Most of us are not on an unlimited budget. If you are reading this then you probably would rather make a few small sacrifices to make sure that you get to see more new and unusual places. Here are some things I implement to extend my travels.
1)Hostels
Hostels are normally cheaper than a hotel. Although you may be staying in the same room with multiple other strangers. I consider the people I meet to be one of the best parts of my trips. Although an alternative is Airbnb.
Couchsurfing is also a good option with gives you a free place to stay and hopefully a new friend.
2) Transport
Spend some time researching how to get there. There are plenty of budget airlines. Even within these there can be wide variations of price depending on if they need to get some seats sold. If it is an expensive ticket, I will spend a lot of time researching. If the area has multiple airports nearby check if one of them is cheaper. Keep in mind the cost of transport from the airport to your accommodation.
Trains may or may not be a better option. I have seen often they are not. Many countries do offer a discount to people under 25 or 26. So be sure to check. There may also be day or week tickets for a certain area. So be sure to research online and it is still not a bad idea to ask locals if you can.
Lastly there is the option of the bus. I have found this to be much cheaper than trains and planes. Although it does take longer. I have planned my bus ride to be overnight, this makes the long ride more bearable and a spend one less night on a place to stay.
3)Avoid eating out
Although I do think it is important to sample the local food, this can also add up quickly if you eat out every meal. Many hostels offer a kitchen that you can use. (Don’t be the guy that leaves your dishes in the sink.) I have seen many travelers use this option. One great way of doing this is to cook a meal with your new-found hostel friends. They probably have some interesting recipes that are from their countries. Which can lead to a dining experience much better than the local pizza or pasta place. It is also a good way to get to know them. Often dinner is the best time to do this. I also see travelers buying a cured meat, bread and cheese from the non-refrigerated section and using this for sandwiches. Be sure to take advantage of any free meals that the hostel offers. It is a great way to meet fellow travelers.
4) Don’t spend much at the bar
If you want to drink with friends, it doesn’t have to be at the bar. Some of the best times I have had were sharing beers in a hostel kitchen out of the drink machine in the hostel. Depending on the location, open containers may be allowed on the street. If so, another great option is to grab a few drinks in a backpack and go walk the town. Much better use of time considering most people never stay long enough to witness all a city has to offer.
If you do go to the bar just drink before or after. I do suggest buying at least one drink out of curtesy to the bar. This can save a lot of money with the way bar prices tend to be.
The hostel bar is also a great place to check out. It is normally cheaper than the local bars. Not always though, I have seen much higher. This is a great way to meet fellow travelers though, so I try to go there in the evenings. Although you do not have to drink.
5) Flask
This goes back to the previous point, but it can be a great cost savings if you want to drink. You must decide when it is or isn’t ok to use though. If a bar catches you using it, they will probably kick you out. Although in hostels run by fellow travelers, they tend to be pretty lax on this. At least pretending not to see. The same goes for when your empty beer glass magically refills after you walk to your room. In some hostels this could get you kicked out, so know what is and is not ok.
6)Free Stuff
Always check out the free trips the hostel offers. They often have things like free bar crawls or free walking tours. Normally you should tip your guide. Often this is their income, but this is usually still cheaper than alternatives.
7) Walk
If things are fairly close walking is a good way to save rather than a bus or taxi. Depending on where you are the savings may or may not be worth it. It is a good way to see some of the things you would not have notices as you drove by.
8)Make Friends with Locals
Depending on the country this may be difficult. It could be that you get to see things that are typically off limits to tourists. Or things they don’t know about. You can always buy a local a beer or offer assistance in something. At the very least you may get some good recommendations on things to do.
9)Stay Out of the Tourist Stores
Although I do understand the desire to buy some random nick nacks at the store for your friends back home, this can eat up your budget quickly. So, spend wisely and keep and eye out for something unusual that the locals may use or buy. It could also be the locals on the street selling something homemade at a better price. I bought a few animal carvings in South Africa for very cheap from locals.
10) Networking
Always offer your couch or spare room to fellow travelers. Depending on where you are you may or may not get visitors, but it normally gets a similar offer from them. You can plan trips around this, you either have a local friend to show you around or maybe a place to stay. One thing to look out for is that a local will often not think there is anything worth seeing in their town. So, research before you go and don’t be afraid to go see something on your own. You may show your local friend something new in their own city.