mental obstacle as much as a financial one. Every situation is different, but I believe that if you truly prioritize travel, then it’s possible to plan and execute an around the world trip. The problem is, there’s crappy information out there about how to make it happen—just as many bloggers don’t really share straight costs to travel the world. Many bloggers have shared posts with a handful of tips about how much they saved for their dream trip, but they don’t break down how they arrived at that final figure. You may read this information and see my budget, but it leaves you wondering if your own world travels would cost the same.

For that reason, I wrote two entire guides to address your current hurdle. One is about creating a realistic anticipated budget for your trip. The other is about saving for world travel.

How much will your dream trip cost? I wrote this guide to specifically answer the most common question I was emailed by readers: how much will a specific route/itinerary costs.

In it, I share comprehensive and thoroughly practical advice about understanding trip budgets and understanding your own style of travel.

The guide is a full treatise on how to estimate what your dream trip will cost and it includes case studies from other long-term travelers who tracked their trip budgets.

I spent ten years on the road, and nearly that long talking with with other travelers about how they budget for travel. Using the aggregate of their knowledge and experience, I’ve outlined a road-map to taking a long-term trip.

I wrote this guide to empower travelers and travel dreamers anywhere in the world with the tools to plan their trip. The guide breaks down average traveling costs for the world’s most traveled destinations, which you can use with the fully customizable Trip Budget Worksheet to create an accurate anticipated budget for your dream trip. Available on  Kindle, ePub, and PDF .

True wealth is having the freedom to do what you want with your life. Many travel dreamers get waylaid by the financial side of life.

If you’re new to personal finance, or lost about how to start saving for a big goal, this book distills hard-learned information into easily actionable steps specifically targeted at giving travel dreamers tools to become financially literate.

This book provides a thorough deep-dive into the principles of saving money, common obstacles, overcoming debt, and the tenets of strong personal finance. It offers a streamlined process to create substantial changes in your financial life.

If money is your primary obstacle to leaving on a long-term trip, this guide breaks down exactly the shifts you can make to change your financial situation.

Many travelers look at my adventures and experiences these past 12 years that I’ve traveled and they dream of also traveling through the cultures, stories, and conversations. This guide gives you the tools to move the needle from dreaming to doing. Available on Amazon Kindle  or as a PDF bundle with the budget book .

How to Decide on Your Final World Travel Budget?

Travel was my bootcamp for life. My around the world trip was the single best investment in both my personal growth and my career. Throughout life we are presented with a series of choices—each has the ability to help us create the life we dream of living. I am forever glad I chose to travel our beautiful world. ~ Shannon O’Donnell

Creating an accurate anticipated budget for your world tour is an important step—you certainly don’t want to plan for a year but run out of funds in month eight! Each person has different goals, a unique world trip itinerary , and differing travel styles. These factors can create significant differences in the total cost of a round the world trip.

Assess How Much You’ve Saved for World Travel

A round the world trip is not as expensive as you assume. Most anyone reading this post has the ability to save for travel if it’s a true priority. My family is quite poor and I put myself through college with merit-based scholarships. Instead of counting on help from family, I budgeted for the trip, and I traveled with the budget I had—not the one I wish I had.

Before leaving, I purged everything I owned and saved ruthlessly in the countdown months. When calculating if I could afford my trip around the world, I even accounted for my student-loan and medical credit debt repayments (because yes, I was actually in a fair bit of debt ). I took on side-hustles to sock away money. And then I worked on  freelance SEO remotely  for the entire year.

Compared to my life in LA, where $1,200+ went toward rent and bills each month, I used that same online income to travel the world, digging into my small savings for my travel gear and long-haul flights . I wasn’t sure how much my trip would cost when I left to travel, and the information just wasn’t out there like it is now.

Now you can play with your travel route and your travel style and come up with a tally in just a few hours for what your dream trip will cost. In fact, I believe so much that world travel is affordable that I wrote a budget guide and spreadsheet to help you price out your dream trip and have all the possible resources you need at your fingertips.

Decide Your Route & Speed Around the World

This is the single biggest indicator of how much world travel will cost. Slow overland travel lowers costs, and you can minimize the number of flights needed.

To save money, also consider visiting fewer places. Every travel dreamer over-packs their around the world route. You surely have a dream list, but unless you have unlimited funds, then you should scale back the number of regions/countries that you will visit.

When I first planned my trip, a long-term traveler advised me to cut five countries from my itinerary. Looking back now, I can’t even imagine where they would have fit! It’s my route and speed that allowed me to travel for under $20K.

Read: How to Plan an Around the World Itinerary in 8 Steps

Determine the Types of Countries You’ll Visit

If you add in developed countries like Europe, Japan, Australia, and the United States, your daily budget will double. Instead of spending $25 per day in SEA and India, you will average $75 to $100 per day in most developed countries.

For that reason, weight your trip in favor of developing regions of the world. Save Europe or the U.S. for a shorter trip later in life, and add a few off-beat locations to your planned route—these are most often the sleeper-favorites by the end of your RTW trip.

If You’ll Eat Local Food, Street Foods, & Shop in Markets

How you eat on your travels impacts your bottom line. Eat locally from mom and pop restaurants, and sample eats from street food stalls. Contrary to many assumptions from first glance, these locations are perfectly safe so long as you adhere to a few standard food safety practices.

Local food is a window into the culture, so dig deep and eat like the locals, asking the vendors questions and learning more about each country’s food peculiarities. Also, when traveling in Western countries, shop for groceries and prepare your own breakfast at the very least.

Read: How to Eat Street Food Without Getting Sick and buy the Food Traveler’s Handbook  to learn even more about safely enjoying street eats

Factoring Covid and the Pandemic into you Round the World Trip

The fact is, although wealthier and Western countries have moved on from the pandemic, this is not case in all countries. Vaccine iniquities and underdeveloped healthcare systems mean that many countries struggled for years.

If you’re planning world travels, be prepared increased costs to test or meet Covid requirements if another strain were to pop up during your travels. What might this look like:

• Some countries may suddenly re-close to travelers from certain countries.
• Some countries will continue to require proof of vaccination before entering (this may last for years given that proof of vaccination is already required for other illnesses, namely Yellow Fever).
• Travelers may be forced to quarantine, sometimes unexpectedly if you test positive, and this may take place in government-run hotels that cost quite a lot.
• Crossing land borders could be pricier than anticipated—for the three years of Covid, the land border between Belize and Mexico cost ~$225 to cross , and it usually costs about $20.
• Travel insurance companies are now mostly considering Covid endemic , but that can change as official travel warning levels change in your home country. Buy your travel insurance with care.

In short, assess the trip you have planned, and read up on Covid policies. Where you choose to travel should likely remain fluid once you set out so you can adapt on the road.

Note that budgets and guides give clear examples of how travelers can truly spend on average $50 per day on average to travel the world. And using the tips above, you can lower these figures even more, if needed.

You could likely travel with as little as US $12,000 per year if you stick to one region—overland for a year from Mexico to Argentina; or overland through China, Southeast Asia , and India.

The price of a budget trip jumps to US $25,000 to visit many regions rapidly. If you prefer mid-range accommodations, that might increase your expenses by $10,000; same goes if you’re prone to splurging on expensive extras like helicopter rides, diving, and adventure activities.

The bottom line : Understand your route, travel style, and goals before you can develop an accurate anticipated budget for travel.

Recommended Next Steps

It’s easy to see the numbers, be inspired for a bit and then never take action. If you’re actively planning your RTW—fantastic! My site and those of my friends contain every essential resource you need to plan world travel .

If you’re currently working, studying, or just dreaming of traveling, I have resources for you as well. And if you want a second look at those spreadsheets, visit my full RTW budget as a Google Document that will open in your browser.

Or head to the free blank spreadsheet to track your own expenses as you travel around the world . You can save an editable copy of these to your own Google Drive, or download for your own use.

Eight Steps of Planning a World Trip

• Save for Travel & Eliminate Debt
• Build a Realistic Trip Budget
• Plan Your Around the World Trip Itinerary
• Pick the Right Travel Insurance
• Pack for Long-Term World Travel
• Work Remotely While You Travel
• Stay Healthy on the Road
• Browse Free Destination Guides

Resources & Further Research

World travel budgets.

• ALA readers Jesse and Ally sent me their couples budget for a trip that ended in late 2019—they came in at $38.2K for two people for 342 days traveling through everywhere from South America (Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina) to Southeast, South Asia, and even Japan. They didn’t sacrifice on fun RTW trip activities: They hiked Machu Picchu, toured the desert in Morocco, did scuba diving here and there, and more.
• A mid-range couples budget of shared expenses for a year came in just under $20K per person .
• A meticulously detailed couples backpackers budget came in at $36,532 (an even $50 a day).
• A solo male traveler for two years on the road averaged about $20K per year .
• A list of  travel budgets by region of the world .

Books to Read First

• How to Travel the World on $50 a Day .  Published by Penguin and now in its second edition, it shows you how to stick to a budget while you’re traveling. It’s an guide for travelers new to budgeting on the road and weighs heavily toward backpacker-style travel with basic tips and hacks to save money by using travel cards, points, etc.
• A few of my favorite travel books include: The Geography of Bliss , Wild , A Thousand Splendid Suns , The Great Railway Bazaar , and Behind the Beautiful Forevers .
• My two low-cost guides designed for world travelers include How to Save for Travel and How Much Will Your Dream RTW Trip Cost?

On-the-Road Travel Resources

• ALA Travel Guides share comprehensive information on what to know before you go in each new destination. 
• Grassroots Volunteering is ALA’s sister site, offering a database of responsible travel companies and volunteer experiences all over the world, as well as Responsible Travel Guides about how to use travel as a force for good.
• Cost of Living Guides show you how affordable it is might be to live outside your home country. You can sometimes elongate world travels by months or years by stopping in these affordable locations.

Working on the Road

• How to Start a Travel Blog : Record the highs and lows of your once in a lifetime trip. This no-nonsense page details the process and won’t upsell you on any courses you likely don’t need. Just basic facts of how to start your first blog, and maybe even make some money along the way.
• Finding Freelance Work for Digital Nomads . Since money is a huge factor for many travelers, this resource page thoroughly covers remote work—something I’ve been doing since 2005.

I truly believe that world travel is possible for most people. When and how is unique to each person, but by prioritizing and planning travel, you can make an around the world trip possible.

Essential Travel Planning Resources

❗ Yes, you need travel insurance . IMG Global is the travel insurance I’ve used for well over a decade of traveling solo, and with kids. Here’s why .

🧳 Smart packing can save your trip. Shop my favorite travel gear , including all of the packing essentials for world travel , gear to keep you safe on the road, my favorite travel books , and more.

🛏️ Find great accommodation . Booking.com is essentially the only hotel booking site that I use. It has a wide and affordable selection of traditional hotels, but also hostels and vacation rentals, too. Use these pro tips to find the best travel accommodation .

📍 Navigate more effectively. Rome2Rio is super handy to assess the full range of transport options between two cities—shows everything from flights to trains, buses, minibuses, and more. If you’re booking a rental car, I’ve always found the best deals on RentalCars.com .

✈️ Book affordable flights. Expedia is one of the first places I look for low-cost flights .

☕ Peruse all of my tips for round the world travel , or learn how to move and live abroad .

391 thoughts on “A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2024)”

Can you recommend a travel insurance provider?

I recommend IMG Global for most world travelers. Here’s my full rundown .

The best way to experience seamless travel through breathtaking landscapes is Gothenburg to Oslo train route.

Hi there, great article, thanks, very very helpful. I also do these things when travelling on a budget: 1. Try to find the fee-free and low-fee ATMs in a foreign country. 2. Get fee-free cards from home 3. Avoid withdrawing cash from credit cards as the cash advance fee is very high 4. Withdraw maximum amount ATM gives me 5. Book directly with hostels/hotels to avoid extra commissions

Do you offer personal help/training on this?

I don’t see how you can possibly only send that amount on accommodation. That works to only $8.50 a night. You’d have to be staying in some very skanky bed bug ridden dives for that amount.

The you clearly didn’t read everything. I couchsurfed, I had accommodation included in the fee for my volunteer experience in Nepal (so that month is not included in the accommodation line-item), and I also met many travelers early in my travels who hosted me later in my travels when I passed through Europe. Plus, shared dorms are pretty cheap outside of the US, Europe, Australia, Japan, and the like. Guesthouses truly do cost about $15 a night split between two if you travel with someone. Think a bit more creatively rather than trolling and you’ll get there. fwiw, I have never gotten bed bugs in 15+ years, so I’m doing something right, and I’ve met travelers who got them at 5-star resorts, so price isn’t always an indicator of cleanliness my friend, and you’d be wise to note that if you travel in developing countries.

This sounds about right. My partner and I travel half the year every year and I budget (In CAD which I’ll put today’s USD exhange rates for) 2200 CAD/1,650 USD a month for flights and accomodation (I know it’s weird to combine these, but I sold my partner on travelling by telling him that I could make all the flights and hotels add up to the same as our rent in Toronto, Canada and that’s stuck – so the more I spend on a flight, the cheaper I try to find accomodation for that month)

1400 CAD/1050 USD a month for food (a mix of groceries and eating out. Drinks we have with meals count in this category)

800 CAD/600 USD a month for activities (Going out for drinks counts in this category, as does public transit)

Bringing our total to 4400/month or $26,400 for dix months for two people. (3300 USD/month, 19800 USD) So if we did the whole year we’d be close to 39,000 USD.

That said I also usually spend another 500-600 on clothing because I love to shop – but I don’t consider that part of the travel budget.

Believe it or not – I actually spend more when I stay home in Toronto the other half of the year than I do while travelling. Food in Toronto, Canada is really expensive – as is alcohol – as is entertainment. Tho in fairness I do live on a boat on the Toronto Islands, but it works out to costing similar to rent for a two bedroom apartment downtown.

Anyways, thanks for sharing!

Very informative, Thanks for the share.

Came across your blog, I was wondering what current costs were. I travelled for a year in 2015 with about $9k, so today that would be a bit over $11k. I did a mix of hostels, nice hotels (usually thru mistake rates, or points), backpacking (ie camping), and some volunteering for room/board (I think 6 or 7 weeks total). Mix of cheap places like in parts of SEA and also expensive places like Japan, Pacific Islands, or Europe for instance. I didn’t include pre-travel purchases though for gear. Another perspective, anyway!

Great breakdown, thanks!

Thank you for sharing so much of your information! I am just starting to think about our retirement travel, which is still several years off. This information is so wonderful to review for those of us who have a dream of travelling throughout the world and are in the planning stages. I hope you are able to continue to follow your dreams.

Good luck with the planning—this past year has been a bad one for traveling in general, but a great one for planning and dreaming! Best of luck. :)

I have done a RTW twice in the pass, first time 4 months, second time 6 months, now at the ripe old age of nearly 60 years old woman alone I find myself planning on travelling threw South East Asia and beyond for a year or more, thanks for all the great info. It is so exciting to be doing this again, if it was not for my daugther here in UK, I would stay abroad for good, I will be teaching online so that helps with cost, and I always keep £1,000 aside for emergency at home in UK and abroad, you never know what may happen.

Now is the perfect time to start planning a trip, and dreaming about travel when the world reopens. Do you think you’ll do a longer RTW this time? My first one was 11 months, but after that I found the sweet spot was between 6-8 months to maximize the long plane flight over and time exploring on the ground, but still have enough energy and enthusiasm to really enjoy each place. SEA remains one of my favorite places in the world, so I hope you have an incredible time exploring it.

Would u please advise ir suggest 1st time where u went RTW

Wow, absolutely incredible. Thank you for sharing your story, Shannon! Going on a solo-RTW trip has been something I only could dream of, but after reading your posts and other similar posts, i’ve realized this is a realistic goal i can achieve. Super excited to begin planning my South America trip! Let the saving begin!

I am so glad to hear that this resonated! You can absolutely make a RTW trip happen when you’re motivated and able to save. Best of luck and let me know if there ever anything I can do to help once you start planning! :)

Marvelous work!. The blog is brilliantly written and provides all necessary information I really like this awesome post. Thanks for sharing this useful post.  I really enjoyed reading this blog. I like and appreciate your work. Keep up the good work.

Hey Shannon,

I love the blog! I definitely agree with seeing less countries in your first trip and staying longer is a huge one that can save you money. We just did Croatia in a month and tried to see the whole country. We wouldn’t say it was a mistake but definitely realized it’s maybe seeing less places but getting more out of each place!

Love the blog and enjoy your 10th year of being on the road!

Thanks Dom and Jo! So glad you guys also found it true that staying longer in one place can really help your budget’s bottom line! And to be fair to you though, a month is still a lot longer than many people spend exploring Croatia, so I am sure you have some incredible experiences under your belt from being there even that long. Happy travels. :)

These are great travel tips! Whenever we travel, I always make sure that we stick with our budget and one of the best things I’ve learned is not to be so touristy. We try local and live like local. I love these tips. Thank you so much for sharing.

Thank you for this! I’m planning a year-long RTW trip with my husband and two daughters, who will be 9 and 10 when we depart. I know it’ll be life-changing! We’re skipping W. Europe to keep things inexpensive and to see places the children may not easily get to later in life. I’m wondering if, in your research, you came across information or calculated yourself how traveling as a family changes the math? Multiplying your number by four, even when looking at your specific country worksheets, doesn’t seem quite right, so any tips? Your total equals $219/day for a family of four for a year, and I’m not sure how much to reduce that by due to economies of family travel. I saw your Further Research section and will dig deeper there. I appreciate your thoughts, and again, thank you for giving me such a fabulous starting place. So grateful for the details and transparency!

Hi Stephanie! Thanks for you message, that’s a really great question and it doesn’t have an easy answer. It’s definitely not going to be multiplied by 4, because in many cases your accommodation will be doubly more expensive—that’s probably what I would anticipate. Not sure how keen your kids are to share a bed, but in some cases if you are getting places with two double beds, or even just two rooms, it’s likely double the cost. That will fluctuate depending on where you are. Airbnbs are a great idea, but depending on where you are you’ll likely be in guesthouses in rural Loas for example, not renting apartments, and that will average out the perhaps more than double you might pay for a nice 2br Airbnb in Bangkok, for example. But with things like pull out beds/couches in Airbnbs, and that you’ll be saving on breakfast costs when you’re using them, I think double’s a safe bet there.

Lots of places offer a discount for children on public transport (although when my niece was 11 she was much taller and more developed than the similarly Asian children so they gave me a hard time on the kids discount), and things like a taxi would cost the same were it just you and your hubby, or your kids too, so that’s not going to be times four for overland transport. Flights though, of course, are times four!

Big name activities again may offer a kids discount, but it’s not going to be much in the grand scheme—they may get discounts or into a few museums free, but for tours and such it’ll be times four.

Those are some thoughts off the top of my head! Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help as you start planning! :)

That’s amazing information!! With my wife we are planning to travel from January for over a year, we are a little bit concerned about the budget, we think we can together up to $45K AUD not sure if that will be enough. We are planning to use the site TrustedHousesitters as much as possible to save cost of Accomodation and the plan is to start in South Asia, moving to Europe and finally South America but I’m not sure if the money will be enough. Thank you for all the tips and reccomendations, would be possible to see Scott’s link as well? I’m quite interests to see his expenses around 4 different continents. Thanks in advance

Hi Camilo! Congrats on the upcoming trip, January will be here before you know it, and I definitely think that your planned trip is doable on 45K, but you’ll want to play with the amount of time you spend in each region. Longer time spent in Europe will eat into your budget, so make sure you play with your dailies and length of time in places like SEA, so you don’t run out too quickly in the middle in Europe!

Thank you Shannon for the quick replying. We are planning to spend at least 6 months in SEA and squeeze de budget to the maximum to have enough for 3 months in Europe, I know that will be the most expensive part of the trip. Shannon, any recommendations on insurance?

Yes, that’s an important topic and I have a whole post about it here: https://alittleadrift.com/backpacker-travel-insurance-world-nomads/ It gets into when I use World Nomads, and when I’ve gone with IMG since I’ve used them both over the past eleven years!

My wife and I spent $33k for 12 months and kept a very detailed budget. We traveled in 4 continents and through 30+ countries. We have a detailed budget overview and I also built an excel tool that lets you track your own budget.

That’s a great budget. Your spreadsheet looks a lot like my own spreadsheet—including the former color scheme , layout of the final stats page, and more——but all without any attribution or acknowledgement of modification, so I’ve deleted the links to it here. If you’re keen to link to my post and share where you got the inspiration for your own spreadsheet, I am happy to add the links so others can view your trip totals. Glad you had a good trip, but attribution would have been appreciated since it’s evident you know how much work went into it.

Hi Shannon,

Thank you for sharing this information with all. I am quite impress with your traveling costs and need some advise. I am planning a trip to Eastern Europe and Africa, places like: Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, Tunisia, Egypt and more. The current plan is for one year and maybe around 12 countries. Part of the plan is to move from one country to another using ground transportation, sleeping in hostels, buying food at the grocery store, and some activities could include hiking and maybe cooking classes. How much money do you think I need?

Hi Chicho, that’s a good question so I would recommend that you figure out your anticipated fixed costs like flights and visas and travel gear and insurance, and then estimate the daily costs in each of your planned countries. Once you research daily travel costs by country, it will actually help you decide where you should spend more time and less (some countries can cost more than you anticipate, while others might be far more affordable). Play with the numbers and days you’ll spend in each place, then you’ll have a good estimation of how much you’ll need to save!

Thank you for your valuable information! I will do more digging, my budget is not limited and time is open. I have this strong desire to travel because when I was 8 to 9 yrs old I traveled to Iceland, and Europe, visited 7 countries and lived in Spain on the beach in house we rented. Also lived in England and Germany. I long now to travel more then before because finally I can afford to do it. I am 66 and in excellent health. But I know there is no time to waist. Wait advice in planning can you offer? I do not want to waist money. But I want to maximize my enjoyment. I know I want to return to Spain. And my Spanish is now 95% or higher. I might consider renting houses as I travel. Maybe buying? Can you offer me your wisdom tailored to my situation. I am blessed that my dreams are coming into port. And my last days of life I want to broaden even more my appreciation of what I have. Thank you for your answer, ahead I await your attention. Jerry

Hi Gerald! Thanks for reaching out, it sounds like you have a great adventure on the horizon. For planning, I really recommend that you first pick a date and timeline for setting out and leaving—your planning will contract or expand to fit whatever time you give yourself. Then it becomes a question of getting the other things in order—health insurance on the road, your route, etc—all of that is harder than actually buying the ticket and making your dream a concrete reality on the horizon. And to that end, I think you should travel some to Spain, as well as any other places that call to you. It’s definitely easy to rent places for a few months, and that will allow you to start seeing the world and also learning what you want in a new homebase. Spain is a very different place, so come check it out before buying—it sounds like you are ready for a bit more freedom than a house would allow. If you decide on Europe, the long-term/retirement visa will take a bit of time (3 to 6 months or more), but can easily be done when/if you decide you want to settle there. :)

Gerald, I’ve been traveling for the past 3 years as a solo 70-year-old. I sold my house and have never looked back. Considering you are fluent in Spanish, you might think of doing a trip to those countries to our south. I just returned from a 5-month trip through Ecuador, Colombia, and Panama. During those 5 months, I could count on two hands, the number of Americans I met along the way. For some reason, most Americans don’t think of traveling to South America. I speak very little Spanish but thoroughly enjoyed my trip with no problems. It would probably be much easier and more enjoyable for you. All three countries were very interesting and very safe. I never once felt for my safety. Speaking of budgeting, I spent approximately $2,100 per month, which included 13 separate flights. Also, I did look to see what a furnished apartment would cost while in Boquete Panama: $600 bucks will get you a very nice place in the cool tropical highlands.

What an amazing informative article about traveling and budget! Thank you!

It’s a great article. It has everything you need to travel around the if you the budgeted capital. It has a very detailed content including some images and links too. Thank you for posting this article. Happy posting.

It’s a great article, finally some honest data. But girl, please… I don’t want to be that person. But Amsterdam is not a country! It’s a city in the Netherlands. It’s such a shame that tourists think Amsterdam is a country own. There’s so much more to the Netherlands than just Amsterdam.

Hah, you are not the first to point that out, but I’m still going to leave it just like that. The Netherlands is the only country where I visited just one city, so I think it’s disingenuous to say it’s the budget for traveling the Netherlands when I only visited what is likely the most expensive place in the country. And then on the visuals side, it’s just too long to write Netherlands (Amsterdam)—it didn’t fit. So alas, I made a choice that I know frustrates the die-hard geography buffs. Happy travels :)

Good stuff to know. Thank you. Any chance you, or someone you know, has written a book on surviving in countries where you don’t speak the language? I would like to go to China or Brazil but I only know English.

Good question David! And one I know many travelers face. English is the best language to have in a foreign country, because it’s usually the default language of tourism. But, a big exception to that is China, where a large internal tourism industry makes it harder than some places to visit without any language. But there are work-arounds. I traveled through China using an app on my phone to help communicate, and I had essential phrases written down by a local (I am vegetarian, so I always had that on paper.

As for books, one you are absolutely going to want is a wordless, pointing book. This one and this one are good: https://amzn.to/2QqhO9J and https://www.amazon.com/Point-Travellers-Language-Original-Dictionary/dp/3980880273/ – One of these will get you a long ways in both of your planned travel locations (and are better than an app because they will never run out of battery).

Then, download the Google Translate app, which allows you to point your phone camera at text (on a menu or bus station sign) and it will translate the text into English. You can easily buy a SIM card when you arrive and pop it into an unlocked smartphone.

You could also hire a local guide. Even if you don’t use a tour/guide for the entire time, planning an English-language tour (everywhere will have these) will help you acclimate in the first few days. Urban Adventures offers great day tours, as does Context travel and some others. :)

Hope that helps!

Thank you for sharing these travel tips—some I have never read elsewhere. I love traveling too, and I am planning my budget now to figure out how I can travel the world.

Hi my daring thank you so much for your lovely article I read it word from word. I have never done a Euro trip and I was born in Aus. My partner is Serbian born in Croatia and he has a house in Knin (somewhere in the country). We want to go traveling around Europe for 1 year with 30,000 between us. He has a house in Croatia so will save money there. We want to rent a nice car and go around in style on a budget to all countries but the roads are not safe. What is your suggestion and how expensive is the flights between each country?

Hi Jen, thanks for stopping by, sounds like you have an incredible adventure you’re planning. Your budget will surely work, especially if you plan wisely how you spend that 30K (not sure if you are talking Euro or US, but both would work, though certainly more leeway if you are talking Euro). Most of the roads in Western Europe are quite safe to drive, and with the open EU borders it’s a great way to get around. Your budget will allow for $82 a day for the both of you. Although that is on the low side of a budget many would recommend, because you are traveling for longer you can aim for that as an average expense. So in Switzerland your rate will be far higher, but you can easily spend under that daily average in Portugal and Spain. So by watching where you visit and perhaps even doing a vacation rental somewhere for a month or two, you could really maximize your budget and experience a ton. If you are flying (I am really unsure why you said the roads are unsafe?), flights are very cheap… you can do a search on Skyscanner but if booked in advance flights in Europe can be as low as $20-$50 to hop between cities, with a max price usually of 150 one way, and I’ve only paid that when I am booking within a week or two of flying. There are also great train passes and such, which are affordable if you book ahead as well. Hope that helps! :)

absolutely great read! What do you reckon, would 50,000 USD be a good budget for 2ppl for a year around the world? No europe countries Mostly South Asia, souh America and some African & Middle estern Countries thrown in for good measure. We have friends in Aus so we would stay with them for two weeks or so… Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

That’s a pretty good budget in general, especially since it doesn’t include Europe! It’s enough in general, but also depends on how you consider your travel style and the speed once you are on the road. Transport and moving quickly ramps up costs, but if you are taking a slow pace as you go, $50K is definitely in the range of budget+, with some mid-range splurges on accommodation when you are in affordable places like South Asia and such. Africa and the Middle East might not be as cheap as you first think, so do some research on a per-country basis when you start planning your route! :)

In little over a month I will begin my last High school year, and I was thinking about doing a gap year before university and travel across southeast Asia. Which and how many countries would you recommend me visiting?

Hi Emma! What a wonderful opportunity you have ahead of you. With a gap year to fill, your best bet is to head out on the road with a rough idea of how you will start, but then leave the rest up to chance. You will meet so many people on the road as you travel, and within weeks and months you’ll have new friends you may want to join, or you may find a place you love so much you want to stay for a while longer. I have a few resources on the site for planning a route and what to consider. Head here: https://alittleadrift.com/rtw-travel/#planning – for advice on what sort of things you should consider when picking a route. And then this page lists out my own route: https://alittleadrift.com/rtw-travel/round-the-world-travel-route/

I hope that helps! SEA is a wonderful place to start travel—it’s a forgiving place for new travelers and there are heaps of other backpackers and traveling culture to help you get your feet under you. It’s also safe, the foods amazing, and the culture is incredible.

Shannon- Just wanted you to know that you have been an inspiration for me and thanks for sharing all your knowledge with us – it is invaluable! That said, I recently put in my notice at my job and leave May 10th for a year around the world ( which I hope to be able to extend longer :) ) I am so excited! Planning question for you- how far in advance did you plan ? I am in this limbo between not wanting to over plan and would like to keep some spontaneity in my travels but also want to make sure i have safe accommodation as a single girl traveling alone. Another added caveat for me is that I will be traveling with my pup so I have that added concern as the places I stay and the airlines I fly on must accept pets. Thanks in advance!

Thank you so much Steph, it makes my day to know my site has been helpful and inspiring as you plan your travels. I also know how tricky it is to find a balance in the planning. Your situation is trickier than many with the dog going alongside, as there will be some other hurdles depending on the country requirements. I know sometimes places require a standard microchipping, and then proof of entering from a rabies-free country, or things of that nature. I am thinking that you are going a bit slower and sticking to a few regions? Friends have been forced to kennel/quarantine their dogs for up to two weeks when entering some places, so it’s that type of information that you would really need to know far ahead of time. So the balance of over-planning would perhaps be that you extensively research pet requirements for each place on your route. Then, my advice for the rest is that you plan a place to stay your first week, making sure it’s pet friendly, and then figure out the rest as you go. I knew a rough route for my RTW trip, but past that, the actual nitty gritty details of what to see, it’s so much easier to plan those things as you travel. It not only makes it much less stressful in these last months before you leave, but it’s just easier and a lot more fun to ask locals and take advice on the ground. I hope that helps! I am sure you’ve found it, but there is a research portal with information for most countries ( http://www.pettravel.com/passportnew.cfm ) and that should help! Please report back on how it all goes! :)

$3,130.77 for a year of nomad lodging? I’m sure you ‘couch surfed’ a few times and stayed with lots of ‘friends’. ;)

Yes, I definitely did couch-surf some and I had a house-sitting gig in Amsterdam. I also paid for a volunteering program for a month, and the fee included housing (but in the calculations it’s in a different category). But I also chose places where my money went further. My cousin and I spent six weeks in India, where we were splitting the cost of a $12 private room each night. Same in Southeast Asia — I would often share with another backpacker and we could sleep for less than $10 each. When you figure I spent half my time in more affordable countries, it makes a bit more sense!

Hi Shannon, I love the spread sheet and have downloaded a copy for our own RTW trip which starts in 6 weeks! I just wanted to find out how to add more tabs across the bottom without losing the formulas? thank you!

Six weeks! That’s so soon! You can actually right-click the tabs at the bottom and click “Duplicate” – that will add one! Then, depending on how many you add, you will have to adjust the front page that auto-calculates. That’s a bit trickier, so if you add all the countries you need and share your Google Document with me then I can help you make sure it’s calculating correctly!

thank you Shannon :-) yes it’s coming round really quickly! So I’m not great with this technology stuff haha, I’ve added all the countries I need, how do I send this via Google? it’s just saved to my documents at the moment :-)

You can send me an email at [email protected] and attach it there! I will take a look! :)

Laura- I am heading out on an around the world just about the same time as you! I leave May 10th. How about you? Where are you headed?

I cannot tell you how incredibly lucky I feel I am to have found your website! The information you share with all of us is invaluable. I have read all that you have shared on all of the topics you have discussed in this post! I admire you so much! I will be travelling later this year and will want to talk to you.

Thank you Marg! I am so glad that you found it useful! So wonderful that you are traveling soon — don’t hesitate to let me know if I can help with anything. :)

I’ve edited a list resources for finding seasonal jobs – these have helped me get nearly every seasonal job I’ve had. Most of the jobs provide housing which is deducted from your wage. So you don’t need to worry about finding your own place to live, and food is often included as well. If you’re willing to work while you travel, it’s a really excellent way to see the world on a small budget.

http://jacquelineboss.com/2017/12/15/work-in-beautiful-locations-close-to-nature-resources-for-seasonal-jobs/

That’s a great article indeed! A really wise thing to do before going for a trip somewhere is to think over everything twice. Once bitten twice shy, you know. So, think over all the problems you might face up with. Make sure the accommodation you chose for your stay corresponds its actual price. Get in touch with the owner beforehand. Thank you again for this post. I wish next year everyone has a chance to have their own dream trips.

Great article!

After deciding that it was time and purchasing a really inexpensive one-way flight from FLL to Auckland, I have been reading and researching on what my next step should be. I think I have a plan (sort of, maybe, I don’t know AHHH), but would you be able to direct me to articles, boards or anything on what type of meet up opprutunities are out there. I am a 31 year old female and am doing this adventure solo. I don’t mind being solo, but I think it would be great to meet up with people who are also traveling for more then a vacation.

Hi Stephanie, congrats on the decision to just set out and travel! I know that can be such a scary leap. I can definitely help you find ways to meet other solo travelers, although you will definitely and absolutely meet them along the way as well. Especially if you are staying at low-cost and budget accommodation (like hostels) — it’s nearly impossible not to make new friends if you want to find people heading out on day trips and what not. For boards, there are some great FB groups where you could share your route and ask if others are looking to meet up along the way: – https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesolofemaletravelernetwork/ – https://www.facebook.com/groups/solowomen/ – ww.facebook.com/groups/solowomentraveltribe/

Then there are forums and such. Nomadic Matt has a “travel companions” tread in his forums: http://forums.nomadicmatt.com/forum/39-travel-companions/ As does Lonely Planet Thorntree: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/categories/sell-swap-meet-up

I hope that helps get you started! :)

Hi Stephanie!

I am also going to do this around the world solo too! and I am 31 this year as well. I am thinking if I dont do now, when would I have the chance to do it? ;p

Is this a book? :D If not, pls make it one!!

Found it, never mind. :D :D xxx

So glad you found it! Don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any questions as you read it. :)

Thank you very much for sharing!!!

I bet you had an amazing experience on that budget as well. It’s so doable at every level. Some people assume it’s hugely expensive, while others assume you have to stay at hostels. Looks like you guys had a wonderful trip without sacrificing comfort!

great and inspirational story and in fact it also provide the best and in depth knowledge about the Cost per day on different countries. Thanks and God bless you :)

So glad you found it helpful!

Hi Shannon, Thank you so much for all the time dedicated to your passion and thank you so much for sharing all of that with us. I will make a big use of your Google template, with my partner we plan to leave our lives here and start our passionate and adventurous journey to the unknown. I like the fact that you are ultra precise on everything, I keep your website as a reference. We have started a website and I will write blogs and articles on our journey, I will not forget to mention and link your pages; it’s just the beginning so if you have other advice and experience with blogging, digital marketing, …. I’ll be happy to take it on board.

Thanks again Shannon for everything, enjoy the ride! Marlene

I am so happy to hear that you plan to use the Google template! It’s still so handy on my own travels. As for the blog, it should be a passion project for you, something you love to build even if you never make money, and it should provide value that you can’t find elsewhere. Either a truly unique perspective on it all, information others aren’t sharing, or a niche that hasn’t yet been done. Find a voice and a story to tell and others will read. I wish you all the best luck! :)

Ma’am. I love all the detail you went into about saving for a RTW trip – something I’ve always wanted to do and am currently in the process of saving up for. I do have a question though (and I apologize for the ignorance – i just can’t seem to get an actual answer for anything). What are the visa requirements for just going on holiday to a different country? Will I be required to get a visa for every country I plan on visiting on this trip? I saw that you got an Indian visa, but no others were listed that I saw. Does it matter how long your there as to where or not you need a visa?

Wow… this has opened up my mind to what is possible… so really I just need to save the initial flights and a bit of a buffer for a month or so… and if I can get money by working online or something… I can then just continue to live in south east Asia or something for far less than where I live now (Australia). Just one question… how do you get the accommodation cheap? Like do you need to rent a place and sign a lease? Doesn’t it cost a lot more to live in a hotels for such a long time? or am I just use to Australian prices…?

So glad that it opened your mind to some more possibilities out there! As for rents, these are much different than the hotels you are thinking about, although even hotels are significantly cheaper than Australian hotel rates. Right now I am on a renting a bungalow for a week on the beaches of southern vietnam, 100 meters from the ocean, for $15 USD per night. Some monthly rents in Hanoi, Chiang Mai, and other places are in the $150-400 range per month. You’ll definitely want to have a read of these two cost of living posts I wrote for Thailand and Mexico: https://alittleadrift.com/cost-of-living-mexico/ and https://alittleadrift.com/living-costs-chiang-mai-thailand/

Wow, thank you so much. I’ll definitely check out these posts!

Hi Shannon! I plan to go on the road next April 2018, so I have one year and a half to save up money. I believe I can save up to 7000 euros (being pessimistic, because I think I could earn more) and I would like to travel for 3 to 6 months. I live in Europe, so I think I wouldn’t travel, and I have 3 plans, so to say: 1) A tour including Letonia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Rumania, Eslovenia, Viena. 2) A tour in Canada 3) A tour in Asia (I’d like to visit China, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodja and Korea). How much do you think I should save to do so? Which tour do you think it’s the most-doable one?

Good question! All of your trip ideas sound incredible. For that €7,000, you will get the most for your money if you stay out of the Western countries. Your money won’t go as far in Canada, but even more than that, Canada is a trip that you may find yourself taking later in life when you have more money, kids, etc. It’s an easy destination to visit. You should look at picking a spot that really excites you and that also matches the adventurous spirit you have right now. My bet is on Southeast Asia since it’s very affordable and also a good spot for a first-time traveler since it’s very safe. Since you live in Europe, it’s dead simple for you to plan another trip in the future for the Baltics and Eastern Europe. I am going to send you a private email with some more thoughts! :)

I’ve heard some people travel for a year in the same continent for under $10,000 USD, South America, Central America, SEA… I hope I get my chance soon!

That is absolutely within the realm of possible if you are limiting the number of flights that you take. Flights are usually the biggest expense, with accommodation next. So if you can limit the flights, and then pick regions of of the world with affordable accommodation (definitely SEA and Central America… South America can be pricier in areas and in the activities). Best of luck plotting and planning those travels!

I just randomly came across this because as you mentioned, you get addicted to long-term travel…lol. I was trying to get some ideas for my 10k I’ll have saved up this year. But, wow! Seriously, 10k RTW is possible, I’m surprised that 5 yrs ago you didn’t think that. I spent 8k last year and went to 25 countries in Europe, Asia (South, Southeast, Central, and East/North), Middle East and Oceania. This year I’d probably concentrate on South America where I’ve not been yet, which should be even cheaper. I did things like a private 12 day tour in Mongolia, spent a month in Japan (usually expensive) etc. It’s definitely possible. I have friends who did this on even less, they hitchhiked and couch surfed most of the time (I only did this a couple times though I did get some accommodation/food free from some volunteer things I did. On the other hand I also stayed in 4-5 star hotels sometimes too.)

Hey Shannon, My name is Claire and I’m currently a junior in high school from Seattle, WA. I’ve have plans to take a gap year or two after graduation to travel throughout Europe. I would like to land in Barcelona, and take the Eurail throughout most of the other countries(Germany, Sweden, England, Czech Republic, Italy, Greece, etc.) I’m aware of the Eurail system, so I will plan on buying a pass. I’m also aware that staying in hostels is probably the cheapest/easiest way to go. The problem is, it’s a very vague plan and I am not very familiar with coordinating plane trips, train rides, hostel stays, etc (Since this is will be my first solo traveling experience). Do you have any suggestions on how to make money while I’m traveling, the steps to take before I go, how to find affordable places to sleep at night (that are close by the Eurail stations), and advice you wish you knew before you started traveling? From your experience, do you think $30,000 is enough to travel with for a year(assuming I also make money along the way)? Thank you so much for your time, Claire.

Hi Claire, thanks for writing. I absolutely think that your gap year is doable and that you can certainly save the funds for that. An entire year in Europe would be hard because of the visa situation, and because it would be very pricey. You can backpack Europe for 90 days on a tourist visa, then you have to leave for 90 days. So with that in mind, you’ll be looking at other places you could work and travel. Have you thought about getting a work visa to a place like Australia? They are fairly easy to obtain straight out of school and many Europeans go there and work (picking fruit or waiting tables) and travel and save the funds that way to continue traveling. There should be good information about that online. I have a work and travel page here if you are keen to find a way to work online: https://alittleadrift.com/how-to-work-and-travel-rtw/

As for planning it all out, that’s the least of your worries. The planning part is more straightforward once you are on the road, but finding ways to work and save now is, perhaps, the most important part of your plan. That work and travel page should give you some ideas. I have a ton of planning resources on the site ( https://alittleadrift.com/rtw-travel/ ), and the working page lists out a lot of other job boards and ideas, from teaching English to finding an online skill. Best of luck! You’ve totally got this. If you dream of travel, then you can make it a reality with focus and determination to save the funds and work toward that goal.

Im guessing this was a while back and prices of things have gone up quite a lot since then. I keep coming back to this page like I did for past 2 or 3 years..keeps me motivated when i’m gonna start mine…Thank You

Hi Mohammad! Suprisingly, it’s still possible to do a RTW trip for that same cost. Somethings have certainly gone up, but others have gone down. So it’s gotten significantly cheaper to travel in Australia, and I would save several hundred dollars a month if I was backpacking there now compared to being there in 2008 with the Aussie dollar was a much stronger global currency. Gas is also cheaper, meaning flights have gone down. So the cost of food in Thailand is about 50 cents more a meal, but that has been counteracted by other changes too. Take a look at this woman, she spent the same figure for a RTW in 2015 .

Good article, Thanks!

I love your honesty! This is going to help so many travellers. I can’t say I kept my totals to the penny, though, but maybe to the nearest pound.

To the nearest pound is still pretty fantastic. So many people dream of a trip and are surprised when they see the real costs broken down for them.

My business partners required DS-82 several days ago and used a website with lots of sample forms . If people require DS-82 too , here’s https://goo.gl/LqB8da .

Hi Shannon, I’m just starting grade nine, but I have a passion for travel and I’d love to do a solo RTW yearlong trip after going to university. My dream would be to leave right after finishing all my schooling, but I’m not sure if I’ll have enough of a travel fund by then. I’m very roughly planning on 2 months in Central and South America, 2 months in Africa, 4-5 months in the southeastern half of Asia (all the way from India to Thailand and up to China), 1 month in Australia/New Zealand, and 2-3 months in Europe. I’d be departing from and returning to Canada. I’d probably stay in hostels and guest houses most of the time, maybe couch surf in more expensive regions. I’m definitely considering working online while on the road, but I’d like a minimum of $15k before I go. Do you think it’s possible to save $15-20k in 4 years of high school plus 4 years of university? Or would you recommend finding a full time job for a couple years before the trip? Thanks, Kathryn

Hi Kathryn, it is so nice to receive your comment! I have no doubt that you can make it happen with that much time and since you are clearly planning now. Since I doubt you can formally work, I suggest you save a portion of your babysitting money or any work you can do in the summers — enjoy some of it but get a savings account and set aside a portion. Then, once you can work, if you spend your summers really working hard, then you can easily reach the 20K in the next eight years. It’s even easier if you have help by living with your parents or family in the summer, then you are saving costs on accommodation while you work between college years. I know that the summer after I graduated high school, I had a job waiting tables and I managed to save nearly all of that money ($4K). I used it to buy a car, but if you put even a portion away each summer, you will surely reach your goals. I encourage you to talk to your parents now, ask for their help in getting a savings account set up, and ask for them to help you prioritize your savings. It can be easy to spend money on the little things, especially with so many activities in high school that require expenses, so with their help you can perhaps really focus on saving a healthy portion of anything you earn. I definitely think you can make it happen with savings ready for when you graduate! Keep me posted, and don’t hesitate to email me if I can ever help as you are saving and dreaming and planning. :)

Thanks for the advice! I’ll definitely consult my parents to set up a savings account for travel, and although you’re right that I can’t apply for a traditional job yet, I have a semi regular pay cleaning my grandparents house for them. Not too many babysitting jobs, since I live outside of a small town, but there are a few. I’m planning to apply for a part time job as soon as I can. Thanks so much for the positivity and support, and I’ll make sure to keep you posted! :D

Hey Shannon, so after looking at lots of RTW travel blogs and seeing how much Europe can raise the cost, and realizing just how much time I want to spend there, I think I might save that continent for a trip of its own farther down the road. The time I would’ve spent there will be spread throughout the other parts of the trip. How significantly would skipping Europe lower the total cost? Do you think $15k USD would be enough for the whole trip?

I think that is a great figure and plan. Europe will be there and surely you will make it back there in the future. 15K will go a long way toward backpacking all over. I am going to send you an email in a few days to something that I wrote — I think it will help you better play with the figures and potential budget!

Alright, thank you so much for your help! I’ll be patiently waiting. ????

Hi! Im just starting 10th grade, and i also dream of traveling the world!….just like you Im going to try solo backpacking. Maybe ill try for a year or two Im not sure right now…and since im homeschooled i have time have a job so i can save up money to go. Im trying to go as soon as I turn 18 and school finishes which is roughly in another 2 years… Im trying to save up at least $30-40k in the next two years and even though it sounds like a long shot I truly believe its possible. Im going to Greece and Italy next year as part of my school trip and so ill get to see what it would be like to travel alone. I have this huge map on my wall and Im trying to plan out where in the world i want to go. Making a travel route of sorts. Pinterest helps alot! I was thinking of renting an apartment (cheap) so I can just travel through out Europe and always have somewhere to come back too… Do you think its a good idea? i dunno… I have some money put away so I don’t necessarily have to save up but it would be great to challenge myself and get some experience in working. I want to work and travel in bars, restaurants, cafes, teaching etc… would i need a special visa for that or something? Do think i should go to college first? All in all my end game is to find a place in the world i truly love and live there forever! After that ill go to university and get a degree in nursing!

Thanks for writing! So sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I love that you are heading out on a solo trip. It’s wonderful that you are able to work now and save up the funds. As far as getting an apartment, that can definitely help save on costs in some parts of the world, but there are other considerations about getting a visa and such. In Europe, you can’t stay for longer than 90 days. Plus, it’s pretty pricey. Perhaps look into budget backpacking through Europe — you will meet a lot of others at the hostel. Then you could rent a place in Thailand, Mexico, or somewhere very budget that has a lot to explore.

And yes, working is a whole other thing. There are times that you can find under-the-table work waiting tables or you can often work in a hostel and earn your bed (this is very common). It’s best to save up the majority of the funds that you will need, and not count on finding work. That said, look at the work-visa for Australia — it’s very popular and you qualify for that one-year visa until you’re in your late 30s. This is hugely popular and lots of backpackers work the farms picking fruit and waiting tables in Oz, and then backpacking this region ( https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/americans-guide-working-holiday-visas ).

Lastly, it’s a tough call on going to college. I am very glad that I had my degree when I left long-term, it has allowed me to earn more money and stay on the road longer because I have a degree. It really depends on your situation. You could always backpack in huge chunks every summer throughout college and then go on a longer one- or two-year adventure. There is no wrong decision, and it comes down to your goals. There are travel nursing programs that could be an incredible fit for you, I recommend that you google these organizations that send nurses for several months to spots all over the world. I’ve met a few on the road and they seem like they have found a good dynamic to work-life-travel. (My friend Candy has a great blog about it: http://www.thegypsynurse.com ). Best of luck! Keep me posted if I can help with anything. :)

Hi I am chandan planning for a backpacker trip of 20 days in may/June 2017 please help which countries should I visit. I am planning to visit whole world on continent basis say one continent or two in a year. Would like to start with Europe. Since I am from India will need help on 1. Which country to start and end. Visa requirements.trip cost with minimum air travel. I like to feel the place I visit. And best places to stay.

Hi Chandan! So exciting that you have a good trip coming up. Europe is wonderful and will make for a fun way to start your years of exploring. As for starting and ending points, hub cities are the best. I recommend that you use Skyscanner to look for open-ended routes from the airport you will leave from and then you can just type in “europe.” This will allow you to find good rates into cities you might not have considered that have easy routes to and from India. Then look into Eurorail passes, the Global pass may be the best bet for the maximum way to move around and explore a lot of the countries on offer. Best of luck! It’s such a culturally rich area of the world to be exploring. :)

Hi just update me on the best and cheapest season. Which countries have good landscapes. I love them. Considering 20 days trip which countries do u think I should opt. BTW thanks for immediate reply and such an informative post.

I think you should look up the weather information for the countries you’d like to visit and you can chart a course through them in the right time of year for your ideal climate. There are warm parts of Europe even in the winter, or you could go north and ski. Up to you and will depend on what you are looking for! That type of information is not something I specialize in, but once you are planning the trip, I have a lot of gear resources and the such here: https://alittleadrift.com/rtw-travel/

Best of luck!

Thanks again..things are more clear now

Hey Shannon, your story was amazing and inspired me to travel for about 3 months… Would $12,000 suffice? ????

Hi Amanda! $12K is a good sum! It will surely get you three months of travel at almost any travel style too. Even if you have a mid-range budget, that will last more than three months in developing countries. If you are backpacking Europe, then it’s a good sum to really enjoy and have tasty food and nice lodging the entire time. :)

Thank you so much! I also started following you on FB, your page is amazing!! ????????. Also I was wondering how far $12K would take me in SEAsia (Time Wise)? ????

Well, if you are willing to travel as a budget traveler, then you could backpack around Southeast Asia for about $1,200. That is staying a low-cost guesthouses or hostels, and going with the backpacker vibe. If you decide to stop in one spot for a month or two, it can be much cheaper. You can temporarily “live” in Chiang Mai or Bangkok for as little as $600-$800 for a month. If you plan to stay in nicer places, it will just cost a bit more each month. The $1,200 is a guestimate though because it really depends on the countries you choose. Vietnam is very, very cheap to backpack, and you will spend less than that for a month backpacking there, but Myanmar can be pricier. I think $1,200 is a good backpacker average estimate if you are in SEA for 8 months or so. :)

Hi! Happy to see that your still responding on this blog post. I plan to pick up my things and just go very shortly. I currently travel on short trips every month in the US but I still crave more. There is just something about meeting new people, experiencing new things and just seeing the world that draws me in. I really think just finally deciding to go and experience such a once in a lifetime opportunity is what my soul needs.

The only problem is I literally have NO idea where to start. I read blog post after blog post but still can’t find a starting point, nor a travel path that will be the most cost efficient. I do have about $20k saved up so thats not the problem its just determining my path that continues to pull me back. Any help on what to do when in this situation?

Also, was wondering if you are still traveling? If so, where about may you be now? Do you expend your trips a bit longer then a month now a days. ?

Thank you for any help, Bianca

Hi Bianca! You have definitely reached the hardest step, which is saving up the funds. In terms of actually traveling and setting out, there are so many various options. There are a few key ideas that can help stretch a travel budget. If you stick to one region of the world, especially affordable areas of the world, then those funds can stretch to 18 months or even longer. You could slowly backpack around Asia for a very long time on a budget like that. Or even start in Central America and then head south until you reach the end of South America. This style of travel allows you to cut down on expensive plane flights, while also exploring neat cultures and countries, and also giving you the flexibility to stop for a few months in a spot if you end up loving it. All of these things would stretch the budget a good deal. I suggest that you start looking at what other travelers have spent in the countries that you are interested in. There are two levels — traveling daily rates accounts for things like touring and getting between cities. But cost of living breakdowns that some digital nomads post ( https://alittleadrift.com/cost-of-living/ ) will give you a good idea of what it will cost to go very slowly. I will send you an email with a few more ideas. As for me, I am currently in England, I was in Spain house sitting for two months, and now I am going to head to Australia for two months to visit a friend there. I go much slower now than I did on that first RTW trip.

Thanks so much for your quick reply ! I will respond more in email !

Does that 20k (ish) include air fare?

Yes indeed. $3,500 of that is flights. I didn’t book a RTW ticket, I booked as I traveled and it totaled out to just a portion of the total. If i had done fewer long-haul flights jumping continents it would have been lower on the flight expenses.

I used this post while planning my RTW trip! Thank you so much for your advice!

So can you just get a year off work like that or did you just leave your job

I wasn’t able to do either of those. I actually worked my online job while I traveled. I had the nearly fulltime work before I decided to travel, so I worked out a budget and figured out that I could travel on the money I made online. I explain that all a bit more here: https://alittleadrift.com/2012/06/how-to-travel-and-work-abroad/ and this page has some freelance ideas for how to build up an online income, which can help offset the costs of traveling: https://alittleadrift.com/how-to-work-and-travel-rtw/

I am so jealous of you.

Aloha! I read your article a few years ago and I’m re-reading it again. We seem to have inadvertently used your article as a blue print for our careers. Becoming care takers has afforded us with a nice way to travel and submerse ourselves in a local culture. Kudos to this articles longevity and relevance today. BTW – You were way ahead of the AirBnB curve!

Well it makes my day to hear you say that you found it relevant both a few years ago, and now too! And I am so happy to hear that you are traveling and immersing and cultures and on a life path you love. Happy travels! :)

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18 tips to help you manage your money while traveling

International travel is full of excitement. Seeing new places, trying new cuisines, and navigating a different culture lead to memories that last a lifetime.

As a college student or young professional, travel can be one of the most rewarding ways to spend your well-earned money.

But with all the excitement of traveling abroad, you can’t forget about managing your money. In addition to having the right currency and understanding foreign exchange rates, you’ll want to take measures to manage your money well while on the move.

While traveling doesn’t have to be more expensive than your day-to-day life, there are extra considerations to take to keep money safe while traveling.

What’s Ahead:

Before you leave

1. alert your bank and credit card company.

Alerting your bank and credit card company used to be a standard practice when traveling abroad — so “suspicious” charges in another country didn’t put a freeze on your accounts.

These days, however, banks are a little better at tracking fraud. But alerting your bank and credit card company still can’t hurt — especially if you’ve never traveled abroad with your card and want to make sure you don’t run into any issues with your account.

2. Look into your cards’ foreign transaction fees

Foreign transaction fees — tacked onto any purchase made outside of the U.S. — can add up fast when you’re traveling abroad. If you’re not sure if your card company charges foreign transaction fees, give them a call before your trip to find out. While you’re on the phone, ask if there are specific ATMs to use that will help you avoid extra fees.

If your cards do charge foreign transaction fees and you have enough time before your trip, you might want to consider getting a credit card that doesn’t charge them. If you plan to do more traveling abroad in the future, a card without foreign transaction fees will save you a lot of money over the years.

3. Save copies of important information

Before you leave, make sure you have access to all of your important bank and credit card information in case something happens and you lose your cards. Keep an accessible digital record of the following:

• Your bank’s phone number
• Your credit card company’s phone number
• Your credit and debit card numbers

It might be easiest to take photos of your cards and save them on your phone. The important thing is to be able to access your card numbers and contact your bank in case of an emergency.

4. Confirm or purchase travel insurance

If you have a travel credit card, chances are it comes with travel insurance benefits. These benefits can come in handy when things don’t work out as planned — like when your flight gets delayed or your rental car windshield cracks. You don’t want to be on the hook for added expenses, especially after working hard to plan a trip within your budget.

Look up the travel insurance benefits that come with your card so you know exactly what’s covered. If you don’t have a travel credit card — or your benefits don’t cover enough — consider buying travel insurance. You can compare policies online using sites like SquareMouth and Travelinsurance.com to find the best option for your trip.

5. Get some local currency

It’s always wise to have at least some local currency on hand before arriving at your destination. You never know when you’ll have unexpected card troubles and need cash when there’s no ATM or bank around. Bring at least enough cash to get you a couple of meals, a hotel room, and transportation to tide you over until you can access a bank or ATM.

And don’t wait until you get to the airport to get cash, or you’ll pay a fortune to exchange currencies. Instead, call your bank ahead of time to see if you can exchange your money there — you’ll usually get a much better deal.

6. Consider a prepaid travel debit card

If you don’t have a credit card without foreign transaction fees — or you’re worried about using your card abroad — you can always get a prepaid travel debit card to load up with cash before your trip.

These cards, while they can be costly, come with lots of perks — like fee-free transactions, 24/7 assistance, and no ATM withdrawal fees. But just like credit cards, the perks vary card-to-card — and the fees can add up — so weigh your options and do your research to pick the best card for your trip.

During your trip

7. know when to use card vs. cash.

It’s always wise to have several methods of payment while traveling abroad. Some businesses will prefer card over cash, while others may not accept a card at all.

For example, using a credit card at a local street market may not be possible — so you’ll probably want some cash on hand. And in some countries, it’s best to tip with cash rather than on your card.

Alternatively, businesses like hotels may prefer you pay with a card — and you may save money if your card doesn’t have foreign transaction fees. And depending on how you tend to spend and budget, using a card can help you categorize and analyze your spending more easily at the end of your trip.

8. Use points

Travel hacking — or using miles or points to pay for travel — has become more popular in recent years. And contrary to what you may think, you don’t need to spend a ton of time or effort to earn and make use of points.

Travel credit cards usually issue points or miles when you pay with the card, which add up over time to help you save big on flights or hotel stays. If you have a travel credit card, read the fine print to understand how to earn points and make the most of them while traveling. If you don’t have a travel credit card, pick one that maximizes benefits you’ll actually use, doesn’t clobber you with fees, and — to get you some rewards right off the bat — has an attractive sign-up bonus.

9. Avoid random ATMs

When withdrawing money in a foreign country, be smart about what ATMs you use. First of all, if your bank allows fee-free withdrawals at particular ATMs — or they have branches where you’re traveling — make sure to use those machines to save money on withdrawal fees.

Try to avoid independent ATMs — they’ll often have higher fees and lower security than bank ATMs. And don’t use any ATM in an area that feels unsafe. Use machines in public places, and check your surroundings before making a withdrawal.

10. Protect yourself from theft

A smart way to manage money while traveling is to not keep all your money in the same place. If your wallet gets lost or stolen while you’re out, you don’t want to risk losing all your cash.

If you withdraw more cash than you need to spend at once, keep the extra bills in your hotel safe. When you’re out, carry your cash securely in a money belt or tamper-proof wallet. You might even want to invest in an RFID-blocking wallet, which protects your cards from digital theft by radio-frequency identification skimmers.

11. Choose local currency when paying with a card

When you’re paying with your credit card in a foreign country, you may notice an option to select either your home currency or the local currency when checking out. It might not seem like a big deal in the moment, but you’ll save money by choosing the local currency.

Despite having a credit card without foreign transaction fees, you may still pay a fee — usually around 3% —for paying in your home currency. And though you may have to do a quick currency conversion to determine how much you’re spending, you can end up saving a lot of money with this one easy tip.

12. Understand tipping culture

In North America, it’s not just polite — it’s expected — to tip 15% or more in restaurants and for other services. But tipping culture isn’t the same across the globe, and in some countries, tipping is even considered rude.

In Europe, for example, you’ll often pay a 5-10% service charge that’s already tacked on to the bill. In Asia, however, tipping isn’t the norm (and in some countries, like Japan, can even be disrespectful). Do some research on tipping culture in the countries you’re visiting. Consult travel guides and tourism websites to find out what’s expected before you go.

13. Check your account regularly

When you’re spending a different currency than your own, it’s easy to spend more than you realize (I am definitely guilty of this ). And when you’re using a card — in any currency — it’s easy to overspend. Now that lots of restaurants and stores are now card-only, you might be spending more than you realize.

Make sure you check your account regularly to avoid overspending your budget. You don’t want to arrive home after your trip with a pile of credit card debt that you weren’t expecting to pay.

14. Bank securely while traveling

Banking securely will help you keep money safe while traveling. And since most of us bank online these days, it’s extra important.

First of all, make sure all of your devices are password-protected before you travel. Otherwise, if your computer or phone gets stolen — and you have your passwords saved automatically — someone could instantly gain access to your online accounts.

If you can help it, try to avoid using free public Wi-Fi, which could potentially put your information at risk. If you need to log into your bank accounts, make sure you’re using cellular data or a protected Wi-Fi network.

15. Don’t forget the exchange rate

No matter whether you’re paying with card or cash, keep the exchange rate in mind when you’re spending. It’s easy to lose sight of how much you’re actually spending — and think something is “cheap” when you’re really paying with a more expensive currency.

If you need to, you can use an app to convert currency prices before making a purchase. That way, you know exactly how much you’re spending each time you swipe your card.

After your trip

16. convert your leftover cash.

Unless you know you’ll be traveling again soon, try to spend any foreign currency before returning home. If you come back with foreign cash, you’ll have to exchange it back to U.S. dollars. Exchanging money twice — to a foreign currency and then back to U.S. dollars — will cost you a lot in fees.

If you do need to exchange currency back into U.S. dollars, you’ll want to return to the bank. That’s where you’ll find the best exchange rates and lower fees. Or better yet, if you have a friend who’s planning to visit the destination you just came from, see if they’ll buy your leftover currency for a reasonable, fee-free rate. You’ll both come out ahead.

17. Pay off your credit card

When you return from your trip — and before you start dreaming up the next one — make sure to pay off your credit card. If you used your card for most of your purchases abroad, you don’t want to let that hefty balance linger.

Make sure you pay off your credit card and any travel-related expenses as soon as you can so your trip doesn’t end up costing you more down the line.

18. Check on your accounts

On a similar note, make sure you check up on your accounts after returning home from your trip. Don’t let any unfamiliar charges go unnoticed — instead, if you see something suspicious, call your bank or credit card company right away to report the charges.

Next time you travel abroad, use these tips to help keep your money safe while traveling. When you take the time to make security a priority, you can travel with a lot less stress — and spend a lot more time having fun.

Featured image:  HappyTime19 /Shutterstock.com

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36 Real Ways to Save Money While Traveling (Actionable Tips)

Written by Becca

Updated on May 15th, 2024

Here are our proven best ways to save money while traveling. When traveling on a budget, there are lots of ways to make your money last longer, even during inflation.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Table of contents

• Travel in the off-season (aka never around Christmas)
• Find things to do for free when you travel
• Walk and take public transit when you travel
• Minimize attractions with entrance fees or cover charges
• Minimize buying drinks at bars
• Avoid losing all your money with an emergency stash
• Cook more and eat out less
• Cook with fun local (and cheap) ingredients from markets
• Compare the flight costs in low season
• Save money by staying in hostels
• Try house-sitting to save money on accommodations
• Save money by booking accommodation for longer to get discounts
• Travel in places where your home currency takes you farther
• Travel on less than $50 per day
• Track your spending with an app
• Use Splitwise to keep track of splitting bills with friends
• Avoid the most expensive places to travel (or know the reality)
• Research the price of travel and the trends
• Cut out shopping and take photos instead
• Get connected to some locals
• Drink the tap water (if it’s safe)
• Buy local brands and locally-grown produce as snacks
• Do your research in order to save money and avoid fines
• Listen to travel and finance podcasts!
• Use a credit card to get a good foreign exchange rate
• Sign up for credit card a bonus to pay for your trip on miles
• Don’t pay foreign transaction or ATM withdrawal fees, ever
• Shop around for trip insurance online
• Get Priority Pass to save on airport lounges, and get in for free
• Find the best price for flights
• Save money with rental cars

Save money by using ride-share-style cabs

• Travel in a group and share download links for free credit
• Shop around for the best hotel, Airbnb and hostel prices
• Take out a weekly budget in cash
• Find creative and new ways to work remotely and travel

When traveling, you may want to save as much money as possible so that you can extend your trip. The less money that you spend means that you have more money to spend on experiences, accommodations and everything else.

It’s easy to not think twice about expensive upgrades and eating at restaurants every meal. At home, you’re in control and you know your budget. When traveling, you may have different currency and don’t want to skimp!

So, how can you still have a great time on your trip while optimizing for a budget?

Let’s find out!

Travel in the off-season (aka never around Christmas)

Have you heard the term ‘high season’? It’s a real thing!

Some places become more expensive during Christmas and New Year’s, during summer (relative to the hemisphere!) and during spring breaks (depends on local university schedules).

If you avoid these times of year, you’ll find hotels that want to fill up their properties, tours that may discount prices in order to draw visitors in the off-season and lower flight prices.

Depending on where you are going, do your search to determine when high season is and try to avoid it.

Find things to do for free when you travel

All over the world, it is possible to find things to do for free. It’s a great way to beat inflation or rising costs, and enjoy activities that cost nothing.

If you’re not interested in walking for miles to see a city and its parks or buildings, you can seek out ways to enjoy nature and the arts, like for example with this list of free things to do in NYC .

In Rotterdam , which is a fairly expensive place to travel in terms of the cost of accommodation and food, we appreciated famous architecture for two days, all without paying a Euro! We took ourselves on a self-guided walking tour and snapped photos of the Cube Houses and the train station that looks like a spaceship.

In Tenerife, we hiked Teide National Park for free on its trails that are available when you get off the public bus. The visitors center is free as well. We avoided the tourist-heavy gondola ride up the mountain, and we somehow didn’t pay any fees aside from the public bus ride.

In Ireland, we entered natural and historic sites like Glendalough for 0 EUR, and enjoyed priceless views and the feeling of being in ancient medieval ruins.

On a road trip in Upstate NY, we got the coolest scenic views of the Hudson River on a beautiful (and unexpected) hiking trail at Olana State Historic Site , all for free.

All these cool things we did cost us nothing and were just as memorable as lots of things we’ve done that cost us entrance fees.

Walk and take public transit when you travel

We love walking, and we also focus on our daily step count. As our friends Alex and Ryan would say, “Keep moving!”

If it comes down to having some time in which we can walk rather than taking a taxi, we’ll do that! If we can’t walk, meaning if distances are too big, we first consider mass transit. Mass transit is more environmentally-friendly and usually saves money (especially if traveling solo).

In Europe, the train and bus systems are very impressive and efficient most of the time, and in Amsterdam , we immediately looked for the public train that would take us from Schipol Airport to the city center.

From there, we used Google Maps to find the correct tram to the Lloyd Hotel and the ticket-taker advised us to buy a multi-day tram pass that wound up being very efficient for our purposes in Amsterdam.

Overall, walking and figuring out the bus, subway or train routes helps us to avoid hefty prices on taxi travel.

Minimize attractions with entrance fees or cover charges

All over the world, there are attractions that cost money. During times of inflation, these types of charges will increase .

In no way am I telling you not to go to incredible wonders of the world like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona or the Forbidden City in Beijing (both of which require paid tickets acquired beforehand for entrance), but it’s important to realize that most of enjoying a place does not require spending heaps of money.

For our days spent in Barcelona, Spain , when we did not go to the Sagrada Familia or Parque Guell (also requires a ticket purchased in advance), we walked six or seven miles, getting to know the city, its neighborhoods, its many parks and cafes.

This kind of enjoyment is free (or costs very little, depending on what you eat or drink).

When I went to Singapore in 2012, I saved money by staying with a friend, but blew my budget by taking a $40 taxi one night by myself and going to Singapore’s most famous bars and clubs, which charged cover fees of $25/person, each night of the weekend. This accounted for a chunk of my daily travel spend and gave me a bit of stress!

Conversely, we went on a day trip to the Mexican village of Izamal , where all attractions were free and we spent an entire afternoon packed with sights, without spending anything.

Minimize buying drinks at bars

If the cost of food wasn’t enough when traveling long term, the cost of alcohol has to be added on top.

If you consider that in some of the world, beer costs $0.25 (Vietnam), but in some places, $10 (San Francisco, CA), there are some very varied costs in consuming alcohol in different parts of the world.

No matter where you go, alcohol is not something required for your body. Although some people travel for beer, or travel for cocktails or wine, or consider alcohol as a way to explore a place, if you consume alcohol every day, it can become a hefty portion of your daily travel costs.

There are ways to avoid paying per-drink at bars, however - if you’re staying at a hostel and there’s a common space, backyard or rooftop, you can bring back a six-pack or bottle of wine (if rules allow it).

We did this at our hotel in Montauk, NY , where sitting around the fire pit with a can of hard seltzer was just as relaxing as it would have been in a bar in the downtown.

In some countries, drinking in parks is allowed (Spain has this type of culture, for example), and you can purchase your wine or beer at a corner store or supermarket and enjoy it in the outdoors.

Avoid losing all your money with an emergency stash

This is for of a safety trick, but it goes for saving money as well because you’ll save money if you are smart with it.

Best tip is to avoid travel with a lot of cash, but do keep an emergency stash just in case of emergencies.

Be sure to break it into smaller stashes and spread them around your gear in places people won’t think to look, like places that are not visible. Don’t ever let anyone see you handling your cash stash (or where you stash an emergency credit card (i.e. don’t keep all your credit and debit cards together).

Lastly, write down where you stash your cash so you don’t forget (write it in a place that only you can access!)

Especially when walking around places where petty theft is common (Spain, Colombia and Vietnam, to name a few) we choose to leave most credit cards and most cash in our apartment or hostel, and only leave for the day or evening with what we need.

This means having one debit card, one credit card and a non-excessive amount of cash in our wallets at any given time.

Our emergency and alternate credit cards are kept in secret places (it’s true!) in our luggage so that someone who may enter the room where we’re staying won’t find them quickly.

Cook more and eat out less

There, we said it: stop eating in restaurants (all the time!).

If you travel for longer than a three or four-day getaway, you notice how eating in restaurants adds up very quickly.

There’s tax, tip (most places), the drink from the ‘Drinks’ section that looks good, the add-in of an appetizer or a side (or three) and a little bit of dessert.

Unless you’re in Sri Lanka , where eating out for two runs you 6 USD (all following prices are listed in USD) or so (with tea and smoothies), chances are that eating out in most of the world is more expensive than cooking your own food.

Plus, cooking more and eating out less (or skipping the full sit-down meals and opting for fast casual) is a great way to save money during periods of inflation.

Cook with fun local (and cheap) ingredients from markets

For this reason, when traveling long-term, Dan and I choose to cook with fun local ingredients we find in markets and in supermarkets.

In fact, one of the first things we do when we get to a new city is to locate the nearest supermarket, and ‘star’ it in our Google Maps.

In Peru , we cooked with Peruvian chili peppers, in Colombia we cooked with arepas and in Mexico , we made everything into a taco (a package of 10-12 corn tortillas is about $1 at most corner stores).

If you’re traveling full-time or for an extended period of time, it’s a great idea to learn to cook some easy dishes, because eating out can get old, fast.

Compare the flight costs in low season

As a quick example, Dan and I compared the cost of flying from Mexico City to New York on January 1 and on January 15.

On January 1, a one-way from MEX to NYC is $577, and on January 15, the price goes down to $164, one-way. To save $413, you can schedule your trip two weeks later (when schedules permit).

An interesting way to think about this is, Will the cost of staying another X days in the city will outweigh the costs of a more expensive flight, sooner?

To date, I’ve also taken two trips to Colombia in February, which is a rarer time of year to travel, relatively-speaking. My flights were rarely more than $350, round-trip.

Save money by staying in hostels

Why should you stay in hostels ?

First, it’s appropriate to point out that hostels aren’t ‘always cheap.’

In fact, in the Netherlands and on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way , we chose to stay in Airbnbs because hostel privates cost upwards of $100 per night.

Hostels are a memorable experience

For the most part, Dan and I have traveled in many parts of the world and have stayed in awesome hostels that have been both affordable and memorable.

Why do we love hostels?

Hostels are a place to make connections, to meet people, to have access to helpful staff, to take part in group outings and to learn.

Hostels provide cultural & social experiences to remember

In Israel, Abraham Hostel Jerusalem had us take part in a hummus-making class, and in a hostel in Salento, we met our hiking buddies for the following day at a campfire on our very first night.

Even if you would like some privacy and quiet by booking a private room, you can still socialize and meet other travelers in hostel common areas like lobby areas or hostel bars, patios, kitchens and rooftops.

We have both made lifelong friends from all around the world by traveling on our own (and together) when in hostels.

Plus, you may wind up with a travel buddy for a hike or side trip the next day - who knows!

Hostels are good for our budgets

For the most part, hostels have been a cost-effective way for us to travel for months on end. In Sri Lanka , we stayed in hostel privates for $40 per night, and in Guatape, Colombia , that figure was sometimes as low as $15 for the two of us.

In places like Andean South America, Central America, South and Southeast Asia, you can sometimes get a hostel dorm bed for as little as $5 to $10 USD per night. You can also find hotel rooms for as little as $16 USD on sites like Booking.com , like we did in Vietnam.

Try house-sitting to save money on accommodations

House-sitting is another great idea, and we’ve read about people who make their entire livelihoods traveling the world as house-sitters. It’s a great way to essentially get paid to travel , if you think about it like this.

Ryan and Alex recently told us that you can find free housing on TrustedHouseSitters.com with a membership fee of approximately $100 for the year.

This is a great tip for looking into, if you’re flexible, open-minded and ready for a little bit of responsibility!

Save money by booking accommodation for longer to get discounts

For long-term travelers who use Airbnb to book accommodations, you can save a significant amount of money (anywhere from 10-50%) if you book for at least four weeks, as hosts will offer monthly discounts to avoid having new guest turnover every few days.

Similarly, for the risk-takers among us, look for new properties (those with the fewest reviews), as they’ll often come with the biggest discounts from folks in need getting reviews. They’ll often be incredible hosts, as they really want the five stars.

Even if you’re planning a few side trips from wherever you are, the savings can be significant enough that you don’t have to worry about leaving the room empty for a few days, AND you won’t have to find a new place upon your return!

Our Hanoi apartment (an Airbnb) was booked for four weeks, so we got a 12% discount. We treated it like an apartment we were paying rent on, rather than a place that costs us X amount per night.

Travel in places where your home currency takes you farther

A great hack for lowering the price of travel, saving money and maximizing your budget during times of inflation is to travel in low-cost countries.

There’s a very important website I like called Price of Travel and I’ve used it a lot to compare the cost of travel in various places. Sometimes this can be very plain and simple, but sometimes it’s not as clear.

Travel on less than $50 per day

Whenever we travel to Asia and Central and South America, we put a maximum of $50 per person per day. Dan and I travel together if it wasn’t clear!

We almost always out perform our target and sometimes even make it close to $50 per day for the both of us combined.

Keeping a target for yourself and your family is a great way to stay on track and not exceed your means.

Track your spending with an app

Apps like Mint and YNAB are staples in most households for keeping track of your day-to-day budget. When you travel, well, you can still use those apps!

If you put your expenses on a credit card, you can automatically file your expenses into the travel category. If you take out cash, you can manually enter in every line item, or put the lump sum in one line item.

Some credit card also come with a baseline categorization for transactions and may give you a monthly summary. That won’t help you for cash transactions, other cards and if you split an expense with someone.

Any time I travel, I’ll manually track everything in a Google sheet (MS Excel also works). After each trip, I reflect on my spending categories and determine the cost per day and if I overspent somewhere.

With this data, I can be better informed with how to plan another trip.

Use Splitwise to keep track of splitting bills with friends

Splitwise is an app that allows you to be part of a group and track shared expenses and amounts owed over however long you want. We used it at Nine Coliving had to track amounts we owed to other travelers for groceries, group dinners and other expenses.

What we like about the app is that you only owe the final difference, and you can keep the tally going for the duration of your stay somewhere or for the length of a trip with other people. It’s so useful for traveling with friends or with group trips .

Avoid the most expensive places to travel (or know the reality)

I’ve been to Singapore, which clocks in as one of the most expensive places to travel . My cost of travel in Singapore averaged closer to $100 per day, even with staying at an American friend’s apartment.

Dan traveled to Iceland and the cost per day was comparable.

In Singapore, street food meals cost close to $20, beers in a convenience store were $7, a taxi from the bar district to my friend’s apartment was $40 and other daily expenses like snacks, coffee and taking the metro added up fast.

For places that are inherently expensive, there might not be an off season to travel in. It might be expensive all year around.

Some baseline trips that we’ve mentioned throughout this article, like leveraging hostels, shared rooms or cooking at home might help you save money through these destinations.

Research the price of travel and the trends

Figuring out the average price of travel in world cities helps us determine what we’d like to do in order to travel longer and better.

Sometimes it’s committing to cook all of our meals or cutting out drinking in bars in order to compensate for costs like rental cars, taxis we’ll need to take or costs incurred in visiting the must-see attractions of a destination.

Cut out shopping and take photos instead

If you want to stop spending money when you travel, stop shopping. It’s a great hack during periods of rising costs and inflation, or at any time, as a smart choice for travel saving.

I used to buy something every time I traveled. I considered my souvenirs as a collection of the places I’d been. I used to buy a tank top for every Southeast Asian and Central American country in which I backpacked.

I grew out of this phase when I realized that the shirts would get old and stretched out or not fit anymore, but my photos were the basis for all my memories.

Is it worth collecting souvenirs?

The truth is, now I have these eight or so tank tops sitting in a box collecting dust. For the ones I like, I wear them as pajamas.

I would also buy things to take home to my family - shot glasses for my family members, local snacks (wrapped and non-perishable) for my mom and always a bag of coffee, from Guatemala or Costa Rica, for my dad.

If you’re someone who’s very into collecting souvenirs, go for it. But if you find joy in photos, or simply memories in your mind, skip the material objects that may collect dust one day in a closet.

How to stop buying stuff when you travel

So, I stopped buying things both for myself and for others. I consider that my photos say it all.

Instead of ‘investing’ in souvenirs for yourself and others, invest in a trusty travel camera that will help you remember your travels even when souvenirs get lost or broken.

Photos don’t weigh down your luggage, and they definitely don’t spoil, rot, collect dust or break (ok, maybe they can break if you don’t take good care of it). Above all, once you stop shopping, you’ll notice how much money you can save.

Check out our favorite budget cameras!

Get connected to some locals

Anywhere you go, locals know what’s up. If I have visitors in NYC, they’re thankful that I can take them to the non-touristy neighborhoods they never would have found otherwise, or take them for local activities like picnics with my friends, which cost tons less than a tour or an activity that costs a lot of money.

Dan and I love meeting locals and meeting up with local friends of friends when we travel.

In Buenos Aires , it was my friend Ayelen who took us on a double-date with her boyfriend to their favorite place for steak and wine. We sat on the street and commented that if not for them, we never would have found such a local experience.

When I started planning my trip to Nicaragua, my parents found out that a friend of theirs had a good friend who owned a coffee plantation in Esteli.

They put me in touch, and I wound up with an airport pickup from their driver and a private stay on a coffee plantation for my first night when I flew in by myself!

For anywhere you go, reach out to your network. You never know who you may find - an old friend from years back, a relative you’ve never met before or a friend of the family, who has a connection to the destination you’ll be traveling in.

Post on your social media channels about where you’re headed, and ask around and talk about your trip to determine if any friends or family members have connections there.

The most meaningful travel experiences are the ones that happen with other people!

Drink the tap water (if it’s safe)

It’s incredible to realize the difference between a trip on which you can drink the local tap water and one on which you can’t.

When you can’t safely drink the water, there’s so much more to think about, like running out of water, or how much water to buy or how much water can you physically carry back to where you’re staying.

In Europe and Israel you can safely drink the water that comes out of the tap, no matter what. After traveling in Asia and Central America for five years, this came as a pleasant type of culture shock to me!

I love water and staying hydrated, so water availability is a big factor in my travel.

Is it OK to boil tap water?

When living in Shanghai, I would boil the water that came out of my sink in order to make it drinkable.

In all honesty, this was a fine scenario because most of the winter months, my apartment was so cold that I wanted to warm up with hot water! I would add tea, lemon and ginger to make it taste better.

Some places are a pleasant oasis for drinkable water, namely Medellin and Bogota, Colombia, where you can safely drink tap water and it even tastes pretty okay. In these places, it’s smart to pack a reusable water bottle in your luggage in order to minimize plastic.

Buy local brands and locally-grown produce as snacks

What’s better than trying new foods? Nothing! We love trying the ‘local stuff’ when we travel, whether it’s local tamarind candy from Mexican drugstores (only $0.30!) or dried coconut sweets in Colombia (roughly the same price tag, at $0.31 for one!).

When I lived in Shanghai, I shopped local - Asian pears, chestnuts roasted on the street, eggs from the supermarket and of course, rice and tofu.

My friends who ‘required’ imported American goods from home at the expat grocery stores would fork over lots of money to have a taste of what they missed from home like specialty flavor M&Ms and American cereal (nearly $7.00 for a small box).

In Estonia, Dan and I asked the hostel owner of our hostel which types of foods were native to Estonia and therefore would make for affordable purchases in the supermarkets.

We found out that products like potatoes, dill, apples, pickles, carrots and beets were the in-season foods that we could buy in order to shop local and lessen our carbon footprint.

We ate pan-fried potatoes with dill countless numbers of times in the following weeks, with no regrets!

When you land in a new place, ask a local - your taxi driver, a local or any other connections you can make - for what’s locally-grown. You may be in for some great surprises.

Do your research in order to save money and avoid fines

This one’s funny, but true - if you are aware of the rules in a new place, you will save money by following them. Whether it’s about open-container laws or driving regulations on the highway, asking locals or researching online can pay off.

When Dan and I were in Argentina, we rented a car and started a road trip through the Cordoba Sierra region .

The company that rented us the car had warned us to always use the daytime lights, at all times. Seems easy, right?

We stopped the car along the highway to take some photos of the mountainous views, and when we got back into the car, we forgot to turn the daytime lights back on.

Within fifteen minutes, we got stopped at a toll plaza and were issued a ticket, which we tried to fight, but we were unsuccessful.

An hour later, while closer to our destination, we stopped the car again for a break. When we got back in, we forgot to turn on the daytime lights. Would you believe it? We somehow got stopped again and were issued a second ticket for the same offense by a police officer.

It pays to keep the rules in mind! We spent our final day in Cordoba running around the city looking for the office at which to pay the fines. You could say we learned a lot about the rules in Argentina for highway driving!

Listen to travel and finance podcasts!

Ok, this isn’t really a specific way to save money while traveling; however, it’s an excellent podcast and it talks about a lot of different ways that you can save money.

We listen to podcasts super often and it’s how we’ve gotten new ideas on how to optimize travel, budgeting and finance.

Use a credit card to get a good foreign exchange rate

Whenever we can, we use credit cards when we travel, in order to get the best foreign exchange rate of the day and to also build points and miles.

Lately, we’ve been using the United Explorer card . There is no foreign transaction fee and has some really nice benefits.

We typically like using credit as much as we can while we’re away. We’ve found that we get the best conversion rates and don’t need to take out too much cash if we’re using credit often.

Using credit when you travel also (for us) shows exactly where our money went. And, if for some reason your credit card number gets stolen while you’re traveling, a company like Chase will contact you by text and email and let you know that there was fraud so you can resolve it.

This is especially relevant when purchases made abroad on a credit card can come up as a little bit dodgy for credit card companies and the security checks they may run on your account to make sure your account number is safe.

Note that when referring to a travel credit card, there is a difference between this and an “airline voucher.” For more on airline vouchers, see our guide called “ What is an Airline Voucher ?”

While you’re shopping at home, a browser extension like Honey can help you save money on everyday things!

Sign up for credit card a bonus to pay for your trip on miles

Travel costs can really start to add up. You’ll start paying for flights, hotels, things that you need to pack and the list goes on.

Lots of credit cards have sign-up bonuses that you can leverage to get either cash back or points that you can redeem toward travel.

The famous Change Sapphire Reserve used to give you 100,000 points for signing up. That was worth about $1,500 that you could use toward travel.

In order to get the bonus, you needed to spend a certain amount, like $4,000 in three months. Note, though, that making large travel purchases in an optimal timeframe is a perfect way to hit spend minimums like this.

Our travel has changed so much since we learned the points and miles games through travel hacking . My first flights completely on miles with United was round-trip to South Africa. Even though the flight path was a bit crazy (New York - Frankfurt - Johannesburg - Cape Town), I got a built-in day to spend seeing Hamburg, Germany.

We save and earn miles on Jet Blue as well, and we book flights (sometimes big flights!) on our points with our credit card rewards. This has been really exciting for us in recent years!

Also, always remember to use any airline vouchers you may have gotten or earned on past or cancelled flights, to apply when purchasing.

Don’t pay foreign transaction or ATM withdrawal fees, ever

Whether you’re taking out cash or swiping your credit card, if you travel internationally, you may be paying for foreign transaction fees.

These fees are determined by your bank or the ATM itself and usually take something like 2 or 3% of the entire purchase.

That is expensive, and wasteful. It can also add up and put a damper on your travel budget.

Looking for a new travel credit card? Consider the United Explorer card . We have this card! We like it because of the sign-up mileage bonus, Global Entry credit and no annual fee for the first year.

Avoid paying fees when taking money out of ATMs abroad

When Dan introduced me to the Charles Schwab ATM card, I couldn’t believe it. I was so accustomed to getting charged $3-4 per ATM transactions on my trips to Guatemala, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia that I didn’t think there was a way around it.

We use the Charles Schwab Investor checking and Fidelity Cash Management , which reimburses our ATM fees at the end of each month (save your receipts!) and we only use credit cards with 0 foreign transaction fees. Travel wouldn’t be the same without either of these cards in our wallets.

Now, I go to ATMs liberally on my trips and take out smaller amounts of money so that I can control my spending, and, stay safe by not having too much money in my wallet at one time.

Shop around for trip insurance online

These days, anything can come up that might prevent you from going on your trip. Lost bags? Theft? Trip cancelled?

Check out World Nomads and what this travel insurance company offers, before you go. You can save a lot of money and time by insuring parts of your trip.

Get Priority Pass to save on airport lounges, and get in for free

Are you sick of getting to an airport and having to pay and arm and a leg for even a water bottle? Are you sick of the WiFi network being locked, or broken, when you’re at the gate or arriving in baggage claim?

Another way to make travel more comfortable and save when you’re in airports is to get Priority Pass for airport lounge memberships around the world. This is a great feature of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, and probably the benefit that we love most.

Around the world, we’ve eaten buffet brunches in Hong Kong airport, taken naps in nap rooms in the Lisbon airport and had snacks on a deck of an airport in the Canary Islands all with our Priority Pass membership.

If you’re not ready for a new credit card, you can apply directly for Priority Pass in order to get a membership to airline lounges around the world and never have to buy overpriced airport food or WiFi again.

We love Priority Pass!

Priority Pass is a must-have for long airport visits.

Find the best price for flights

If you’re traveling during your trip or trying to plan your vacation, check out Google Flights and experiment with picking different days to depart and return.

You can also use a site called Skiplagged to help you find some of the cheapest flights out there. The way it works is by finding you cheaper flights that have a connection in your final destination.

I actually did this type of “flighting” back in 2016 when I was flying to Iceland. Well, technically London. I didn’t end up wanting to go to London and wanted to spend more time in Iceland.

Luckily, my flight had a connection in London and I got off the plane and missed my connection. I saved a lot of money because London is expensive and this flight was already cheaper than flying to Iceland directly.

(Note: Iceland is expensive too, and that’s why I wrote about traveling in Iceland on a budget ) .

If you have checked luggage, be careful because your bags will end up in your final destination. This only works if you have carry-on bags.

Lastly, consider taking a red eye flight . The prices on these flights tend to be cheaper because flying overnight isn’t as ideal as a morning or afternoon flight.

Keep in mind that when you arrive in your destination, you’ll have a lot of time to explore while waiting to check in to your accommodation.

Book a ticket in basic economy to save money on flights

Another thing you can do is book a ticket in basic economy class to get a lower flight price, if you don’t mind bringing only a personal item.

Lastly, you can sign up for Going , which will send you emails with various different flight deals. If you’ve been waiting for a vacation and looking to save the most amount of money, check it out!

Book flights on Skyscanner (or other sites) on anonymous mode

Booking flights for cheap with anonymous mode removes any cookies that may have pushed the prices up. So, when you keep searching flights on Skyscanner or other sites for bookings, the computer remembers you, and slowly the prices creep up (only sometimes).

When you’re ready to book, turn shadow mode on your browser, and sometimes you’ll get lucky and the prices will be cheaper.

The tip here is to use a trustworthy VPN like this one and incognito window is pretty pro.

Save money with rental cars

Rental cars have gotten really expensive these days.

When we traveled to Los Angeles recently, we decided that we needed a car. LA is a driving city and you can’t get very far by walking.

We checked all of the traditional sites and rental car prices were really high.

Luckily, an app called Turo exists and it worked perfectly. We rented a car from an LA local and we were able to get a great deal. In fact, we paid about half of what traditional rental car places charged.

If you’re not interested in Turo, you can shop around at different Airport locations, close by cities, through credit card market places and look for deals or promotions to save even more money while renting a car.

I’ll sometimes look at rental cars near a major train line to try and find the “local price”. For example, if an airport has a train line that takes you closer to a major city, look for a rental car location a few stops past the airport.

If you can wake to rent a car from the train, than great! Even if you need to take a taxi to and from the rental car location, you may still save some money with the total cost of the car.

I’m sure you’ve heard of Lyft and Uber . Both have really taken over the world.

Instead of renting a car, you can check out using those services. If you only need a few rides during your trip, it’ll be much cheaper than paying for gas, tolls and the daily rental car rate.

Lately, I’ve found that regular yellow cabs are often cheaper than ride shares, in NYC. Check around and ask for price quotes to determine what makes the most sense for you.

Here in New York City, I have an app called Curb , which allows you to get yellow taxis. It’s also safe, which is why we talk about it so much in our NYC safety guide.

Before leaving for the airport one time, we did this and it cost half as much as what Lyft and Uber were charging.

You can get $5 off of your first ride with Curb! Download the app and use the code 32S31M .

Travel in a group and share download links for free credit

While traveling in a group, try being the first one to latch on to any apps that would be useful. This could be local food delivery apps or local ride share programs.

If you get these apps first, and then share your download links with the group, you can clock yourself up lots of free credit for bringing in new members!

This tip really works because you can be trying new things and being adventurous while also getting freebies from apps.

The more you share, the more referral credit you get, and you can also learn by talking to other travelers and expats about the most efficient apps for ordering food or for ride-sharing in a particular city.

Shop around for the best hotel, Airbnb and hostel prices

Before we go somewhere or while we’re traveling and looking for an additional place to stay , we shop around to try and find the best rates.

Sometimes we’ll check Airbnb and see what prices look like. We’ll head over to Hostelworld and see if we have any luck. Maybe we’ll search on Booking.com.

Consider that if you’re traveling with a group of friends, couples or family members, that you can save money by booking an entire multi-bedroom Airbnb house or property like this one in Upstate NY , which will typically beat the cost of everyone getting individual hotel rooms elsewhere.

Before you know it, we’ve seen listings from too many sites and it’s hard to remember where we say some of the listings that we liked.

Because we’ve been staying in hotels more recently, we like to check out HotelTonight . We’ve seen some of the best prices on this website over anything else.

The only thing with HotelTonight is you can’t book too far in advance.

We’ve been having good luck on Priceline and Kayak for hotels.

Take out a weekly budget in cash

Weekly spending budgets are a huge way of seeing if you’re on track to avoid overspending during your travels.

In some countries where cash is king and credit is not so available quiet yet (or may never be), visually seeing how much cash you have left can show you how much you’ve spent.

Find creative and new ways to work remotely and travel

Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. Have you considered working remotely while traveling in order to make some money to pay for your expenses?

You find some types of remote work to work on while you’re away, by checking these remote work tips for travelers .

If you are a professional looking for freelance work, Flexjobs can work out nicely for finding remote work and part-time opportunities.

What we also really like is traveling with a group and getting everything under the Remote Year platform like coworking membership, housing and flights onward, all for a flat fee.

Sign up for Remote Year to join the experience!

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How to Travel on a Budget for Beginners

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Wondering how to travel on a budget? While it may seem like traveling is exclusive to those with cash to spare, you don’t have to overspend in order to get out of town. There are plenty of ways to travel on a budget — including using reward points or miles and traveling during ideal times— that can end up saving you a lot of money. Here's travel guide for beginners on a budget.

Start planning early

If this is your first big trip, odds are you’ve already started planning. That’s good — the sooner you start, the more time you have to save money . Travel prices rise and fall with demand, and the cycle fluctuates as your travel dates get closer.

Beginning your planning early gives you the best chance of finding discounted hotel rooms, cheaper flights and other less-expensive activities. Although you won’t find the cheapest prices far out in advance (as we mentioned, it’s a cycle) keeping an eye on rates will allow you to jump on them and book when they drop.

» Learn more: How to account for inflation in your travel budget

Book at the right time

This bears repeating. Why? Because when you book and when you travel can make a huge difference in the price of your vacation. This applies to flights and hotels.

Confused about when the "right time" to book will be? There are multiple free tools available online to help you.

One of the easiest to use is the price tracking tool available via Google Flights. This service lets you know how the fare you’re looking at purchasing compares with past pricing. It also lets you know if rates are high or low compared with average costs.

If the flight you’re considering does appear to be expensive, Google Flights also features a price tracker alert system that will email you when fares drop. You can toggle this feature on within the search bar.

According to Expedia, the best day of the week to buy your airline ticket is on Sunday.

Skip overpriced tours

There’s nothing like getting out into a new city to explore. But how much of that exploring can you do on your own? With the information available online, it’s simple and easy to conduct your own tour for free rather than paying for a guide.

If this doesn’t sound appealing to you, consider instead one of the many free tours that many major cities offer. These walking tours will give you tons of information about the area completely free of charge, though gratuities are welcomed.

Otherwise, apps such as Spotted By Locals , Tripadvisor and Rick Steves offer comprehensive information for many large cities. Often this is free, but sometimes you’ll need to pay a nominal fee.

Use reward points

One of our favorite ways to save money includes redeeming reward points for travel. Some of your biggest expenses, such as hotels and flights, can be wiped away by using reward points during your trip.

This type of travel takes planning; you’ll need to accrue enough points to make a travel redemption. Much of the time, this is accomplished through welcome bonuses earned when you open a travel credit card .

For example, a round-trip flight from Los Angeles to Paris costs $1,255 at the beginning of November 2022.

This same flight can be booked using 45,000 American Airlines miles .

While 45,000 miles may seem like a lot, you can earn this amount of miles with ease. For example, you can earn more than enough miles needed for this flight with the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® welcome bonus: Earn 50,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after making your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days. The first purchase could be a stick of gum or a cup of coffee — it doesn’t matter.

Many co-branded airline credit cards also offer perks like free checked bags and priority boarding, saving you time and money.

The same can be said of hotel credit cards . Most major hotel chains have co-branded credit cards, including Hilton , Marriott , IHG , Hyatt , Choice and Wyndham . These credit cards — and their sign-up bonuses — can go a long way toward cutting costs on your vacation.

Even better, many of these credit cards offer complimentary elite status . Elite status can grant you perks such as free breakfast, room upgrades, free WiFi and late checkout.

It’s a good idea to consider booking hotel rooms using points, especially for budget family travel. Sometimes hotels charge more for additional people in your room, but these costs won’t translate to reward redemptions. You’ll generally pay the same standard price as long as you can all safely occupy the room.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Travel in the off-season

Along with using reward points, taking your trip during the offseason is another excellent way to save money. Each destination has a peak period of demand during which prices will be inflated.

This will include flights, hotels, tours and even dining, making traveling on a budget difficult. In Europe, the high season is in the summer, when most people come to visit.

During this time, flights will be at their most expensive. Remember the above example featuring that flight to Paris for $1,255? A similar flight during peak season will cost $2,070 round trip.

As you can see, even if you’re paying cash for your flights you’ll be saving over $800 by taking your trip when demand is lower.

» Learn more: Why "shoulder season" is the best time to travel

If you want to travel on a budget

Vacations don’t have to be expensive. Whether you’re a vacation veteran or a travel newbie, it’s easy to save on trips by starting planning early and keeping an eye on prices.

More importantly, taking advantage of reward points can significantly cut down on flight and hotel costs. Otherwise, traveling during the offseason can help drop expenses and allow you to travel on a budget.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Europe Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

From beautiful Paris to smoke-filled coffeeshops in Amsterdam, Oktoberfest to La Tomatina, Europe is a massive, diverse continent with an unlimited assortment of things to see and do. You won’t have any problem filling your time, whether you’re backpacking Europe for a few months on a budget or just spending a few weeks there on a well-earned vacation.

The continent boasts wonderful beaches, historical architecture, amazing wine, and tons of world-class festivals. Every country is incredibly different from the next too, providing limitless variety in what you do during your trip.

I first backpacked Europe in 2006 and was hooked immediately. I’ve been visiting every year since, have run tours around the continent, and even wrote a book on traveling in Europe . It’s a destination I love and never get tired of exploring.

This guide will give you an overview of Europe and the tips and tricks you need to start planning your trip. I’ve also written extensive travel guides to each country on the continent (linked below in this post) so you can get more in-depth information for your specific itinerary too!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Europe

Click Here for Country Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in europe.

1. Tour the Greek Islands

These islands are the mecca of summer beach fun and each is unique in its own great way. There’s Ios (beach party central with archeological ruins and awesome boat tours); Kos (ancient ruins and nature); Crete (Bronze Age ruins of Knossos, hiking, beaches, and wine), Santorini (iconic blue water, white buildings, and local wineries); Mykonos , (the upscale party island with beautiful beaches, villages, and sunsets), Naxos (best island in the Cyclades). Plus, Milos, Corfu, Lemnos, Zakynthos, and so many more! With hundreds of islands in the country, you can always find what you are looking for!

2. Ride the rails

Europe is famous for its international rail system. Rail passes like the Eurail Pass have been around forever and still make it very easy to get from country to country on a relatively small budget (and with lots of flexibility). Europe has some of the fastest trains in the world that travel up to an incredible 217 mph (350 kph). The whole continent is connected by trains and there’s a growing push for even more connections and long-distance, high-speed trains in order to reduce flying and help combat climate change. There’s nothing more quintessential than riding the trains in Europe and I encourage you to take as many trains as possible. It’s one of the best ways to see the continent.

3. Get lost in Paris

The “City of Lights” is everything people say it is. I fell in love with it the first time I stepped foot in Paris . The city is just magical. You have a ton of museums, cafes, jazz clubs, famous art, and beautiful architecture. I love just strolling around the streets of the Quartier Latin (Latin Quarter) or Montmartre neighborhood as it makes for a breathtaking day. Another one of my favorite things to do here is just sit in the Jardin des Champs-Élysées park and picnic like the Parisians. For something a bit different, check out the famous Catacombs and Paris Sewer Museum. With so much to offer in the way of culture, history, and gastronomy, it would take years to see everything here but you can still get a good feel of the city in a few days.

4. Go city hopping

There are so many amazing cities in Europe that we’d need a top 100 to list them all. Here are some of my personal favorites and must-see cities: London is rich in history, culture, and the famous Big Ben clock; Edinburgh is a vibrant medieval city with cozy pubs and a famous castle with a huge New Year’s Eve Party; Amsterdam has cozy coffee shops and canopied tree-covered canals; Berlin has a wild party scene, street art, and the Berlin Wall; Barcelona has tapas, beach, and unique Gaudi architecture; coastal Lisbon has colorful tiles, old tramcars, cobblestone streets and plenty of fresh seafood; Prague has a beautiful intact Old Town, incredible architecture and eclectic bars; Tallinn Estonia has beautiful medieval buildings with colorful roofs. Florence  is a mecca for Italian Renaissance architecture, art history, and gelato; Stockholm mixes medieval architecture and modern art and design. Crisscross the continent, take in the culture, and enjoy all the historic cities!

5. Hit the Alps

Whether you go skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, the Alps hold some of the most breathtaking views in all the world. You don’t even need to be an expert hiker because there are mountain trails for all levels and crystal-clear Alpine lakes. Check out the spectacular Eibsee trail loop in Bavaria at the foot of Die Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest mountain, for the clearest, multi-colored, sparkling lake you’ve ever seen. Or the Männlichen Kleine Scheidegg Panorama trail in Switzerland’s stunning green and snow-capped Alps. Or visit Italy’s Dolomites in South Tyrol for the scenic Seceda trail. The Alps have trails for every fitness level and in every season.

Other Things to See and Do in Europe

1. tour amsterdam.

I love Amsterdam so much that I lived here for a short period of time in 2006. Here cobblestone and brick streets weave around lovely canals as people ride their bikes to and fro. My favorite things to enjoy here are Amsterdam’s vibrant art and music scene and there are also a ton of interesting museums here like the Anne Frank House, FOAM, the history museum, and the hemp museum. Be sure you get out of the center into Jordaan and Oost with their wonderful outdoor cafes and fewer tourists. Also, a visit to Amsterdam wouldn’t be complete without a canal cruise to visit the many islands and there are many to choose from that include snacks and drinks, sunset cruises, live guided tours, and more.

2. Hang out in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city that goes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It truly could give NYC a run for the “city that never sleeps” title. Be prepared for late-night dinners and parties until dawn. Besides a great food and nightlife scene, there is a wonderful beach, tons of Gaudi architecture (including the fairytale-like Parc Güell, as well as the iconic Sagrada Familia , which has been under construction for over 100 years!), incredible food tours, one of the best history museums in the country, and lots of outdoor spaces. What I love about Barcelona is that when you’re ready to chill, you can wander around Parc de la Ciutadella and marvel at the majestic fountains, plant life, and buildings created from an ornate military fortress.

3. Visit Berlin

Hip and trendy Berlin is an energetic destination. It is one of Europe’s most affordable capital cities, with a vibrant music and art scene and a growing foodie movement. Be sure to spend some time learning about the city’s darker history via the many excellent museums, memorials, and landmarks. The East Side Gallery, a section of the Berlin Wall that’s now painted with murals, and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe are two especially powerful reminders of Germany’s past. For all periods of German history, don’t miss the Deutsches Historisches Museum (German Historical Museum) – it’s one of the best history museums in the world. Once you’ve had your fill of history, relax in Berlin’s many green spaces, from Tempelhof Field, the site of a former airfield and popular local hangout spot, to Tiergarten, a tree-covered former hunting ground for 17th-century aristocrats.

4. Drink beer at Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a must for anyone going to Germany at the end of September. While not a budget option since beers now cost 15 € a maß, I love the energy and friendly camaraderie this event inspires. For two weeks, millions of people from all over the world gather for lots of beer, excitement, music, and wild fun. Watching thousands of people sing together, raising quart-sized beer mugs for endless toasts, and enjoying the general party atmosphere makes you feel good about the world. (Or maybe that’s just the beer?) Just be sure to book your accommodation well in advance and be prepared to pay top prices for them. If you don’t have an outfit, don’t worry, there are plenty of shops even at the main train station where you can buy a Bavarian dirndl dress and men’s lederhosen.

5. Experience London

Get a taste of English culture in diverse London . The museums here are some of the best in the world (most are free) and include the Tate, the British Museum, the City Museum, the National Gallery, the Historical Museum. There’s no shortage of iconic sights here as well, with Big Ben, the House of Parliament, the London Eye, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and of course, Buckingham Palace. I love London’s diversity because of the countless international eateries with great food and wonderful pub culture, perfect for after a long day seeing the sights. Head to Brick Lane on the weekends for some amazing food and craft markets. I prefer Paris to London, but there is something sophisticated and fun about London. Just watch those pints — London is not a cheap destination!

6. Get outdoors in Scandinavia

My favorite region in Europe is Scandinavia. The quality of life here is high, the people are beautiful and friendly, and the cities are clean and historic. Cycling the cities, taking canal tours, hiking the vast forested areas, archipelago hopping, enjoying fika (a Swedish coffee break), and warming up in saunas are just a few of the popular activities that await you here. True, this area of Europe is not cheap, but there are plenty of ways to reduce your expenses. Don’t let the high prices scare you away. Highlights for me include Copenhagen , Stockholm , Gotland, Norway’s fjords, and Lapland in Finland .

7. Get enchanted in Prague

Prague has an amazing history and is one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities I’ve ever seen. Highlights include the 9th-century Prague Castle, the magnificent Charles Bridge (built in the 14th century and one of the oldest standing bridges in the world), the 10th-century old square with its iconic astronomical clock, and the winding Jewish Quarter. Even if you only have a few days there don’t miss the free walking tour which is one of my favorites in Europe and the best way to learn about the Old Town and the tragic history of the city that went from thriving Bohemian capital of art, music, and literature to part of the Iron Curtain after WWII. Some of my favorite gems here include the fantastic black light theater shows in 4D and the one-of-a-kind medieval dinner show in an old tavern complete with musicians and jugglers not to mention hearty food and drinks. During the weekends it heaves with people enjoying the bars, cheap beer, and delicious food so try to visit during the week (and in the spring or fall) to beat the crowds.

8. Relax on the French Riviera

Here, you can pretend to live the high life for a little bit. Have fun in the sun, relax on the beach, swim in azure blue water, hobnob with the rich and famous, and sail on (or gaze at) gigantic yachts. As for cities, Nice is nice with its palm-tree-lined promenade, old town, and many art museums. If you want to go see how the rich and famous live, spend an afternoon checking out Cannes to soak up some glamorous vibes on La Croisette where they hold the famous Cannes Film Festival. The kingdom of Monaco with its tiny streets, beautiful buildings, and world-famous casino is just a skip away too.

9. Enjoy the great outdoors in Interlaken

Located in the beautiful mountains of Switzerland, Interlaken is a gorgeous place to unwind with fantastic hiking, delicious hot chocolate, and plenty of outdoor sports. The area is full of natural attractions to explore, including the St. Beatus Caves (complete with a legendary dragon), the cascading 500-meter-high (1,640 feet) Giessbach Waterfalls, the Jungfraujoch mountain railway (which leads to the highest train station on the continent), and a plethora of lakes (hence the town’s name). It’s a good alternative to all the cities and museums. Interlaken is also a popular party destination for backpackers and other young travelers. By far, my favorite scenic and visually stunning trail was the Oberberghorn panoramic hike, where you can wander the green mountain ridge ogling the amazing views and the turquoise-blue Brienzersee.

10. Experience history in Rome

In this thriving historical city, you can’t walk two feet without stumbling over a ruin, making Rome a history buff’s dream. Its tiny streets are perfect for wandering as you explore the Colosseum, see the Forum and Palatine Hill, visit the Pantheon, spend time in Vatican City, admire the Spanish Steps, and toss coins into the famous Trevi Fountain. The skip-the-line tickets can definitely be worth it so you don’t waste time waiting outside attractions. Rome also has amazing food (it’s Italy, after all) and nightlife. Visit the Trastevere area for a taste of “local” Rome and chill bars. It’s my favorite area in the city because you feel like you’re in a small village in the middle of a big city.

11. Hike around the Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is my favorite part of Italy. These five beautiful cliffside towns are perched near warm waters and beautiful olive and grape groves. There are wondrous and strenuous hikes in these hills; for a real challenge, take trail #8. Or just walk the coastline for something less difficult. Many activities here revolve around the coastline: kayaking, swimming, having a beach picnic or visiting the Technical Naval Museum. If you happen to be here in December or January, don’t miss the Nativity Manarola, the world’s biggest lighted nativity scene.

12. Tour Krakow

Krakow looks like it stepped out of a medieval postcard. It’s a hip, trendy, and youthful city that’s the center of education in Poland, meaning there are a lot of university students here. Most travelers come to party here (the vodka is cheap) but try to enjoy the city’s history and food besides just the bars. Walk the Royal Road through the Old Town to the 13th-century Wawel Castle, tour Schindler’s Factory (where Schindler saved over 1,200 Jews during World War II), and visit the sobering Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. You can also take a fascinating day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Wieliczka Salt Mine, a 13th-century mine with cavernous chambers, statues, chapels, chandeliers, and cathedrals all carved out of salt.

13. Visit the ruin bars in Budapest

The coolest nightlife in all of Europe is found in Budapest . Built in abandoned buildings, ruin bars feature funky art installations, repurposed furniture, and quirky decor. They are amazing, fun, and great places to meet locals, as people of all ages flock here. Open since 2001, Szimpla Kert is the original ruin bar and one of my favorites, along with Instant-Fogas Complex, which takes up an entire building and is actually many different bars in one. Don’t skip the ruin bars — they’re one of the most unique things about the city!

14. Explore Cornwall

The best part of England is outside London, yet unfortunately, not a lot of travelers leave London. Head west to the area of Cornwall for cheaper prices, welcoming locals, natural beauty, great hiking, rolling hills, plenty of medieval castles, and picturesque small towns. If you like biking, the Camel Trail from Bodmin to Padstow is worth the trip and you even pass by a local vineyard. It’s an easy way to spend a day (and it’s pretty flat so it’s not too hard to do.) Plus, I had the best fish and chips in Cornwall! Overall, it’s what you think of as “traditional England.”

15. Walk the Camino

El Camino de Santiago (The Way of Saint James) is an ancient pilgrimage route that stretches from France all the way across northern Spain. It is a 500 mile (800 km) trail that winds through incredible terrain, ending in Santiago de Compostela at the cathedral where St. James is supposedly buried. As a pilgrim, you get a “pilgrim’s passport” which allows you to stay in affordable pilgrim-only hostels, making this a surprisingly budget-friendly adventure. While it usually takes over a month to complete, you can just walk a section if you don’t have the time. To receive a “Compostela” (certificate of completion), you just need to walk the last 62 miles (100 km), which generally takes 4-5 days.

16. Throw tomatoes during La Tomatina

By far my favorite festival, the largest food fight in the world happens during the last Wednesday of August in Bunol, Spain. What started in 1945 as a local brawl has turned into a massive event drawing tens of thousands of people from all over the world. For about an hour, everyone throws tomatoes at each other, leaving streets ankle-deep in tomato juice. Afterward, everyone walks down to the river, cleans off, and then heads to the town square for sangria and music.

17. Find Dracula in Romania

Not a lot of people visit Romania but this underrated country in Eastern Europe has undiscovered yet picturesque medieval towns like Brasov (home to “Dracula’s castle”), Sighisoara, and Sibiu; gorgeous beaches on the Black Sea; and incredible hiking in the Fagaras Mountains — all at dirt-cheap prices. Other major sights include frescoed Byzantine monasteries, the steepled wooden churches of Transylvania, the hip university town Cluj-Napoca, the post-communist capital of Bucharest, and the Danube Delta, a huge nature reserve.

18. Drink whisky in Islay

Whisky has a long history on Islay , an island off Scotland’s west coast. It’s been made there since the 16th-century — first in backyards and then, starting in the 19th-century, in large distilleries. Over the years, whisky from the island came to be considered a specialty and was used to flavor a lot of other blends on the mainland. There are currently nine working distilleries on the island, all located along the island’s shores, with Laphroaig, Ardbeg, and Lagavulin being the most famous. Most distilleries here make single-malt Scotch, meaning that only one type of grain (barley) is used. My visit here was amazing and, even if you don’t like whisky, there are tons of good hikes and walks throughout this magnificent island.

19. Explore Iceland

Iceland is a magical country with majestic waterfalls, hidden hot springs around every corner, and sweeping vistas unlike anywhere else in the world. After my first visit, the country quickly became one of my favorite countries. With whale watching in the summer, the northern lights in the winter, and geothermal baths for soaking in year-round, there really is no bad time to visit! While Iceland’s main draw is the epic natural landscapes, it’s worth spending a couple of days in Reykjavik with its café culture, artsy feel, and brightly colored wooden row houses.

20. Sail the Croatian coast

With calm winds, short distances, a coastline littered with over 1,000 islands, and countless historical sites, Croatia is one of the world’s best sailing destinations. If you can, go during the shoulder season when you can find some great deals. Plan to stay at least a couple of days on one of the islands, with the most popular being Brac, Hvar, Krk, Cres, and Lošinj. However, don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path and explore some of the lesser-known islands such as Silba, Vis, and Lastovo. If you want to splash out and spend a week partying on a yacht, check out The Yacht Week, which hosts week-long parties, complete with DJs, from May-September. You can book a full boat to share with friends or just a cabin if you’re traveling solo. Prices start at 5,250 HRK per person and go up to 9,300 HRK.

21. Explore the Balkans

While the Balkans have become more popular with backpackers in recent years, it’s still largely overlooked by most budget travelers, despite being an extremely budget-friendly region. The Balkan peninsula is home to great (and again, overlooked) wine, beautiful medieval towns like Kotor and Mostar, stunning mountainous landscapes, beautiful pebble beaches, coffee culture, fresh, hearty yet inexpensive food, and museums covering the area’s history, including the most recent turbulent events of the early 1990s. I especially loved my time in Albania . Don’t miss the beautiful beaches in Ksamil, nicknamed the “Maldives of Europe’ as well as the mountain village of Gjirokastër, which was occupied by Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. The Balkans have so much to offer for every budget and every country has its unique cultural flavor.

22. Take a wine tour in the Loire Valley

Located in central France, the picturesque Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and stretches 280 kilometers (174 miles) along the Loire River. One of the major wine-producing regions of France, the area is home to some of the best wines in the world, with over 1,000 vineyards open to the public. Even those who don’t drink wine will enjoy the beautiful small towns, great food, and the region’s over 300 impressive chateaux. I loved the medieval Chenonceau Castle and Chateau Villandry and the small villages like Saint-Florent-le-Vieil. Spring and Autumn are my favorite times to visit because you can go biking and do outdoor activities when it’s not too hot and there are fewer people. It’s an area not to be missed.

23. See Fado in Portugal

Fado is an important musical tradition in Portugal , originating in Lisbon and stretching back some 200 years. The word “fado” likely stems from the Latin word for fate, and it’s very haunting, poetic, and emotional music. Most of the songs follow themes of loss and mourning, and the music was popular with the working class (especially sailors). Performances normally take place in restaurants during dinner. In Lisbon, head to Clube de Fado, Tasca do Chico, Parreirinha de Alfama, or Senhor Vinho.

24. Tour green Slovenia

Slovenia is one of Europe’s least-visited destinations, which is mind-blowing to me because it’s an amazing place to visit. Slovenia offers all the beauty of Western Europe but at a fraction of the cost and with a fraction of the crowds. Perfect for outdoor adventure lovers, Slovenia offers rugged mountains, untouched landscapes, fantastic ski resorts, plentiful wine, sprawling cave systems, incredible food, and postcard-perfect lakes, such as the famous Lake Bled with its castle on an island. I loved Piran, Slovenia’s often overlooked coastal Venetian-style harbor town that was actually founded 3000 years ago. Stroll around its beautiful windy cobble-stoned streets, beautiful plazas, and take advantage of the many affordable restaurants right on the water. Make sure to also spend a few days in the country’s capital, Ljubljana, known as one of the continent’s greenest and most livable cities. Take a river cruise to see the city and enjoy the friendliness of the locals.

  For more information on specific countries in Europe, check out the guides below:

• Albania Travel Guide
• Austria Travel Guide
• Belgium Travel Guide
• Belarus Travel Guide
• Bosnia & Herzegovina Travel Guide
• Bulgaria Travel Guide
• Czechia Travel Guide
• Croatia Travel Guide
• Denmark Travel Guide
• England Travel Guide
• Estonia Travel Guide
• Finland Travel Guide
• France Travel Guide
• Germany Travel Guide
• Greece Travel Guide
• Hungary Travel Guide
• Iceland Travel Guide
• Ireland Travel Guide
• Italy Travel Guide
• Latvia Travel Guide
• Lithuania Travel Guide
• Malta Travel Guide
• Moldova Travel Guide
• Montenegro Travel Guide
• Netherlands Travel Guide
• Norway Travel Guide
• Portugal Travel Guide
• Poland Travel Guide
• Romania Travel Guide
• Scotland Travel Guide
• Slovakia Travel Guide
• Slovenia Travel Guide
• Spain Travel Guide
• Sweden Travel Guide
• Switzerland Travel Guide
• Ukraine Travel Guide

Europe Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation prices vary greatly by region. In Western Europe, hostel dorm rooms cost between 25-45 EUR per night, depending on the room’s size and the popularity of the hostel. I stayed in a 6-bed dorm in Berlin for 20 EUR, while the same one would have cost me around 45 EUR in Paris. A room in Paris costs on the higher end and a room in cheaper Athens costs on the lower end.

In Eastern Europe, hostel dorm rooms cost between 10-15 EUR per night depending on the size of the dorm room and the popularity of the hostel. The further east you go, the cheaper it gets. Expect to pay around 30-60 EUR per night for a private room that sleeps two.

In Scandinavia, hostel dorm beds cost around 25-45 EUR, while private rooms are 65-80 EUR. Budget hotels start around 85 EUR.

Most accommodations offer free linens, free Wi-Fi, and a lot offer free breakfast, but it’s important to check specific websites for exact amenities.

Campsites cost between 10-15 EUR per night for a basic plot for two without electricity.

Food – Food traditions in Europe run deep, stretching back centuries to become integral parts of each country’s culture. From baguettes in France to tapas in Spain, from hearty Eastern European stews and goulash to the fresh vegetables and olive oils of the Mediterranean, European cuisine varies as much as the countries themselves. Food prices differ greatly across the continent, so check individual country guides for specifics.

But no matter where you are, even in the more expensive countries, finding places to eat within your budget is easier than you might think. Throughout Western Europe, you can find small shops, street food stalls, or food trucks where you can get sandwiches, gyros, kebabs, slices of pizza, or sausages for between 3-7 EUR. These shops are most often found in train stations, bus stations, and main pedestrian areas, and offer cheap food alternatives that can have you eating on 12-17 EUR per day. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 7-10 EUR for a combo meal.

Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Vietnamese eateries abound in Germany, while Indian food is incredible and everywhere in the United Kingdom. Meals at these restaurants usually cost between 8-12 EUR.

Restaurant meals in casual, traditional eateries generally cost around 13-25 EUR for a main dish and drink. Food is much cheaper in the east than in the west, and in the west, northern regions like Scandinavia and the UK are more expensive than southern countries like Spain, Portugal, and Italy.

In Eastern Europe, even if you are eating out for all your meals, you can still get by on a food budget of as little as 15 EUR per day.

For drinks, a pint of beer is 2-5 EUR, a glass of wine is 2-7 EUR, a cappuccino is 2-5 EUR, and cocktails range from 6-14 EUR.

If you eat out, do so at lunch and get the prix-fixe menu (two-course or three-course set menu). Restaurants offer this set menu during lunch, and with prices between 10-20 EUR, it’s a way better deal than the regular dinner menu. You can also get affordable lunches at outdoor markets. So many European cities have huge fresh food markets throughout town.

You can cook your own food for around 45-65 EUR per week. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, bread, and some meat. You can save money by shopping at discount supermarkets like Profi, Lidl, Aldi, and Penny Market.

If you want to save big money on meals, head to one of the markets, pick up some cheese, wine, bread, meats, or anything else, and go to the park for a picnic. (Or grab a sandwich for later!) You’ll find the locals doing the same thing, and it’s one of the cheaper ways to get a true taste of local food.

Backpacking Europe Suggested Budgets

Prices for travel in Europe vary greatly depending on how far north, east, south, or west you travel. If you stick to the budget accommodations, food, and tours listed here and use all my tips on saving money, you need about 65-110 EUR per day in Western Europe, 40-50 EUR in Eastern Europe, and about 85-130 EUR in Scandinavia.

Those numbers reflect a traveler who stays in hostels, cooks some meals and eats out cheaply, enjoys a few drinks, and sticks to free and cheap activities like hiking, walking tours, and enjoying nature. This is your typical backpacker budget. You aren’t going to have a fancy time, but you aren’t going to want for anything either.

However, by getting tourist cards and rail passes, avoiding flights, occasionally Couchsurfing or camping, cooking all your meals, and not drinking, you can travel a lot cheaper. On this budget, you could do Western Europe on 35-45 EUR per day, Eastern Europe on 20-25 EUR, and Scandinavia on 50-65 EUR. That would require you to take a train or a bus or hitchhike everywhere, skip most museums, and limit how often you go out.

Generally, the suggested daily budget for Europe is 80-120 EUR. You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Europe Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Individual country guides have more specific information on how to save money in them but here are some general tips on cutting your costs while you explore Europe:

• Picnic – This continent has a lot of little shops where you can buy pre-made sandwiches or ingredients to make your own. Many supermarkets have delis as well where you can get food to go. Buy some food, eat outside, and watch the city and its people go by. It’s a much more enjoyable and cheaper way to eat.
• Eat local and cheap – Not into picnicking? Eat at local sandwich shops, pizza parlors, Maoz, Wok to Walks, and outdoor street vendors. Avoiding restaurants and eating at a lot of the local “grab n’ go” places gives you a taste of the local cuisine at a much cheaper price. If you’re really on a budget, use your creative cooking skills to prepare meals at the hostel as well.
• Stay with a local – Hostels can add up really quickly. If you don’t have any friends with whom you can stay, consider using Couchsurfing , which connects you with locals who let you stay with them for free. Plus, they tend to also have meetups to meet other locals and travelers. It’s a great way to save on accommodation and meet a local who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Camp in a garden – A very good camping service specific to Europe is Campspace , which allows you to pitch a tent in someone’s backyard for free or for a small fee (around 10-20 EUR). All of the garden owners have profiles that tell you what services and facilities they offer. Also, many countries allow wild camping (like Sweden), which can save you a fortune if you have a tent.
• Take the bus – Budget bus companies like Flixbus can take you across the continent for cheap. I personally feel it’s best for day travel as sitting up for an overnight bus isn’t really ideal for sleeping. It isn’t glamorous, but with tickets starting at 5 EUR, you really can’t complain!
• Get a Rail Pass – Eurail Passes have saved me hundreds of dollars. If you are traveling far distances and through many countries, they are a great deal.
• Take the free city tours – One of the great things about Europe is that you can find free walking tours in all the major cities. They can be a great way to see the city attractions, take in some history, and learn your bearings without spending any money. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Plan accordingly – Plan your trip around Europe so you avoid doubling back. Transportation is a big expense so proper planning can save you a lot of money (and time). Go in a straight line or a loop. Booking your accommodation ahead helps you save as well since cheap, good places unsurprisingly get reserved first. One thing I’ve learned is that waiting until the last minute means you get stuck with expensive places or cheap places no one wants.
• Fly cheap – If you know where you are going and a train won’t do, try to book flights early. You can often get round trip fares for as little as 5 EUR from many of the European discount airlines like Ryanair or Wizz. Many capital cities have smaller airports farther from the city with ‘inconvenient’ times but cheaper fares. Keep in mind you might need to factor in an early morning Uber or taxi if the busses aren’t running and you have an early flight!
• Drink less – Those 5 EUR beers add up. Hit happy hours or pick and choose when you party. Hostel bars are a good place to get cheap drinks or buy your alcohol at the supermarket. Plus, in Europe, it’s legal to drink outside in parks, plazas, by the lakes or rivers. You’ll find you can save a lot of money by not going to bars and clubs. Partying your way across the continent will destroy your bank balance in no time.
• Get a city tourist card – Many local tourism offices sell a tourism card for all their attractions, tours, and restaurants. This card gives you free entry and substantial discounts on all the attractions and tours in a city, free local public transportation (a huge plus), and discounts at a few restaurants and shopping malls. They save a ton of money. If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, get one of these cards.
• Rideshare – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar to catch rides with locals between cities (or countries) by paying a small fee. It’s like Airbnb but for rides. I used this service in Switzerland and, not only did I save a lot of money, but I got to meet interesting people and learn about local culture and life. Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe, though sometimes rides cancel at the last minute (which is why you need to be flexible). Check their ratings first and try to use rides where the person has done many trips.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water is safe to drink in most of Europe, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Get a HostelPass – HostelPass is a discount membership for hostels in Europe. Members get 10-20% off select hostels around Europe, as well as perks like free breakfast or free drinks. There are discounts on tours and activities too. It’s a great way to save money if you’re bouncing around Europe as they have hostels in 18 countries around the continent.

Where to Stay in Europe

Europe has a ton of budget accommodation options. The individual country and city guides have tons of recommendations but here’s a short list of some of my favorite budget hostels and hotels around Europe:

• The Flying Pig (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
• Hotel 54 (Barcelona, Spain)
• Generator Hostel (Copenhagen, Denmark)
• Harcourt Hotel (Dublin, Ireland)
• Castle Rock (Edinburgh, Scotland)
• Ios Palm Pansion (Ios, Greece)
• Greg and Tom’s Party Hostel (Krakow, Poland)
• Largo da Sé Guest House (Lisbon, Portugal)
• Sophie’s Hostel (Prague, Czech Republic)
• The Yellow (Rome, Italy)
• City Backpackers (Stockholm, Sweden)

How to Get Around Europe

Public transportation – Transportation around most European cities is by tram, subway, or bus. Prices are typically around 2 EUR for a one-way ticket in Western Europe and closer to 1 EUR in Eastern Europe. Most large cities also have day passes available that offer unlimited public transportation. These passes are usually 5-12 EUR per day.

In large cities with international airports, there is usually a bus or train available that ferries travelers from the downtown core to the airport. Expect to pay around 5-15 EUR to get to/from the airport.

Bus – Buses are not quite as comfortable as Europe’s trains, although certain lines do have great amenities (like roomy seats and Wi-Fi). While buses are not the most efficient way to travel around the continent, they’re certainly dependable, reliable, and cheap. You can find last-minute rides for as little as 5 EUR. A route from Berlin to Munich is about 25 EUR, while Paris to Bordeaux can be as low as 10 EUR. Longer routes, like Amsterdam to Copenhagen, start at around 47 EUR.

Each country has its own national bus service, but some lines also take you long distances internationally. Megabus and Flixbus (which now owns Eurolines) are the most popular companies.

Train – Train travel is a great way to see Europe. Intercity train prices vary wildly from country to country, depending on whether you take the slow train or a high-speed train and how far in advance you book. For example, a high-speed train from Berlin to Munich costs around 38-60 EUR, Bordeaux to Paris is about 50-85 EUR, and Madrid to Barcelona ranges from 45-85 EUR. Non-high-speed trains and other intercity lines are a lot cheaper, generally costing about 40-50% of the price of high-speed trains. Eastern Europe inter-country trains usually cost between 45-100 EUR when the ticket is booked last minute. Short train rides of 2-3 hours within countries cost about 27 EUR.

To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

You may also want to consider getting a Eurail Pass , which allows travelers to explore Europe by providing a set number of stops in a specific time period. These passes are continent-wide, country-specific, or regional. It can potentially save you hundreds of dollars.

Ridesharing/Car sharing – If your schedule is flexible, use a ridesharing service and catch rides with locals between cities (or countries). Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe. BlaBlaCar is the most popular.

If you’d rather rent a car yourself and find passengers to share a ride with, use Discover Cars to find the best car rental prices.

Flying – Budget airlines are so prolific that competition helps keep fares low. You can often find tickets where the fare is just 5 EUR round-trip! Companies like EasyJet, Ryanair, Wizz, and Vueling offer mind-blowingly cheap flights throughout Europe. Book at least a month early to scoop up great deals.

Make sure that the airport they fly into isn’t too far out of your way (transportation from the secondary airport sometimes negates the savings from using the budget airline itself).

Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay to check your baggage on these cheap flights. It costs about 25-39 EUR for one checked bag. If you wait to pay for your luggage at the gate, you end up paying almost double. Travel carry-on only to avoid this added cost.

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Europe is very safe, but it’s not for everyone. Hitching is quite common around the continent and I’ve met a number of travelers who have done it (I, myself, traveled this way in Bulgaria and Iceland). Some countries are very supportive (Romania, Iceland, Germany) while others may be a bit more time-consuming (Italy, Spain). HitchWiki is the best website for hitchhiking info.

Here are my suggested articles for how to get around Europe:

• 7 Cheap Ways to Travel Across Europe
• Are Eurail Passes a Giant Scam or Do They Save You Money?
• The Ultimate Guide to Finding Cheap Flights

When to Go to Europe

There’s no wrong time to visit Europe. Peak season is summer, when Europe gets crowded and August is the time most European families are at the beach so everything becomes more crowded and expensive. But the overall atmosphere and weather are great during this time, so it’s still worth visiting during peak season (just book your accommodation in advance — especially in August). Keep in mind it’s much hotter in summer so if you like AC, be sure to check that your hostel or hotel has it before you book. You can expect the most crowds in Western Europe. For this reason, I feel summer is a great time to visit the Balkans and the Baltics because many people head to the beaches in Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, and Greece.

Shoulder season is spring and fall (April-May and September-October). It’s still warm during this time but there aren’t as many crowds and prices are cheaper. This is my favorite time to visit hotspot places like Spain, Croatia and Greece, where it’s still hot enough to swim in the sea but you have way more room on the beach. It’s also a good time to go hiking in the Alps in Germany, northern Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland because it’s cooler during the day so you’re much less sweaty on the mountain without shade. The weather is good, the crowds are smaller, and the prices lower.

Winter is from November to February but in much of Central Europe, it’s wet and cold until March or April. It gets cold, even as far south as it gets (like Greece). On the other hand, the Christmas season has Christmas markets and festivals galore! Even if it’s cold, this is a cultural tradition you can’t miss and why I love Europe in December. There is hot mulled wine, sweets, and plenty of hot snacks, which vary by country. One of my favorites is Prague because the Old Town Square is lit up with a gigantic tree with aromas of crispy cinnamon pastries and mulled wine. Berlin takes their Christmas markets very seriously, so there are around 80 different markets with special themes.

Winter is fantastic in Europe for skiing and snowboarding but it doesn’t have to break the bank if you plan carefully. While Switzerland and France are probably the most famous, they are also expensive, but there are plenty of budget winter options.

How to Stay Safe in Europe

Europe is very safe for backpacking and solo traveling, even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent crimes against tourists are very rare. In fact, some of the safest countries in the world are in Europe. (I wrote a whole article about how Europe is safe to visit right now .)

That said, there are scams and petty crimes you should watch out for, especially around popular tourist landmarks. The most important thing to be aware of is pickpockets in crowds and on public transportation. Zip your bags and don’t put your mobile phone in a jacket pocket where someone could quickly take it. This should be obvious but don’t flash your money to let everyone know you have a huge wad of cash.

When choosing a hostel, look for ones with lockers. It’s always a good idea to carry around a padlock or combination lock. Most hostels are safe and travelers respect each other and I’ve rarely seen things happen to people’s valuables. Nevertheless, I always think that prevention is better.

As anywhere, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). When at the bar, always keep an eye on your drink. Avoid walking home alone at night if you’re intoxicated.

For female travelers in particular, it’s always a good idea to have a bit of extra money on you just in case you need to take an Uber or taxi back by yourself so you don’t take unnecessary risks to save money. If you’re using apps to date people while traveling, please use common sense and meet in public places. Since I’m not a female traveler, please check out the numerous female bloggers who have first hand knowledge of this.

If you’re worried about scams, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you rent a vehicle, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. Break-ins are rare, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Be aware that the UK drives on the left and that most rental cars in Europe will have manual transmissions unless you request otherwise.

When hiking, always bring water, sunscreen, and bandaids or foot plasters. There is nothing worse than being halfway up the mountain with a blister and nothing you can do about it!

Likewise, when at the coast, don’t forget not only to wear sunscreen! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people get burnt to a crisp the first day. Be sure to check the weather before you depart and dress accordingly.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary to loved ones so they know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Europe Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

While I have a lot of free tips on Europe, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.

I’ll give the insider view of Europe that I got from years of traveling and living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go. Click here to learn more about my book on Europe!

Europe Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Europe travel and continue planning your trip:

The 7 Best Hotels in London

10 Scotland Road Trip Tips You Need to Know Before You Go

The Perfect 7-Day Croatia Itinerary

The 6 Best Hotels in Copenhagen

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

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International travel documents for children

See what documents a child needs to travel to or from the U.S. alone or with a parent or relative.

Children traveling to the U.S.

All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents such as a passport or document from a Trusted Traveler Program to enter the U.S. If you travel or are going to travel with a child, consider taking the following documents:

• If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents. The letter should say "I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
• If one parent has sole custody of the child, a copy of the custody document can take the place of the other parent's letter.
• Parents who frequently cross the border by land with a minor must always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.

U.S. citizen children traveling abroad

Ports of entry in many countries have security measures to prevent international child abduction . If you are traveling alone with your child, you may be required to present documentation proving you are the parent or legal guardian. You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel. 

If your child travels alone, depending on the country, they may be required to present a notarized letter from both parents or their legal guardian. If a minor is traveling abroad and is not accompanied by both parents or a legal guardian, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting and ask about entry and exit requirements for that country.

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Why You’ll Pay More and Behave Better When You Travel This Summer

From Barcelona to Bali, higher fees and new rules are targeting overtourism and unruly behavior. Some locals are worried the changes will keep tourists away.

By Paige McClanahan

A new tourist fee in Bali. Higher hotel taxes in Amsterdam and Paris. Stricter rules on public drinking in Milan and Majorca. Ahead of the summer travel season, leaders in many tourist spots have adopted measures to tame the tourist crowds — or at least earn more revenue from them.

All of this may pose headaches for travelers, although in most cases, the new fees or tax increases represent only a tiny fraction of the total cost of a trip. The goal is to ensure that tourism functions smoothly for visitors and locals alike, said Megan Epler Wood, managing director of the Sustainable Tourism Asset Management Program at Cornell University.

“All tourism is dependent on beautiful natural and cultural resources. You have to protect those resources in order to be a viable tourism destination — and if you don’t, they degrade,” Ms. Epler Wood said.

In some places, proposals for new fees or visitor rules have drawn opposition from residents, who fear they might scare away the tourists who bolster the local economy. But destinations need to find ways to counteract what Ms. Epler Wood calls “ the invisible burden ” of tourism, which includes strains on a community’s infrastructure, utilities and housing stock, as well as tourists’ carbon footprint and any challenges they might impose on residents’ daily lives.

“You put so much pressure on the place that the people who live there become unhappy, and then they don’t present a very good face to tourists,” Ms. Epler Wood said. “The longer you wait, the higher the cost to fix it.”

Here is a look at new measures that travelers can expect this summer, and where others might be coming in the future.

New visitor fees

Since February, visitors to the Indonesian island of Bali have been asked to pay a levy of 150,000 Indonesian rupiahs, or about $9.40 per visit. Revenue will be used to support the preservation of cultural and natural assets on the island, where tourism has brought major challenges related to litter, water supply and overcrowding. Visitors are encouraged to pay the new fee online before departure, although it’s also possible to pay on arrival at the airport.

Beginning Aug. 1, most foreign travelers to the Galápagos Islands — which had a record-breaking 330,000 visitors last year — must pay a $200 entry fee, double the current rate. The money raised will be used to support conservation, improve infrastructure and fund community programs.

The change is the first increase to the entry fee since it was introduced in 1998, said Tom O’Hara, communications manager for the Galápagos Conservation Trust . Mr. O’Hara noted that the increase comes a year after the UNESCO World Heritage Committee urged the government of Ecuador to work toward a “zero-growth model” for tourism in the Galápagos.

“It’s quite a complicated topic,” Mr. O’Hara said, noting that the fee increase has been viewed “as part of the solution to overtourism.” On the other hand, he added, “everyone is trying to reassure the local tourist industry that this isn’t going to kill tourism on the islands.

In April, Venice began imposing a fee — 5 euros, about $5.40 — on day-trippers visiting on peak days, with the goal of striking “a new balance between the tourists and residents.”

But the new Venice Access Fee has drawn criticism from residents. “This project is a disaster for us. We are a city, not a park,” said Matteo Secchi, the president of Venessia.com, an association of Venice residents. Mr. Secchi said that a communications campaign would have been more effective.

The possibility of a new tourist fee has also drawn local opposition in Hawaii, where Gov. Josh Green has proposed a “climate impact fee” for visitors to the state. The measure failed during a recent meeting of the State Legislature, but Governor Green has persisted in calling for visitors to help fund the state’s preparation for future climate shocks.

“We have to get this tiger by the tail,” he told journalists in May, adding that $25 per visitor could raise $250 million a year, which the state could use to guard against climate disasters, manage erosion, strengthen infrastructure and protect parks.

Hotel fees and other taxes get a bump

Hotel taxes, also known as occupancy or accommodation taxes, are widespread in the United States and Europe, where they were on the rise for a decade leading up to the pandemic. With tourism’s rebound to prepandemic levels, several destinations have increased or adjusted the tax to capture more revenue.

Like Hawaii, Greece — which also suffered severe wildfires last summer — is looking to steel itself against climate disasters, and the government wants tourists to help foot the bill. Greece is calling the charge a climate crisis resilience fee , and it will be collected by accommodation providers. The tax will be higher from March to October, when it will top out at €10 per night at five-star hotels. The rate drops from November to February, and for hotels with fewer stars. The fee replaces the previous hotel tax, which ranged from €0.50 to €4 per night.

In Amsterdam, the hotel tax, which was already one of the highest in Europe, rose to 12.5 percent from 7 percent on Jan. 1. City lawmakers have also raised the tax on cruise passengers to €14 from €11 per person per night.

The hotel tax in Barcelona also rose this year, increasing to €3.25 per night. The measure was the final step-up in a gradual increase that began before the pandemic. A spokesman for Barcelona City Hall said that further tax increases would be aimed at tourist rental apartments and cruises that make short stopovers, which contribute less to the city’s income. The spokesman also noted that revenue generated by the tourist tax is being used, among other things, to fund the installation of solar panels and air-conditioning in Barcelona’s public schools.

Ahead of this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, lawmakers in the Île-de-France region have imposed a new tax, on top of the normal hotel levy. With the new tax, which will fund public transportation in the region, a guest in a five-star hotel now owes a total of €10.73 in tax per night stayed, while a stay in a two-star hotel incurs a tax of €3.25 per night.

Though the measure was adopted by the regional government, it was not supported by the leadership in Paris itself. A spokeswoman for Paris City Hall called the move “a democratic power grab” that “in no way benefits the city of Paris.” She noted that even with the funds generated by the new tax, the region still raised the price of tickets for public transportation in the city during the Olympics — a measure that has disgruntled many Paris residents.

Introducing new rules

In other tourist spots, the focus is on curbing behavior that pollutes the local environment or harms residents’ quality of life.

In Japan, authorities at Mount Fuji will cap visitors at 4,000 per day. They have also imposed a new fee of 2,000 yen (about $13) for access to the iconic summit. Elsewhere in the country, a community council in the Gion neighborhood of Kyoto has closed some small roads to tourists, after complaints that the area, home to the city’s geisha district, was suffering from crowds.

“We will ask tourists to refrain from entering narrow private streets in or after April,” Isokazu Ota, a leading member of the community council, told Agence-France Presse in March. “We don’t want to do this, but we’re desperate.”

A spokeswoman for the city’s tourism board described the road closures as “a local initiative,” adding that “neither Kyoto City nor the Kyoto City Tourism Association are aware of any details beyond what is reported in the media.”

Rowdy visitor behavior has been the target of new rules in Milan. In some areas, city leaders have banned outdoor seating after 12:30 a.m. during the week and 1:30 a.m. on the weekend in response to resident complaints. They have also limited the late-night sale of takeaway food and drinks.

And in certain areas on the Spanish Balearic Islands of Majorca and Ibiza that are overrun with drunk tourists, the government has imposed a ban on late-night sales of alcohol and the consumption of alcohol in the street. New restrictions have also been imposed on party boats in the same areas.

“Tourism has negative externalities that must be managed and minimized,” Marga Prohens, the president of the Balearic Islands, told a local gathering this month , according to The Majorca Daily Bulletin. Local tourism, she said, “cannot continue to grow in volume.”

Paige McClanahan, a regular contributor to the Travel section, is author of “The New Tourist: Waking Up to the Power and Perils of Travel,” forthcoming from Scribner on June 18.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

The Alaska Highway:  On an epic road trip, a family plots a course from Alaska to the Lower 48, passing through some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery .

Minorca:  Spend 36 hours on this slow-paced Spanish island , which offers a quieter and wilder retreat than its more touristy neighbors.

Japan:  A new high-speed train stop unlocks Kaga, a destination for hot springs, nourishing food and traditional crafts , as an easy-to-reach getaway from Tokyo.

London:  The Victoria and Albert Museum is a treasure trove of art and design. Here’s one besotted visitor’s plan for taking it all in .