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Have you ever wanted to quit your job and travel the world solo? That’s exactly what I did in January 2018. After stumbling upon $350 round-tip tickets from New York City to Singapore the summer before, I chose a date a few months in the future, gave my notice, sold or donated everything I couldn’t carry in my backpack and set off to become a digital nomad.
I flew to Singapore and just kept going for two years and two months, backpacking around Southeast Asia before heading south to begin my Working Holiday Visa years in Australia and New Zealand. I continued to pick up freelance writing and editing gigs as I traveled, though most of my income came from working at a performing arts center in Darwin, a theme park in Melbourne and the Te Papa Museum and Parliament in Wellington.
Luckily, I was able to save up money before, during and after my trip—I returned to the U.S. in March 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic—but that’s not all I did to make sure I was able to afford being digital nomad for so long. Besides taking advantage of a strong U.S. dollar, here are five of my best strategies for staying within your budget when you’re traveling long-term.
Shop For Cheap Deals Online As You Go
Follow your favorite hotels and airlines on social media or sign up for their newsletters so you never miss a deal. Set alerts on Google Flights if you’re interested in a particular route or join discount flight sites like Scott’s Cheap Flights and Secret Flying, which specialize in tracking down mistake fares and other airfare sales. When you get to your new country, sign up for discount sites and apps like Groupon, Scoopon and BookMe for local deals.
Use Public Transportation
It’s amazing how fast Uber and taxi rides can add up. Instead, try walking or getting around town like the locals do and take a train, metro, bus or tram. Not only will you be saving money—some places offer weekly or monthly passes, which are great if you’re planning to commute regularly—you’ll also get a glimpse into everyday life in the place you’re living in. That said, if you’re carrying tons of groceries or would prefer to take a car home at night, ride-sharing apps like Uber, Lyft, DiDi, Ola, Oscar and Zoomy are usually available (depending on where you are) and offer an easy way to strike up a conversation with someone who lives there.
Cook When You Can
Sure, it’s nice to try out new restaurants, bars and nightlife in a new place, but you’ll be surprised how fast your money goes. Instead, stock up each week at the local farmers market, watch for supermarket sales and whip up your own gourmet dinners if you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen. If you’re dying to go out, limit yourself to just a few outings a week and try to follow lunch specials or happy hours. Buying a bottle of wine—especially if you’re in Australia or New Zealand—and having a girls’ night or romantic night in instead of going out every weekend will also help your cause.
Diversify Your Accommodations
Treat yourself to a hotel stay once in a while, especially if you have any hotel points lying around. Otherwise, consider renting a flat in your new city if you’re going to be there a while, staying in hostels or opting for shared Airbnbs instead of renting out the whole place by yourself. You’ll save on accommodation costs and meet a mix of locals and other travelers along the way, giving you a more meaningful experience.
Score Free Accommodation and Car Rentals
If you’re flexible with your timing and destinations, you can save even more by securing free accommodation—either by house sitting or watching someone’s pets while they’re away for a few weeks, crashing on your friend’s couch or visiting family who live nearby. To score free transportation between cities—or nearly free if you opt for the extra insurance—check websites like TransferCar (available in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand) and Imoova (available in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand the U.K. and Europe) and all your favorite rental car companies for one-way car rental relocation specials, which let you drive for free as long as you deliver the car, RV or campervan to a specified location within a pre-set amount of time.
The Link LonkAugust 15, 2020 at 07:12AM
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kaeliconforti/2020/08/14/5-easy-ways-to-save-money-when-youre-traveling-long-term/
5 Easy Ways To Save Money When You’re Traveling Long-Term - Forbes
https://news.google.com/search?q=easy&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
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