Ofcourse, in an ideal world, we are all making tons of money through our passive income streams every month. (Some Instagram influencers want you to believe this is normal from the start 😉). However, if you’ve just started your journey as a digital nomad, most likely you’ll find it takes some time before your revenue hits a stable level. So, how do you manage to spend months or even years on the road without going bankrupt? Keep reading for 6 tips to travel on a budget!
Forget old-school wallets. It’s time to get cozy with digital ones like Revolut or (Transfer)Wise. They’re like magic apps that help you keep tabs on your money, swap currencies without the fuss, and dodge those annoying fees. More cash for your adventures? Yes, please!
Hotels can be nice from time to time, but they also take a toll on your bank account. If you’re looking to sustain your working traveler lifestyle for the long term, try one of the following budget options:
Are you planning to stick around for a while? Very smart: you’ll save money AND you’ll have more time to really get to know a place and its people. Even smarter: stay in a coliving space, where you can share utilities and costs with other digital nomads from all over the world. Coliving.com enables flexible living all over the world by offering cozy, furnished shared accomodations. You can choose whether you would like to live with roommates or enjoy the privacy of your own private room.
Staying at a hostel is not only the budget-friendly option, but this will also make it easier for you to meet other travelers. If you value your privacy, most hostels will offer the option to stay in a private room, while still allowing you to meet other people in the shared common rooms. The best of both worlds! One thing we personally love about HostelWorld is the chat group option, where you can get in touch with other people that are staying at the same hostel you are.
If you’re staying somewhere for some time, why not try having a whole studio or apartment for yourself to make you feel more at home? At AirBnB, you can find reliable and comfortable stays – oftentimes, for the same price (if not lower!) than a hotel.
Tip! Are your luxury and comfort not something you want to compromise on? At Booking.com, you can often find the best deals. The more often you book with them, the greater the discounts (hint hint for professional travelers 😉)
Productivity is the name of the game for digital nomads. Instead of burning cash in cafes, hit up affordable co-working spaces. They’ve got the vibes, the Wi-Fi, and bonus points for meeting fellow nomads. It’s like your budget-friendly office away from home. Tip: check out our post on how to find the best nomad-friendly cities where you’ll be more likely to find affordable co-working spaces.
Flights can be budget busters, but not if you’re a ‘travel ninja’. Be flexible with dates, scout deals on flight comparison website Aviasales (THE budget hack for travelers that want to save money on flights!), and consider sneaky alternatives like smaller airports. Buses and trains are budget heroes too, offering scenic routes without the sky-high costs.
Who said you need to zoom through places? Slow travel (staying at least one week on a location) is the secret hack for working travelers on a budget. Stay longer, save on accommodation, and snag discounts on rentals. In addition, you will get more time to really get to know a place, meet new people, AND last but not least – slow travel will ensure you have plenty of time to rest in between your travels. Read our full blog on why we prefer slow travel over fast travel.
Eating out every day? Nah, let’s level up your kitchen game. Hit the local markets, grab some groceries, and whip up your own delicious meals. It’s not just budget-friendly; it’s a tasty way to dive into the local food scene. (Another reason why it’s best to switch up your hotel stays with Hostels or AirBnBs sometimes, as hotels often don’t come with a kitchen).
And that’s on sustainable working travel! Traveling on a budget doesn’t have to be boring. With these tips, you’ll be a pro at working, exploring, and still having cash to spare. What other tips would you like to add to the list? Let us know in the comments!
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A3 says:
In some countries you can’t without a old-school wallet. In countries like Vietnam, for example, you need to pay in cash for 80% of the places. (Even in hotels, hostels and restaurants)
Daphne Striekwold says:
Yup, it’s always a good idea to carry some cash with you!