Budget travel
Travel further. Spend less.
I’ve been full-time travelling for years. Here are the tools and habits that actually stretch your money, without making the trip worse.
The kit
Four tools every budget traveller needs
These save real money. Use code ALLCHECKEDIN5 for 5% off GetYourGuide.
Destinations
Best-value places to travel
Places where your money goes further without compromising the experience.
Best budget destination
Thailand on a budget
Thailand is still one of the cheapest places to have an incredible time. Good food, great tours, and cheap transport between regions.
Questions
Budget travel, answered
What is the cheapest way to travel?
Book flights early or last-minute (rarely in between). Use a fee-free card like Wise so you don't pay FX charges on every purchase. Stay in guesthouses or hostels. Eat where locals eat. Use 12Go to book buses, trains, and ferries in advance rather than paying premium at the station.
How much does a month of backpacking cost?
In Southeast Asia you can travel comfortably on a modest daily budget, including accommodation, food, local transport, and activities. Western Europe costs considerably more. The biggest variables are your accommodation choice (hostel dorm vs. private room) and how often you eat out vs. cook.
Is Southeast Asia really that cheap?
Yes. Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cambodia are some of the best-value destinations in the world. Street food is outstanding and very affordable. Accommodation ranges from excellent-value guesthouses to mid-range hotels at prices well below their Western equivalents. Transport between destinations is cheap too.
What card should I use abroad?
Wise is the one I use. It converts at the real mid-market rate with minimal fees and works at ATMs worldwide. Most regular bank cards charge 2-3% FX fees on every transaction plus ATM withdrawal charges. Those add up fast over a long trip.
How do I get cheap data abroad?
Airalo eSIMs are the easiest option. You buy a data package before you land, it installs on your phone, and you're connected the moment you step off the plane. Far cheaper than roaming charges and you skip the SIM queue at the airport.