“How can you afford to travel?” is something I hear fairly often, and to be honest, as an American without a job and a home, traveling is the only thing I CAN afford! The USA is the 15th-most expensive country in the world. Compare that to Mexico, where the same lifestyle generally costs about half as much, and compare it to central and eastern Europe, where almost everything is a degree or two cheaper than what Americans are used to… and traveling is a bargain! If you’re new to my blog, I published spending updates every month during my six months in Mexico… and the purpose of those and future updates is only to inform and educate on what my lifestyle choices cost in varying parts of the world. This is not “how to do it on a shoestring” content — I’m drinking the wine, eating the gelato, and going on some tours, but I’m definitely creative when it comes to maximizing my budget. Drumroll please. In my first 30 days in Europe, I spent $2,009.09, or $67 a day. “Wait, Julie, what?!” — I’m sure you’re thinking — “That’s less per day than you spent in Mexico!” It is, and I’ll explain why…
Tag: couchsurfing
Lessons from an Expert International Traveler: Sharing the Early Mistakes I Made (So That You Don’t Have to Make Them Too)
Five years ago, I jetted off to Europe on a one-way ticket. A few weeks ago, I did the same again. But this trip looks A LOT different. I made a lot of mistakes back then — with transportation, bookings, planning, and spending — and now, I'm a bonafide expert traveler. Here's my stories and advice, and what I'm doing better this time around.
How I Use Couchsurfing for Local Experiences and Budget Travel
As a host, to Couchsurf is to open up your space and share the secrets and joys of your home city. As a guest, Couchsurfing is for those who want a different experience and the companionship, guidance, and friendship of a local.
Why I Feel Safe Traveling Solo Abroad
I sometimes get flack from my friends and family about some of the "risky" decisions I make as a solo traveler. But I operate under the mindset that almost all people, everywhere, are good and kind.
My Magic Formula for Comfortable Budget Accommodations in Europe
It’s the ever-present traveling conundrum: with a finite budget, the more you spend to lay your head, the less you can spend on everything else.
Ecuador Recap: 8-Day Ecuador Itinerary (Mostly) on a Shoestring
Ecuador as a travel destination: Enough have come before to pave the way, but not enough that the people and the country are jaded, advantageous of or overrun by foreigners. Check out my Ecuador itinerary from Quito to Quilotoa to Cotopaxi to Cuenca to Guayaquil.
How to Meet People While Traveling Solo
So you decided to go on a trip alone. How do you actually meet people? Let me share with you the methods I used to meet people. It's not what you think...
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