Travel Hacks
Travel Ain’t Easy but It’s Sure Worth It
What are Your Travel Goals?
Unfortunately, I don’t have any secret travel websites for amazing deals or someone in the background funding my adventures but what I do have is experience traveling solo to over 40 countries throughout North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Europe on an average (or less than) income. Most importantly, my trips are planned to maximize destination duration and adventure while minimizing costs and headaches.
Travel as a Priority
The main reason I travel is because I can and I want to. It’s a priority in my life and I choose to focus my energy on experiencing new places as often as possible. Of course, having a job helps fund travel but no one has unlimited vacation days, so use them wisely.
Typically, I plan two big trips each year about six months apart. The first one is a week long sandwiched between two weekends, while the other is two weeks in length, including three weekends. Throughout the year, I do my very best to not waste vacation days, rarely getting sick and always coordinating local travel over long weekends to avoid unnecessary PTO.
Additionally, I’m lucky in the sense that I don’t have many responsibilities (and have purposefully chosen this lifestyle). My apartment is a rental. I don’t have a car. No kids. No pets. There’s really nothing major eating into my budget. And say what you will but even my student loans are paid at a minimum. I’d rather enjoy life today than pay off never-ending loans. I owe so much I’ll likely be dead before they’re paid off, so, thank you, Master’s Degree!
Choose a Destination (And Time of Year)
The Sky Is the Limit
Depending on your schedule and budget, certain places are more desirable than others but the sky is the limit. Don’t feel like you can’t plan a trip if you’re short on cash, just pay as you go. That said, do your best to always use cash. Don’t plan a trip if credit cards are funding your adventures. I should know, because sometimes they run out before the trip is over.
Activity Level, Weather & Landscape
First off, think about the activity level, weather and landscape you’re into. Do you want to explore an ancient city or would you rather sit on a beach? Are you in the mood to reconnect with nature or is a modern technology-rich city more your speed? Do you prefer skiing in the mountains or four-wheeling in the desert? You get the idea.
Keep in mind you can find very affordable flights off season but you may be dealing with cold weather, rainy season or snow (or much worse). Always check the average temperature and weather conditions of your destination before booking tickets. The weather has a huge impact on prep and enjoyment; packing sunscreen and bikinis are much different than raincoats and hiking boots.
Duration & Budget
Consider your budget and length of getaway. Personally, the longer the trip the better (within reason). You have time to decompress and gain a real sense of place if you visit multiple cities rather than only the capital city. Remember that travel time eats into your schedule so if you plan a five day vacation and two solid days are spent on flights and buses, that’s a total bummer. Typically, I spent about three days in each city. For me, that’s enough to have two really active days and one less so.
A budget will also help determine where you end up. It’s best to consider how much you want to spend on lodging, food and tours plus the cost of a flight and visa, if needed (always check visa requirements of each country you plan to visit). Daily spending is usually related to how developed a country is. Consider Asia, do you want to see Cambodia for $3 USD a night and hop into dusty rickshaws or would you rather spend $20 USD on a cocktail in Singapore? Both places are equally amazing but extremely different experiences.
Hostels | Yes, Please (Or at Least Boutique Hotels)
Why Not?
Hostels are my best kept secret #notreallyasecret. There are so many benefits to staying at hostels. Obviously, prices are great. Even if you aren’t traveling alone many offer “private” rooms with your own washroom and added security (no one will be in and out of your space risking theft). Also, hostels are often in the best locations with tons of amenities like internet, kitchens, bike rentals, laundry, 24 hour door service, tours and so on.
They also provide a great sense of community and other likeminded travelers can be very helpful. Ask others about their travel plans. Did they do anything fun in the city? What should you avoid? How much does this or that cost? Wanna grab a bite to eat? You can meet some pretty amazing people this way and form relationships that can last a lifetime. It’s pretty often that while traveling alone, I’ll pick up a buddy from my hostel.
Another benefit of hostels is the wealth of knowledge they offer. Staff know the area and usually organize activities like free walking tours or pizza nights. You want to get from Leon, Nicaragua to the mountain town of Copán, Honduras, as I once did, just ask if it’s easier by bus or train. By bus, okay, where’s the station? How much should a ticket cost? How long is the ride? Nearly all these questions can be answered by hostel staff.
Best Practices
When booking a hostel, first consider location. How far is it from the city center? Can you walk there? Read a few reviews and see what people have to say but note the age and country of the reviewer for biases. Take a look into the amenities they offer. Is there 24 hour door service, especially if you plan on arriving in the middle of the night? Do they provide free breakfast and what is it? Is there a kitchen or rooftop you can enjoy? Do they charge to rent towels or have locked storage for your belongings?
In recent years, I’ve focused on booking smaller “shared” rooms rather than large dorms. As a traveler, I don’t like being bothered. Travel is exhausting and sometimes you need a nap or the reverse, you need to get up at 4 a.m. to catch a bus. If you’re in a room of 20, trust me, it’ll never be quiet. People will be in and out, coughing and farting all night long. The lower the number of beds, the less commotion. And less people means less chance for theft and more accountability for those in the room. You’ll end up paying a few dollars more but it’s totally worth it.
To book, you can’t beat Hostelworld. Each hostel is rated on a number of criteria including cleanliness, location, environment, etc. and given an overall score. Dig a little deeper than the overall score though. Sometimes a hostel receives amazing reviews only because it’s a party hostel and a bunch of teeny boppers are the only one’s rating. Unless that’s what you’re into, those places can be a nightmare.
I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention Airbnb. Airbnb is another great option to look into while traveling. Make sure to consider all the same characteristics as in a hostel when selecting a spot: location, amenities, cleanliness, fees and so on. Also note, that though an Airbnb can offer the comfort of home, privacy and a kitchen to cook meals, it doesn’t offer the community and knowledge aspect so it might be a bit tougher to get to know the city or find friendly faces to enjoy your time.
Money Saving Tips
As we all know, travel expenses can add up. I can’t count the times my friends, family members or co-workers have expressed to me how much they wish they could travel but just can’t afford it. The good news is, you don’t need to be wealthy to travel, you just need to follow a few basic rules.
Buy Your Flight Early
Think about buying your flight early on in the planning process. Not only will you get a cheaper price, you’ll spread out costs over time so everything doesn’t hit you all at once. This tends to be the push I need, as well. If I purchase a flight, I’m going on a trip. Another great idea is to do a Google search for flights without a destination. What pops up is pretty amazing and can lead you to some really affordable flights but you do need some flexibility on time and location.
Hostels & Airbnb’s
Stay in hostels or Airbnb’s (or at least boutique hotels). Really the best travel advice I can give. They save tons of money and offer a great launching point in any city. In recent years, I’ve realized I might be outgrowing hostels, but still champion Airbnb’s as the norm and boutique hotels if I’m feeling like I want to treat myself.
Eat In
If staying at a hostel or Airbnb, pretend you’re a local and get yourself to the market. Pick up a few staples and cook your own meals. This will help save money, especially in expensive cities. Cocktails and wine included.
Stop Being a Tourist (Eat & Travel Local)
If you do plan on eating out, avoid touristy areas. I lose my mind over this one. It’s likely you’ll save up to 75% eating and shopping at spots that aren’t full of tourists. You’ll also get the benefit of experiencing local culture. I mean, who in their right mind goes to Bali and eats at Hard Rock Cafe? Simply, ask a local for their favorite spots.
And of course, travel as locals do. When it makes sense, use the bus or train rather than a taxi. The best way to do this is to stop a local on the street and ask what’s the best way to get from here to there? Many countries also have apps to help you locate busses, trains and taxi’s. Food for thought: getting to and from Machu Picchu in Peru by train costs locals around $5 USD but foreigners pay upward of $100 USD. The point is, follow the locals. They know best and don’t typically waste money. Be aware though that conditions might not be the same for locals and tourists. That $5 ride to Machu Picchu means standing room only, chickens included.
Major Transportation
Weigh your transportation options and plan ahead (research what methods are best in the areas you’re visiting). For example, flights within Europe are super cheap and fast but try to fly within South America and you’ll be shocked. We’re talking more than $600 USD from Colombia to Ecuador by plane. Unfortunately, buses are the only way to go but they’re dreadfully slow and terrifying.
In the end, consider cost versus time, as well as convenience. Sometimes the hassle isn’t worth saving a few bucks but overall, it’s cheaper to choose shared rides or public transport as often as possible. Also, try asking for “collectivos” (shared rides) which are available in many Latin American countries and ask around to get a feel for pricing. Locals know how much things should cost but that doesn’t mean they aren’t ripping you off. Never accept the first price you’re given. As a rule of thumb, the first price you’re given is at least twice what you should be paying, so barter. Goods and most transportation included.
Six Additional Ideas to Ensure a Smooth Holiday
Travel is sometimes dirty business but it’s best to plan ahead and arrive prepared because unpredictable things always happen. Here are a few general tips to help better prepare you for your next destination:
Plan ahead (just a little). Before you get to a country do a little research. You don’t need to plan every move but make sure you know a few of the basics. A few phases in the native language, currency exchange rates, ATM locations and protocols, Internet availability, transportation modes, weather conditions, cultural norms and so on, will do you some good.
Pack appropriately for weather conditions & desired activities. Researching the weather and activities in a location will help give you an idea on what to bring. Do I need flip-flops? A winter coat? An umbrella? Bringing along those nice-to-have items will also go a long way. Pack an extra pair of shoes for when your feet start to blister, a light jacket for a chilly evening, a scarf for that chilly bus ride or a hat for a sunny day.
Book activities & transportation as soon as you are set on your plans. So many times, I’ve been too late to book a bus or flight or even a day tour. These days, the second I arrive at a new location, I’ll ask about booking an activity for the following day, especially since many start first thing in the morning and offices close early. If there is something major I’m considering, I’ll get that in the books even earlier (potentially months).
Carry a day pack. Always bring meds, water and snacks on your excursions. Trips may last much longer than anticipated and sometimes tours don’t deliver on the promises they make or offer stops along the way to purchase items. Always carry tissue, as well.
Bring extra batteries, memory cards and equipment, as needed. Things get lost, broken or even stolen so having an extra is helpful. Many pieces of equipment cannot be purchased in other countries either so it’s best not to risk it. Charge batteries before a vacation and verify what type of outlets they have as you may need an adapter. If forgotten, you can usually purchase one at the airport or any local hardware store. Also, consider if your phone service works in the country or if you need a local SIM card.
Leave extra room in your suitcase. Some of my favorite things to purchase on holiday are special gifts like local coffee, tea or honey. And some countries like Morocco sell so much more than tiny trinkets that if you’re planning on purchasing something large like a rug, furniture or lamp you’ll need a way to get it home safely. One trick I’ve pulled off a few times is to purchase an extra piece of luggage at my destination and pack it full of souvenirs but these days airlines are charging excessive fees so double check before you try. A safe option is to just leave some extra space in your luggage.
Why I Travel
Remembering back on my first major trip, I was terrified. At the time I told myself, “Just buy the freaking ticket. Once you buy the ticket, you have to go.” And so I did. During my first year teaching in Korea I saved nearly $10,000 USD and took that money backpacking in Europe for two months, alone, through seven countries. It was so many things all at once: amazing, difficult, exciting, overwhelming, exhausting and expensive but I learned one lesson day in and day out. I’m much stronger and more capable than I ever imagined.
Travel offers perspective and growth. Some of my most amazing moments have been alone in some far off place fending for myself. I’ve found myself in the rice terraces of Bali drinking the world’s most expensive coffee made from beans shit out by a raccoon-like animal called a luwak, or dining on beef tartar and drinking champagne while watching Moulin Rouge in Paris. It’s experiences like these that are life-changing and offer so much in the way of self discovery, so let the self discovery continue!
For some additional tips, take a look at my Travel Do’s & Don’ts.
