How Not to Backpack on a Budget
All of the budgets are realistic but will require some self-discipline to stick too. These are the world superpowers of budget travel. Head over to Gaijin Crew for more great tips on backpacking on a budget. Some fascinating countries in this lot and still remarkably cheap travelling. North African countries like Morocco pictured above and Egypt are great value and intriguing places to visit but there is a real mix of destinations in there.
You can probably get by on less in truth but entrance to the expensive national parks and definitely safaris can still blow your budget so it really depends on what kind of trip you want to have. In this lot you see the cheaper European countries creeping into the table as well as several African nations. An average trip in Eastern Europe or the more expensive countries in East Africa might also fall into this range. Russia, was the biggest mover in the table due to the rapid depreciation in its currency over the past two years.
That figure had soared to around 70 Roubles as of May before steadying down to 60 as of January but it has still made travelling in the country considerably cheaper than it was only a couple of years ago, although in large countries like Russia there is often considerable regional variation in costs. South Korea is also a lot cheaper than many people realise. Get some tips on budget travel in Korea here!
Mozambique is a good example of an African country that can be quite pricey to travel in, likewise Uruguay in South America. A real cross-section of countries from different regions are sitting comfortably in mid-table.
Some of these countries are already almost 3 times as expensive as the dirt cheap destinations and we are only half way down the table. Backpacking bargains will seem like a distant memory almost as quickly as your trusty savings will diminish. Costs in Canada vary wildly depending on how much travelling around you do.
These are some of the most expensive countries in the world to travel in.
Backpacking with www.newyorkethnicfood.com From 5 Years of Practice – World Travel Family
Travelling with children is a financial headache, keep prices low by being a deal finding ninja. Use Skyscanner see our Skyscanner tips here to find the best days, prices and routes to fly, then use the right accommodation booking sites for the job. Show them maps, talk about history, food and cultures.
They need to know what to expect and get excited about it. Put a positive spin on everything, talk about how great flying is or tell them how lucky they are to have ten hours relaxing on a bus seeing the countryside. This goes double for visiting museums or historic sites.
Backpacking Costs in Different Countries
My best friend is a tiny bottle of iodine I bought in Thailand. It lives in the side pocket of my day pack and I use it almost every day. After six years of living in the tropics I know how badly things can get infected.
The next most important thing is plasters or band aids. In some countries for instance Cambodia we found it impossible to buy large self adhesive dressings after a nasty playground knee-scrape , have a few handy. My big medical kit lives in my backpack and is never too far away. A pack of wet wipes and hand sanitiser come in handy, too. Of course, keep the kids out of the sun , wear a broad brimmed hat at least. We go with long sleeves and trousers as much as possible, rather than sunblock. This goes for any sort of travel with kids.
Give them down time if they need it, build time into your day for resting and play. Put them in situations where they can make new friends, even if those friendships are fleeting it makes for happier kids. Our days of walking miles to save money on transport are over! When you arrive in a new town have a plan or even better, a map. We always have an idea of which area we need to check out when we get off the bus or train.
The 7 Secrets To Budget Backpacking!
I made that mistake on our first week backpacking with kids in Malaysaia. I learned from that mistake! We love our lifestyle, we love backpacking with kids and without. We love exploring our amazing and beautiful planet and backpacking is often the best possible way to do that. Alyson Long is the creator of World Travel Family travel blog.
A lifetime of wanderlust and now over 5 years on the road, full time, has made her a travel expert. She is lover of mountains, cultures and ancient civilisations. Fanatical mum obsessed with her kids' education and happiness. Family travel, travel with kids, adventure travel, homeschooling and worldschooling enthusiast. Former medical scientist, now published writer, SEO ninja and webmaster. Very happy nomad so long as there is coffee. I have been backpacking with my now 5 year old daughter 4 months at a time.
We are currently staying in Salvador, Brazil.
Backpacking with Kids.Tips From 5 Years of Practice 2018
I have just started a written blog after opening our website and have a YouTube channel. I have had mixed reactions from people when we travel. I would love you to send me an email so I can ask you some questions if you have time. Wow, absolutely love your blog. Am a South African single mom, my son just turned 6. In the last 6. I plan to travel as a lifestyle, I spent 10 years post university living in different parts of the world, and I was more alive then.
I am more interested to start in South America and Asia, as I have travelled mainly in Europe, US, Midle East, my idea is a few months in one place, working my way through, and have placed my son in Montessori to allow the flexibility to be in different environments. There are single mums on the road Shazza, I know of a few. A lot of work though. I love that my husband takes care of cash, visas, insurance, baggage, flights, all the dull stuff, leaving me with work and kids. Im a single mum to a 7 year old and desperate to travel Asia with him.
We are a South Africa homeschool family of 5, trying our best to show the kids the world while we can. We love Aus but the work is done! Would love to get your opinion — my youngest is 2. We are conflicted about dragging around a stroller and camper cot.
We are considering getting a toddler carry on backpack thingy instead of taking the stroller. Would love to hear from someone with your experience! They always look so cumbersome and I like to see my child, not have them around the back of my head somewhere. We travelled with a stroller when my 2 were young. Thailand and Malaysia are both pretty developed, pavements should be fine. Its not a hiking style pack but a softer carrier with a wide based crotch.
Ive worn it upwards of 8 hrs hiking in a day and I still use it at times for my small 3. I feel like I would have literally died without it and it made things so much easier! It folds up relatively small too for easy packing. If you can find a local babywearing group they are very knowledgeable and you can try many different types to see what suits you best with all the ladies help.
My son is 11 and my daughter is 10, we have hiked to the peak of the tallest mountain in Nevada, and just did a 15 mile south rim hike at the Grand Canyon. We go hiking constantly but have never back packed. Thinking about adding our backpacks to our hikes to prepare for the trip. What kind of food do you pack? She has hiked 15miles with 11lbs in her 30lb pack and he has hiked with 11lbs in his 50lb pack.
Any tips would be helpful, we leave July th for parts of the Pacific Coast Trail. Backpacking means something different in America Melissa. Backpacking to non Aricans is travel, with your stuff in a backpack, usually from guest house to bus, to train, to new town, to new guest house. Thanks for this, I am thinking of taking my girls to Thailand for a month on my own. I am a single mum, so I am a little worried it will be tough. I also have Fibromyalgia which slows me down.
I travelled with my parents growing up and they are some of the fondest memories that I hold. Thailand is reasonable cheap to get to and I have been there many moons ago. Is there anywhere else that you would recommend? I love Spanish speaking countries.
World Budget Travel Table – Backpacking Costs in Different Countries
Am I mad going it alone? I think it could be amazing for me and my girls! My name is Haley and I am 19 and I have a 1 year old daughter. I am yearning to travel this vast planet and I want my daughter along side of me to experience it all with me. My friend Hannah recently went to Thailand by herself backpacking and has decided to stay longer, now she is in Laos and next going to the Philippines. Take to the street; search out hole in the wall eateries, pancake waggons and fruit stalls! Restaurants are expensive and even in cheap countries, they will eventually eat up pun intended your budget.
Street food, on the other hand, is cheap, delicious and a great way to get to grips with the local culture. My advice is to try and find a stall which is busy with local people, these are the places you want to eat. I often travel with some herbs and spices or a bottle of tobacco to enhance a boring meal. Remember to keep it light, friendly and fun — you have a much better chance of scoring a discount if you do.
Another great way to cut down on costs is to get yourself a backpacking buddy. It sounds obvious but if you have a travel buddy, your buying power has just doubled! Suddenly, hostel rooms are half as much, taxis cost less and you can even share meals. The Couchsurfing forums are a good bet and you are bound to meet lots of cool people.
Ok, so you worked hard to hit the road and the last thing you want to do is end up working in a new job. I totally get it… The good thing about travel jobs though is that you can pick them up for just a week at a time to supplement your income and they tend to be low-stress and fairly fun. The most obvious choices are bar or hostel work but farm work is another great option for budget backpackers wanting to stretch their cash that bit further.
Picking up a job on the road is usually as simple as just spending an afternoon asking around. You can work at hostels and in exchange for 3 — 4 hours graft a day you get free digs and often free beer.
Generally you do not need to be skilled to get placements on Workaway, but positive attitude, common sense and a willingness to engage are a must. If you are planning long term travel, this will help lower your costs significantly, particularly in more expensive destinations.