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

How to Travel the World on $50 a Day by Matt Kepnes breaks down the myth that travel is only for the wealthy, showing how anyone can explore the world by spending smart, thinking creatively, and embracing local experiences. 

After visiting 90+ countries, Matt shares the practical tips that can help you travel smarter, longer, and cheaper.

Planning

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
• You’re not alone — and you’re capable
  • People of all backgrounds travel: broke students, parents, elderly, disabled
  • No one starts out knowing everything
  • Most issues abroad are no more complex than those in U.S. cities
• It’s your journey
  • Travel is about self-growth, not impressing others
  • Your fears shrink once you take the leap
  • You can always return
• Is Travel Really Too Expensive?
  • Travel is more mindset than money – you don’t need luxury to enjoy the world
  • If you truly want it, you’ll find a way; it might take some sacrifices
  • Save intentionally – break down costs into achievable savings goals

Logistics

• Avoid unnecessary fees – never exchange at airports; use no-fee ATM cards
• Use credit cards strategically (sign-up bonuses, travel perks)
• The more you pay for flights, the less likely you’ll go on a trip – read here
• DO NOT go without travel insurance – and 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)

Your Stuff

• Minimize as much as possible
  • You’ll appreciate the simplicity and be amazed at how much you didn’t need
  • Frees your mind – no worrying about your TV while hiking 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

• The Savings Mindset
  • Travel isn’t inherently expensive – don’t need world-class amenities to have fun
  • #1 Rule → live like a local to avoid overspending + truly experience culture
  • Budget or you’ll blow money – there’s always opportunities to spend
• Accommodations
  • Hostels
  • Hospitality Exchange
  • Name Your Own Hotel Price
  • Apartment Rentals
  • Farm Work / WWOOFing
• Food
  • Cook Your Meals — what locals cook portray their view on food/life/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!

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 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
• 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

The author breaks down costs and shows how a year-long journey can be under $50 a day.