How I can afford to travel (and how you can too!)

I love to travel, but I’m not rich.

In fact, I’m far from it.

But that hasn’t stopped me from exploring the world.

Through a bit of trial and error over the years, I’ve discovered a number of ways to make travel more affordable. I’ve learned that whether you’re looking to take a weekend getaway or a year-long trip around the world, there are plenty of ways to stretch your travel budget and make your dreams a reality.

One of the biggest misconceptions about travel is that it’s expensive.

If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say:

“Wow, it must be nice that you can travel so much!“

“I can’t afford to travel like you do.“

and most commonly…

“What do you do for work that lets you travel so much??“

While it’s true that some destinations can be pricey, there are plenty of ways to cut costs and make travel more affordable. From finding cheap flights to staying in budget-friendly accommodations, there are a number of strategies that can help you save money without sacrificing the quality of your trip. 

In this guide, I’ll share all of the things I’ve done to this day to be able to travel to 15 countries in the past 3 years while on an abysmal student budget.

1. I Made Travel A Priority

Traveling has always been a passion of mine, but for a long time, it seemed like an unattainable dream. Flash back to 2018: I was a recent grad with a full-time job, bills to pay, and a limited budget.

And not to mention.. massive amounts of student loans.

Each time I looked at my bank account, I felt like I was further and further away from being able to visit anywhere other than inside the walls of my 9-5 office job. However, I was determined.

I realized that if I wanted to make travel a reality, I needed to make it a priority in my life.

Here are a few ways that I made travel a priority:

I created a travel budget. One of the biggest obstacles to travel is money. To overcome this, I started by creating a travel fund. I looked at my income, expenses, and savings and figured out how much I could realistically afford to spend on travel each year. This helped me to plan and save for trips in advance, instead of relying on last-minute deals or credit cards.

I opened a travel savings account. To make sure I was putting money aside for travel, I opened a separate savings account just for this purpose. I set up automatic transfers from my checking account to my travel savings account each month. This helped me to save consistently and avoid spending the money on other things.

I took short trips instead of long-term travel. While I would love to take off for months at a time, it’s not always feasible with a full-time job and other commitments. Instead, I started taking shorter trips, even just weekend getaways, to new places. This allowed me to scratch my travel itch without breaking the bank or using up all my vacation time.

I found different ways to save money on travel. There are many ways to save money on travel, from staying in hostels to using rewards points for flights and hotels. I started researching different ways to save money on travel and experimenting with them. For example, I started using travel credit cards to earn rewards points and booking flights and hotels during off-peak times to save money.

But we’ll talk more about that later!

2. I Got a Job as an AuPair Abroad

When I first decided that I wanted to travel, I knew that I needed to find a way to make money while on the road. That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of becoming a nanny abroad.

In 2019, I moved to France to be an au pair, and it kickstarted my love for travel. Since then, I have been able to live in France for four years and travel easily throughout Europe.

Check out my video about my full au pair experience (the good, the bad, and the ugly) 👇

Being an au pair is one of the best ways to travel and earn money at the same time. As an au pair, you’ll typically get:

• A weekly stipend in exchange for 20-25 hours of work per week watching the kids
• Free room and board, either a room in their house or a small studio nearby (in big cities like Paris)
• Some families may also provide you with a travel allowance or cover your travel expenses

One of the best things about being a nanny abroad is that you get to live with a local family and experience their culture firsthand. You’ll have the opportunity to learn the language, try new foods, and explore the local area with the family you’re working for.

I got lucky with a super sweet family, who took me in and treated me like one of their own. Even today four years later, we still visit each other often and celebrate the kid’s birthdays and holidays together every year.

They really are the best!

To find a job as an au pair abroad, there are several options available. One popular website is AuPairWorld, which is what I (and most of the au pairs that I’ve met over the years) used. Aupairworld connects families with au pairs from all over the world.

Another option is to work with an au pair agency, such as Au Pair Care, which can help you find au pair job positions overseas. An agency will help you with the application process, provide you with resources to prepare for your trip, and even help you find a family that’s a good fit for you.

But before you rush over to the websites to start making your au pair profile, there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Make sure that you’re comfortable working with children and have experience in childcare. After all, your first priority as an au pair will be the well-being of the kids, and you’ll be with them for at least 20 hours per week.
2. Be prepared to commit to a family for a minimum of six months. However, most families look for an au pair to stay for around 9-12 months (usually the whole school year). You can sometimes find families that only need someone for half the year or less, but it’s not as common.
3. Be open-minded and flexible! You’ll be living with a family in a foreign country. I started my year as an au pair just 3 months before Covid hit. After that, I was quarantined for 3 months with this family and was spending the majority of my time with them. It took a lot of flexibility and being open-minded to get through!

Being an au pair abroad is a great way to travel and earn money at the same time. But keep in mind – the kids are the top priority, and it’s still a job. You won’t be able to travel 24/7 or even every weekend.

But it does allow the opportunity to live in a new country and potentially learn a new language!

3. I Taught English Online

When I was living in the South of France in Nice, I spent a year teaching English online on a freelance basis. This allowed me to have the most flexible schedule and travel whenever I wanted. It was a great way to earn money while exploring new places!

In that time, I was able to spend a week in Greece, 6 days in Zanzibar, three months with my family in California, and a week traveling through Cancun and Tulum. All while paying my rent for my apartment in Nice and other bills/expenses.

Not bad for a job that I can do from anywhere, whenever I want.

Here are some tips if you’re considering teaching English online to afford your travels:

Find a reputable platform: There are many platforms out there that connect you with students who want to learn English, such as Preply, iTalki, and VIPKid. Do your research and find the platform that works best for you.

Create a compelling profile: Your profile is the first thing potential students will see, so make sure it stands out. Highlight your qualifications, experience, and teaching style. Include a professional photo and a video introduction if possible.

Set your rates: Some platforms, like VIPKid, offer a set rate to their teachers. Others like iTalki and Preply let you set your own prices. Decide how much you want to charge per hour and be competitive with other teachers on the platform. Keep in mind that some platforms take a commission, so factor that into your pricing.

Be flexible: Teaching English online can be done on a full-time basis or as a side hustle. You can work as much or as little as you want, depending on your travel plans and financial goals.

Build relationships with your students: The more satisfied your students are, the more likely they are to recommend you to others and leave positive reviews. Take the time to get to know your students and tailor your lessons to their needs.

I had such a wide variety of students when I was teaching online: from a 7-year-old in Taiwan, a teenage girl in Kyiv, students in Turkey, Saudia Arabia, and beyond. It was really fun to learn about some other cultures and customs while teaching them about my own.

Teaching English online is just one way to afford your travels. There are many other options out there, such as freelance work or working a full-time job remotely.

If you’re skilled in marketing, video editing, writing, or virtually anything else, you can find remote jobs in your field on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork.

The key is to find what works best for you and be willing to put in the time and effort to make it happen! 

4. I Utilized Scholarships and Study Abroad Options

This is something I discovered later in life, and I wish I would’ve taken it more seriously earlier. One of the best ways to travel as a broke student is by utilizing scholarships and study abroad options.

Work-Study Programs

Currently, I am living and studying for my Master’s degree in France completely free because of their “alternance” work-study program. This program has allowed me to not only go to school tuition-free for the past two years, but also get a salary while gaining work experience.

It has been an incredible opportunity to live abroad, learn a new language, and gain valuable skills all while getting paid.

I’ve got a whole video about it on YouTube here 👇

Study Abroad Scholarships

I wish I would’ve taken advantage of study abroad scholarships when I was in undergrad. There are soooo many! It’s worth taking the time to research and apply for them. Some scholarships are specifically for certain majors or destinations, so be sure to look for ones that fit your interests and needs.

Travel Scholarships

In addition to study abroad scholarships, there are also travel scholarships available for students. These scholarships can help fund trips for research, internships, or even just for fun. GoAbroad.com has a great list of travel scholarships, grants, fellowships, and more that you can apply for.

Bloggers like Gabby from Packs Light offer tons of great resources on current travel scholarships and study abroad opportunities for students.

Internships

Another way to fund your travels you might not have thought of: internships. Many companies offer internships that provide a stipend or even cover travel expenses. Not only can internships help fund your travels, but they can also provide valuable work experience and help build your resume.

5. I Choose Low-Cost Destinations

This may sound like an obvious one, but when it comes to traveling on a budget, I always choose low-cost destinations.

This doesn’t mean that I’m sacrificing quality or experiences, but rather that I’m being mindful of my spending. By choosing destinations with a lower cost of living, I’m able to stretch my budget further and experience more.

And that’s what we all want in the end, right?

One of the main advantages of choosing low-cost destinations is the availability of cheap flights: I always do my research and book my flights in advance to get the best deals. I also use flight comparison websites like Skyscanner to find the cheapest options.

90% of the time, the flight to your destination will be the most expensive thing you’ll have to pay for during your trip. But once you know all the best ways to find cheap flights to anywhere, you’re basically all set.

And when it comes to accommodation, I always opt for budget-friendly options such as hostels or budget hotels. I also use websites like Expedia or Booking.com to find affordable and unique accommodation options.

By staying in budget-friendly accommodation, I’m able to save money on hotel stays and use that money for other experiences and activities.

P.S. Are you a hostel newbie? Check out my guide here on understanding how hostels work and tips for staying in a hostel for your first time!

One of my favorite ways to save money on food is by taking advantage of free food options. Many hostels offer free breakfast, and some even offer free dinners. I also like to visit local markets and grocery stores to pick up affordable snacks and meals.

Another great way to save money on food is by cooking your own meals. If you’re staying in an Airbnb or hostel with a kitchen, you can easily prepare your own meals and save money on eating out!

An underrated tip: I alwayyyys make sure to keep my phone bill in check while traveling. I use Wi-Fi whenever possible to avoid data charges, and I always research the best phone plans for international travel to avoid any unexpected charges.

For longer trips, I use Airalo and download a local eSIM from the country I’m traveling to. It’s easy to use and so SO much cheaper than paying hundreds in roaming fees.

6. I Travel on a Budget

Traveling on a budget has been a passion of mine for years. I love exploring new places, meeting new people, and trying new foods, but I don’t want to break the bank doing it.

Here are some ways I’ve managed to afford my travels (and how you can too):

Map out a budget before you go

I know you think that just because you’re going to a “cheap” destination, you won’t overspend.

But it’s actually just as easy to overspend (sometimes even easier if I’m being honest) in countries like Thailand or Mexico.

Since something is so cheap, you don’t really take into account just how much you’re spending every day.

Trust me, I’ve done this myself many, many times.

Before you even book your flights, it’s important to map out a budget for your trip. Consider the cost of living in the places you want to visit, and factor in things like transportation, food, and accommodations.

It’s also a good idea to set aside some extra money for unexpected costs – better to be safe than sorry!

Check out my ultimate guide to budget travel

If you’re new to budget travel, I highly recommend checking out my article on the ultimate guide to budget travel.

It’s a comprehensive guide that covers everything from finding cheap flights to saving money on accommodations and food.

Take advantage of free activities and food

One of the best things about traveling is experiencing new cultures and trying new foods. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money doing it.

Look for free activities like walking tours and museum visits, and try local street food instead of dining at expensive restaurants.

Find ways to earn extra income

If you’re really serious about traveling on a budget, consider finding ways to earn extra income while you’re on the road. This could include things like freelance writing, teaching English online, or even starting your own travel blog.

Teaching English online and offering my freelance writing skills helped me earn a little bit of money while traveling through Europe last summer 👇

Traveling on a budget may require some extra planning and effort, but it’s definitely possible. With a little bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you can see the world while ballin’ on a budget.

7. I Volunteer for Free Accommodations

One of the ways I’ve been able to afford traveling is by volunteering in exchange for free accommodations. There are many programs that offer this opportunity, such as Workaway, WOOFing, and working for accommodations in hostels.

When I first heard about this option, I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical.

I didn’t want to end up in a sketchy situation or feel like I was being taken advantage of. But after doing some research and reading reviews from other travelers, I decided to give it a try.

I signed up for Workaway, which is a platform that connects volunteers with hosts all over the world. The process was straightforward: I created a profile, searched for hosts in the countries I wanted to visit, and applied to the ones that looked interesting to me.

I ended up volunteering at a hostel in Rome for a few weeks. In exchange for a few hours of work each day, I received free accommodations and breakfast.

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A post shared by Tiana • Where Tiana Travels (@tianabaaaby)

It was a great experience – I met other travelers, practiced my (broken) Italian, and got to explore the city in my free time.

Here are some tips for volunteering for free accommodations:

Do your research: Make sure you read reviews from other travelers and research the host and their property before applying.

Be clear about expectations: Make sure you understand what is expected of you in terms of work hours, tasks, and length of stay. Don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions!

Be flexible: Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and you may need to be flexible with your schedule or tasks.

Be respectful: Remember that you are a guest in someone else’s home or business. Be respectful of their property, rules, and culture.

8. I’ve Mastered the Art of Travel Hacking

One of the biggest obstacles to travel is the cost. But I’ve managed to travel extensively despite not being independently wealthy.

How?

By mastering the art of travel hacking.

Travel hacking is all about using credit card rewards and loyalty programs to get free or discounted flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. It takes some effort and planning, but the rewards are well worth it.

Here are a few ways I’ve managed to afford my travels through travel hacking:

Getting a travel credit card. One of the easiest ways to earn points and miles is by signing up for a travel credit card. Many of these cards offer generous sign-up bonuses that can be worth hundreds of dollars in travel credits. Just be sure to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.

Earning bonus points. In addition to sign-up bonuses, many travel credit cards offer bonus points for spending in certain categories, such as dining or travel. Take advantage of these bonus categories to rack up points faster.

Navigating annual fees. Some travel credit cards come with annual fees, but they can often be worth it if the rewards outweigh the cost. Just be sure to do the math and make sure the benefits of the card justify the fee.

Finding great places to stay. Loyalty programs aren’t just for airlines. Many hotel chains offer rewards programs that can earn you free nights or upgrades. Plus, booking directly with the hotel can often get you a better rate than using a third-party booking site.

Scoring the cheapest flights. There are a few tricks to finding the cheapest flights, such as booking on certain days of the week or using price comparison websites. But one of the most effective ways is to be flexible with your travel dates. Flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday can often be significantly cheaper than flying on a weekend.

Snagging flight deals. Keep an eye out for flight deals, which can often be found on websites like Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) or through airline newsletters. These deals can save you hundreds of dollars on flights.

Redeeming for free flights. Once you’ve earned enough points or miles, it’s time to redeem them for free flights. Just be sure to book well in advance, as award availability can be limited.

Travel hacking isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme, but with some effort and planning, it can make travel much more affordable. So start earning those points and miles, and soon you’ll be jetting off to your dream destinations for a fraction of the cost.

9. I Embrace House-Sitting Opportunities

One of my favorite ways to afford travel is by embracing house-sitting opportunities.

Not only does it provide me with a private room and free accommodation, but it also allows me to immerse myself in a new community and culture.

Last year, I had the opportunity to house-sit in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. I stayed in a beautiful apartment in the city center while taking care of two adorable cats and lots of plants for two weeks.

It was a great way to experience local life and save money on accommodation!

If you’re interested in house-sitting, I highly recommend checking out Trusted Housesitters. It’s a great platform that connects homeowners with reliable and trustworthy house-sitters.

The annual membership fee is $130 USD, but it’s worth the investment if you plan on house-sitting for an extended period.

Here are some tips to help you get started with house-sitting:

Create a profile: Make sure to create a detailed profile that showcases your experience with pets and house-sitting. Homeowners want to know that their pets and home are in good hands, so be sure to highlight your strengths and qualifications.

Apply for house sits: Once you’ve created a profile, start applying for house sits that interest you. Be sure to read through the homeowner’s requirements and expectations before applying.

Build relationships: If you do a great job house-sitting, the homeowner may ask you to come back in the future or recommend you to their friends. Building relationships with homeowners can lead to more house-sitting opportunities in the future.

House-sitting is a great way to afford travel and experience local life. If you’re willing to take care of someone’s home and pets, you can save money on accommodation and immerse yourself in a new community.

10. I Make Money from This Blog

Lastly, one of the ways that I am able to afford to travel is by making money from this blog.

It’s definitely not a get-rich-quick scheme and it took a lottttt of time and effort to even start making money here, but it’s a way to earn some extra income while doing something that I love.

Here are some of the ways that I make money from this blog:

Affiliate Links

One of the easiest ways to make money from a blog is through affiliate links. If you recommend a product or service and someone clicks on your link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission. I only recommend products and services that I have used and believe in, so you can trust that my recommendations are genuine.

Ads

Another way that I make money from this blog is through ads. You may have noticed that there are ads on this site. I earn a small amount of money every time someone clicks on an ad. It’s not a lot of money, but it adds up over time.

Sponsored Posts

Occasionally, I will work with a company to create a sponsored post. This means that I am paid to write a post about a product or service. I only accept sponsored posts from companies that I believe in and that I think will be of interest to my readers.

YouTube

I also have a YouTube channel that is monetized. This means that I earn money from ads that are displayed on my videos. It’s not a huge amount of money, but it’s another way to earn some extra income!

Final thoughts

Voila! Now you know how to afford to travel – even on a small budget.

As you can see, embarking on a life-changing journey around the world while on a small budget is totally achievable.

By embracing the tips and strategies shared in this article, you’ll be well on your way to exploring new horizons without emptying your wallet.

It takes determination, resourcefulness, and patience, but the wealth of experiences, cultures, and unforgettable moments you’ll encounter will be priceless.