A Guide to Traveling the World on $20 a Day

It may appear that travelling the world on a shoestring budget is out of reach, but there are some tips for keeping the cost down and exploring new cultures. Whether you’re a backpacker, a digital nomad or just want to save some coin, these budget travel tips will help you traverse the planet and spend less than $20 a day

1. Choosing Budget-Friendly Destinations

Some countries offer a high quality of life at a fraction of the cost compared to Western nations. To travel on a shoestring budget, consider destinations where your money goes further.

Best Budget Destinations:

Southeast Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia offer cheap accommodation, food, and transport. A backpacker can easily live on $20 a day here.
Eastern Europe: Countries like Bulgaria, Romania, and Georgia are affordable alternatives to Western Europe, with delicious food and a rich history.
Latin America: Nicaragua, Bolivia, and Colombia provide excellent value for budget travellers with stunning landscapes and low-cost living.
South Asia: India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka offer some of the lowest daily costs for travellers, with hostels costing as little as $3 per night.

2. Finding Cheap Accommodation

Accommodation is one of the biggest travel expenses, but there are cheap ways to travel without paying for expensive hotels.

Budget Accommodation Options:

Hostels: Dorm beds can cost as little as $5 per night in many budget destinations. Some even include free breakfast.
Couchsurfing: Stay with locals for free and gain cultural insights. Platforms like Couchsurfing help connect travellers with hosts.
House Sitting: Websites like TrustedHousesitters allow you to stay in homes for free in exchange for pet or house care.
Camping: Many countries allow wild camping for free. Consider bringing a lightweight tent.
Work Exchanges: Websites like Workaway and WWOOF offer free stays in exchange for volunteer work.

Pro Tip:

Always check hostel reviews on platforms like Hostelworld or Booking.com to ensure cleanliness and safety.

3. Eating on a Budget

Food is another major expense, but you can enjoy delicious meals while keeping costs low.

Money-Saving Food Tips:

Eat Street Food: Many countries offer incredible street food at a fraction of restaurant prices. In Thailand, a delicious pad Thai can cost as little as $1.50.
Shop at Local Markets: Buy fresh produce and cook your own meals in hostel kitchens.
Choose Set Menus: Many restaurants have affordable lunch specials, offering a full meal for a lower price.
Avoid Tourist Areas: Prices are often inflated near tourist hotspots. Walk a few streets away for cheaper options.
Use Food Apps: Apps like Too Good To Go offer discounted meals in major cities, helping reduce food waste while saving money.

4. Getting Around for Less

Transportation can eat into your budget, but there are many ways to get around cheaply.

Affordable Transport Options:

Use Public Transport: Buses, trains, and metro systems are far cheaper than taxis or rental cars.
Walk or Cycle: Many cities offer free or cheap bike rentals. Walking is also the best way to explore and save money.
Hitchhike: In some regions, hitchhiking is a common and safe way to travel, especially in South America and parts of Europe.
Book Flights Wisely: Use budget airlines, search for error fares, and be flexible with your dates.
Night Buses & Trains: Save money on accommodation by travelling overnight.

Pro Tip:

Download local transport apps (like Rome2Rio or Moovit) to find the best routes and cheapest fares.

5. Free and Low-Cost Activities

Exploring a new country doesn’t have to be expensive. Many of the best experiences are free or extremely cheap.

Free Activities:

Walking Tours: Many cities offer free guided walking tours, where you tip the guide based on your budget.
Museums & Attractions: Some museums have free entry days. Check in advance for discounts.
Nature & Hiking: National parks, beaches, and mountain trails are often free and offer breathtaking views.
Local Festivals: Experience cultural events without spending money, such as Holi in India or Songkran in Thailand.
Volunteering: Give back to the community while exploring a new place through organisations like WWOOF or Workaway.

Budget Entertainment:

Look for free concerts, street performances, and cultural events in city squares.
Visit libraries and community centres that host free workshops or exhibitions.

6. Making Money While Traveling

If you want to sustain long-term travel, consider ways to make money while on the road.

Ways to Earn While Traveling:

Freelancing: Writing, graphic design, and social media management can be done remotely.
Teaching English: Many countries hire English teachers, both online and in-person. Websites like VIPKid or Cambly offer remote teaching gigs.
Work Exchanges: Trade your skills for free accommodation and meals.
Blogging & Vlogging: Share your travels and earn through sponsorships, ads, or affiliate marketing.
Sell Handmade Goods: If you have crafting skills, sell jewellery, paintings, or handmade items at local markets.

7. Essential Budget Travel Hacks

To truly travel on a shoestring budget, use these extra hacks to stretch your money further:

Money-Saving Hacks:

Use Travel Reward Credit Cards: Earn points for free flights and hotels.
Book in Advance or Last Minute: Both strategies can score great deals depending on demand.
Travel in Shoulder Seasons: Avoid peak tourist times for lower prices and fewer crowds.
Pack Light: Avoid baggage fees by travelling with only a carry-on.
Use Local SIM Cards: Avoid expensive roaming charges by getting a local data plan.
Refill a Water Bottle: Many airports and cities have free water refill stations.
Bargain When Shopping: In markets, don’t be afraid to negotiate prices.

8. Packing Smart for Budget Travel

Packing the right things will save you a lot of money on things you end up buying whilst away.

Travellers Needing Essentials on a Budget:

Microfiber towel – Dries fast, space-saving.
A universal travel adapter – Don’t get ripped off in tourist shops for those sparkly adapters.
A portable water filter — Saves on bottled water.
A good pair of walking shoes – Save on transport costs by walking more.
Reusable shopping bags– Useful for market purchases and reducing plastic waste.

Final Thoughts: Is Traveling on $20 a Day Possible?

If you have the right mindset and are willing to think ahead, travelling on a budget is totally attainable, while avoiding unexpected costs. You can use these budget travel tips and cheap ways to travel to feel different cultures, take exotic foods, and create everlasting memories, all while having a budget.

Always keep a daily budget tracker to take control of expenses to avoid overspending.

Do you attempt to travel on a shoestring budget viably? Please share your experiences and tips in the comments below.