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A few ways to save money when Backpacking

6/13/2013

13 Comments

 
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When you’re backpacking the world, every little purchase can add up at an alarming rate. Most backpackers that I’ve met live on a shoestring budget – and I typically travel in a similar frugal way. Recently I’ve backpacked through Spain, Morocco, France and Italy – and knowing that I wanted to stay out as long as I possibly could, I started cutting corners and finding ways to get by on as little as possible. Some of these tips may seem like no-brainers, but you might be surprised at how many travelers thought that my frugal tips were brilliant, and many began changing their own traveling lifestyles as well.
For each new place I visited, I cut out the cost of purchasing a map. I either took screen shots on my phone or downloaded offline maps with CityMaps2Go. Then I realized that I could just wander into any hotel and straight up ask for one of their maps. This typically will work every time – it only failed for me once, at one hotel, because they were all out of maps.

Purchasing drinks can become pricey if you’re buying a Coke here and a juice there, and the tap water in a lot of the places is something to fear. So I began holding out as long as I could for supermarkets and little groceries. Water at a little convenience store or a cafe in Europe can run you anywhere from 1€ to 3€, and that can really add up, but waiting for a supermarket and stocking up can really save you quite a bit – large 1.5-2 liter bottles of clean water can cost you as little as 0.17-0.40€.

I try to eat small, cheap snacks throughout the day, and then cook one nice meal in my hostel. Picking up a cheap bag of peanuts has saved my life more times than I can count while backpacking. I typically grab an apple, a banana or an orange (depending what’s cheap and in season) to tide me over until I have my snack for a late lunch. By doing this, I cut down on costs of eating out and having full meals multiple times a day. While this may not be the healthiest option, it will help you lose more body weight than wallet weight.
(This piece was written by Brandon Elijah Scott and originally published HostelsClub)
13 Comments
Jo (The Blond) link
6/12/2013 05:57:51 pm

Great tips! I always splurge on food - I love eating! But how can you go on without breakfast??

Reply
Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/2/2014 10:28:12 pm

Thank you. I'm not sure, I think I am just not a big morning person, and that includes breakfast. haha. Don't get me wrong though, I do love some good food!

Reply
Ian Phillips
6/12/2013 11:49:22 pm

I don't do the hostel thing but maps can be found in tourist info places. Too bad that in the past you usually got breakfast now have to pay.
Just try to frequent where the locals go.

Reply
Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/2/2014 10:30:33 pm

It's crazy how times have changed. I am not much into hostels anymore. However, they do have good aspects about them.

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Maike link
6/13/2013 10:00:25 pm

I find having a nice picknick with groceries from local shops a cheap alternative to restaurants while still enjoying authentic local food in nice surroundings. also, ask the locals where they go! to cut down travelling costs it's good to plan ahead, esp. in germany & france you can save more than 50 % when you book train tickets 3 days or more in advance online. also, most people don't know: there are camping grounds in many european cities! cheap and fun if you're young (at heart) greetings from berlin :-)

Reply
Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/2/2014 10:33:21 pm

Thank you for the tips on train tickets! This will be something that I will take advantage of in the future! :)

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Digital Nomads link
6/18/2013 12:21:40 am

Nice tips Brandon, came on good time since we are in France now.

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/2/2014 10:34:43 pm

You are welcome. How are you liking France? What was your favorite part, and least favorite part about it? I love to pick fellow travelers brains. :)

Reply
Ramona
6/24/2013 06:14:05 am

I always use the local shops for water and food. I buy several liters of water and 1-2 small water bottles and just refill these as needed. It's important to stay hydrated! Also look for public fountains to refill, especially France, Italy, Germany. I have a sensitive stomach and I've never had a problem. I do stay away from tap water as much as possible but I'll drink it at a restaurant where bottled water prices are exorbitant. I also stock up on fresh baguettes and local cheeses for easy meals. I can sit and picnic or fix a sandwich and walk while I eat.

Reply
Digital Nomads link
6/24/2013 06:17:36 am

The refilling bottles sounds a good idea, we did the same while in the Galapagos and saved us some $$. The baguettes/cheese is also a great idea. Thanks for sharing :)

Reply
Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/2/2014 10:36:29 pm

Great ideas! I like to picnic or walk while I eat also. Sometimes I find it hard to just sit. I need to get better on this. haha

Reply
India Food Tour link
6/24/2013 08:55:52 pm

Eating some fruit is OK, but relying on snacks such as peanuts is almost suicide.

Reply
Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/2/2014 10:37:46 pm

What do you usually snack on, or eat while traveling? Eating out can be very hurtful to the pocket.

Reply



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