Travel on the cheap – travel tips

Hey guys, here are just a few tips for travelling on a budget that were detailed further in Episode 8 of The Condition this week. Which can still be downloaded free from here, because we feel there is something more hands on about travelling on a budget that is really lost in the comfort of expensive planes and hotels.

Hitch hiking – glorified and romanticised during the 1950’s Beat Movement in America, today hitching has a stigma that dissuades most hardened budget travellers from thumbing their way around. Stay safe by putting yourself in a position where you can choose who takes you and not the other way around.

Ask for lifts at gas stations rather than at the side of the road.

If you can avoid it, don’t travel alone.

Know the law – in some countries, hitch hiking is illegal (this is now also true of some US states), a simple google search will tell you whether you can or can’t hitch where you are.

Be clear about where you want to go and don’t be afraid to politely decline a lift if you have any doubts.

Of course, you must be fully prepared to wait for long periods of time, and in averse weather conditions. Warm clothing, food and sun cream may all be necessary.

Many drivers in parts of the world are more concerned about giving a lift to people these days. It won’t hurt if you look as presentable as possible.

If you speak a common language with your driver, then attempt to make conversation. Most of the lifts I have taken were with single travellers who were driving a long way and wanted some company. If they have a good experience of taking a hitcher, then they are more likely to offer a lift again in the future. Remember you travel brethren who may want to get a ride some time in the future.

Craigslist and other sites offer ride shares on certain routes, check out who is going where as this is a more controlled environment.

ALWAYS TELL SOMEBODY BACK HOME WHERE YOU ARE AND WHERE YOU PLAN TO GO BEFORE HITCHING

Free roof over your head for the night – It is possible to find a bed/couch and save on the hotel costs worldwide, thanks to Couchsurfing. A controlled environment that relies on other people’s ratings to provide a good reputation for hosts and guests alike. Another benefit is that you will stay with a local who can offer a far greater insight into the area you have arrived in than any guidebook can. Be aware that although Dave and myself have had exclusively great experiences with this site, there are some who have not. Stay safe by only hosting, or staying with a couchsurfer who has at least 5-10 reviews from other people. Again tell people where you are going before you head there.

Cheap food – Eating is one of the greatest joys of travel. I have literally eaten my way around Asia. Street food in many countries is unique, affordable and delicious. To reduce the chance of the dreaded Delhi belly, the monstrous Moctezuma’s revenge (aka Aztec two step), or the yucky yalla-yalla, follow hese simple guidelines:

Don’t tuck in to food that has different properties from what you are used to straight away. For example, if you are used to eating a lot of bland, starch-based food (potatoes, bread, rice or pasta) then don’t go spice-mad initially. Allow your body time to adapt to the new cuisine slowly. After a few days of taking it easy, your body will naturally become accustomed to dealing with a different diet.

When in doubt, eat where the locals eat. A popular place is better. Why? Because they sell their food quicker and so their ingredients are fresher. A place with a questionable health record will not be popular.

When eating any fried food, check out the colour of the fried item before and after it comes out of the fryer. The darker it is, and the darker the oil used is, then the older the oil is. Fresh oil is much better for you.