Before I first went traveling in 2006, I had these expectations in my head based on nothing but my imagination and popular culture.

My trip was going to be a nonstop adventure filled with colorful and exciting people. Crazy things were going to happen to me. I’d make friends everywhere. I’d be talking to strangers on buses. Locals would invite me out for drinks. I’d be sipping a latte, strike up a conversation with my beautiful waitress, and then the next thing I’d know, we’d be at a wine bar, staring into each other’s eyes while she taught me French.

It was going to be just like those articles I’d read or travel movies I saw. One adventurous scene after the next.

Then I went overseas.

There I was in the hostel, on the road, seeing amazing attractions in historic cities. I could do whatever I wanted, when I wanted. I was finally marching to the beat of my own drum.

At first, it was exciting, as I set my daily schedule and did things by myself. I was so busy those first couple of days that I had forgotten I was alone. And that was fine — until it wasn’t.

As the days wore on and my tongue forgot what speech sounded like, that excitement dissipated. I began to crave human interaction and companionship.

Suddenly, I was alone — and in the bad way.

Aloneness had turned to loneliness.

Where were the locals who were supposed to show me around? The cool travelers I’d spend nights out with? Once I ran out of things to do, I could no longer hide my aloneness.

Sure, I could move on to another city, hoping that the magic would happen there, that it was the destination’s fault and not me.

But it was me. Life doesn’t just happen to you — you have to make it happen.

And I wasn’t.

I began to realize the only reason I was alone was because of fear.

As an introvert, it isn’t natural for me to just walk up to strangers and talk to them. That was especially true way back in 2006, when I first started traveling. (Heck, it takes me a lot to overcome that today.)

But that fear was keeping me from living the dreams I had in my head. If I wanted those dreams to happen, I was going to have to make them happen.

A lot of people wonder if traveling alone means they will always be alone. How will they make friends? Is it hard?

It’s a valid concern and, for us to whom socializing doesn’t come naturally, it’s a challenge. But let me tell you: it’s a lot easier than you think.

There are a lot of people traveling solo.

People just like you.

People looking for an adventure.

People who crave interactions with others.

And that other is you.

I overcame being alone when people in my hostel in Prague started talking to me. They were the first ones to reach out, luckily. They broke the barrier I was too afraid to break myself, sitting there, waiting for “something to happen.”

But, after they broke the ice, I realized that it was actually easier and less scary than I thought. Those travelers were like me and looking for a friend.

Things rarely happen unless you make them happen. You need to go out and talk to strangers yourself.

It took the introvert in me a while to learn that truth, but once I did, I had no trouble meeting people. After those travelers said hello and showed me how easy it was, I realized I was making a mountain out of a molehill. There was nothing to be scared of. I just had to say hi.

Because we all start off in the same boat: in a foreign country without any friends, not speaking the language, and looking for people to spend time with. Once you realize that, you also realize how simple and easy it is to make friends…because everyone is just like you.

That’s the big secret. There’s nothing more to overcome being alone than to get over yourself and say “hi.”

The key is to start small and break out of your shell. Talk to the person in your dorm room. Say hello. Ask them about themselves. Trust me, they will respond. They’ll ask you about you, your home, your travel plans, and more.

From there, just do the same to other travelers you see. Look for a group leaving for the bar and ask, “Can I join you?”

Walk over to that pool table in the hostel and ask, “Who’s next?”

People will say yes. Conversation will begin. Friendships will blossom.

And thanks to the sharing economy, there are lots more ways to meet people beyond meeting them at hostels,

For example, I’m sure you have one thing you are passionate about, right? Well, people around the world have that same passion. Use a website like Meetup.com to find local groups that form around that passion. Maybe it’s swing dancing, maybe it’s pickleball or Dungeons & Dragons. Whatever it is, I’m sure there are locals who do it too. Finding local groups with a shared interest is a great way to break the ice because you already have something to talk about, something that creates an instant connection.

Moreover, you can try the website Couchsurfing. It’s not only a place to find accommodation; it also has tons of meet-ups you can attend to find other travelers and like-minded people.

Additionally, there are lots of Facebook groups where you can find people to meet. I know, it sounds sketchy, but I’ve used them a bunch recently and they’ve been great. Some groups worth checking out are Girls Love Travel, Find a Travel Buddy, and Solo Trips and Travelers.

I’ll be honest, at first, I found it hard to speak to others. Conversations stumbled from time to time. But you either sink or swim on the road. My options were to be alone (and risk potentially going home early) or to get over my fear, take the plunge, and talk to people.

I choose the latter.

And on the occasions I was sinking instead of swimming, other travelers came up to me and said hello. They made the first move so I didn’t have to.

Why? Because they were looking to make friends too. Like me, they understood that if they didn’t do something, they too would have been alone.

Travelers are a friendly bunch. They want to meet new people and make new friends.

And one of those friends is you.

For that reason, you are never alone on the road. There are people everywhere who will be constantly talking to you and inviting you out (especially if you’re staying in hostels).

So no, traveling alone doesn’t mean you will be alone.

Take it from this introvert: you’ll meet more people than you’ll know what to do with. (In fact, there will be points when you wished you had some personal “me” time.)

Eventually, you’ll realize there was never a reason to worry in the first place. And you’ll never be alone again.
 

How to Travel the World on $75 a Day

My New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”

Click here to learn more and start reading it today!

The post How to Overcome Being Alone When You Travel appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Time. There just never seems to be enough of it. It always seems to move too fast (and, every year, it seems to just move faster).

Time is something people always tell me they don’t have enough of and is one of the main reasons why they don’t travel as much as they would like. (Money is also an issue, which I’ve talked about here.)

While there are more digital nomads and remote workers now that COVID has changed the concept of the office, not everyone is able to work remotely these days.

But, even if they don’t want to be nomadic, most people I know with office jobs (specifically Americans) want to travel more than they do. They just feel like they don’t have the time.

They are wrong.

Here’s why.

Let’s say you work 50 weeks a year and get two weeks of vacation. (Not American? Then you probably get a lot more and that’s wonderful.) Counting your vacation time and every weekend brings the total number of days per year you can travel to 110 (104 weekend days plus the 10 days in your two-week vacation). That’s a lot of time to travel. Throw in three-day weekends and holidays, and we can add even more days to our total. It may not be all continuous, but you can do a lot with that much time.

Let’s think about that for a second: 110+ days of free time per year. That’s close to four months of potential travel time per year! Four months! The world is your oyster with that much time.

When looking at it this way, our busy schedule becomes a lot more open. What are you doing with that time?

Everything is about priorities. Yes, there are certain obligations we have in our day-to-day lives that take up time but if you really want something, you find a way to make it happen. It’s like when I say I don’t have the time to go to the gym. I have plenty of time to go to the gym; I’m just spending that time elsewhere.

Because the gym just isn’t a priority for me (though it probably should be).

Moreover, most people associate “travel” with a long-term, big, expensive trip and thus discount all the short-term methods of travel. When people think “I want to travel” they envision a two-week vacation, a cruise, or some long, multi-month journey. It’s a big trip to a faraway land.

That’s not really their fault. It’s just how the travel industry tells us we need to travel because long and big trips mean people will spend more money. We internalize that concept and never consider other options.

And if you hear something enough, you believe it. I used to. It’s why Jessica is never going to Ireland and Bob will always be a hater.

However, if COVID has taught us anything it’s that there are TONS of things to see and do close to home. Even when you don’t have months to travel, as we’ve seen, you still have 110 days of potential travel per year. If you make it a priority, you can certainly travel more.

But what do you do? What kind of trips can you take on a smaller time scale that still have a big impact? Here are some trip ideas to help you plan to travel when you have limited time:

1. Take a weekend getaway

Spend a weekend away somewhere. Two days isn’t a lot of time, but it’s still enough to explore a city, town, or camp in a national park close to you. I used to spend a lot of time in New York City. From there, weekends away would include trips to Atlantic City, Fire Island, the Hamptons, the Berkshires, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington DC — and those are just the ones a few hours away!

Try to incorporate more weekend trips away. It can help break up your routine and keep your wanderlust in check until your next big trip. Even a couple of days somewhere are better than no days anywhere!

2. Go somewhere close

Only have a week? Don’t travel halfway around the world, wasting tons of time getting to your destination. Go somewhere a short distance away.

Living in Miami and Fiji is too far? Head to Central America!

In Sydney and Los Angeles is too far? Go halfway and stop in Hawaii, visit New Zealand, or pop over to a Pacific island nation!

In Europe? Well, 90% of the continent is a three-hour flight away so you’re set!

Stay close and you’ll need less time to do what you want. Additionally, the best flight deals you can find are often for destinations close to you. So be flexible.

Anywhere you haven’t been is a good place to visit.

And, when you travel, less is always more.

3. Be a local tourist

I don’t think people are tourists in their own city often enough. How often do you visit the museums, explore new areas in your town, or visit the major attractions of your city? I know New Yorkers who have never been to the Met, Bostonians who have never walked the Freedom Trail, and Amsterdammers who have never wandered through the red-light district.

Take the weekend, move out of the house and into a cheap place to stay, and be a tourist. I love playing tourist in my own city because it helps you learn and understand where you come from.

There’s so much around you that you probably don’t take advantage of when you’re busy leading your regular life that, when you stop and look for a second, you can find plenty of exciting activities to fill your time.

After all, travel is about seeing and learning about new things – and that can take place right in your own backyard!

Important: If you are going to do this, stay somewhere that’s not your house so it feels more like a vacation. Otherwise, it will be too tempting to wake up, run some errands, and then “run out of time.” For this to really work, you need to break your routine — and not staying in your house is important to do that.

4. Maximize your time

Don’t try to see everything under the sun. You’ll run around too much. I field a lot of emails from people who want to see half of Europe in two weeks or want to conquer all of South America in a month.

When you think that is how you have to travel and try to cram everything in, it’s easy to get burdened by your itinerary. You look at all those destinations, get overwhelmed, realize there is not enough time, give up, and hold off until you do “have” the time.

I get that you don’t have a lot of vacation and want to see a lot, but don’t! Sticking to just one or two places suddenly opens up a lot of time and opportunity! You’ll never be able to see it all. Even with my open schedule, I still can’t see everything I want. I stopped trying long ago. In travel, less is more. Quality over quantity.

You may not have months to travel, but that doesn’t mean you can’t travel at all. There are a plethora of ways to get out and travel the world on a budget without having to be a nomad like me. Telling yourself you don’t have time is just an excuse.

You do have the time and you can learn the skills to travel better. The problem is you probably aren’t thinking of how to spend that time beyond the typical “two-week vacation.”

So the next time you think “I don’t have the time,” think of all the places nearby you could explore. Yes, you’ll have errands to run and things that require your attention. But by using your time productively, prioritizing travel, and thinking outside the box, you’ll find you do have time to explore the world.

Travel is about exploration, and that exploration can happen anywhere for any length of time.
 

How to Travel the World on $75 a Day

My New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”

Click here to learn more and start reading it today!

The post Cubicle Nation: You Have More Travel Time Than You Think appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Life can be stressful.

Work, bills, relationships, the economy, love, family… the list goes on!

There are lots of things we can do to do to relax, like changing our diet, exercising more often, sleeping more, and improving our work-life balance.

But sometimes we need to do more than just make changes at home.

Sometimes we need a break.

And one of the best ways to do that?

You guessed it: travel!

Travel can refresh us.

It is like a time-out from life — like the ones you got in grade school, but this time more fun. It slows us down, makes us stop and smell the roses, and creates a little change in the normal patterns of our lives.

It’s not so much “running away from your responsibilities” as it is taking the time to refresh yourself and give yourself a mental and physical break.

Travel is a tried and true way to reset when you are feeling low or just need a new perspective. It’s an amazing tool for personal development and a wonderful vehicle for self-reflection and growth.

Whether you take a weekend, a week, a month, or a year, just getting out and doing something different can recharge your batteries. The excitement, the fun, and the new places you’ll see can give you more energy and bring you back into focus. You’ll get a chance to meet some great people and even get offline and disconnect if you need to.

Think about it: when you travel, you’re away from all the stress in your life. You are in a new environment. There are a lot of things to see and do, people to meet, places to go, and fun challenges to overcome. You can let go, relax, and embrace new habits or perspectives. In short, you can be a new you.

And you have ultimate freedom when you travel — and freedom is the most liberating, stress-free experience there is.

By focusing on your mental health when you travel you can return to work and your responsibilities with new focus and commitment, because you have cleared your head.

But isn’t travel expensive? Doesn’t it require a ton of planning and savings?

If you believe the advertisements on TV for fancy vacations, then sure. A vacation can cost a fortune.

Fortunately, only a small fraction of travel is like that.

Travel can be super affordable — you can even do it for less than $50 USD a day.

With the rise of points and miles, credit cards that offer points/miles, cheap flight deals, and the sharing economy, it has never been cheaper to travel the world on a budget.

Plus, you may find a new passion or opportunity that would never have presented itself otherwise. There are tons of job opportunities overseas, too, so you can even work while traveling if you want.

In his book The Four Hour Workweek, Tim Ferriss talks about the idea of mini-retirements.

Most of us work toward retirement — that time when we can sit back, relax, and do what we want instead of what we have to do. But by the time many of us get there, we might not have the money — or health — to do that. After all, there are no guarantees in life.

We may never even make it to retirement.

That’s why I say: don’t put off your dreams for a future that may never come.

That’s why I say: now is the best time to travel — because you don’t know what the future holds.

I’ve seen friends die, get sick and become bedridden, and businesses collapse. The past is not prologue and if COVID has taught us anything it’s that life and society can change at the drop of a hat.

Don’t be reckless and rack up debt to travel. But if you need a change, look to the open road. The blank slate travel gives you allows you to work on yourself and enjoy life. No one looks back and says, “If only I had worked more.”

We all want to make the most of our time here. Stop delaying all those things you really want to do and just do them. Don’t let your travel dreams remain just dreams — make them your goals.

So, the next time you have visions of white-sand beaches or climbing Mt. Everest, start making them happen.

Don’t let yourself wonder what might have been. Life is too short.

How to Travel the World on $75 a Day

My New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”

Click here to learn more and start reading it today!

The post Now is the Best Time to Travel appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Whenever I ask readers what the number one thing holding them back from traveling is, I almost always get the same answer: money.

This problem — and how to overcome it — is my most asked question. “Matt, I don’t know how to afford travel. Help!”

I have answered this question in a plethora of posts, emails, tweets, and Facebook posts. Long-term readers might even be getting sick of me discussing this subject because it is one I talk about so much.

But I know no matter how often I address this question, it will come up again.

Since this question comes up so often, I like to constantly remind people of this fact: You do not need to be rich to travel.

There are plenty of ways to travel on a budget (and for free) — you just need to be willing to get creative.

Traveling the world with little or no money sounds like an impossible dream. But it is possible. It’s not glamorous, but it’s possible.

It should be said that there are some expenses you shouldn’t compromise on (like travel insurance) but there are tons of ways you can travel the world on a budget — including plenty of ways you can actually travel for free.

In this post, I’m going to show you two things:

1. How to travel cheap
2. How to travel for free

With the right budget and the right mindset, you can make your travel dreams a reality. Even if you don’t earn a lot or you have debt, there are still plenty of ways to go overseas (I still had debt when I went on my first trip around the world). They may not be fancy or luxurious, but if travel is your priority then you can definitely make it happen!

Ready to kick-start your budget travels and save money? Just click on either of the links below to jump directly to that section!

1. Get a Job Overseas

Not making enough money at your job? Working at a job you hate? Why not get a job overseas? There are plenty of opportunities in the world as long as you aren’t picky. After all, this isn’t a career you are starting — it’s just a way to earn money for travel. Here are some popular (and easy to find) jobs you can get when you travel:

1. Au pair – An au pair is a live-in caregiver who helps a host family look after their kids. In exchange, you get free room and board and a small salary. You can read this post for more info on being an au pair.
2. Bartender – It’s always 5 o’clock somewhere, so if you have the skills then this is an easy job to move overseas. It’s also an easy job to get under the table if you decide to go that route. If you don’t have the skills to tend bar, consider being a dishwasher or busser.
3. Hostel worker – Hostel workers rarely stick around for long, which means there is always a demand for new help. It’s a great way to meet other travelers while adjusting to a new location. Three websites that can help you find hostels to volunteer at are Worldpackers, Workaway, and HelpX.
4. Waitress/waiter – There are tons of seasonal restaurants around the world (and around the US) that need extra help during the busy tourist months. If you have experience, this is an easy job to find abroad.
5. Dive instructor – If you have your certification, this is an easy job to travel with as dive instructors are needed everywhere. Best of all, these jobs are usually in picturesque tropical locations!
6. Tour guide – If you’ve got a knack for history and don’t mind speaking in front of groups, this is the perfect job for you. It’s also usually a cash job, which means you get your tips directly.
7. Cruise ship worker – This is a much more formal position than the ones above, but it’s a great way to travel. The hours are long, but there’s something to be said about living at sea!
8. Seasonal worker at ski resorts – Instructors, restaurant staff, hotel staff, lifeguards — ski resorts need all sorts of staff to keep things moving, making this a goldmine for the overseas traveler (as long as you don’t mind the snow!).
9. Yacht worker – While the hours can be long, you can make great money working for the rich and famous on their yachts. Best of all, you’re usually in some pretty amazing destinations!
10. Yoga instructor – If you have the skills (and certification), teaching yoga abroad is an easy way to make some spending money. While you might need to know the language, there are yoga studios in pretty much every city in the world.

Working overseas often gets discounted as an option because it seems hard to do. It’s not. Just be open. These jobs don’t require advanced degrees or a lot of work experience either.

Are you going to get a high-paying office job? No.

Will you get a shitty, low-wage job that will pay all your travel bills? Yep!

I’ve met people from all walks of life, both from Western and non-Western countries, funding their travels this way. It’s an easy, fun way to lengthen your travels, deepen your experience, and make a little money so you can keep on traveling.

READ MORE ABOUT WORKING OVERSEAS: 15 Ways to Find a Job and Work Overseas

2. Teach English Overseas

One of the best ways to make money for travel is to teach English overseas. You can make a lot of money teaching —I replenished my travel funds while teaching in Thailand, and I have had friends leave South Korea with tens of thousands of dollars in the bank.

All you need is the ability to speak English fluently and a TEFL degree, depending on the country you work in. If you have a college or university degree, you’ll be able to make more money and apply for better positions though it’s not necessary for many countries.

Additionally, there are many websites and services out there that allow you to teach virtually. As long as you have a great Wi-Fi connection, you can help people learn English from anywhere in the world! Italki is one of the most popular online platforms.

READ MORE ABOUT TEACHING OVERSEAS:

• The Best TEFL Courses for Teaching English Abroad
• The 9 Best Places to Teach English Overseas
• Can You Teach English Abroad Without a TEFL?

3. Go WWOOFing and Work on a Farm

WWOOF stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. It’s a platform that allows you to work on a farm in exchange for free room and board. It’s a great way to see a destination in-depth while allowing you to commune with the great outdoors. You have to pay to get to the farm, but once you are there, everything else is covered! It definitely will help you travel cheap as well as have a unique experience and meet lots of cool people.

WWOOF has opportunities available in 130 countries around the world, with over 12,000 hosts and 100,000 WWOOFers. Some of the most popular destinations for WWOOFers are Portugal, France, Italy, Costa Rica, Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii.

This post can give the complete low down on how to travel and work around the world with WWOOF.

4. Use the Sharing Economy

Use the sharing economy to find cheaper accommodation, quirky tour guides, rideshare options, and home-cooked meals with local chefs. You can bypass the traditional travel industry with sharing economy websites and gain access to locals using their own assets and skills to become small tourism companies with cheaper prices. Moreover, locals know where to find deals. They know which supermarket is cheapest, which stores offer the best sales, and where to find the hole-in-the-wall restaurants and bars with the tastiest food at the lowest prices. Talking directly to them gives you access to that knowledge.

Here are some of my favorite websites:

• BlaBlaCar – A ride-sharing app that connects you with drivers who have extra seats in their car (primarily for medium and long distances, and mainly in Europe).
• EatWith – Platform that connects you with local cooks serving private meals.
• RVShare – This website lets you rent RVs and camper vans directly from locals.
• Turo – A car sharing marketplace that lets you rent vehicles from locals.
• Campspace – This platform lets you camp on private property. Properties range from basic tent plots to luxurious glamping and RV stays.
• Trusted Housesitters – Connects you with locals with whom you exchange pet and house sitting services for free accommodation.

5. Cook Your Own Meals

The best way to save money on the road is to cook all your own meals. While in Stockholm, I spent $60 USD for a week’s worth of groceries instead of an average of $15 USD per meal eating out! That’s a savings of $150 USD!

I’ve done the same thing in dozens of countries all around the world — especially in expensive destinations like Iceland where eating out can really destroy your budget.

If you are staying in hostels, book accommodation that has a kitchen so you have space to cook. If you’re Couchsurfing or using Airbnb, your host will probably have a kitchen.

No kitchen? Pack your own container and cutlery and make some sandwiches and salads on the go. Not every meal requires a stove, right?

Just because you are traveling doesn’t mean you need to eat out every meal. You won’t ruin your trip to Paris if you decide not to eat out one day! There’s simply no reason to be spending lots of money on food on your trip!

READ MORE ABOUT SAVING MONEY ON FOOD WHEN YOU TRAVEL:

• How to Eat Cheap Around the World
• How to Eat Around the World on a Vegan Diet

6. Get Rail Passes

Rail passes (like the Eurail Pass in Europe or the JR Pass in Japan) are a great way to save money when it comes to train travel. If you’re traveling around the region for a while, rail passes will likely be much cheaper than just booking individual trips.

If you are booking individual trips, booking ahead of time can usually save you about 50% of the cost of a train ticket. However, that fixes you to a set timeline. If you don’t want to be tied into a fixed schedule, rail passes can save you a lot of money while giving you the flexibility you need. I’ve saved hundreds of dollars in Europe doing this!

READ MORE ABOUT RAIL PASSES:

• A Complete Guide To The Eurail Global Pass
• A Complete Guide to the Japan Rail Pass

7. Sleep in Large Dorms

Large hostel dorm rooms are the cheapest paid accommodation out there. The bigger the dorm, the cheaper it will be. While a 4-6 bed dorm might give you more privacy, a 12-18 bed dorm is going to be a bit cheaper. In the long run, this will add up. As long as you’ve got earplugs and a sleeping mask, opt for the bigger dorm to keep your budget intact!

In a large dorm, you’re almost guaranteed to have some snorers. If earplugs don’t quite do the trick, download an app like Rain Rain, which plays rain sounds on a loop. You can set a timer so they stop playing after an hour or two, helping you ignore the noises of the dorm while you try to fall asleep. Spotify also has all kinds of rain and white noise playlists too.

For discounts on hostels in Europe, check out HostelPass. This card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and am glad it finally exists! (Use code NOMADICMATT for 25% off your membership.)

READ MORE ABOUT HOSTELS:

• 11 Expert Tips on Picking a Good Hostel
• 6 Ways to Avoid a Bad Hostel
• My Favorite Hostels Around the World

8. Use Student and Other Discount Cards

Are you a student, teacher, or under 26? Welcome to the world of 50%-off attractions and a plethora of discounts! Get a student/teacher/youth card and save big while you’re abroad. Even if you’ve recently graduated, chances are you can still get by with your expired ID card (as long as it doesn’t have an expiry date). Always ask if there are discounts available for students or youth as this is an easy way to save tons of cash as you travel around!

Museums, galleries, and other major tourist attractions usually have discounts (especially in Europe). It never hurts to ask! (There are also often discounts for senior travelers and veterans as well, so always ask!)

9. Get City Tourist Cards

If you plan on seeing a lot of sights in a city, you should get a city tourism card. These will offer you discounted and/or free access to the major attractions and museums, as well as free public transportation. I saved over $100 USD with the London pass, $80 USD with the Paris Museum card, $50 USD with a Helsinki card, and tons more with other city tourism cards.

They are an amazing way to save money on attractions that not enough people use. Just head to the local tourism office to find out what cards are available. They can help answer all your questions and make sure you save as much money as possible. Not every city has them, but most major destinations do and you’ll save a lot of money if you plan on seeing the major sights.

10. Capitalize on Your Skills

Need some cash? Use Craigslist (operates in 70 countries), TaskRabbit (mainly in the US and Canada, though also in Italy and Spain), or Gumtree (UK-based) to find paid odd jobs, like assisting people who need a few things done around the house. It’s a way to make money when you travel without committing to a long-term job.

Additionally, if you have a skill, sell it. Offer haircuts to other travelers, busk for money, provide online services like editing, graphic design, or consulting. It’s never been easier to work online. As long as you have Wi-Fi you can make money. The sky is the limit here — get creative!

11. Get Free Flights!

Collecting points and miles is the #1 way I’ve been able to afford so many flights and hotels over the years. By using a travel credit card for regular spending on groceries, restaurants, and shopping, I’ve been able to earn free flights and hotel stays — all by spending money I was going to spend anyway!

These days, there are tons of ways to earn free flights. Simply sign up for a few travel credit cards, collect miles, and then fly for free.

Most cards offer sign-up bonuses of 50,000 points (or more) — which is often enough for a free round-trip flight right there. And if you sign up for both an airline card (e.g., a United credit card) and a general rewards card, you can combine the two point balances and get a cheap flight faster. There’s even a card now — The Bilt Mastercard®– that lets you earn points on your rent!

Collecting points and miles isn’t only for Americans either (though US residents have the best options). Canadians can collect points too, as can folks from Australia and New Zealand and the UK.

READ MORE ABOUT POINTS & MILES:

• Points & Miles 101: A Beginner’s Guide
• The Ultimate Guide to Points & Miles
• How I Earn 1 Million Frequent Flier Miles Each Year
• The Best Travel Credit Cards

12. Stay for Free

There are many services that connect travelers with locals who are willing to let them stay with them for free. Using these sites, you will never have to pay for accommodation. I’ve used this service dozens of times over the years and always meet amazing people. Sometimes you get a room, sometimes a couch, sometimes an air mattress, but it’s always free. These websites not only save you a TON of money but also get you off the tourist track and into the local life. Win-win! Here is a list of websites to use for free accommodation:

• Couchsurfing
• Servas
• BeWelcome
• Warmshowers

13. Hitchhike

Hitchhiking is a free way to get around that is relatively safe and quite common in many parts of the world, including Central America, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

I’ve hitchhiked in a handful of countries (and I know solo female travelers who have done the same!). Sure, it has a bad reputation in North America, but with some common sense and a bit of patience, you can hitchhike almost anywhere — saving you tons of money in the process!

Here are a few basic tips to help you get started:

• Use a sign – Make a clear sign that lets people know where you’re heading. That will help drivers decide if they can help.
• Look presentable – Wear clean clothing, smile, and don’t obscure your face with something like sunglasses. People want to see who they are picking up.
• Check the laws – Hitchhiking is illegal in some places. Always check the laws to make sure it’s ok to do where you are.
• Take precautions – Note the license plate of anyone who picks you up and text it to a friend. Chances are you won’t need it but it’s better to be safe than sorry!
• Keep your valuables on you – Don’t leave any valuables in your bag if it goes in the trunk in case it gets left in the car (or stolen).
• Consult Hitchwiki – Hitchwiki is the #1 hitchhiking resource there is. Always consult it before you hitchhike to pick up tips and ensure you’re hitchhiking in a safe place.

READ MORE ABOUT HITCHHIKING:

• 14 Ways to Safely Hitchhike Across the United States
• What I Learned Hitchhiking Around China
• A Lesson in Kindness While Hitchhiking through Iceland

14. Take Free Walking Tours

Want to learn about the city, get your bearings, and see the major sights? Take a free walking tour. You can find them in most major cities — just ask the local tourist office, your hostel staff, or Google “free walking tour (city name).”

You’ll get a solid introduction to the city while also getting access to a local guide you can ask questions to. I always start my visits to a new city with one. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end (that’s how they get paid).

This page has a list of all my favorite walking tours around the world broken down by city.
 

15. House Sitting & Pet Sitting

If you’re on a tight budget, you can pet and house sit for fellow travel lovers when they go on their own vacations! In exchange, you’ll get free accommodation while you’re watching their home and pets (animal care is involved 99% of the time).

You can sign up for one of the sites below to start house sitting, allowing you to stay in one destination for a while without having to pay for accommodation. Everyone’s account is verified and has reviews so you know you won’t get cheated.

This is a great way to travel long-term, with an important added bonus: you get a kitchen to cook your food (which saves you even more money!).

You will also often get access to a vehicle and sometimes will be left a tip or free groceries. It’s generally people who are well enough off that they can afford multi-month vacations, so you’re usually in pretty nice homes and apartments too!

The best website for this is Trusted Housesitters.

You can read this post to learn more about how to start house sitting.
 

16. Use Your Social Network

Does your colleague have a relative in Spain? Or maybe you have a distant cousin who lives in New Zealand. Or maybe a childhood friend of yours is working down in Brazil.

These days, we have a vast social network of friends and family that stretches across the globe. Don’t hesitate to use that! Ask your co-workers and friends if they know anyone where you’re going. Get your mom to ask her co-workers and friends, too.

Using your social network can be hugely helpful in traveling the world. You never know who knows who!

Because if I can do it, you can do it too!

Whether it’s two months, two years, or just a two-week vacation, travel doesn’t need to cost a ton. The key is to get out of the mindset that you must travel in the typical manner of simply booking a flight and a hotel. Using out-of-the-box, nontraditional ways to travel can lead to big savings.

But it all starts with a change in mindset. From there, with some patience and practice, you’ll be able to make your travel dreams a reality — without breaking the bank!

Stop paying full price for travel!

Download my free guide to points and miles and learn how to use points and miles for free travel! It's how all the pros travel so much! In this guide, I'll show you:

• How to Pick a Credit Card
• How to Earn Up to 10x Miles on Your Spending
• How to Redeem Your Points
• And a Ton of Other Money Saving Tips!

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How to Travel the World on $75 a Day

My New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”

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The post How to Travel Cheap: 16 Ways to Travel for Cheap or Free appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Serendipitous adventure, carefree nights with newfound friends in foreign lands, delicious foods for bargain prices, and the luxury of time to enjoy it all.

Welcome to the world of long-term travel.

When it comes to this kind of travel, I get a lot of emails asking for my “secret.”

How do you travel so often and for so long? How did you quit your job and escape the grind? You must have a trust fund to afford all that, right?

Wrong.

I’ve written about how I manage to travel in the past (over and over again), but people still wonder if I am holding something back.

What am I leaving out? What, they ask, is my secret to escaping the cubicle and being a nomad? Did I win the lottery? Do my parents pay for everything?

There must be something that makes me so special.

Well, here it is! The big secret to traveling long-term is…

Nothing.

Absolutely nothing!

There is no special secret.

Vagabonds, nomads, and long-term travelers are nothing special. We have no superpowers or secret Swiss bank accounts. We don’t have a money tree or the ability to teleport everywhere.

Of course, privilege will inevitably play its part, but we’re not unique or doing anything special. This kind of travel has been done for decades, by people from all parts of the world, with a variety of backgrounds.

Long-term travelers are just like you.

When I first discovered long-term travel, I thought the backpackers I had met in Chiang Mai had found some secret to life I didn’t know existed.

But once I got on the road myself, I saw that there was no secret. I wasn’t unique or special. Millions of people every year did this. Even people with virtually no money were making it work.

I had left home thinking I was going on an exciting adventure few people go on — then I went to Khao San Road and hung out in Amsterdam during the summer. In those places, I met travelers young and old doing exactly the same thing as me — and none of them were trust fund babies.

These travelers just did what they wanted — a revolutionary idea for me at the time. But now, after years of travel, I realize that it’s not so revolutionary. If people really want something, they do it. If you want a big-screen TV or a new computer, you find a way to make it happen. If you really want to eat sushi for dinner, you are going to have sushi for dinner.

If you really want to travel, you will do that, too.

Because, just like you find a way to pay for that TV or your new car, these travelers simply arranged their life so that they could afford to travel.

The only thing these people had that I didn’t have before was the desire to do what they wanted to do, free from the expectations of society, just because they enjoyed it.

They simply said, “I want to travel” and then worked to make it happen.

They saved more, they took second jobs, they stayed home instead of going out to eat or drink, they found work overseas. They did whatever it took.

As the saying goes, where there’s a will, there’s a way.

It is that simple.

People ask me about whether I worry about bills, retirement, and my future. To be honest, not really.

When you travel long-term, all those things disappear. You have no bills because you have no home. You just spend what you spend from day to day (which is usually less than $50 a day).

My mother told me I should start saving more for my retirement so I could…wait for it…travel more.

Then she stopped herself and said, “Well, I guess you do that already, so never mind!”

I’m a big believer in the idea that we shouldn’t work our lives away and that we should take short breaks to pursue our passions. Why should I spend my best years in an office, saving money for an age I may not even see, or if I do see it, might be too sick to enjoy?

Yeah, we long-term travelers save a bit for a rainy day, but we don’t worry about the future. We enjoy now. Take care of your present, and your future works itself out. When I stop traveling, I’ll figure out what is next.

So, when you ask travelers how they do it, they aren’t lying when they say there is no secret. We simply made a conscious decision to do it and, after that, just worked toward our goal, saving money and making plans just like what you would do for any other goal or venture in your life.

That’s the secret. So, now that you know it, go start making your travel dreams come true!
 

How to Travel the World on $75 a Day

My New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”

Click here to learn more and start reading it today!

The post The Secret to Long Term Traveling appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a popular career choice for those looking to combine a passion for education with the thrill of travel. TEFL involves teaching students whose native language isn’t English, regardless of the teacher’s native language. I did it in Thailand and Taiwan and it was an amazing experience!

The demand for certified TEFL courses continues to grow as students around the world strive to learn English. It’s one of the best ways to work overseas. Historically used in private schools, TEFL’s communicative approach contrasts with the rigid methods of public schools. Often the focus is on communication, creativity, and cultural awareness rather than rote memorization and strict grammar.

There are many reasons people decide to teach overseas. I did it because I needed money and then I did it again because it was a great way to work and live in another country! It provides a sustainable way to experience cultural immersion, learn new languages, and build international networks. It often leads to significant growth on both personal and professional levels too. By stepping into a TEFL role, teachers not only contribute to the educational landscape of their host countries but also enhance their own skills and career prospects.

Since most teachers need a TEFL to get a job, here’s everything you need to know about TEFL programs so you can teach English overseas:

What Is TEFL Certification?

TEFL certification is the primary qualification used to obtain jobs teaching abroad. Established in the early 1970s, TEFL training was developed for regions where English was not the primary language. TEFL certificates are now recognized internationally and are often a prerequisite for securing positions overseas.

In the past, the only option for a would-be TEFL teacher was dedicating a month to a full-time in-person program. Access to training was limited due to high tuition fees, a lack of options outside major city centers, and the other supporting costs that came with it.

These days, technology (and decades of research and development) have made TEFL courses much more accessible and inclusive. The TEFL certification can be completed fully online, in hybrid blended formats, or fully in person.

Regardless of the format, TEFL courses provide comprehensive training in the following:

• Classroom management
• Teaching skills
• Lesson planning
• Incorporating media into the classroom
• Grammar
• Cultural sensitivity

Over the decades, the TEFL standard has been a 120-hour course. It is considered the perfect length for providing the theoretical framework for a new graduate to start teaching in the classroom. While the industry often pushes more hours on unsuspecting teachers, they are usually superfluous and add little value over a good-quality, standard 120-hour TEFL course.

That said, pursuing further education and/or more hours is recommended after a teacher has a couple years of teaching experience. For example, the Cambridge DELTA is an excellent choice for instructors who have already completed a TEFL, and have two years of full-time classroom experience under their belt.

Requirements and Where to Obtain Certification

Prospective TEFL teachers should have a fluent command of English. The more advanced the students are, the more advanced the teacher is expected to be. If a teacher is a non-native, they may consider completing a proficiency exam (like the IELTS or TOEFL) to demonstrate their language capabilities, although it isn’t strictly necessary.

A bachelor’s degree is sometimes required to teach English abroad, especially in countries with competitive teaching markets (such as Japan), which also may have legal stipulations regarding work permit issuance. In most countries, the degree can be in any field, so long as it is accompanied with a TEFL certificate.

Some countries and programs accept candidates without a degree (such as Costa Rica and Spain), particularly if they have substantial teaching experience or proficiency in teaching English.

Bear in mind, there is no centralized accrediting body for TEFL. There are some loose governmental frameworks TEFL providers may promote (for example, “Level 5,” which is roughly equivalent to a high school diploma in the UK), but usually these have minimal impact on employability.

It is important to ensure that a TEFL certificate can be authenticated and/or apostilled for use abroad. Check with your provider of choice that this option exists, and ask what it costs. Often would-be TEFLers complete a course that has a flashy website and a great price, only to find out the TEFL cannot be used for work visa applications!

General Qualifications and Skills Needed

In addition to training and certification, successful TEFL teachers often possess qualities such as adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. A positive mindset is an immense advantage in overcoming issues and challenges inherent in moving overseas. Not only is doing so a challenge, new TEFL teachers will also be adapting to a new career, a new employer, and a new classroom!

A genuine interest in helping students achieve their language learning goals powers teachers toward success. By taking ownership of the role and learning outcomes, teachers can achieve a sense of satisfaction and achievement that result in positive growth and better adjustment.
 

The Benefits of Teaching English Abroad

Teaching English abroad offers numerous advantages. These benefits include professional, personal, and social growth, as well as a financially sustainable way to live and explore different parts of the world.

Professional Growth
One of the most significant benefits of teaching English overseas is professional development. Teachers gain invaluable skills such as cross-cultural communication, adaptation to international work standards, and in-demand teaching techniques.

Teaching abroad often leads to career advancements in the field of education, including roles in educational management, curriculum design, publishing, and teacher training.

Sometimes teachers working overseas are offered rewarding opportunities and positions beyond the educational field that align with the skills they honed as TEFL instructors.

Personal & Social Growth
The experience of living and working in a foreign country is transformative. Teachers often develop a deeper understanding of global issues, gain insights into different cultures, and learn new languages.

This cultural immersion fosters a broadened worldview and enhances personal resilience and independence. Many TEFL teachers report profound personal growth, noting increased confidence and improved problem-solving skills as they navigate life in a new country.

Teaching English abroad is inherently social. Most teachers leave behind their familiar social circles to move to places where they have no existing connections. This shared experience often leads to the rapid and natural formation of new relationships and friendships. TEFL teachers report forming tight knit bonds with other teachers that are meaningful, deep, and long-lasting.

(Matt says: I found teaching a great way to break out of my introvert shell. It was challenging but rewarding.)

Financial Benefits
Teaching English abroad often comes with salaries significantly higher than local averages, supporting a comfortable lifestyle. Additionally, many host countries feature a lower cost of living compared to the teachers’ home countries.

For example, a modern one-bedroom apartment in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, may cost around $500 USD per month, compared to the average US rent of over $1,500 USD. Dining out in countries like Thailand and Indonesia can cost as little as $3 USD per meal, while a similar meal might exceed $15–20 USD back home. Lower income and sales taxes in these countries further increase the disposable income and savings potential for TEFL teachers.

In addition to a stable income, some TEFL positions offer further benefits, such as housing allowances, health insurance, airfare, bonuses, and paid vacations. These perks, coupled with the opportunity to travel, make teaching abroad a great option for anyone looking to sustainably explore the world.
 

Country Focus – Key Destinations for TEFL Jobs

Here’s a quick look at some of the best countries to teach English in:

Japan
Japan offers a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and modern conveniences, making it one of the most popular destinations for TEFL teachers. The country has a lot of opportunities for teaching English, with positions available in private language schools and public schools, and through government-sponsored teaching programs.

Salaries are competitive, typically ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 USD per month, with some positions offering additional benefits, such as housing subsidies and flight reimbursement.

Culturally, Japan presents an exquisite blend of tradition and innovation. From the tranquility of cherry blossoms in spring to the nonstop hustle of Tokyo, there’s a lot for teachers in Japan to explore and enjoy. The country’s efficient public transportation makes it easy to get around, and being a highly developed country, you won’t want for anything here.

Just be prepared for a higher cost of living compared to other TEFL destinations, particularly in major cities.

Taiwan
Taiwan is a friendly, welcoming destination for TEFL teachers. The demand for English instruction there only keeps increasing as the country continues to grow in international commerce, technology, and tourism. Salaries are attractive, often between $1,700 to $2,500 USD per month, with much lower living costs compared to Japan. Most schools in Taiwan also offer benefits such as contract completion bonuses, health insurance, and assistance with finding housing.

Known as “the Heart of Asia,” Taiwan is a unique nation in that it was a Japanese colony for 50 years and is mainly inhabited by Han Chinese. Yet it was never directly under communist rule and has been open to the world. The people are thoughtful, warm, friendly, and humble. The country is very safe too.

Taiwan offers something for everyone. A mouthwatering street food culture, plenty of white-sand beaches, interesting historical sites, living temples, towering mountain ranges, eclectic nightlife, and lush tea plantations are just some of the highlights.

(Matt says: I spent time teaching English here and loved it. Taiwan is an underrated destination!)

Czech Republic
The Czech Republic serves as a gateway to Europe for many TEFL teachers, offering a lower cost of living and the opportunity to travel across Europe easily. English teaching jobs are plentiful in cities like Prague and Brno, with salaries around $1,200 to $2,500 USD per month, which is sufficient to live comfortably due to the lower cost of living. The process for obtaining a work visa in the Czech Republic is more straightforward than in many other European countries, making it an accessible option for many aspiring TEFL teachers.

Life in the Czech Republic can be enchanting, with its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. Teachers can enjoy visiting historic castles, sampling local beers, and indulging at quaint cafés. It also makes for a great base if you want to explore neighboring countries in Europe.

Costa Rica
Costa Rica is known for its laid-back lifestyle and breathtaking natural beauty, attracting TEFL teachers who are nature lovers and adventure seekers. The demand for English teachers is steadily increasing, with many positions available in private language institutes and public schools. The typical salary ranges from $750 to $1,100 USD per month, which more than covers living expenses, considering Costa Rica’s relatively low cost of living compared to the US or Canada.

(Matt says: Costa Rica was my first international trip and the place I fell in love with travel. Everyone I know who goes there loves it. It’s an expensive country for Central America, but that’s due to the high cost of adventure activities and other tourism costs. If you live like the locals do, it can be an affordable place to live!)

Teaching in Costa Rica offers a unique opportunity to live in a country renowned for its commitment to conservation and sustainability. The nation boasts an impressive array of wildlife and ecosystems, providing plenty of weekend destinations for hiking, surfing, and wildlife photography. The friendly nature of the Ticos (Costa Ricans) and their warm hospitality make integrating into the community a rewarding experience.

Overcoming Challenges

While teaching English abroad is an exciting and enriching experience, it’s not without its challenges. From language barriers to cultural differences, TEFL teachers often face a range of obstacles that require adaptability and resilience.

Language Barriers
One immediate hurdle when moving to a new country is the language barrier, which can complicate everyday tasks and interactions. Fortunately, employers and fellow teachers help with initial setups, such as opening bank accounts, sorting out a local SIM card, and obtaining necessary services. In many countries (especially in Asia, due to cultural values), locals are accommodating, patient, and eager to assist, with many going above and beyond to ensure positive interactions.

English’s role as a global language aids communication, as many locals will have some understanding of it, and some may even be fluent. Additionally, the use of translation apps has greatly eased communication challenges for new TEFL teachers, helping them navigate language obstacles more effectively. Of course, it’s advisable for TEFL teachers to undertake basic language courses to enhance daily communication, foster deeper personal connections, and demonstrate respect for the local culture.

Cultural Differences
Aside from the communication challenges, cultural misunderstandings can be frustrating.

A successful TEFL teacher embraces the culture of the host country with openness and a genuine eagerness to learn. Recognizing that the norms from one’s own country may not apply abroad helps when navigating cultural mismatches. It’s especially helpful to maintain a sense of humor and keep things in perspective when faced with unexpected challenges.

Participating in local festivals, eating local cuisine, and spending time with local colleagues helps bridge cultural gaps, and will make cultural adaptation a fun, rewarding, and meaningful experience.

Homesickness
The initial period when moving to teach English abroad can be difficult. It involves leaving behind your friends, family, and community to set off into the unknown for an extended period of time. It’s a unique feeling that isn’t often experienced in routine life.

The good news is that this typically diminishes as TEFL teachers form new vibrant friendships, integrate with the expat community, and build a daily routine. Staying connected to friends and family back home through digital communication tools helps ease the times a teacher feels the distance. It may take a few weeks, or it may take a few months. TEFL teachers who embrace the transition to their new environment will have a more positive overseas experience.

Navigating Bureaucracy
Dealing with visa applications, work permits, and local registration can be daunting. One of the benefits of using a credible TEFL job placement service is that the partner employers are vetted and legitimately licensed and regulated, and often have multiple years (if not decades) of experience. They fully support work visa applications, will guide teachers step by step, and provide the necessary paperwork from their end.

Additionally, these employers provide incredible in-country support, such as airport pickup, accommodations and/or fully supported accommodation assistance, help with setting up a bank account, or obtaining a local SIM card, utilities, etc. They typically have an HR department dedicated to foreign TEFL teachers, which takes 90% of the bureaucracy burden off a new teacher’s shoulders.

Embarking on a TEFL career abroad offers more than just a job — it provides a passport to personal and professional growth. By teaching English abroad, educators not only enrich their lives but also make significant contributions to their students’ futures.

While there are challenges, such as cultural differences and language barriers, the rewards of deep cultural immersion, adventure, and career development are immense. If you’re seeking a transformative life experience, teaching English overseas might just be your next great adventure.

Click here to learn more and start your TEFL journey today!

myTEFL is the world’s premier TEFL program, with over 40 years of TEFL experience in the industry. Their accredited programs are hands-on and in-depth, giving you the skills and experience you need to land a high-paying job teaching English overseas. Click here to learn more and start your TEFL journey today! (Use code “matt50” for 50% off!)

The post The Ultimate Guide to Teaching English Overseas appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

As travelers of the world, we have a unique opportunity to break down barriers, foster cultural exchange, and create a positive impact on communities around the world. We can banish stereotypes of our own cultures, stimulate the local economy, and bring fresh ideas and perspectives.

Travel can be a life-changing experience — not only for the destination you are visiting but also for yourself. It helps us walk away a better version of ourselves and with a better understanding of the world.

Yet too often, travelers become the worst versions of themselves — throwing up on streets, being obnoxious to locals, demanding that places conform to their needs, contributing to waste and overtourism, and ignoring local customs.

Too many travelers treat destinations as their personal hedonistic plaything.

Therefore, in order to foster positive social exchange, get the most out of travel, and be awesome, I say that we travelers take the following pledge so we can be the kind of people other travelers want to know and locals don’t hate, as well as better for it:

1. I will read about where I’m going before I get there.

2. I will be respectful of local cultures and customs.

3. I will learn some phrases in the local language.

4. I will try one thing I’m afraid of.

5. I will not turn cheapness into a competition, since travel is not a race to the bottom.

6. I will eat the local food.

7. I will not haggle over less than a dollar.

8. I will not be a loud, obnoxious traveler that demands that locals conform to my values.

9. I will have patience.

10. I will be humble.

11. I will have no regrets about partying until dawn, but I will be respectful of my hostel dorm mates and their sleep.

12. I will learn to hold my liquor. If not, I will limit my intake.

13. I will understand that traveling is not an excuse to give up on personal hygiene.

14. I will not ask fellow travelers the same questions over and over again; instead, will get to know them beyond where they are going, where they’ve been, and how long they are traveling for.

15. I will not turn travel into a competition, since it is a personal experience.

16. I will not tell people how many places I’ve been – because no one cares.

17. I will not whine about how a destination was so much better ten years ago, nor will I listen to those who do. Because who cares? All you have is now. You can’t go back to the past.

18. I will not judge people on how often they return to a destination.

19. I will not be a smugly superior backpacker and judge others for how they travel.

20. I will not judge people for not packing light or eating comfort food when they feel homesick.

21. I will remember to get off Facebook, put my camera down, and enjoy the moment.

22. I will travel slow.

23. I will have no regrets about changing plans at the last minute.

24. I will go in any direction my heart desires and follow my wanderlust.

25. I will remember that this is a privilege.

26. I will not decide if I love or hate an entire country within a few hours of being there and interacting with a handful of people.

27. I will not drink and drive. Even on a motorbike. Even in Southeast Asia. Even if everyone else is doing it. Because I value my life and the lives of others and I’m not an idiot.

28. I will be respectful of the environment and limit my plastic consumption.

29. I will not ride animals nor visit an animal experience that involves petting or touching that exists solely for tourist purposes.

30. I will be grateful for every stupid, amazing, unexpected, breathtaking moment on the road and all the wonderful people who enrich my life.

We all have our own interests, preferences, and desires. But as we start the new year, let’s all make a commitment to be better travelers. Let’s be respectful, curious, and supportive. Let’s be the best versions of ourselves as we hit the road and experience everything this world has to offer.
 

How to Travel the World on $75 a Day

My New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”

Click here to learn more and start reading it today!

The post A Traveler’s Manifesto: 30 Travel Rules to Live By appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Planning a trip can be stressful.

Where do you start?

What’s step one? What’s step two? Will everything work out OK? Is there a best route to take? How figure out what to do? What do you book first?

There’s a lot to think about, especially if you’re going for a really long trip.

Taking time off and traveling around the world is a big life change, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Multi-month trips don’t just happen. There’s a lot of planning that is needed to make your dream a reality.

And that endless list to do can feel overwhelming sometimes.

So how do you manage to stop feeling overwhelmed?

It’s not as hard as you think — and I’ve developed a unique four-step process to help (patent pending):

First, buy your plane ticket to where you want to go first. (Not sure where you want to start? Simple. Start where the airfare is the cheapest.) All you need is the first flight.

Second, turn off the computer and stop visiting 93,754,302,948,320 websites about travel (except for mine — you should always read mine!). You’ll suffer from information overload if you don’t.

Third, go out with your friends and celebrate the start date of your trip.

Fourth, smile.

There – that’s it. You bought your plane ticket. You’re going. There’s no turning back. There’s no need to worry anymore. All other planning is secondary.

I once heard at an industry event that people will look at up to 20 websites over the course of 40 hours as they plan a two week vacation. That’s insane. You don’t need to do that much research.

No wonder I get so many emails from people saying “Matt, I feel like I’m in over my head.”

Information is power, but in our information-overload society, too much information leave us conflicted and powerless.

I understand you might be feeling a lot of anxiety planning your trip since you want to make sure everything goes right. I remember what it was like when I was planning my first trip. I had every guidebook under the sun in my room. I created spreadsheets. I researched everything. I had multiple itineraries drawn up. I had lists upon lists. I was constantly worried about having “the perfect trip.”

I’ve been there but I can tell you from years of experience that the more you plan your trip, the more anxiety you will face. You’re going to overwhelm yourself with so much information that you’re going to do nothing but stress over it.

Planning gives you a sense of ownership over your trip. There’s joy in that. It’s one of the best parts about travel.

But overplanning will lead to stress and I can tell you that, once you hit the road, all your plans will change anyway.

Someone will tell you about a new destination and you’ll race off there instead of going to Amsterdam.

You’ll wander the streets and into unexpected restaurants.

You’ll meet a group of people who will convince you to stay on that tropical island with them just a little longer.

All you should have when you leave is a general idea of what direction you want to go and plan your first few stops. After that, just let the wind take you.

(This rule applies even if you are just are taking a short trip. Come up with a few things you want to see each day and then just let the rest of the day fill itself in. Go with the flow!)

In 2006, my first itinerary through Europe was supposed to look like this:

Oslo –> Prague –> Milan –> Florence –> Rome –> Naples –> Corfu –> Metorea –> Athens –> Greek Islands –> Athens

But it ended up like this:

Oslo –> Prague –> Milan –> Florence –> Rome –> Venice –> Vienna –> Amsterdam –> Costa del Sol -> Barcelona -> Amsterdam –> Athens

Almost nothing worked out as I had planned. It worked out better. Cooler, more interesting things and people pulled me in a different direction.

A recent trip to Southeast Asia was completely changed when a friend said “Want to come meet me in Chiang Mai?”

Instead of flying to Bangkok, I ended up in Chiang Mai and then onward to Laos!

I have rarely ever kept my original plans. I don’t know many travelers who have.

After you’ve booked your flight, come up with a list of everything you need to do before you go (it won’t be as long as you think):

• Buy your backpack
• Purchase travel insurance
• Get your visas (if needed)
• Get new bank cards
• Book your hostel
• Cancel your cable (and other bills)

That’s the bulk of it — and most of this stuff can be done a few months before you go.

Go down your list.

Check.

Check.

Check.

Buy a book or two to pick up some general knowledge on how to travel and prepare for your trip.

Read a guidebook and get a good idea about where you’re going.

Develop a general plan and then fill in the details along the way.

Relax.

Breathe.

Everything will work itself out.

And, when it does, you’ll wonder why you stressed so much in the beginning.
 

How to Travel the World on $75 a Day

My New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”

Click here to learn more and start reading it today!

The post How NOT to Feel Overwhelmed appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

One of the most common questions I get asked about my ability to travel long-term is how I can afford to travel so much.

Am I rich? Did mom and dad pay? Do I have a rich uncle? Did I win the lottery?

Before I was able to transform this blog into a business, I spent years traveling the world by doing one thing: I kept track of my spending.

That’s really the secret to long term travel: really good money management.

Simple and boring.

Yes, you have to save money before you go (or work overseas to keep refilling your bank account) but long-term travelers are just really good at money management because you have to make a limited resource (your bank account) last a long, long time.

When I first started traveling, I pinched every penny and saved money every chance I got. While I sometimes lavishly spent money like it was going out of style, I made up for it on other days by staying in and cooking pasta. (After all, did you live like a pauper at home to go to Australia and not dive the Great Barrier Reef? Of course not! You have to live a little sometimes!)

I kept a journal of what I spent so I could track my spending and be sure I was staying on budget. (Side note: I love when I see travelers keeping a spending journal to track their budget. Those are the travelers who end up staying on budget!)

While on the road (just like at home), there will be unforeseen circumstances that chip into your savings, like missed flights, a lost camera, or a change in plans that leaves you having to pay extra for accommodation (which is why you have travel insurance so you get these costs covered). You can’t avoid these sorts of things, but you can be prepared.

To help you make your money last on the road, here are the strategies that have helped me make my money last:
 

1. Know what you want to spend money on

When I travel, I don’t budget a lot of money for accommodation, tours, or transportation. I find the cheapest accommodation around and I walk everywhere. If I need a ride, I’ll take public transportation or hitchhike!

But I will spend a lot of money on food and drinks.

Why?

Because that’s what I want to do!

I didn’t pinch pennies back hom so I could fly to Australia and spend my nights watching Netflix, nor did I head to France just to cook meals in a hostel every night.

No, not me. I came to eat and drink.

And I’m willing to sleep in massive dorms, on a floor, or walk seven miles to ensure I have the funds to make that happen.

Knowing what you want to spend money on will help you create a realistic budget based on your travel desires so you have enough money for what you want and don’t feel guilty about spending money on it. I see a lot of travelers blow through their budget quickly because they didn’t prioritize their spending.

2. Create Your Budget

When you know yourself and what you want to spend money on, it’s easy to create a budget that will cover you for the duration of your trip. This is where pre-trip research comes in.

When I started planning my trip in 2005, there wasn’t a lot of travel information online. I spent a lot of time reading guidebooks and searching for any information I could find about prices. I pieced together an intricate spreadsheet of how much I would spend each day in various places based on how much I could save and what I found online.

These days, you don’t need to go that crazy when you plan your trip because there is so much information available online about prices. You can literally Google the price for anything you want!

Too often I see travelers get blindsided by unexpected costs.

“Wow! That tour is so expensive. I blew my budget!”

“I didn’t expect drinks would cost so much!”

“This place is more expensive than I thought.”

I just shake my head when I hear these comments, because these are people who clearly didn’t do any planning.

Don’t be like these people. Do your research, plan ahead, and avoid the pitfalls that will send you home far sooner (and far poorer) than you want.

My travel guides to over 300 destinations are a good place to start.

Write down all the things you want to do, where you want to do them, and how much they will cost. Account for your food, insurance, transportation, flights, accommodation, booze, activities, and anything else you think will be relevant.

(Note: I am not going to get into how to save for your trip in this post. But I have tons and tons and tons of posts on how to do that. You can find them here.)
 

3. Keep track of all your expenses

While on the road, you need to track all of your expenses. The people who have to go home early are always the ones that have no idea how much money they are spending on the road.

By tracking every expense — from hostel dorms to that snack you bought — you can see if you’re on track or if you’re overspending (in which case you can correct your spending).

This is the most important thing you can do to make your money last!

If you only do one thing, track your spending! Sure, you have to remember to do it, and it’s easy to forget, but actively doing this will ensure you become a better budget traveler, and soon it will become a habit.

You can keep track of it all in a journal (I use a Moleskine notebook) or use an app like:

• Mint
• TravelSpend
• Goodbudget

I suggest tracking your expenses for a few weeks at home before your trip to get in the habit. That way, when you’re on the road, it won’t feel like a chore. Here are some free budgeting templates you can use to get started.

4. Travel for free

As I’ve said, making your money last is really about setting your budget, saving money, and tracking your expenses on the road. But another great way to make your money last is to not spend it. And there’s a lot of ways to do that.

First, you can always work when you travel. There are a lot of jobs out there for travelers. And you can always work on a farm via WWOOFing, which is a great cultural experience that many travelers do.

Second, you can use the sharing economy to lower costs. You can stay with people for free, rideshare, and so much more. Sharing economy websites and apps connect travelers with locals and bypass the traditional travel gatekeepers. Now only do you save money but you get to meet locals!

Third, use points and miles. The best travel is free travel and collecting points and miles can allow you to get free flights, transportation, and accommodation. You can do this before you travel and while on the road via your everyday spending.

I’ve written extensively on this topic. It’s the #1 way I travel so much for so little. Download my free guide to learn more!

Your budget will only last as long as you planned it to last. If you plan your budget well, it will last until the end of your trip. So, no matter what you do, write down your expenses!!! Keeping track of your expenses will allow you to make adjustments as you go and ensure that your travel money lasts as long as you want.

By planning and tracking like a financial ninja, those things are not likely to happen. That means more days on the road, more adventures, and more awesome travel experiences.

The better you know yourself and create a budget based on that, the longer your money will last when you travel!
 

How to Travel the World on $75 a Day

My New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”

Click here to learn more and start reading it today!

The post How to Make Your Money Last When You Travel appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Some people travel to explore ancient historical sites, others to sample the culture or food or language of new and exciting destinations.

And, sometimes, people travel to party.

When it comes to budget backpacking, one of the most common ways travelers break the ice is over a drink. Or two. Or three.

Whether it’s at bars, clubs, lounges, beach parties, or just in small groups sitting around talking while sipping a bottle of wine, alcohol — for better or worse — is often a staple of life on the road.

If you’re looking to embrace your wild side and party hard with other travelers, here’s my thoroughly researched list. I’ve been to over one hundred countries and have drunk heavily around the world, so I know a good party when I see one!

If you are looking to party when you travel, visit one of these places:

1. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is a hub for budget travelers. It’s where the infamous Khao San Road is located. All travel roads lead in and out of this backpacker/tourist street, and it’s always filled with travelers taking after locals and drinking out of alcohol-filled buckets every night. Then, when official bars close, everyone heads out to the after-hours clubs until 5am.

Visiting Bangkok won’t do anything good for your liver, but the city is a must for backpackers and partiers. Besides Khao San Road, there’s Patpong, Thong Lor, Silom (Smalls, a speakeasy cocktail bar, is my favorite in this area), and the new cocktail scene in Chinatown. Bangkok truly has a party for everyone.

Just remember to stick to beer if you’re on a budget. Cocktails and wine are mostly imported with high taxes and therefore cost a lot more than the local beer.

Where to Stay: Mad Monkey Hostel – A backpacker institution near Khao San Road, this hostel has a restaurant, pool, and tour desk with some of best prices in town.

For more hostel suggestions be sure to check out my list of best hostels in Bangkok. And, to find out exactly where in the city you should stay, here’s a post that breaks down the best neighborhoods in Bangkok.
 

2. Barcelona, Spain

Any city where people eat dinner at midnight is a city that will start and go late. Barcelona is a city for night owls. The clubs here don’t get busy until about 2am and stay packed until dawn. Here, tourists can enjoy the nice weather and rooftop gin bars, drink sangria until the sun rises, go on a pub crawl, get wasted at the famous Kabul hostel, and roam the medieval Barri Gothic looking for hole-in-the-wall pubs. The waterfront gets especially nuts on a weekend.

Where to Stay: Kabul Party Hostel – This is one of my favorite hostels in Europe. It’s a full-on party place, where they organize nightly events and pub crawls. It’s super social and really easy to meet people here.

For more hostel suggestions, check out my complete list of the best hostels in Barcelona, and to figure out what area of the city you should stay in, check out this guide to the best neighborhoods in the city.
 

3. Rome, Italy

Rome is a great city to party in. There are lots of bars, lots of clubs, and lots of beautiful people. If you’re traveling solo, the pub crawl tours are a great way to meet other travelers. While Romans themselves are a bit tame, the backpacker party scene here is crazy, with tons and tons of bar crawls littering the city. The Spanish Steps Bar Crawl (aka Rome’s Ultimate Party) gets especially wild. Come prepared for a hangover.

Where to Stay: Alessandro Palace Hostel and Bar – A party hostel that’s also one of the cheapest places to stay in the city, there’s not one but two bars here with cheap drinks (including one on the roof). It’s just 5 minutes from the Termini station too.

For more hostel suggestions, check out my list of the best hostels in Rome, and to learn more about the different areas of the city (such as the best ones for nightlife), here’s a post that breaks down the best neighborhoods in Rome.
 

4. Prague, Czechia

Cheap beer (and cheap flights) makes this city a major party destination for people around the world. While I didn’t encounter any of those notorious stag parties, the nightlife in this city will leave you in a haze wondering what you did last night and whose phone number is scribbled on your arm. Multiple-story clubs, strong cocktail bars, cheap beer halls — Prague has it all.

Where to Stay: MadHouse – This place really lives up to its name — it truly is a madhouse! The décor includes very cool murals, giving the hostel a very unique feel and the knowledgeable staff organizes events every night.

For more hostel suggestions, check out my complete list of the best hostels in Prague!
 

5. Miami, Florida

Miami is where you go for fun in the sun. People come to Miami to get wild, visit nightclubs, lounge on the beach, and drink the nights away. It’s not cheap, but it’s a great place for the clubbers out there. There’s lots of music, lots of great DJs, lots of dancing, lots of pretty people, and most importantly, lots of booze.

Check out E11even (where the party is 24/7), LIV Miami (the city’s most famous), or Basement (complete with an ice-skating rink and bowling lanes). There is usually a $30-60 USD cover to get in and most drinks are at least $15-20 USD so be prepared to splash out, though even on a backpacker budget, you’ll be able to find some fun. Maybe you’ll even run into a celebrity or two.

Where to Stay: Viajero Miami – Located in South Beach, this hostel offers a host of amenities, including three swimming pools. The poolside bar is a great place to hang out and meet people and it’s also located just a block from the beach.

For more hostel suggestions, check out my complete list of the best hostels in Miami!
 

6. Sydney, Australia

Aussies know how to party and party well. The hostels in Sydney organize great hostel parties to meet other travelers but if that is not your thing, you can find your own crowd at any of the clubs and bars around King’s Cross, the backpacker area. This is where the beer is inexpensive and the backpackers (and locals) party late. For a less traveler-centric time, head to Manly, The Rocks, or the CBD (Central Business District) where there are more locals and fewer travelers (but more expensive drinks). Aussies love to party and are more than happy to welcome newcomers with a drink. You can also use the app The Happiest Hour to find the cheapest happy hours in the city. It’s an awesome resource for going out in Australia!

Where to Stay: Mad Monkey Bayswater – There’s a party every night, a movie room, yoga classes, a rooftop BBQ, and delicious free breakfast at the Mad Monkey Restaurant each morning.

For more suggestions on where to stay, check out my complete list of the best hostels in Sydney as well as the best neighborhoods in Sydney.
 

7. Ios, Greece

Any top party list has to include a place in Greece. Ios is party central (though Corfu does give it a good run for its money). During the summer, the Greek Isles heave with people — especially Ios, with travelers coming here to party all night so they can sleep on the beach all day. On Ios, travelers come with the goal of getting drunk, and…well, that’s about it. There are shot bars and bar crawls and bars that make you drink while playing weird games. For epic parties on the beach, head to Far Out Beach Club, which has swimming pools, DJs, beach bars, and more. Ios is where morals, sanity, and dignity are left on the ferry to be picked up when you get ready to leave. It’s one of the wildest places I’ve ever been.

Where to Stay: Francesco’s – This is truly the best hostel on the island. They have a pool, a bar, and are just a short walk from Ios’ nightlife so you don’t need to pay for taxis.
 

8. Bali (Kuta), Indonesia

Bali is a great place to get down. After a long day in the sun, all backpackers want to do is relax and get silly on Kuta Beach, where there are crazy bars, giant cups of alcohol, and huge clubs that open until dawn. It’s a hotspot on the travel trail for a reason. The foam party is a blast (any foam party is) and, in Bali, you’ll spend your days hurting your skin in the sun and the nights hurting your liver with alcohol.

Where to Stay: Clandestino – This hostel has a second-floor restaurant/bar that always seems to be bustling, as well as a pool complete with a swim-up bar. All the dorm beds come with lockers, lamps, electrical outlets to charge your phone, and curtains for privacy.

For more recommendations, check out this list of the best hostels in Bali.
 

9. Florianópolis, Brazil

Also known as Floripa, this popular vacation destination in Brazil is known for its hot weather, hot bodies, and hot parties. In fact, everything is just hot here. In the summer, most of the nightlife is concentrated around the beaches, while in the winter, the fun moves to the town of Lagoa da Conceição. In the north of the island at Jurerê International Beach, P12, Cafe de la Musique, and Milk all throw wild parties.

If you’re here during February for Carnival, the streets fill with revelers dancing, having parades, and enjoying street food and copious drinks. (Just book your accommodation well in advance if you plan to come here during this time.)

Where to Stay: The Search House Beachfront Hostel – Offers private beach access, a pool, surfboard rentals and connections for lessons, and an outdoor bar with a daily happy hour. The staff are very welcoming and there’s a hostel WhatsApp group to meet other travelers.
 

10. Ko Phangan, Thailand

This island in Thailand is home to the monthly Full Moon Party, a giant beach rave which sees 20,000 people on average and goes until dawn. Each bar has its own sound system, and the beach is lined with people selling alcohol, fire dancers put on shows, and little booths selling glow-in-the-dark face paint. ’nuff said.

(But if I had to say more, I would also say that there are jungle parties, half-moon parties, people getting wild on the beach, going down slides, and playing tons of drinking games. It’s one of the biggest party places in the entire region.)

Where to Stay: Bodega Hostel – A lively party hostel with tons of social activities going on. This is the quintessential backpacker party place, with pub crawls, beach volleyball, a swimming pool, a huge bar/lounge area, and events almost every night.
 

11. Cancun

Cancun is famous for its nightlife. Most of the nightlife is concentrated around the Hotel Zone in an area aptly known as “party central.” Many of the world’s biggest DJs make regular appearances in the many clubs. During spring break, things get even more crowded and more expensive so be sure to book early if you’re visiting then. Coco Bongo, Señor Frog’s, and La Vaquita are among the most popular places to go.

Where to Stay: Mayan Monkey Hostel – Located in the heart of the Hotel Zone, this is a bumping party hostel with themed nights, live music, and other social activities (like beer pong and jenga), a bar on-site, plunge pool, and great views over the ocean. Honorable Mentions

These are just some of my favorite places in the world to have fun and party. Other destinations that I’d recommend are:

• Las Vegas, USA (duh)
• Montreal, Canada
• Budapest, Hungary
• Krakow, Poland
• San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
• Queenstown, New Zealand

Not only are these great party destinations, but they are some of my favorite cities in the world. If you are looking to cut loose and flex your party muscles, be sure to check out these cities. They are some of the best places to party in the world!

Note: I know Ibiza is a great place to party so before everyone asks why I didn’t include it on the list here’s why: It’s pretty much club central so if you aren’t a clubber, then Ibiza isn’t a good place. Plus, I didn’t want a list loaded with just Europe and Asian destinations.
 

How to Travel the World on $75 a Day

My New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”

Click here to learn more and start reading it today!

The post The 11 Best Cities for Partying appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.