Travel can be expensive. As a result, many people think they don't have money to travel and miss out. Worse, according to CNN, others are willing to go into debt from travel. Both are mistakes. Unnecessary mistakes.
According to the CNN report, going into debt for travel is a form of “doomspending”. People feel the debt of travel is minor compared to the debt of school or a mortgage, so, why not? But what is the cost of that debt? Credit card interest rates are far higher than those of student loans or mortgages.
Let's be real. Credit card debt is a risky way to finance a trip. The average credit card interest rate is now 25%. That's a weight that is difficult to get out from under once taken. No wonder people can drown in credit card debt.
What's important to know is that travel is more accessible than many think and debt is not necessary. There are many budget-friendly options, even free travel options, that make for absolutely amazing travel experiences.
It may not be luxury travel but it is travel that will make friends jealous and change your life.
Note: this is written primarily for our North American readers.
3 Ways to Avoid Debt from Travel
When you don't have the money to travel, it's time to be creative. You need to think of travel and your own country differently. No country is one culture all the way through. No matter where you go, there are people to meet, cultural learnings to be had, and stories to live that you'll share with family and friends on your return.
When it comes to feeding your desire for exploration when you don't have the money to travel, you need to rethink travel in 3 ways.
- Destination. It's not the only key to a great trip.
- The experience or feeling that you want from your trip. When you're inspired to go to a destination, think about what it is that is drawing you. There are likely more destinations that can give you a similar experience.
- Accommodation. Luxury is nice but it's not the only aspect of a place that you'll rave about. Think beyond the standard hotel, apartment, or B&B. There are more experience-rich accommodation options.
Make a Bucket List of Experiences You Want
We are often driven to a destination based on a movie we've seen, a book we've read, or social posts we have consumed. Rather than focusing on the destination in that movie, book, or post, focus on the feeling you think you'll get by traveling there. You can likely find the experience or feeling closer to home so that a bus, train, or cheap flight will get you where you're going. If you feel you don't have money to travel, this will certainly be far less expensive than an international flight.
Drop the bucket list of destinations and build a bucket list of experiences. Feed a current passion or develop a new one.
- Are you drawn by the mystique of another language and culture? Quebec offers both in small towns and big cities. The choice is yours. It should also be noted that, if you're coming from the United States, your money will go about 35% further in Canada than in the US due to the current exchange rate.
- Are you looking for an epic adventure? You don't need Patagonia or Nepal for that. Challenge yourself with one of North America's best hiking trails or a canoe trip through state or provincial parks. Read the top hikes according to National Geographic.
- Are you into learning about organics? Check out World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF). Visitors. or WWOOFers, share in daily life with their host and learn about organic farming and sustainability while spending about half of each day helping out on a farm. Hosts offer accommodation and meals to visitors, with no money exchanged between hosts and WWOOFers. This is WWOOF US and this is WWOOF Canada.
- Are you seeking a quest? Use the geocaching app to create an adventure near or far from home. Once you find the geocache, sign and date the logbook. Place the geocache back where you found it and log your experience online.
- Do you need an easy adventure? Cycle rail trails, epic but also relatively easy. There are thousands of miles of rail trails throughout the United States and Canada. A rail trail follows the route of what was a railway and usually has no more than a 2% grade, making them safe and easy riding. For support on your travels, you might want to check out Warm Showers.
Become the authority on all things cheap or free. Challenge yourself to find the best free things to do at your destination. Do this over and over and you will become the go-to authority amongst your friends and their friends who don't have money to travel. Being a travel authority, especially about traveling cheap, will open doors to free meals, a spare room to sleep in, and possibly more. You can dine out on this knowledge.
Tap into Free or Cheap Accommodation When You Don't Have Money to Travel
You're keeping your travel costs low by staying in North America. Keep your accommodation costs low by doing any of the following.
- Tap into your network. Spread the word and pick up free accommodation through your connections. Don't expect much more than a night or two from friends of friends but that's typically sufficient to save a lot of money.
- Housesit. You can use an official site or spread the word through your social network that you are good with animals and open to house sitting. Do it for one friend. Learn the ropes and start promoting your services. Read Successful Solo House Sitting Tips for Travelers and Homeowners.
- Make a trade. You can do this informally, through your network, and it won't cost you anything. You can also do it through a site like Home Exchange. I've had two trips covered by Home Exchange and have a third coming up in September. You can get the details on home exchanges here.
By thinking about travel in terms of the experience rather than the destination, you can adjust the cost of the trip to your actual budget, save money, and avoid debt.
You might also want to read How to Make Money As You Travel.
