Years ago, the Earth Porm website republished my article "The Ultimate Guide to Traveling When You Are Broke".
Shortly after, social media maven and actor George Takei shared the post with his millions of Facebook fans (like a huge Star trek geek and nerd of science fiction, I jumped a little joy).
Browsing through the comments on George's Facebook post, I was dismayed by the nasty and contemptuous comments that people also shared about their misconceptions about travel.
These comments made me realize that, despite all the websites and detailed books on how to make travel affordable and accessible, too many people still believe that travel is expensive, dangerous and impossible unless you are rich.
Too many people say, "I can't. It's impossible, "and become cynical about travel.
The idea that traveling is expensive couldn't be further from the truth (I wrote an entire book proving this point)
In fact, traveling on a budget has never been easier or cheaper.
Yet people still have all kinds of misconceptions about budget travel and security abroad.
To help fight disinformation, I want to debunk 7 of the most common myths I have encountered over the years.
Myth # 1: travel is expensive
Everything costs some money - and that includes travel. But the idea that the trip only concerns luxury tours, resorts and luxury villas is outdated. Traditionally, subtle marketing language made everyone believe that "a fun vacation is an expensive vacation."
After decades of bombardment by these insidious advertising campaigns, our collective conscience still equates travel and luxury. Heck, I believed that too.
But the fact is, you don't need a trust fund or a well-paying job to make an incredible trip.
You will have to learn to plan a trip.
You will have to save money.
But you don't have to be rich to travel. You just need to be creative and have the right priorities.
And this can even be done on the minimum wage. Sure, it may take longer to save for your trip, and you may have to make sacrifices, but if you want to travel - whether for two weeks or two years - you can find a way to get there. .
Here are some starting points that can help you cut costs and travel on a budget:
Myth # 2: Travel Credit Cards Will Ruin Your Credit Score
I can't count the number of free flights and hotel stays I have had over the years. By collecting points and miles, I was able to travel for a fraction of the price it would have otherwise cost, opening up tons of possibilities for budget travel.
You can do it too.
Travel hacking is the art of using travel credit cards to collect points and miles which can then be converted into free trips, all using your regular expenses. No additional purchase. No jumping through loopholes. Simply win free trips by recording your meeting dates, shopping, gas, and other regular expenses on a travel card.
Although applying for a credit card will temporarily lower your credit score, it will be corrected within two months if you continue to pay your bills. Unless you are looking to make a huge purchase (like buying a house) in the near future, this minor drop will not affect you. Just space out the apps (if you're applying for multiple cards) and you won't see a lasting negative impact on your credit score.
I have more than a dozen credit cards (although I only use three actively) and a credit score of 797 out of 850. As long as you pay your card every month, you don't have to worry.
I mean what's the point of building a credit rating if you don't use it?
Here are some additional resources on Ravel credit cards and hacking to get you started:
Myth # 3: Couchsurfing is not safe
Couchsurfing is a sharing economy application that facilitates cultural exchanges. Locals offer free space in their house (sometimes just a sofa) that travelers can use to then tour the city and learn more about the destination.
While staying at a stranger's house may not be for everyone, it is still a safe and fun way to travel (not to mention an affordable option). Like Airbnb, Couchsurfing hosts have reviews and profiles that you can read to make sure you're staying with someone you get along with. It really isn't much different from Airbnb (except that it's free!).
Of course, if you're not ready to stay with a stranger, you can also use the app to meet people for activities instead, like a meal, a coffee, or a museum tour. It's a great way to enjoy the app without having to stay with someone.
As long as you use common sense, read reviews and trust your gut, you can safely use the app while saving money and having fun. There are families that welcome people, solo female hosts who only welcome women, as well as expatriates looking to get in touch with foreign colleagues.
The team and I have used the site dozens and dozens of times. It's a vibrant and totally safe community. Because, contrary to what the news and the media like to report, not everyone is a secret murderer looking for his next victim. Most people are good and kind people who just want to make friends and learn new things. Don't let fear limit your opportunities.
Myth # 4: Hitchhiking will kill you
Hitchhiking is a relatively common way of traveling in many countries around the world. It was also a common (and safe) way to travel long distances in the United States and Canada.
The idea that hitchhiking is dangerous dates back to the 1950s when the FBI ran an alarmist campaign to get people to stop the practice, in part because civil rights activists were hitchhiking for gatherings. The FBI campaign has deeply ingrained people that hitchhiking is dangerous by claiming that most hitchhikers were murderers.
Combined with a media narrative that the world is dangerous, hitchhiking continues to be perceived as a dangerous activity - even if it is not.
My friend hitchhiked solo in the United States.
Kristin from Be My Travel Muse hitchhiked in China
I hitchhiked in Europe, the Caribbean, and Central America and met wonderful and interesting people in the process.
Hitchhiking, like Couchsurfing, is using common sense. Note license plates, have a phone for emergencies and travel with a friend if you're not comfortable going solo. And remember, you don't have to get in a stopping car. Use your judgment and follow your gut and you can meet lots of interesting people while staying safe.
Myth # 5: travel is dangerous for women
While men and women are at risk on the road, women often face additional dangers that require caution and awareness. But that does not mean that women should stay at home or only go to very safe destinations.
The "if it bleeds, it leads" approach to reporting over the years has only highlighted the negative stories of women travelers. This style of reporting reinforces the perception that the world is so scary that solo travel by women is very, very dangerous and should be avoided.
Fortunately, this is not true at all. You're more likely to be hit by a bus than to end up like in the movie Taken.
But don't take my word for it. Here is an excerpt from an article on women's safety:
If I think back to the times when people said to me "Don't go there!" or "You could die!" this is mainly advice from people who have never been to these places and who have never researched them. The press is extremely influential. I cannot tell you how many times I have read completely false international press coverage. You need to find reliable sources and advice from people who know what they are talking about. I once told my parents that I intended to go to Rwanda. My worried father said to me, "You're not going." He was clearly concerned about Rwanda's tumultuous past. If he had done his research, he would have known that Rwanda is the safest country in East Africa. Once he did research, I never heard of him again. The crime rate in your backyard can be just as bad as the destination you're heading to, if not worse.
Nowadays, there are tons of powerful and independent female designers who travel all over the world - including off the beaten track. Heck, many of them are more adventurous than me!
You can check out their blogs for inspiration and proof that women can travel alone:
Myth 6: Budget travel is only possible if you are young and single
Too many people think that traveling is something you can only do if you are young or single. It couldn't be further from the truth.
I understand that when you are older, you may want more luxury than a budget backpacker. And I know that family trips require more planning than solo trips. But travel is not only the responsibility of young people.
Age doesn't matter at the end of the day. I have seen families and the elderly trekking around the world, staying in youth hostels or driving motorhomes.
You don't need to be limited by the age or condition of your relationship. Here are some articles that prove that families and seniors can travel on a budget:
Myth # 7: You cannot work abroad.
We often think that working abroad is a difficult and not worthwhile process. This is something that requires interviews, visas, and a neat resume.
For the type of jobs, you will get as a traveler, this is not true.
If you want to work and are flexible about what you are willing to do, you can find a job almost anywhere. You can get a working vacation in countries like Australia or New Zealand, become an au pair, teach English or even volunteer for room and board.
Of course, you might not get a sophisticated or well-paying job. But if your priority is travel, what does it matter?
Farms, schools, bars, restaurants, cafes and the tourism industry are almost always on the lookout for staff, particularly in areas with seasonal tourist influx. You will not get rich, but you will be able to see the world.
If you'd like to learn more about your options, here are some blog posts to get you started:
***These travel myths come from years indoctrinated with the conviction that travel must be expensive and that the world is scary.
It couldn't be further from the truth.
With a little research, you will find that traveling the world is much safer - and much more affordable - than most people think.
Book your trip: logistics tips and tricks
Book your flight
Find a cheap flight using Skyscanner or Momondo. These are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the world, so you always know that no stone is left behind.
Book your accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than an inn, use Booking.com, as they always offer the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don't forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellations. It is complete protection in the event of a problem. I never go on a trip without it, because I had to use it several times in the past. I have been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and the best value are:
Are you looking for the best companies to save money?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when traveling! I list all the ones I use - and they will also save you time and money!
