Own only what you can always carry with you: know languages, know countries, know people. Let your memory be your travel bag. – Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
Saturday, April 11, 2015 (DAY 1,132)
Being a global budget traveler or backpacker of more than three years has not only been a milestone that I never would have imagined, but, I wanted to share that it is not all roses all the time. You still need to find a fine balance between hostel life–socially interacting and meeting others–and finding, often creative ways, to extend your travels by not just saving money, but actually finding ways in the ability to save money! I've found many ways to reduce my daily costs (i.e. accommodations, food, drinks, excursions, and several others) for days or weeks at a time through bartering or volunteering, and while this is all been great, it still does not solve the inevitable imminent fact that money is a necessity, period. I know one of my more recent blogs regarding this situation, but I wanted provide some more clear directions.
Being a global budget traveler or backpacker of more than three years has not only been a milestone that I never would have imagined, but, I wanted to share that it is not all roses all the time. You still need to find a fine balance between hostel life–socially interacting and meeting others–and finding, often creative ways, to extend your travels by not just saving money, but actually finding ways in the ability to save money! I've found many ways to reduce my daily costs (i.e. accommodations, food, drinks, excursions, and several others) for days or weeks at a time through bartering or volunteering, and while this is all been great, it still does not solve the inevitable imminent fact that money is a necessity, period. I know one of my more recent blogs regarding this situation, but I wanted provide some more clear directions.
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UTILIZE TECHNOLOGY WHEN IT'S AVAILABLE
Consistent Wi-Fi connections can be difficult to come by, but even in some of the poorest countries I've noticed they may not have hot water for showers, yet they have Wi-Fi, so, for this reason, take advantage of these opportunities not just to catch up with friends via communication, but also continue to help make technology work in your benefit.
KNOW WHEN TO PUT AWAY TECHNOLOGY
On the opposite end of the scale, also learn when to put away your tech devices–interact with the world–I mean isn't this one of the reasons that you are a traveler? Think back to your last 'vacation' what percentage of your time did you spend either working on your laptop or smartphone, or wasting time in a sense on things like social media sites that aren't serving a purpose, which I refer to time-wasting technology usage.
PLANNING IN ORDER TO SAVE MONEY
As much as backpackers like to live a lifestyle that can be rebellious by not having a future plan, because you never know who you may meet or opportunities that may arise, however, I think it's important to have an idea of a contingency plan(s). For example, I've met many travelers that have had their bank cards and/or stolen or compromised and are inextricably placed in a position with limited to zero resources. Yes, this is part of the travel experience, but, failing to have taken time to think or plan for some of these situations can be costly in terms of a monetary sense, and as a budget traveler this can either mean returning to your home country much earlier then possible or your ability to become more adaptable and creative.
NO MEANS, NOOOO!
Traveling as a backpacker and choosing to stay in hostels–regardless of age–there tends to always be opportunities for socializing and constant invitations. This is why many of us choose hostels over cold-detached hotels or even cheap guest houses, because it's about the social atmosphere. Well, in doing so as any budget traveler has experienced, each person or group is typically on a different budget and THEIR understanding of what is inexpensive may be FAR different than yours. Hence, be ok with saying, "no" and declining offers from time-to-time. I've experienced this on both levels–traveling with those that have two, three, four times the daily budget than myself, and I've been fortunate enough when I'm working as well as saving, meeting those that are scraping by financially normally because they are coming upon the end of their travels and have an exact amount of money left to get through the next week, two weeks, month, etc. So once again, be confident in saying no, because you can always meet up with people later or go with people to places that don't include admission fees and just sit and enjoy the new company of others.
BE ADVENTUROUS BY SEEKING FREE ACTIVITIES
Also breaking free from technology means getting out there and trying new things, trusting others, seeking out new challenges, and living the backpackers' lifestyle of freedom. It's find this balance that will make long-term budget travel more achievable especially from both an emotional and mental status. For myself, I haven't seen my family nor been back to Colorado in more than three-years, but thanks to the numerous free communications tools this has been extremely helpful.
NEED VERSUS WANT
The age old question in a sense. Do I REALLY need this—OR—do I just WANT it? This is an invaluable lesson in life, whether you are a traveler or not, and taking even a brief moment before deciding upon a purchase however expensive or inexpensive these start to add up and can easily cause you to arrive back home more broke than MC Hammer! So be smart and don't be 2 Legit 2 Quit!
Realize that whether you think you do or not, you affect other people in ways you will probably never realize. I'm a firm believer in the fact that each and every person that I have met in life at that particular reason and time, whether briefly or an ongoing friendship has been predestined, even those that have hurt me, because even through these times of adversity and deceitfulness, I know it has made me a stronger person.
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