Adventure travel is something almost everyone is capable of doing. It's not the type of vacation reserved only to the independently wealthy.
Eat What the Locals Eat
If you take the time to learn a little about the local cuisine and go shopping where the locals shop you can save money and at the same time have some interesting and exotic meals. Eating at markets and not at restaurants will drastically cut your budget while traveling and also give you an opportunity to learn more about the local culture. If you don't know how something is prepared then ask. People are always eager to share their culture and teach you what they know how to do.
Hitch Hiking
There is nothing more exciting then not knowing where your going next or how your going to get there. If you stick your thumb out while traveling you meet a lot of new and interesting people who can often guide you to fun places to travel to and other places to avoid. Its a great way to cheaply get from point A to point B and although you may not have a schedule, remember; that's all part of the fun. It's always important to remember to give when you can and to stay safe. Trust your gut and don't get into a car or truck if the situation doesn't look right.
Couch Surfing
I know what your probably thinking right now, “I don't know anybody in the place I will be traveling to...” and I'm going to tell you that its OK. It's amazing how many people will offer you housing if you tell them that you don't have a place to stay. Most people out of the kindness of their heart would be more then happy to provide housing to someone in need. Also, there is couchsurfing.com, a community of people who offer a free housing exchange. It is very low key and must for anyone who wants to travel cheaply to another country or just to another part of their own country.
Pack Light
Packing for a trip is very important because it determines how fast you can travel. If you have three suit cases you won't be able to do many things which require speedy travel or on-the-fly decision making. I like to be able to carry all my belongings in one luggage, usually my back-pack, that way I have the option to hitch hike or if I am taking the bus or the train I don't have to wait for my luggage to be unpacked. If you pack light you don't have to worry about your things being stolen as much because you don't have that many things to steal. Overall it makes for a much less cumbersome trip.
Adventure travel is something almost everyone is capable of doing. It's not the type of vacation reserved only to the independently wealthy. My friends often tell me that they would love to do some traveling like I did when I was younger and the truth is just about anyone can. It just takes a little push out the door.
Always remember to stay healthy, stay safe and trust yourself to know how.
Good article. And yes - it can be cheap. I lived on $2 a day in India and had a much better time than people I've talked to who managed to visit India in a totally air-conditioned state!
