Heya, fellow travelers and digital nomads!
In this edition of Vicky’s Nomad Club Newsletter, we will explore various ways to travel on a budget while enjoying free accommodations and food. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or aspiring digital nomad, these tips will help you make the most of your journeys without breaking the bank.
1. Research and Plan Your Travel Goals
Before embarking on your budget travel adventure, take the time to define your travel goals and target destinations. By understanding your preferences and desired experiences, you can plan better and make the most of your budget.
Here are some steps to follow:
Create a list of destinations you’ve always wanted to visit.
Define your travel budget and desired length of stay in each location.
2. Discover Free Accommodation Options
Securing free accommodations can significantly reduce your travel expenses.
Explore the following resources and strategies to find comfortable and cost-effective places to stay:
House-sitting opportunities
through platforms like TrustedHousesitters, HouseCarers, and MindMyHouse.
TrustedHousesitters: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/
HouseCarers: https://www.housecarers.com/
MindMyHouse: https://www.mindmyhouse.com/
Volunteer programs such as Workaway and WWOOF.
Workaway: https://www.workaway.info/
WWOOF: https://wwoof.net/
*I got a chance to work and stay for free with 500 baht for food and drink each day at a hotel I found on Workaway.info. It’s a really good deal considering food and board would cost me 1000 baht per day in Koh Phangan in Thailand. I did social media for them, but you can find all kinds of different volunteer opportunities on the website around the world.
Hospitality exchange networks like Couchsurfing.
Couchsurfing: https://www.couchsurfing.com/
*I’ve used Couchsurfing many years ago and it was free to join and use, but now they requested a donation/fee.
3. Enjoy Food (maybe free!)
Savoring delicious meals without breaking the bank is possible. Try these methods to enjoy free food while traveling:
Explore local food markets and affordable eateries in your desired destinations.
Find work-for-food opportunities like Worldpackers and HelpX.
Worldpackers: https://www.worldpackers.com/
HelpX: https://www.helpx.net/
*I also got free food via Workaway.info
Participate in cooking exchanges through platforms such as EatWith and Cookening.
Not free, but it will be an amazing culinary and cultural experience while traveling:
EatWith: https://www.eatwith.com/
Cookening: https://www.cookening.com/
4. Insider Tips for Digital Nomads
Aspiring digital nomads can combine remote work with budget travel.
Here are some valuable insights to help you on your digital nomad journey:
- Research co-working spaces or digital nomad-friendly cafes in your destinations.
- Discover useful tools and apps for managing remote work and travel schedules. (The Ultimate Resource Pack for Digital Nomad)
- Explore techniques for effectively managing time zones as a digital nomad. (check out my timezone formula)
5. Travel Hacks and Budget-Friendly Excursions
With some travel hacks and budget-friendly activities, you can enhance your travel experience without spending a fortune:
- Research budget airlines and flight comparison websites for affordable airfare options. (I like to use: Skyscanner for flight tickets & Klook for local tours)
- Discover local transportation options like public buses, trains, or ridesharing services. (In Bangkok, 10 km costs 20 baht on a bus, or 200+ baht if you are in a taxi.)
- Identify free or low-cost attractions and activities in your destinations. (I always ask for a list of free things to do at a hostel, some of them have a local map for this!)
Remember, with determination and careful planning, your travel dreams can become a reality even on a budget.
P.S. Do you have any topics you’re eager to learn more about? Feel free to share your thoughts with me, and I’ll add them to my list of upcoming newsletter ideas. Thank you!
Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:
- The AI-Powered Content Affiliate Workbook: A personal guide to AI-powered content and affiliate marketing – the tool that helped me earn $500+ a month!
- Personalized Coaching:I’m offering a free 30-minute personalized one-on-one coaching session to help you become a digital nomad. Together, we’ll unleash your potential, and find out what kind of remote skills you need to transform your lifestyle that fulfills your dream. Do what you love and travel the world!
Click here to book a free 30-minute call with me: https://calendly.com/vickyhui/30min - Digital Nomad Resource Pack: Explore our free resource pack for digital nomads and freelancers, which includes a curated list of websites, tools, and software.
Feel free to forward this newsletter to friends who you think would find it helpful! Sharing knowledge and experiences is a wonderful way to support each other on our adventurous journeys.
Safe travels and happy budget exploring!
Vicky Hui
Founder of Vicky’s Nomad Club