Whether you are looking to explore the world, or you are teaching abroad, you are probably wondering how you can afford it. There are many opportunities that allow you to travel without breaking the bank or worry about money. The key is to look outside of the box, and take advantage of options that present themselves that you may not have considered before.
Volunteer
One way to see the world without spending a lot of money is to volunteer. Many volunteer organizations will provide lodging and some meals if you commit to one to two years of service. For example, if you are interested in teaching English abroad, but you don’t have the academic background or experience to gain a paying job, you can volunteer. This allows you to experience the life and culture, as well as gain experience for the future, without spending a lot of your own money.
Live Like a Local
One key to travelling cheaply is to skip the touristy attractions and restaurants. While it may seem logical and easy to eat out at a restaurant for all of your meals, this takes up a lot of your money. Shop at local markets and the grocery store, and cook at the place you are staying if at all possible. Pack snacks, fruit, and sandwiches in a day pack so that you can eat inexpensively while you are out and about exploring.
If you are staying somewhere for a longer period of time, renting a place for a month or two ends up being much cheaper than staying in a hotel. Ask for long-term special rates to help lower your lodging costs.
Stay off the Beaten Path
While it may seem cool to stay in a popular city such as Paris or Rome, you may find it much less expensive to stay in a smaller town nearby. The costs for lodging and food are much less, and many countries have good transportation routes that allow you to get into the city easily and inexpensively.
Travel Grants
Another option to help cut down on travel costs is to apply for a travel grant or scholarship. These are often available for students, especially those who are looking to further their studies or career in another country. Students who are studying to teach English as a second language are good candidates for these types of grants. Because teaching in another country often doesn’t pay very much, these grants assist in the affordability of travel and other fees that may be involved.
I would say travelling on a bicycle also saves a lot of money on transportation costs. I also agree with you that staying at a place like a local will avoid tourist price. I tend to contact with locals from places I plan to travel to (using travelbuddy) and they can help out a lot introducing cheap places to stay and eat.
If you decide you want your destination to include an amusement park, look around for packages. Many resorts offer packages that include tickets and will save you money.
I agree – living like a local is the way to go! Not only it keeps the finances low, but it also allows for better insights into the local culture.
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