A solo traveler shared eight savvy tips for Jetseters on a budget – revealing that she visited 15 countries for just £19 a day in the year.
In 2021, live in London And as a Free travel writerwill challenge yourself, worldwide, with only £7,000 for an account.
Inspired by the adventurous “infinite” desire, she quit her dull office job and embarks on a lifelong journey, as she walks through a diverse landscape, tasting curious fruits, and exchanging many stories with strangers in the process.
Lydia MalaysiaSri Lanka, Thailand,,,,, Brazil And more.
According to the writers, traveling on a budget requires unique planning, flexibility and curiosity. But how did she spend only £19 a day on accommodation, travel, food and activities? Continue reading to find out.
Lydia Swinscoe, who lives in London and works as a travel writer, challenges her challenge for 365 days, with her account being only £7,000 (such as: Lydia of Medlin, Colombia)
Find low-cost accommodation
The dormitories may not be charming, but they are gold when traveling at a minimum.
They are also social, cost-effective, and often include privileges like breakfast.
According to Lydia, accommodation in places like Peru or Bolivia is up to £5.
For those who crave more privacy, slow travel through Airbnb or host family may be both comfortable and budget-friendly, especially for longer stays.
Lydia added: “When traveling by £20 a day, the dormitory not only provides the ability to share stories and skills with fellow adventurers, but is financially vital.”
For those who crave more privacy, slow travel through Airbnb or host family may be both comfortable and budget-friendly, especially for longer stays (pictured in: Napoli, Italy)
Travel slowly, go to the radar
According to Lydia, strict itineraries are the enemy of budget travel, as she says: “I rarely have a rigid plan before going into the unknown, which is convenient when trying to keep the expenses to a minimum.”
Flexibility allows for better deals and longer treatment in low-cost areas such as India, Colombia, Guatemala, Georgia and Peru.
She added: “Many countries known for providing a low-key lifestyle are also cheaper without taking advantage of social and economic issues, and these are the countries I recommend to explore when budgets are in line with budgets.”
Countries like India, Georgia or Colombia offer a wealth of culture and activities such as festivals, temples and swimming lakes – a small portion of the cost, and staying in one place for longer periods will often deepen your experience and reduce your daily expenses.
Flexibility allows for better deals and longer treatment in low-cost areas such as India, Colombia, Guatemala, Georgia and Peru
Embrace local cuisine – also cook
Skip the tourist traps restaurants at local markets and markets for fresh, exotic ingredients you won’t find in your home.
Lydia said cooking by herself is not only cheap, but also a culinary adventure in itself.
“I’m crazy about the sour Camu Berries of Peru, the giant avocados of Bolivia and the cocoa tips of Colombia, cashew apples and rare trumpet mushrooms,” she said.
In Asia, you can feast on street food, such as the legendary £2 Thai restaurant in Bangkok, and a bottle of icy chang while soaking in the atmosphere under neon lights and plastic chairs.
Skip the tourist trap restaurants, where you won’t find fresh, exotic ingredients at home at local markets and bazaars (such as Lydia’s meals in Bangkok, Thailand)
Choose a ground trip in the air
Flying can be fast, but expensive – whether it’s your wallet or the planet.
Buses, trains and boats are not only more economical, but also provide front seats for the heart of a country.
Long-Haul Journeys also brings unexpected beauty, from remote villages to dramatic landscapes, which you can even use as a lodging if you choose sleeper service.
Long distance travel often brings unexpected beauty, from remote villages to dramatic landscapes (such as: The Sprotia, Greece)
Walking Explore
Walking exploration is free and is usually the most meaningful way to discover new cities.
Taxis are draining fast, keeping you healthy, frugal and more connected to your surroundings when walking – especially if you drag your 16kg backpack to your next stay.
Public transportation, like a subway system or a bicycle, is also a budget-friendly alternative that can help you be more like a local.
Walking exploration is free and is usually the most meaningful way to discover new destinations (pictured: Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort)
Sleep while traveling
According to Lydia, overnight buses and trains killed two birds with a stone – saving accommodation when moving between destinations.
Although they don’t have a luxury trip, traveling in countries like India, Laos or Bolivia is “a difficult experience” full of character and memorable views.
Lydia advises: “Ear plugs, masks and snacks are optional, but they are highly recommended.”
While they don’t have a luxury trip, sleeper trips in countries like India, Laos or Bolivia are “a hard experience”, full of character and memorable views (Photo: Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal)
Take a city tour
Many cities offer free (tip-based) one to two-hour hikes hosted by knowledgeable locals.
These tours are perfect for picking up history, insider advice and cultural insights.
From the bustling food scene in Santiago to Sofia’s past for communism, these walks are wallet-friendly and inspiring.
Many cities offer free (tip-based) one to two-hour hikes hosted by knowledgeable locals (eg Naples, Italy)
Say yes to friendly strangers
Lydia says the real magic of travel is usually the people you meet.
Travelers are “overflow of travel expertise” – occasionally hospitality.
Keeping new friendships open leads to writers’ most meaningful, budget-saving experiences, from shared meals to spontaneous host families.