How To Travel The World For Cheap

Summary

In this video, Nate shares tips on how to travel the world cheaply in 2020, covering everything from booking budget flights to finding affordable accommodation and food. He discusses using Google Flights for cheap tickets, staying in hostels, pod hotels, or Airbnbs, and saving on meals by choosing low-cost but authentic local options. Nate emphasizes flexibility in travel dates and destinations to score the best deals. The video also offers advice on minimizing travel expenses through light packing and using public transport. It's a guide for travelers looking to explore the world without breaking the bank.

Takeaways

• 😀 Use services like Google Flights to find cheap flights. Booking one-way tickets can often lead to lower fares than round-trip tickets.
• 😀 Flexibility in your departure location can save money. Larger airports tend to offer cheaper flights.
• 😀 Be flexible with your travel dates. Flights are usually cheaper on weekdays, especially on Tuesdays, rather than on weekends or peak holiday periods.
• 😀 Consider exploring destinations on Google Flights' 'Explore' feature. This can lead you to unexpectedly affordable destinations.
• 😀 Accommodation options like hostels, pod hotels, or Airbnb can offer budget-friendly alternatives to expensive hotels.
• 😀 Hostels, especially in your 20s or 30s, can be a great way to meet other travelers and save money. A shared dorm bed might cost as little as $20-40 per night.
• 😀 Pod hotels, like those in Japan, offer unique and affordable accommodations, sometimes as low as $40 per night.
• 😀 Couchsurfing can be an option to save money, but be cautious and ensure you only stay with people you trust or have prior connections with.
• 😀 When it comes to food, opt for cheaper local experiences, such as ramen from vending machines, which can be as low as $2.50, rather than dining at expensive restaurants.
• 😀 Travel light to avoid the cost and hassle of checking bags. It simplifies your trip and saves on baggage fees.
• 😀 Skip renting cars during trips. Use public transportation to avoid extra costs like car rentals, parking fees, and insurance.
• 😀 Planning ahead is key. Booking flights about six weeks in advance increases your chances of finding the best deals.

Q & A

What is the main idea behind the video?

The main idea is to teach viewers how to travel the world on a budget by providing tips on finding cheap flights, affordable accommodation, budget-friendly food options, and other travel hacks.

What flight booking strategies are recommended for cheap travel?

The video suggests using Google Flights for booking, searching for one-way tickets instead of round-trip flights, being flexible with both destinations and travel dates, and flying from larger international airports to get cheaper deals.

Why is it recommended to fly from larger airports?

Larger airports generally offer more flight options and can often provide cheaper tickets due to the volume of flights they handle. For example, flights from major cities like New York or Philadelphia tend to be more affordable than those from smaller regional airports.

What are the benefits of booking one-way tickets?

Booking one-way tickets can sometimes be cheaper, as you can combine separate flights with layovers that suit your schedule and potentially find more affordable options than a traditional round-trip ticket.

What is the 'Explore' feature on Google Flights, and how does it help travelers?

The 'Explore' feature on Google Flights allows you to search for flights to various destinations based on your budget and travel dates. It helps travelers find affordable flights to places they might not have initially considered.

What are some budget accommodation options recommended in the video?

The video suggests four main accommodation options: Airbnbs (especially for groups), hostels (cheap and social, ideal for younger travelers), pod hotels (like those in Japan, which offer privacy at an affordable rate), and couchsurfing (though caution is advised when staying with strangers).

What are pod hotels, and why are they considered a good option for budget travelers?

Pod hotels are compact sleeping pods, often stacked in a room, that offer privacy at a low cost. They are popular in places like Japan and can cost as little as $40 a night, providing an affordable and unique accommodation experience.

What is couchsurfing, and what precautions should travelers take?

Couchsurfing is a community where travelers stay on people's couches for free. The video advises caution, suggesting travelers should only stay with friends or trusted people and avoid staying with strangers unless there is a good recommendation.

How can travelers save money on food while traveling?

Travelers can save money by opting for local street food, like the ramen vending machines in Japan, which cost just $2.50. They can also avoid expensive tourist spots and instead eat where the locals eat, often finding more authentic and affordable meals.

What other tips are shared for saving money while traveling?

Additional tips include using public transportation instead of renting a car, packing light to avoid baggage fees, and traveling with a minimalist approach to reduce costs and stress. The video emphasizes that by being resourceful, travelers can make their journeys more affordable without compromising on experience.