* * * Transportation * * *
Oftentimes the most expensive part of budget travel is getting there! Below are some of my favorite sites for finding budget flights, buses and other transportation.
SKYSCANNER: My go to site for finding cheap flights. Skyscanner allows you to filter for either the cheapest or quickest flight available depending on what you need.
ROME2RIO: If you aren’t sure which mode of transportation is best or cheapest, this is a great site. Rome2Rio pulls up cheap options for all potential forms of transport in case flying isn’t necessarily your most convenient option.
IMOOVA: Specifically for Australia, this is a good van rental site if you are relatively flexible. You can apply to relocate a person’s van by driving it between specified locations, often with flexible dates allowing you to sight see along the way.
RENTALCARS.COM: Just like the name states, this is a price comparison site for car rentals all over the world.
* * * Cheap Accommodation * * *
A huge part of backpacking is making lifelong friends in shared accommodation. Hostels are my favorite accommodation option for socialization with dorm-style rooms and often free/cheap events or parties.
HOSTELWORLD: The most convenient site for finding and booking quality and cheap hostels all around the world.
BOOKING.COM: One of the best price comparison sites for both hostels and hotels. You can also use it for finding flights and rental cars, but its specialty is accommodation.
COUCHSURFING: This is a good option if you are comfortable with home stay arrangements. The site connects travelers with people offering a bed in their homes for cheap.
AIR BNB: Although it depends on which country you are visiting, Air BnBs can be pretty cheap options. Even if you are somewhere more expensive, it is always fun to book one and split the cost with several friends.
* * * Work for Accommodation * * *
If paying for accommodation is still out of your budget, there are plenty of opportunities to work for a place to stay and sometimes meals. Below are some of my favorite options for work exchanges.
WORLDPACKERS: Although requiring a membership, this is a great and safe option for finding work for accommodation opportunities all around the world.
WORKAWAY: Similar to WorldPackers, this also connects you with work for accommodation opportunities all around the world. This is slightly less regulated than WorldPackers so be sure to read the reviews for each job.
TRUSTED HOUSESITTERS: If you are good with animals or missing your pets from home, this site connects you with families in need of a pet and/or housesitter around the world. This also requires a membership.
If you don’t feel like using any of these sites, many hostels will simply hire guests staying with them. Simply book a hostel for a week, ask them if they are hiring and see what they say. Oftentimes managers will ask you to wait for an opening but these pop up frequently and you most likely won’t need to wait around for long.
* * * Find Work * * *
If you are granted a visa that allows you to work in the country you are going to, there are some great sites to help you find temporary work. Getting a job for a bit while traveling is a great way to both make money to keep traveling and make friends with locals!
AUSTRALIA:
BACKPACKER JOB BOARD: Backpacker job board is the best site for finding jobs anywhere in Australia as a backpacker. You can also filter for jobs that count towards your 88 days necessary for extending the Working Holiday Visa.
AIRTASKER: Airtasker is an easy and quick way to make money in the city. People post random jobs for you to offer your services to complete. Jobs range from hair braiding to lawn care to moving furniture.
* * * Money * * *
I am still learning and finding the best ways to save money while traveling, so this section is a work in progress. There are some credit cards that are better for foreign ATM exchange rates and some that provide rewards for booking flights that I am still unsure of what is best. This is a journey for all of us and the more I learn the more I will share with you all!
XE APP: The Xe app is essential for checking currency exchange rates on the spot. Save various currencies and plug in any price to see how much it is in your home currency.
* * * Packing Essentials * * *
OSPREY BACKPACK: I don’t currently have one but it is on my wishlist! The Osprey brand has several different styles of backpacking backpack. I recommend ones that are able to zip open similar to a suitcase, however, that is just a personal preference. You will definitely want hip straps on your backpack no matter what kind of backpacking you are doing – they take loads of weight off of your shoulders, allowing you to walk longer with fewer breaks.
PACKING CUBES: Packing cubes are a godsend for keeping your bag organized. I tend to split my clothes into groups of tops, bottoms, and then underwear/socks. I never need to completely unpack the cubes and it is much easier to repack my bag when moving on to the next location!
GLOBAL ADAPTER: If you are traveling to many different countries you will want a global adapter so you can charge your electronics anywhere you go. Different places have different styles of outlets and the last thing you want is to be unable to charge your phone. To save space I recommend an all in one style adapter that can be purchased online or in nearly any local electronics store.
COMBINATION LOCKS: Hostel life is a fun time but you don’t want to leave your valuables laying around, especially in rooms of 10+ people. Most hostels have lockers available in rooms, so definitely utilize these for important belongings like electronics and identification but you will need to have your own lock.
LIFESTRAW: If you are traveling in an area with different water quality than you are used to, you will want a water purifying straw. Water bacteria you aren’t used to can make you very sick and you don’t want that on vacation. Avoid drinking, brushing your teeth with, or eating food washed in unpurified water.
Sylvia's Gap Year 