Why I Budget Travel and Why it’s Not for Everyone
What is budget travel?
The definition of budget travel may vary from person to person. For me, budget travel is a way of getting the most out of your time on the road. It’s prioritizing the right experiences for yourself while on a budget.
Why is budget travel not for everyone?
For the obvious reason, budget travel is not for everyone because it’s not always enjoyable. There have been many days where I have been sleep-deprived from catching the cheaper red-eye flight, or because the people in my hostel dorm were partying late into the night. Recently, during my trip to Guatemala, I was in a 15-bed dorm, and the beds were stacked as 3-person bunk beds. I can swear that the person above me was smoking at 3 AM when I had a flight at 8 AM. It’s moments like these when I question why I even continue to budget travel.
There have also been questionable moments. Like the time I took a very packed bus to the Amalfi Coast and had no choice but to stand on the bus door steps for 3 hours since there was no other space. Or the time that my debit card wasn’t working in Tokyo, and I needed cash to catch the train. I think you get the point.
If budget travel can be awful… why do I do it?
The easy answer is that it’s more affordable. I travel like this to afford more travel. It’s kind of ironic in a way. I’m also fresh out of college, have student loans to pay, and I simply cannot afford to travel luxuriously.
The longer answer is that it allows you to appreciate the places you visit differently. For instance, if you take the local bus or train, you can experience what it’s like to commute from a local perspective, as compared to taking a private car. I’ve also made friends in the unlikeliest of places by traveling this way. When I was staying at a hostel in Tokyo, I became friends with the girl in the bunk below mine. We clicked so well, ended up exploring Tokyo together, and then met up in Vancouver for a road trip across the Canadian Rockies. It’s funny what can happen if you’re open to having a conversation with a stranger.
“Be comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
I heard this quote once, and it’s become my mantra in my twenties ever since. Budget travel is the perfect way to get out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself, and try new things. Let’s keep seeking discomfort.
