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How To Travel The World On $50 A Day by Matt Kepnes

Tips for traveling extensively while keeping daily expenses low.

ByChris

How to Travel the World on $50 a Day by Nomadic Matt shares strategies for seeing the world on a tight budget without sacrificing experiences. He covers transportation, lodging, food, and activities, showing how careful planning and creativity can stretch every dollar. Through tips and real-world examples, he demonstrates that traveling widely is possible even on limited funds.

Getting Over Your Fears

  • The hardest step is starting
    • It’s easy to find reasons not to go
    • There will never be a “perfect” time with
  • You’re not alone — and you’re capable
    • People of all backgrounds travel: students, parents, disabled
    • No one starts out knowing everything
    • Most issues abroad are no more complex than those in U.S. cities
  • It’s your journey
  • Is travel really too expensive?
    • It’s more mindset than money
    • You don’t need luxury to enjoy the world
    • If you truly want it, you’ll find a way
    • Save intentionally – break costs into achievable goals

Logistics

  • Avoid unnecessary fees – no-fee cards; never exchange at airports
  • Use credit cards strategically (sign-up bonuses, travel perks)
  • The more you pay for flights, the less likely you’ll go on a trip
  • DO NOT go without travel insurance – know what isn’t covered
  • A backpack is the most important gear
    • More versatile and lighter than a suitcase
    • Do your research (size, material, etc)
  • Minimize your stuff as much as possible
    • You’ll appreciate the simplicity and how much you didn’t need
    • Frees your mind – no worrying about your TV while in Nepal
    • A storage locker for a year costs weeks abroad; avoid that
  • Bills and mail
    • Use online payments and paperless statements
    • List your address as your parents’ or friends’

On The Road

  • Mindset
    • Travel isn’t inherently expensive
    • You don’t need world-class amenities to have fun
    • #1 Rule → live like a local
    • Budget or you’ll blow it – there’s always opportunities to spend
  • Accommodations
    • Hostels
    • Hospitality Exchange
    • Name Your Own Hotel Price
    • Apartment Rentals
    • Farm Work / WWOOFing
  • Food
    • Cook Your Meals — local cuisine portrays their values
    • Lunch Specials
    • Refill Your Water Bottle
    • Never Eat In Tourist Areas
  • Transportation
    • Methods Vary By Region
    • Take Local Transportation
    • Research Train Passes
    • Buy Metro Cards
    • Avoid Taxis Unless Necessary
  • Activities
    • Get Tourism Cards
    • Free Museum Days / Special Discount Times
    • Use Discount Cards (ISIC, etc)
    • Visit Local Tourism Office
    • Google!

By Region

Europe

  • Western: Moderate to expensive, especially in countries like Switzerland and the UK; mix pricey destinations with cheaper ones
  • Eastern: Budget-friendly; great value
  • Scandinavia: Very expensive, but stunning and efficient

Australia

  • Generally expensive, especially on the east coast
  • Food and activities add up, but backpacker infrastructure is strong
  • Jobs for travelers can offset high costs

New Zealand

  • Day-to-day expenses are reasonable, but adventure activities are costly
  • Transportation and remote destinations can also spike the budget
  • Great for nature lovers with some budget discipline

Southeast Asia

  • Extremely affordable; meals and accommodations are very cheap
  • Singapore is the outlier – much more expensive
  • Great value for cultural experiences and transportation

Central America

  • Affordable in most countries, especially Guatemala and Nicaragua
  • Panama and Costa Rica are more expensive
  • Simple travel infrastructure with low daily costs

South America

  • Generally cheap, especially Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru
  • Argentina, Brazil, and Chile are more expensive
  • Big-ticket sights (Galápagos and Machu Picchu) raise overall cost

China

  • Very affordable overall
  • High-speed trains and flights can add up but are optional
  • Huge variety depending on region and city

India

  • One of the cheapest places to travel
  • Sanitation requires caution
  • Solo female travelers should be extra mindful of safety

Japan

  • Expensive overall, especially for transport and certain meals
  • Budget options exist (e.g., capsule hotels, sushi trains), but add up
  • High quality and efficient, but not ideal for tight budgets
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