Discipline leads to success. What are you willing to do to reach your goals? Like have no more time for failure. Champion mindset. – Frank McGovern Jr.
Friday, March 6, 2015 (DAYS 1,096 – 1,103)
Through long-term budget travel, I have found a variety of ways to save money—very similar to a hobo but I like to say it's being a resourceful backpacker--but these are some simple money saving tips for travel, whether long-term or short-term can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars over time. Even while living in Denver with a comfortable salary and lifestyle, I realized that in order to save or be just a more budget-minded person it's not the large expenses that deplete your bank account, but it's all the small purchases that dwindle down your account. Therefore, I've experienced both differences of backpacking with and without a budget in mind, and I'll tell you my first solo backpacking trip to Europe in 2004 for six weeks, I spent close to $5,000 by not doing my research better ahead of time, and these tips and others have allowed me to live a life of absolute freedom for more than three years of global travel! So as I always try and do, begin TODAY working towards the dreams that you have even if it may take years to achieve them, remember, "brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls aren't there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to show us how badly we want things." - Randy Pausch
Through long-term budget travel, I have found a variety of ways to save money—very similar to a hobo but I like to say it's being a resourceful backpacker--but these are some simple money saving tips for travel, whether long-term or short-term can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars over time. Even while living in Denver with a comfortable salary and lifestyle, I realized that in order to save or be just a more budget-minded person it's not the large expenses that deplete your bank account, but it's all the small purchases that dwindle down your account. Therefore, I've experienced both differences of backpacking with and without a budget in mind, and I'll tell you my first solo backpacking trip to Europe in 2004 for six weeks, I spent close to $5,000 by not doing my research better ahead of time, and these tips and others have allowed me to live a life of absolute freedom for more than three years of global travel! So as I always try and do, begin TODAY working towards the dreams that you have even if it may take years to achieve them, remember, "brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls aren't there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to show us how badly we want things." - Randy Pausch
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10. Portable water filtration system can potentially save you an enormous amount of money depending upon the duration of your travels, plus it's better for the environment, and if you were to select something such as the Berkey Water Filtration system you can use it with any water system, with the exception of salt water.
9. Using small plastic bottles are handy for filling up liquid soap from free places such as airports, coffee shops, etc. This soap can be used for a variety of things from hand washing to showering to hand washing clothes in sinks or tubs. You can also fill the bottles with various other things (i.e. hand sanitizer, mouthwash, medication, etc) Just a few small bottles can come in very handy both for saving space in your bag and if they are carry-on approved this helps even more.
9. Using small plastic bottles are handy for filling up liquid soap from free places such as airports, coffee shops, etc. This soap can be used for a variety of things from hand washing to showering to hand washing clothes in sinks or tubs. You can also fill the bottles with various other things (i.e. hand sanitizer, mouthwash, medication, etc) Just a few small bottles can come in very handy both for saving space in your bag and if they are carry-on approved this helps even more.
8. Create multiple Gmail accounts to take advantage of the free 15gb of storage with each account to backup photos, videos, and other items. *Be sure to create some anonymous email addresses for things such as Craigslist and other various needs to protect your personal information and identity.
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7. Ditch any of your cell phone plans, even if that means terminating your contract and paying. If you feel that you need a phone during your travels, possibly because you have your own remote business, use any of the free mobile apps for calling with a dedicated U.S. phone number OR get a phone that is universal and you can purchase SIM cards or prepaid data or minutes in the country you may be in for a while. For example, I have an iPhone with voice and data and pay ₩18,000 (roughly $16) per month in Korea and this includes unlimited use of the wifi on the subway. The last time I had an actual working phone was when I was living in Nicaragua and I purchased a cheap old school Nokia (yeah I'm sure you remember those) and I paid maybe $5-$10 per month for voice only but this was reimbursed by the hostel I managed since I used it to call our owner, contacts, order inventory, and organize transportation sometimes for guests. In all honesty, after my 12-year career and my current business I own in Korea, I'm tied to my phone constantly, therefore I actually enjoy being in places where I am completely disconnected from time to time.
6. Forget using PAID cloud services! Backup your photos on your computer or dump them to Facebook, Flickr, or any of the other free sites. Clean up your electronics for storage before you leave!
6. Forget using PAID cloud services! Backup your photos on your computer or dump them to Facebook, Flickr, or any of the other free sites. Clean up your electronics for storage before you leave!
5. Become the "human garbage disposal" when hanging out at hostels or when joining a traveling family. Often I have been able to go for several days finishing other people's food (yeah sounds gross but if you've seen the things I've eaten and places I've called home, this is the least of a disgusting habit), and often people in hostels with kitchens make too much food and BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE you have a free meal!
4. Try to avoid using taxis and walk or use local transportation. I know sometimes this is not an option, BUT always negotiate (number one) and secondly avoid taking taxis after dark if possible because I've noticed prices are higher if not double because the taxi drivers (round the world) realize your predicament and just like capitalism: supply and demand my friends, even in socialist countries lol.
3. I know as a budget backpacker that flying can be frowned upon, BUT, when I have found flights that are cheaper than local buses this is an excellent option. I'm also surprised that airlines in Central America, South America, South East Asia, and East Asia typically still serve meals, even on flights that have been 1-hour in duration. Therefore, as a hobo backpacker that is seeking to save money, I often will ask for a second meal, save the water bottles or packaged food if I'm not hungry at the moment.
2. Take advantage of free places to sleep or counter your budget by utilizing overnight transportation to save on accommodation. My friend Char and I arrived in Ecuador at the airport I believe around 2am and chose to sleep in the airport (cable-locking our bags together and even tethering them to the table) Airports, in my opinion are pretty safe areas, plus you have free facilities (water fountains, toilets, tissue paper, wifi in some cases) and in some cases some of the better airports such as the number one and two world's best airports ranking in Singapore and Seoul have lots of various options for sleeping. So do your research about the airport you're arriving at or departing from and see what amenities may be available for free. One of my favorites is the free massage chairs at Changi International Airport (SIN) in Singapore and even though it's a paid service, Spa on Air at Incheon International Airport (ICN) is an excellent way to spend the night at the airport for an early morning flight and take advantage of all the amenities.
1. Traveling families can save you a lot, BUT they can also hurt your budget depending upon each travelers duration and daily amount they plan to spend. If you get the right mix, you can save lots on everything. For example you ALWAYS have more negotiating power with groups than solo and I've done this for everything from accommodations, day trips, villa rentals, motorbike rentals, transportation, etc and etc.
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