Dear (Young) Wandering Spirit,
Do you know the feeling of having only 20 bucks in your pocket? I think we all do! And how often did you dream of travelling the world?
Well folks, travel at zero costs is possible. Especially for those of you under 25! Pack a bag, wear comfy shoes and start collecting the best memories of your life. 🤳
Travel When You Are Young
When you are in your twenties, you wish for so many things but end up doing little, as you are broke. Some of us were luckier and got a job soon, however, many young people earn little money with occasional jobs during university.
Does travelling sound unaffordable? This is not true! In fact, you have some essentials in your suitcase that you start losing at adulthood: whether it is time, energy, or enthusiasm.
Whatever your current situation (if currently studying, taking a break, working full- or part-time, or else), remember this simple fact: The ideal moment is now. And you should make the best out of it. 💪
Take a cue from the recommendations below.
Cheap Travel Hacks
1# Carpe diem
Carpe diem means to grab opportunities whenever they present themselves. On semester break or just finished your studies? Backpack across the world.
In modern times, employers appreciate adventurous spirits who can take some risks into account. If you are not English native speaking, seize the moment to improve your language skills too!
2# Get a job overseas
At its best, you can even earn the pocket money to keep travelling from one country to another. How? Check out the local job ads in the countries you are about to visit, ask a local or have a look online.
Also, there are work and travel solutions in many English-speaking countries you might want to check out too. Planning to stay for a while? Check out the benefits of slow travel. 👣
3# Live with locals
Become an au-pair and stay at someone else’s house to babysit and help with the housework. I recommend this experience, as I did this myself. I improved my German skills and got to know some friends for life from all over the world.
4# Networking is essential
There are many forums and platforms to get to know people all around the world. Even short-distance, you might know someone whose cousin lives far away. Get in touch and create your international network from scratch!
Want to learn a foreign language? Start a tandem with a foreign person. In return, you just dedicate some of your time to teaching your mother tongue.
5# Couchsurfing and other sharing services
The sharing economy has made things easier for penniless travellers. You can couch-surf at someone else’s place, you can cook for them, and even share a car ride for a little money. If you cannot travel right now, consider offering these services in your hometown.
You will practice some hospitality skills, get in touch with other cultures 👘 and, of course, it will come in handy when they return the favour.
6# Make this your life project
Are you celebrating your birthday? Are you about to finish your studies and throw a party soon? Inform all your friends and family members that you only have one wish: to save enough money for a long journey.
Start crowdfunding and tell your story. Show everyone your commitment, your travel plans, and collect their addresses to send beautiful postcards when you are finally on site.
7# Brand yourself
Want to go the extra mile? Ask your friends to subscribe to your newsletter and send them once-a-week travel updates with a picture of you anywhere. Digital savvy? 🤳 Create a free micro-blog and tell your travel stories. You never know when you can turn it into a working business!
8# Discounts, discounts everywhere
Before getting to a country, search for student passes and any related discounts. Some museums offer a free entrance during the week – make sure you visit them on that day.
Look out for cheaper places to eat on TripAdvisor or check local blogs. New shop openings might offer some food samples you do not want to miss. Most supermarkets give short-term food at extremely small prices. It is also good for the planet. Why spend more?
9# Travel for free, but be prepared
I am not selling you a recipe to travel for free all the time. You should have some cushion for emergencies, just in case. If you plan to travel after finishing your studies, start soon and save 20 bucks each month in your bank account. This money can be literally lifesaving. 💰
10# Do it now
This is not a travel recommendation, but honest advice for life. There is no right moment to do such things, but you surely have more free time now than you will ever have. Do not be afraid to break out of your comfort zone.
If your English is not proficient, this is a good way to improve it. Do not be shy and think outside the box! If you have few friends, create new ones in the places you are about to visit. And if things are getting difficult, you can always go back home and say, ‘Hey, at least I have tried!’.
Have you tried one or more travel hacks like these? Let me know what you think and if you will practise some!
Also, remember to subscribe to riccivagabondi travel blog for further useful travel hacks. ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️
