Learning From Literature

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

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

How to Travel the World on $50 A Day : Travel Cheaper, Longer, Smarter by Matt Kepnes is a travel book published in 2017 (date of the revised third edition).

Travel is the number one item on most people’s bucket lists — but for many, it stays a distant dream. Why? Because it seems expensive. But what if money wasn’t the issue?

In “The Bible for Budget Travelers”, Matt Kepnes (Nomadic Matt) proves that you don’t need to be rich to travel the world. By getting off the tourist path and living like a local, you can explore deeply and affordably. After visiting 90+ countries and staying in over 1,000 hostels, Matt shares the practical tips that helped him — and can help you — travel smarter, longer, and cheaper.

Purchase the book by clicking this link!

Enjoy!

Table of Contents

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PART ONE : PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Getting Over Your Fears
  • The Hardest Step Is Starting
    • It’s easy to find reasons not to go — money, obligations, relationships
    • There will never be a “perfect” time with no obstacles
  • You’re Not Alone — and You’re Capable
    • People of all backgrounds travel: broke students, parents, elderly, disabled
    • No one starts out knowing everything – skills are learned on the road
    • Most issues abroad are no more dangerous or complex than those in U.S. cities
  • It’s Your Journey
Is Travel Really Too Expensive?
  • Travel Is More Mindset Than Money
    • You don’t need luxury to enjoy the world
  • If You Want It, You’ll Find a Way
    • Travel is possible for everyone, though it may take effort
    • Work opportunities abroad can fund your travels
    • A few sacrifices now lead to unforgettable experiences later
  • Plan + Save Intentionally
    • Break down costs into achievable savings goals
    • Take consistent small steps that build momentum
    • Each dollar saved is more time on the road
Logistics
  • Avoid unnecessary banking fees
    • Use credit/ATM cards without fees instead of exchanging cash
    • Never exchange money at airports — rates are poor and fees are high
  • Use travel credit cards strategically
    • Sign-up bonuses (often worth a free domestic flight)
    • Elite perks like airport lounges, priority boarding, and free checked bags
  • More you pay for flights → less likely you’ll go on a trip
  • A backpack is the most important piece of gear
    • More versatile + lighter than suitcase
    • Do your research
      • Too big → carry extra weight
      • Too small → you can’t fit everything
      • Wrong material → your stuff will get soaked
  • DO NOT TRAVEL WITHOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE
    • Know what isn’t covered
  • Research travel cards to save on hostels, transportation, museums, etc
    • ISIC (International Student Identity Card)
    • YHA (Youth Hostel Association)
What to Do with Your Stuff

PART TWO : ON-THE-ROAD EXPENSES

The Savings Mind-Set
  • Travel isn’t necessarily expensive
    • You don’t need world-class amenities to have fun
  • #1 Rule → live like a local
    • Avoid overspending + truly experience culture
  • Budget or you’ll blow money quickly
    • There will always be opportunities to spend money + unexpected expenses
    • Budgets are liberating → You get to choose what to go big on
Accommodations
  • Hostels
    • Most have Wi-Fi, free breakfast, hot showers, bars, individual lockers, common rooms, and a kitchen
  • Hospitality Exchange
  • Name Your Own Hotel Price
  • Apartment Rentals
  • Farm Work / WWOOFing
Food and Beverages
  • Cook Your Meals
    • How + What locals cook portray their view on food, life, and health
  • 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!

PART THREE : BREAKING IT DOWN BY REGION

Europe
  • Western Europe: Moderate to expensive, especially in countries like Switzerland and the UK; mix pricey destinations with cheaper ones.
  • Eastern Europe: Budget-friendly; great value for accommodations, food, and transport.
  • Scandinavia: Very expensive; high prices on food, lodging, and activities, but stunning and efficient.
Australia
  • Generally expensive, especially on the east coast.
  • Food and activities add up quickly, 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 like the Galápagos and Machu Picchu raise overall cost.
China
  • Very affordable overall, including food and lodging.
  • 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.
  • Food and accommodations are budget-friendly, but 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 efficiency, but not ideal for tight budgets.
Putting It All Together
  • $50 is a daily average — some days will be more and some less
  • Drop the “expensive travel” mentality to find incredible value and a just-as-fulfilling trip
  • The author breaks down total costs and shows mathematically how a year-long journey can be taken for under $50 a day

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