There’s a common misconception among budding jetsetters that traveling the world is impossible unless you have an unlimited credit card (and someone to make the repayments for you!) . Luckily, these are just nonsense. Of course, traveling costs money, but there are different ways to save your wallet. Here are our top 7 tips for planning a dream vacation on a budget:

CHOOSE A TRAVEL STYLE MOST SUITED TO YOUR BUDGET

Forget hotels and guided tours and let the adventurer in you express itself! Sensitive to their expenses, backpackers travel light (they frequently carry their personal effects in a backpack) and choose low-cost accommodation along the route. They also tend to consume local food and often plan longer journeys, moving fairly quickly from point to point. By planning your trip during the low season, you will save even more money, whether in terms of flights, accommodation and tourist attractions.

ENJOY LOW-COST FLIGHTS

Don’t just google flights: be more proactive when it comes to money and focus on cheap carriers. In Europe, budget-conscious travelers have a variety of low-service airlines at their disposal, allowing them to get from point A to point B at very low cost. Imagine, for example, stopping in Malta, before leaving for Rome, Athens and Istanbul or, from Berlin, flying in the direction of Prague, Budapest and Riga. But maybe visiting Paris, Nice, Barcelona, ​​Madrid and Lisbon would appeal to you more. Check WhichBudget.com for a list of low-cost airlines flying to your destination or go direct to European carriers likeEasyJet ,  Ryanair and  Vueling . In addition to flying, remember that in Europe, in particular, train travel is also very affordable. For more information, go to Interrail.

TRAVEL TO AFFORDABLE DESTINATIONS

Some places in the world will never be affordable (hello London, New York, and Paris!); however, this is not necessarily the same for all destinations. Discerning travelers get their passports stamped in countries with weaker currencies than their own. Southeast Asia (think Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia and India) has always been a favorite of backpackers and budget travelers – not to mention the many countries from Latin America, so many other great (and affordable!) destinations like spain .

PLAN A LONGER TRIP

Although you may think otherwise, a long trip is much more economical than a brief getaway. For what reason, you will tell me. By establishing their “base” in one location, long-term travelers do not have to constantly pay transport costs to reach their next destination and they can take advantage of short-term rental offers, rather than paying hotel nights at exorbitant prices. In addition, long-term travelers are generally more inclined to experience a culture by fully immersing themselves in it and to “live like the locals” (rather than spending their money on brief visits and expensive excursions). They also like to do their own cooking and can even sometimes work during their trip. Which brings us to…

MAKE YOUR OWN COOKING

It’s no secret that dining out every day is a budget-buster (not to mention it can be potentially detrimental to your figure!) Smart travelers know that cooking your own can save a lot of money and even more so if they decide to split the costs with their fellow travelers, both at the hotel and on a rental (visiting the local food fairs and supermarkets is always great fun!)

BECOME A DIGITAL NOMAD

Self-employed people or individuals with skills such as teaching, graphic design, computer programming, consulting, translation or photography enjoy an additional advantage, since thanks to their laptop, they can, they want to, to continue working, throughout their long-term trip (travelers of this type are called “digital nomads”.) The benefit of self-employment while traveling is obvious; not only does it provide you with an income, but it also allows you to design your own work schedule!

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FIND A CASUAL JOB

Does the prospect of becoming a digital nomad not appeal to you? Perhaps you would be the ideal candidate for a casual job! There are dozens of such jobs available to travelers wishing to work abroad such as serving in a pub, teaching English, giving diving lessons, helping pick fruit, making coffee, serve in the dining room, take care of promotion or sales… and the list goes on and on! Agencies can help you negotiate visas and land a job (Go Workabout is a great starting point for Australia). The most assured travelers will be able, CV in hand, to roam the streets as soon as they arrive.