How to Travel the World on $50 a Day

Introduction

Have you ever dreamed of traveling the world but thought it was too expensive or dangerous? Matt Kepnes, a seasoned traveler with over a decade of experience, is here to show you that it's not only possible but also affordable and safe. In his book "How to Travel the World on $50 a Day," Kepnes shares valuable insights and practical tips to help anyone become a savvy, budget-conscious globetrotter.

This book is a treasure trove of information for both novice and experienced travelers. It debunks common myths about travel, provides strategies for saving money on everything from flights to accommodation, and offers guidance on how to make the most of your adventures abroad. Whether you're planning a short trip or a year-long journey around the world, Kepnes's advice will help you stretch your budget and experience more of what the world has to offer.

Debunking Travel Myths

The World Isn't as Dangerous as You Think

One of the biggest obstacles preventing people from traveling is the belief that the world outside their home country is dangerous. This fear is often fueled by sensationalist news coverage that focuses on negative events in foreign lands. However, Kepnes argues that this perception is largely unfounded.

Drawing from his extensive travel experience, Kepnes points out that he has never encountered violence or even strong anti-American sentiment in his decade of globetrotting. He emphasizes that people are fundamentally similar wherever you go, and the risks you face abroad are not significantly different from those you might encounter at home.

The author acknowledges that there's always some level of risk in life, whether you're in New York City or Beijing. The key is to approach travel with an open mind and common sense, rather than letting fear hold you back from experiencing the world's wonders.

Age Is Just a Number

Another common myth that Kepnes dispels is the idea that there's an age limit to travel. He shares an anecdote about meeting a 65-year-old man in Poland who was touring Europe before heading to India. This traveler was far from being isolated or lonely; instead, he was actively engaging with younger travelers and sharing his life stories.

Kepnes emphasizes that people of all ages can and do travel. He mentions countless couples and families with children who embark on extended trips, sometimes lasting several months or even a full year. The message is clear: age should never be a barrier to exploring the world.

The Affordability of Travel

Crunching the Numbers

One of the most persistent myths about travel is that it's prohibitively expensive. Kepnes challenges this notion by encouraging readers to do a simple exercise:

1. Write down all your recurring basic expenses (rent, car costs, utilities, etc.).
2. Add up your routine monthly spending on food and shopping.
3. Calculate your total yearly spending.

He then points out that it's possible to travel comfortably on a budget of $50 a day, which amounts to $18,250 per year. For many people, this figure is actually less than their annual living expenses at home.

Saving for Your Trip

While $18,000 might seem like a lot to save, Kepnes offers practical tips to make it achievable:

1. Cut back on nonessentials like dining out, alcohol, and partying.
2. Switch to home-brewed coffee instead of buying expensive lattes.
3. Reduce your monthly rent by getting roommates or moving in with family temporarily.
4. Get creative with your living situation, such as renting out your apartment while you travel.

The key message is that with some creativity and willingness to make temporary sacrifices, saving for travel is entirely doable.

Cutting Costs on Plane Tickets

Round the World (RTW) Tickets

One of the best ways to save money on air travel, especially for extended trips, is by purchasing Round the World (RTW) tickets. These tickets are offered by airline alliances like Star Alliance and Oneworld, allowing travelers to visit multiple destinations around the globe at a reduced cost.

RTW tickets typically come with certain restrictions:

• You must travel in one general direction (east or west).
• You can make a limited number of stops (usually up to 15).
• You must start and end in the same country.
• Backtracking is allowed within the same continent but not between continents.

Despite these limitations, RTW tickets can offer significant savings for those planning to visit multiple countries across different continents.

Being Flexible with Travel Times and Destinations

Another key strategy for saving on airfare is to remain flexible about when and where you travel. Kepnes advises:

• Midweek flights are generally cheaper than weekend flights.
• Early morning or late-night departures often cost less.
• Avoid traveling during holidays and peak seasons when prices are inflated.
• Be open to last-minute deals and alternative destinations.

By maintaining flexibility in your travel plans, you can take advantage of price fluctuations and secure the best deals available.

Choosing the Right Backpack

Features of an Ideal Backpack

Selecting the right backpack is crucial for comfortable and efficient travel. Kepnes recommends looking for the following features:

1. Semi-waterproof material or a waterproof cover.
2. Quick-drying fabric in case it gets wet.
3. Compartments with lockable zippers for security.
4. TSA-friendly locks that can be opened by security without being broken.
5. Multiple compartments for easy organization and access to items.

Sizing Your Backpack

Finding the right size backpack is essential for comfortable travel. Kepnes suggests:

1. Determine what you want to pack before choosing a backpack.
2. Weigh your intended luggage to get an idea of the load you'll be carrying.
3. Visit outdoor gear shops to test backpacks with your desired weight.
4. Choose from a range of sizes (typically 43 to 110 liters) based on your body size and cargo needs.

By testing backpacks in-store with your intended weight, you can ensure that you select a comfortable and appropriately sized pack for your travels.

Budgeting and Tracking Expenses

Setting a Daily Budget

To stick to the $50 a day budget, Kepnes recommends creating a system to track your spending closely. This involves:

1. Setting aside money for different categories like accommodation, transportation, and food.
2. Being smart about your choices, such as staying with locals when possible and walking instead of taking taxis.
3. Allowing for occasional splurges on unique experiences or local cuisine, but balancing them with more frugal days.

Keeping a Travel Journal

Kepnes strongly advises keeping a detailed journal of your expenses. This practice helps you:

1. Stay aware of your spending patterns.
2. Identify areas where you can cut back if needed.
3. Adjust your budget in real-time to accommodate unexpected expenses or experiences.

By maintaining this level of financial awareness, you can ensure that your money lasts throughout your trip and that you can afford the experiences that matter most to you.

Utilizing Hospitality Exchange Services

Couchsurfing and Other Platforms

One of the most significant ways to cut costs while traveling is by using hospitality exchange services. Kepnes highlights platforms like:

1. Couchsurfing: A popular service with millions of users worldwide, offering free accommodation with local hosts.
2. Servas International: Another hospitality exchange network.
3. Hospitality Club: A platform connecting travelers with hosts around the world.

These services not only save money on accommodation but also provide opportunities to connect with locals and experience authentic culture.

Benefits of Hospitality Exchanges

Using these platforms offers several advantages:

1. Significant cost savings on accommodation.
2. Opportunities to meet locals and gain insider knowledge about destinations.
3. Potential for making lasting friendships and connections.
4. A more authentic travel experience compared to staying in hotels.

Kepnes emphasizes the importance of reading host reviews and maintaining open communication to ensure a positive experience for both travelers and hosts.

Saving Money on Food

Cooking Your Own Meals

One of the biggest expenses while traveling is food. Kepnes suggests that cooking your own meals can reduce food expenses by up to 70%. He recommends:

1. Stocking up on groceries for the week, which typically costs $50 to $80.
2. Utilizing kitchens in hostels, guesthouses, or rental apartments.
3. Making simple meals or sandwiches even in hotel rooms with minimal facilities.

Exploring Local Markets

Shopping at local markets and grocery stores is not only cost-effective but also a great way to experience local culture. Kepnes advises:

1. Observing what locals buy to discover authentic regional foods.
2. Trying local produce and ingredients to cook your own versions of local dishes.
3. Sampling street food and market snacks for affordable tastes of local cuisine.

Taking Advantage of Lunch Specials

For those times when you do want to eat out, Kepnes recommends looking for lunch specials, especially in Europe. These often offer the same quality food as dinner menus but at significantly reduced prices. He suggests:

1. Asking at tourist offices or hostel desks for recommendations on good lunch deals.
2. Planning your main meal for lunchtime to take advantage of these specials.
3. Being open to trying local eateries rather than touristy restaurants.

Traveling in Expensive Countries: The Case of Australia

House-Sitting Opportunities

Australia is known for being an expensive destination, but Kepnes offers strategies to make it more affordable. One such strategy is house-sitting. He points out that:

1. Australians often take long vacations due to the distance from other countries.
2. This creates a demand for house sitters to care for homes, pets, and plants.
3. Websites like Aussie Housesitters (aussiehousesitters.com.au) connect travelers with house-sitting opportunities.

This approach allows travelers to stay in Australia for free while experiencing local life.

WWOOFing (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms)

Another cost-saving option in Australia is WWOOFing, which involves:

1. Volunteering on organic farms or ranches in exchange for accommodation and meals.
2. Engaging in activities like fruit picking or planting seedlings.
3. Saving money while gaining unique experiences and meeting new people.

WWOOFing is particularly suitable for Australia due to its vast agricultural lands and wilderness areas.

Smart Food Choices

Food costs in Australia can be high, with the average meal out costing around $25. To manage these expenses, Kepnes suggests:

1. Cooking at home using hostel or apartment kitchens.
2. Budgeting about $80 per week for groceries.
3. Trying local, cheaper options like kangaroo meat, which is widely available in Australian markets.
4. If camping, investing in cooking gear to avoid expensive meals out.

By combining these strategies, travelers can significantly reduce their daily expenses in Australia while still enjoying all the country has to offer.

Budget-Friendly Southeast Asia

Affordable Accommodations

Southeast Asia is a paradise for budget travelers, with many countries offering incredibly affordable options. Kepnes breaks it down:

1. In rural areas, simple rooms with shared bathrooms can cost as little as $2 per night.
2. Touristy areas offer basic accommodations for around $10, sometimes including air conditioning and hot water.
3. More luxurious rooms with amenities like TV and king-size beds are available for $15-$20.

He notes that prices vary between countries, with Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore being more expensive, while Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia offer the best value.

Cheap and Delicious Food

Food in Southeast Asia is not only delicious but also incredibly affordable. Kepnes highlights:

1. Local cuisine can cost as little as $10 per day.
2. Street food stalls offer tasty, authentic meals at very low prices.
3. Local markets are great for fresh produce, meats, and ready-to-eat meals.
4. Popular dishes like pad thai, spring rolls, and fried noodles are widely available and inexpensive.

He advises avoiding Western food, which tends to be pricier, and embracing local culinary traditions to keep costs down.

Transportation Tips

Getting around in Southeast Asia can also be very budget-friendly. Kepnes suggests:

1. Using local buses and trains for longer journeys, which are often very cheap.
2. Renting motorbikes or bicycles for short-term local transportation.
3. Walking when possible, especially in smaller towns and cities.
4. Being cautious with taxis and always negotiating fares in advance.

By combining these strategies for accommodation, food, and transportation, travelers can easily stick to a $50 per day budget in Southeast Asia while experiencing the rich culture and beauty of the region.

Practical Tips for Budget Travel

Travel Credit Cards

Kepnes strongly recommends getting a travel credit card. These cards offer several benefits:

1. Earn travel points on everyday purchases, which can be redeemed for flights or accommodations.
2. No foreign transaction fees, saving money on overseas purchases.
3. Often include travel insurance and other perks.

He advises researching different cards to find one that best suits your travel style and spending habits.

Learning Basic Phrases

While not directly related to budgeting, learning a few basic phrases in the local language can indirectly save you money by:

1. Helping you negotiate better prices at markets.
2. Making it easier to ask locals for directions, avoiding costly taxi rides.
3. Allowing you to order food more confidently, reducing the chance of expensive misunderstandings.

Slow Travel

Kepnes advocates for slow travel as a way to save money and have a more enriching experience:

1. Staying in one place longer reduces transportation costs.
2. It allows for better deals on long-term accommodations.
3. You have more time to find local, budget-friendly options for food and activities.
4. It provides a deeper understanding of local culture and way of life.

Off-Season Travel

Traveling during the off-season can lead to significant savings:

1. Flights and accommodations are often cheaper.
2. Popular attractions are less crowded.
3. You may have more opportunities to interact with locals.

However, Kepnes advises researching to ensure that the weather and local conditions are still suitable for your planned activities.

Overcoming Travel Anxiety

Preparing Mentally

For those who feel anxious about traveling, Kepnes offers some advice:

1. Start with shorter trips to build confidence.
2. Research your destination thoroughly to feel more prepared.
3. Connect with other travelers online to get advice and reassurance.
4. Remember that most people are friendly and willing to help travelers.

Staying Safe

While Kepnes emphasizes that the world is generally safe, he also provides tips for staying secure:

1. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
2. Keep valuable documents and extra cash in a hidden money belt.
3. Use lockers in hostels to store valuables.
4. Trust your instincts – if a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself from it.

Dealing with Homesickness

For long-term travelers, homesickness can be a challenge. Kepnes suggests:

1. Staying in touch with friends and family through video calls.
2. Creating a familiar routine, even while traveling.
3. Carrying a few small items from home for comfort.
4. Connecting with other travelers or expats when you need a taste of home.

Making the Most of Your Travel Experience

Embracing Local Culture

Kepnes encourages travelers to fully immerse themselves in local culture:

1. Try local foods, even if they seem unfamiliar.
2. Participate in local festivals and events.
3. Visit markets and local gathering places.
4. Be open to conversations with locals.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering can enhance your travel experience while also helping local communities:

1. Look for reputable organizations that offer volunteer opportunities.
2. Consider skills you have that might be useful (teaching English, construction, etc.).
3. Be prepared to commit a reasonable amount of time to make a real impact.

Learning New Skills

Travel provides an excellent opportunity to learn new skills:

1. Take a cooking class to learn about local cuisine.
2. Try learning a new language through immersion.
3. Participate in workshops for traditional crafts or arts.

These experiences not only enrich your journey but can also be surprisingly affordable ways to engage with local culture.

Conclusion

"How to Travel the World on $50 a Day" is more than just a guide to budget travel; it's an invitation to explore the world and challenge your preconceptions about what's possible. Matt Kepnes convincingly argues that long-term, extensive travel is within reach for anyone willing to plan carefully and make some adjustments to their lifestyle.

The book's core message is that by being resourceful, flexible, and open-minded, you can have rich, authentic travel experiences without breaking the bank. From practical tips on finding affordable accommodations and meals to strategies for immersing yourself in local cultures, Kepnes provides a comprehensive roadmap for the aspiring world traveler.

Perhaps most importantly, Kepnes encourages readers to overcome their fears and doubts about travel. He repeatedly emphasizes that the world is generally safe, welcoming, and far more affordable than many people realize. By debunking common travel myths and providing concrete strategies for budget travel, he empowers readers to turn their travel dreams into reality.

Whether you're planning a short trip or considering a year-long journey around the world, the insights in this book can help you make the most of your travel budget. Kepnes's advice goes beyond mere cost-cutting; it's about maximizing the value of your travel experiences, connecting with local cultures, and growing as an individual through the challenges and joys of exploring the world.

In the end, "How to Travel the World on $50 a Day" is not just about traveling cheaply – it's about traveling well. It's a reminder that some of the most memorable and meaningful experiences often come not from luxury hotels or expensive tours, but from genuine interactions with local people, immersion in new cultures, and the personal growth that comes from stepping out of your comfort zone.

So, armed with Kepnes's advice and a spirit of adventure, there's no reason why anyone can't embark on their own journey of global discovery. The world is waiting, and it's more accessible than you might think. All it takes is the courage to take that first step, the wisdom to travel smart, and the openness to embrace the incredible experiences that await you on the road.