At this point, I’ve spent about eight months of the last two years living in hostels and have definitely seen the good, the bad, and the ugly side of hostel life. If you’re planning your first trip, here’s what to look out for in order to pick a hostel and have a good experience:

Pay attention to the hostel’s ‘ambience’ and ‘safety’ ratings.

The vibe of the hostel is important, especially when you’re traveling on your own. Try to look for places with nice common areas or bars, so you have a space to meet other travelers. Hostels that organize group events or have community breakfasts or dinners are great because it’s a built-in way to meet other people and create a group of people to go out adventuring with.

If you can, try to avoid properties that are half hostel, half hotel. These places cater more to families and business travelers, and the vibe is much different than that of a property that caters specifically to the young, backpacker crowd. These places are typically much less social, which can make for a lonely stay if there aren’t any people around for you to mingle with.

Also, this is pretty self-explanatory, but check out the safety ratings. This will cover things like whether the property is located in a good part of town, whether there’s a secure place to lock your belongings inside your room, if the keys and locks work, or if the building and surrounding area well-lit, or whether there are people hanging around the property who aren’t guests of the hostel, etc.

Pick a hostel that is close to the attractions and has a 24-hour reception.

If you know you’re going to want to go out at night, look for a place closer to the city’s nightlife so you don’t have to travel as far in the dark in the event that you end up having to be out alone. You can minimize your time spent on public transit doing so, and you won’t have to take as many cabs (so you can avoid being ripped off) and you won’t have as far to walk if that’s something you’re concerned about. Obviously, use your judgement and take the same precautions you would at home, and you’ll be fine.

24-hour reception is important if you know you’ll be arriving late. You don’t want to show up after the reception has closed and not be able to check in. Also, if there’s an emergency and you need something in the middle of the night, the hostel reception is going to be your first point of contact because they know the area and how to get you the services that you need (like pointing you to the hospital where you’re more likely to find English-speaking doctors at 4am).

Female-only dorms (maybe).

I have mixed feelings about staying in female dorms because I’ve had good and bad experiences with both (big surprise: people suck regardless of gender). You never know who you’re going to get as roommates, and my good experiences have by far outweighed the bad. The only difference is that so far, I haven’t (yet, thankfully) been fearful for my safety in a female dorm. I have two big pieces of advice on this one:

1. Read the reviews carefully.

If the reviews give you a sense that the hostel only really cares about their bottom line and just wants to fill beds, it might not be somewhere you want to stay, for a variety of reasons, but if it’s the only option available, you may want to consider booking a female-only dorm. You might just end up in a 12-bed dorm with an 11-person stag party, who stumbled back in at 4am and didn’t realize that they do not actually have the room to themselves (first the obnoxious drunkenness, then the snoring, yikes). Needless to say, I dragged my blanket downstairs to sleep in the bar, checked out as soon as I could, and left the property a delightful review for 1. letting that happen to me in the first place, and 2. not informing me or giving me another choice of room.

2. Pay attention to whether or not you’ll be traveling in peak season.

If there’s an issue with your roommates, the hostel will likely let you change rooms if they have the space available, although they might charge you a fee (worth it for the peace of mind if you’re the only woman in the room with some creeper neighbors). If it’s fully booked, you might be out of luck (hopefully they’ll help sort you out but it’s possible they may not).

Read the reviews, but use your judgment.

You can generally get a good sense of the place from what previous guests have written, and how many people have left reviews. Keep in mind that the quality of reviews may vary from place to place, so always take them with a grain of salt. For example, a lot of people who don’t typically stay in hostels travel to places like Amsterdam to party, but then complain about things like the fact that a 200-year old building doesn’t have an elevator and you had to walk up four flights of stairs with a heavy suitcase.

If you’re traveling solo, I’d always advocate for staying in hostels, because they’re great for so many reasons. If it’s your first time and you’re nervous, just be careful and deliberate with when you pick a hostel and, above all, use your best judgment and you’ll be sure to end up having a wonderful trip (or at the very least come out with a lot of interesting stories).

Suggested next reading: Why I Travel Alone (And Why You Should Too)

The post How To Pick A Hostel Like A Solo Female Traveler Expert appeared first on Modern Trekker.

I had always wanted to travel to the Islamic countries, but—to be completely honest—my mental association between Muslims and terrorist attacks didn’t encourage me at all. However, after a short visit to the Arab Emirates, I decided to set aside my assumptions about other Islamic countries too.

Morocco had a good reputation as a tourist country and seemed a safe choice for a woman traveling by herself. I was still afraid and felt uncertain when I started my journey, but I was prepared mentally and had backup plans, which made me feel more comfortable.

Here are my top 11 tips for female solo travel to Morocco. I hope you will find them useful and that my own experience here will show you how to travel as a woman in Morocco.

1. Plan The First Days In Advance

Venturing without plans into the unknown of a foreign country might be a great challenge and a good way to boost your self-confidence—if this is what you’re hoping to get out of travel—but you will have plenty of time to do that and be more flexible after you first get used to the local customs and atmosphere.

Travelers especially enjoy Morocco for the cultural shock they have to face and for the different traditions they’re not used to. During the first days in Morocco, you won’t understand what’s happening around you, so it’s better to plan the first few days of your itinerary beforehand.

When I landed in the city of Fes, a taxi driver waited for me at the airport and drove me directly to the accommodation that I had booked beforehand. This way, I avoided unpleasant incidents at the beginning of my trip and allowed enough time to adapt to the new Moroccan lifestyle.

2. Ask For Advice From The Local Women

The local women will admire your courage to venture by yourself to a new country. Many of them have never traveled, so their traveling experiences are a bit different than ours (in fact, many of them will have gone on a pilgrimage to Mecca at some point in their lives).

Despite this difference, they will be sincerely willing to help and assist you in any problem you might have.

Ask the local woman how to stay safe in their country. Before I left Fes, the town where I had landed several days before, I asked the landlady of my guesthouse if there were places I should avoid because of the fact I was doing female solo travel to Morocco and, obviously, wanted to remain safe.

She said that I was safe in Morocco and that I could go anywhere—I felt such a sense of relief at that moment.

3. Go With An Official Guide In The Desert

Obviously, you cannot go by yourself everywhere (for example, a camel desert trek!) Search for local trips, always negotiate the price or book a trip on the internet.

For more information, you can read the article I have written about everything you should know about desert tours in Morocco.

When I went to the desert, I used a local guide, and out of the huge range of travel companies, I preferred the one recommended to me by a friend. I had the pleasant surprise to discover a humorous, good-hearted Berber, who knew each sand dune of the desert like the back of his hand.

4. Book A Riad (But Read The Reviews Beforehand)

When you book accommodation on the internet, carefully read the reviews from other travelers (e.g. on Booking.com, TripAdvisor or Google Maps) before completing a reservation.

Remember to not miss the local accommodation called riad or dar. The term designates a traditional palace or a house, elaborately decorated with zelij (local colorful mosaics), with a spacious patio, and in most cases, with a rooftop terrace from where you can have terrific views of the surroundings.

5. Stay Only With Local Women Hosts

If you plan to find local hosts on internet platforms (i.e. Couchsurfing, BeWelcome, or even Airbnb, etc.), you should only send requests to women hosts who have positive references from other guests.

VERY IMPORTANT: male hosts have been known in the past to have had sex with women visitors, so it is very important to remember that you are in a country where this subject is viewed differently. So stay only with local women hosts!

Finding the right hosts on internet platforms was a long process for me. I sent all my requests before arriving in Morocco, got several answers back, and had more time to enjoy myself when I arrived instead of searching for ‘safe’ hosts.

6. Wear A Wedding Ring

This one is already a cliché but I will still mention it because it is very useful for female solo travel to Morocco.

When men ask you if you are alone, be quick to mention ‘your husband’ and show them your ‘wedding ring.’ Even if they don’t really believe you, they will still most likely be too concerned about where your husband is and so won’t focus on you. If a man seemed too interested in me or just stared at me, it was enough to make my wedding ring visible.

In the worst-case scenario, a man insistently approached me when I stopped the car at the traffic lights. I had to be a bit aggressive and mention the police. After that, he disappeared right away. Everybody understands the word “police.”

7. Dress Modestly

In the bigger towns like Marrakesh, Casablanca, and Rabat, you will see women wearing jeans and no scarves covering their heads. However, I didn’t see women wearing shorts or mini skirts, so if you do that, realize that everybody will have a good reason to look at you.

In the more religious towns and in the countryside, women wear long overcoats and cotton headscarves even when outside in over 40℃ / 104°F heat. They hide every aspect of their female figure and they will also hide their face if you take pictures of them. Make sure to respect their culture and religion.

8. Avoid Walking Alone At Night

Don’t go out by yourself at night, especially if your accommodation is situated in a medina (the old part of town) where the winding narrow streets create a real labyrinth.

I always planned to come back ‘home’ before dusk and simply enjoyed my evenings talking with other guests, planning my next days or just thinking about what a beautiful day I’d had.

Like solo travel elsewhere, female solo travel to Morocco comes with a few compromises.

9. Do Not Drink Alcohol In Public

Avoid drinking alcohol in public places unless you are at the restaurant of your hotel where they serve alcoholic drinks for tourists.

For all the Muslims, alcohol is prohibited, and most of them respect this rule very strictly. You won’t find alcohol in the local shops and eateries, so you’ll experience what life is like without this ‘magic liquid.’

During my six-week trip through Morocco, I didn’t drink alcohol at all. I discovered I can have even more fun without drinking beer or wine.

10. Be Aware Of Fake Guides

In the medinas (the old part of the towns), you will often hear young boys pointing to you in the direction that you’re heading while saying, “It’s closed. Don’t go there.” In actual fact, nobody has closed the medina, but the local people know that the Moroccan medinas have a maze of winding, narrow streets where a visitor can easily get lost (even with a GPS).

This is their chance to be your local guide in exchange for a little money.

During my first days in Morocco, I was fooled by some fake guides and had to follow them to ‘save’ me out of the medina. In the evening, my landlord confirmed to me they were just taking advantage of confused visitors and taught me how to turn them down, saying “La, la, shokran” (No, no, thank you).

11. Negotiate Everything You Buy

Negotiate everything, especially all the prices in the medinas (old towns) and souqs (covered markets). Moroccans have a long history and experience in trading goods.

Usually, the prices are not displayed so it is better to ask in several places and figure out what the average price might be. Nobody will push you to buy something but keep in mind that bidding while sipping a glass of mint tea is part of the selling process in Morocco.

If you haven’t traveled there yet, female solo travel to Morocco is a safe and realistic option. In fact, it’s possible you could even start here to gain experience traveling solo. After visiting Morocco on my own for six weeks, I became more confident in myself and many other solo trips soon followed. Nothing is as bad as it seems.

Suggested next reading: 8 Top Sights In Morocco That’ll Make You Want To Visit ASAP

The post 11 Super Important Tips For People Who Are Traveling Solo To Morocco appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Some key tips to remember when choosing a travel outfit is to stay neutral, simple, and know that less is more. So say buh-bye to the heels, grab the sandals, and fly off into holiday mode.  

Here are some go-to packing tips for ladies planning their travel outfit for going abroad.

Must-have clothing for all types of travel:

Regardless of your travel plans, there are a few travel outfit items that you will want to bring no matter the climate of your destination. The following will be some of your go-to pieces:

1. Good quality shoes

No, this doesn’t mean seven different pairs of shoes. Whether you need snow boots, hiking boots, comfy flats, or sandals, you’ll realize quickly how thankful you were to have invested in a good pair of shoes to keep your feet happy and healthy.

2. Black leggings and a cardigan

Black leggings and a cardigan are going to get tons of use no matter where you are going. Even in the hottest climates where you intend to live in your beach clothes and flip-flops, you’ll realize quickly that the aircon can possibly be on full blast on a subway or café and you may end up freezing.

A cardigan can also be used as a backup blanket on those long bus rides or flights. Leggings can save you from nasty bug bites in humid weather. They can also be dressed up or dressed down which makes it easier to pack less in your luggage.

3. Versatile Travel Dress

What’s more versatile than a dress that can be worn 20 different ways? Whether you’re off to the beach, a night out, or cozying up at a campfire, you’ll have the go-to dress-or-top-or-pants that you may just end up wearing every day. Best off, this one is wrinkle free!

 

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4. Plain and comfy t-shirts

Bring a few plain and comfy t-shirts that can go with any outfit. If you can, stay away from 100% cotton as it wrinkles easily and is not always sweat proof for those lugging large backpacks or heading into the humidity.

5. Swimsuit

Don’t forget a swimsuit. Whether you’re relaxing on a tropical beach or warming up at hot springs amongst a winter wonderland, a swimsuit is a must for your vacay abroad.

Keep your main travel outfit items neutral and dark. You can bring some colorful accessories to brighten up your style. Items such as headbands, scarves, necklaces, a watch, and earrings can change up any outfit.

Clothing to bring when traveling to warmer areas:

If you’re off on a backpacking adventure into the tropical heat, you’ll be able to live off of a bit less. The weight adds up quickly and if you plan on backpacking, you will definitely want to minimize. Bring items that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty.

1. Boots/runners and sandals

You will need a quality pair of hiking boots or good runners and a comfy pair of sandals. Yes, two pairs of shoes are really all you need.

2. Non-denims and tank tops

You’ll need a few pairs of non-denim shorts and tank tops. Denim is scratchy and doesn’t mix well with sweat. Flowy shorts, skirts, and tank tops that aren’t going to stick to your body are a good idea. Bring at least one pair of loose and flowy pants. They’ll protect your legs from bug bites, sunburn, and any scratchy bushes that you may trek through.

3. Sports bras

Pack a couple of good sports bras, as you will find sports bras much more comfortable in the humidity. Regular bras are fine, but you’ll realize that sports bras are much more practical, comfortable, and easier to pack.

4. A sarong

 

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A sarong is a must for any backpacker going somewhere warm. The bonus is that these can be used as a beach towel, blanket, pillow, skirt, dress, cardigan, and much more! If you’re visiting a bunch of temples, it can be used to cover your knees or shoulders. It also fits easily into your bags when packing. You will not regret bringing this along for your trip abroad.

5. A rain jacket

Don’t forget a rain jacket. Not just something water resistant to a slight drizzle. Tropical areas have two seasons—rainy and dry. Check the weather beforehand, but you will be thankful for carrying a rain jacket or poncho when you step outside.

6. A hat

Bring a hat or buy one once you are abroad. Whether a baseball cap or a floppy hat, it’ll keep the sun out of your face, saves you from bed head, and is an easy accessory.

If you’re planning to travel in the heat, just accept the fact that you will sweat—morning, noon, and night! No fear, for you have flowy clothing, comfy sports bras, and hats or headbands to save your hair. But with that glistening glow of sunshine, you’ll be looking great no matter the weather.

Clothing to bring when traveling to colder areas:

 

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Off on a cool and wintery holiday? If you are traveling somewhere cold, you will likely be wearing a similar type of travel outfit most days: your go-to jacket, a comfortable pair of pants, and boots to trek through snow or ice if need be.

1. Wear all of your bulky clothing items on the airplane

Puffy coat, sweater, boots, jeans or leggings, scarf, and beanie. Maybe it takes you a while to undress for TSA, but it’s the best way to save space while traveling.

2. No more than two pairs of jeans/leggings

Whether you’re a jeans or leggings gal, you really don’t need to pack more than two pairs. Jeans are a bit bulkier, so if you like to wear both, wear your jeans on the plane and roll up your leggings into your luggage.

3. Sweaters and thermals

As for tops, a couple of easy to pack sweaters and thermals will barely be noticed under your bulky coat. So don’t worry yourself too much about fashion and think practical. Don’t bring all of your fat and chunky sweaters. Try to think thin and simple.

4. Stay neutral

If possible, keep your jacket, boots, and pants more neutral. You can get a pop of color with different scarves, hats, gloves, and leg warmers. These items will pack easily, keep you warm, and give you different options.

Clothing for long-term travel:

For those traveling longer than just a quick holiday, bring the basics and count on shopping abroad for anything else.

No need to shove every item you own into your suitcase.

Most clothing items can be bought once you are abroad. However, some people have their favorites from home.

Crucial necessities you may want to bring from home would be jeans, bras, thermals, favorite dress clothes, and hiking boots. You’ll have less to worry about once you are overseas and can grab that cute vintage floral dress that you keep spotting in that new local shop.

Pro-packing tips:

• Wear your bulkiest clothes and shoes on the airplane!
• Either roll your clothes or grab some compression bags to easily fit your clothing into your luggage. Keep in mind, there’s no wrinkle-free method, but you can always bring a travel-sized steamer to attack those creases upon arrival.
• Pack your undies and socks last. They can be shoved into the crevices of your bags where nothing else can possibly fit.
• Leave your super nice trendy designer clothes at home. There’s always a chance of losing something, tearing it, or wanting to leave it behind to buy something else that you would replace it with anyway.
• Don’t overdo it! You will surprise yourself with the ability to live off of less when traveling abroad.

Packing to travel abroad is easy!

Overall, remember why you are off on your adventure away. You can still look and feel great even when packing minimally. Just keep your travel outfit neutral, keep it simple, and change it up with accessories rather than too many different bulky clothing items.

Bon voyage!

Suggested next reading: How To Pack A Suitcase Like A Travel Expert

The post The Ultimate Guide On How To Plan Your Travel Outfit (For Women) appeared first on Modern Trekker.

1. Stawamus Chief, Canada

Located an hour and a half from Vancouver in Squamish, “The Chief”, as locals call it, is a challenging hike, but rewards you with sweeping views of Garibaldi Provincial Park below you. The Second Peak is the most popular of the three peaks. Be ready to use ropes and ladders to help you in your ascent.

2. Villarrica Volcano, Chile

Looming large over the resort town of Pucon, Villarrica is one of the most active volcanoes in Chile. It last erupted in March 2017. Have no fear though! There are people whose sole job it is to monitor the activity of the volcano. With the help of a guide, you can hike to the peak of the volcano and watch it bubble up. It’s a full day adventure and the hike will leave you sore for days. The best part is sliding down the side of the volcano on the way down!

3. Cat Cat Village in Sapa, Vietnam

At the border with Vietnam and China, Sapa is world famous for its rice fields and one of the most stunning hikes in the region goes through Cat Cat Village. Only 30 minutes from Sapa city center, this hike will lead visitors through rice fields, waterfalls, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of water buffalo grazing. The area is centuries old and is a must for any adventurer.

4. Big Bend National Park, USA

The United States has an abundance of natural beauty and hikes. Many immediately think of Yosemite, Yellowstone, or The Grand Canyon when they think of national parks in the US. One of the most overlooked and beautiful national parks is Big Bend. Situated on the border of Texas and Mexico, Big Bend offers 800,000 acres of desert, mountains, and rivers. It has been described as otherworldly and simply breathtaking. It is one of the most bio-diverse locations in the country. No trip to Big Bend would be complete without hiking the Lost Mine Trail. The 4.8 roundtrip mile hike is beautiful, but best of all, it is isolated. A hiker’s dream.

5. Mountains Of The Moon, Uganda

This hike, which happens to be the tallest peak in Uganda at 5,109 meters (16,761 feet), is found in the Rwenzori National Park. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A special place to say the least. It takes several days to arrive at the mountain’s peak, with only 700 hikers attempting the adventure in 2017. It is necessary to hire a guide to complete the trek.

6. Monserrate, Colombia

Monserrate towers over Bogota, standing at 3,152 meters (10,341 feet). It is important for not only its massive size but for religious reasons as well. The hike takes about an hour and a half to reach the top, but the views are well worth it. On the way down, be sure to take the cable car for a fun experience.

7. Fiordland, New Zealand

New Zealand is a beautiful country, full of mountains and other natural wonders. However, Fiordland is known to be one of the most dramatic landscapes in the country. Carved by glaciers over 100,000 years ago, the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Milford Sound is thought of as the 8th Wonder Of The World. The area has three main hiking trails, Milford, Kepler, and Routeburn Tracks. Each track leads you to the tallest waterfall in New Zealand, Sutherland Falls. Fiordland is a hiker’s paradise and is surely not to be missed!

8. Painters Way, Germany

Named after the numerous amounts of painters that would come to the area and search for inspiration for their work, Painters Way is now part of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains Trail. The hike, near the city of Dresden, is a natural wonder of Central Europe. The most famous part of the hike is Bastei Bridge for its incredible views. Be ready for a serious hike, though. The trail is 14 kilometers (8.6 miles) and takes you by waterfalls and caves. The best time to do the hike is in fall. The foliage becomes just as dramatic as the backdrop!

9. Mount Damavand, Iran

Mount Damavand, a volcano north of Tehran, is actually the tallest peak in Iran at 5,760 meters (18,897 feet) and one of the tallest volcanoes in Asia. It is a hiker’s dream as it rarely shows up on tourist’s radar. A local guide is needed to hike the volcano. According to those that have hiked Mount Damavand, the last 300 meters of the volcano is said to be the hardest as sulfurous gases from the volcano make it difficult to breathe or see. Certainly worth the challenge for those brave enough to try the ascent!

10. Great Ocean Walk, Australia

The iconic coastline walk in Southern Australia covers 104 kilometers through Great Otway National Park. While the hike is fairly easy, you’ll encounter many different habitats, wildlife, and historical sites along the way. You can do hour, day—or for serious hikers—multi-day hikes that take you from one end to the other. The whole trail takes about 8 days to complete. The best time to go is in summer, December to February, when you can take refreshing swims in the ocean.

Suggested next reading: Baños, Ecuador: An Adrenaline Junkies Paradise

The post 10 Awe-Inspiring Hikes You Need To Do In Your Lifetime appeared first on Modern Trekker.

My friend Carmella and I were road tripping through the Southwest, starting in Los Angeles and making our way through Arizona and New Mexico, then looping back around to California. We were in our mid-twenties and had never felt more free, each of us taking our first real grown-up vacation.

We rented a tiny car, threw our bags in the back, stocked up on baby carrots and gallons of water, and struck out on our own. We were elated. We talked nonstop. We left the smog of L.A. behind us, headed east, and arrived in Joshua Tree by evening.

Our First Time Staying In Airbnbs

By the bright light of the moon in the massive desert sky, we managed to find our Airbnb—a tiny cabin at the edge of the national park with just one neighbor in sight. We pulled up at 11pm and tiptoed to the door, still unsure of what we were walking into. We were greeted by the kindest woman named Stella, who’d waited up for us.

There was a little bedroom with fluffy towels laid out for us and a wicker basket of toiletries. There was just enough room for the two of us, and we snuggled up in our shared bed, laughing hysterically under the covers until we drifted off to sleep.

I knew we’d made a good choice when I woke in the middle of the night to the sound of coyotes yipping outside our bedroom window. I fell back to sleep marveling at the magic of the desert and woke the next morning to fresh green juice served in wine goblets, alongside stories of Stella’s past life in San Francisco. We were the first names in her pristine guest book, and we left a raving review.

If I thought we’d made a good choice by booking a room with no reviews, I was yet to be surprised at what was in store.

Joshua Tree To Madrid, New Mexico

We left Joshua Tree and eventually made our way to Madrid, New Mexico, a tiny mining town just outside of Santa Fe. Carmella had booked this Airbnb, and I was excited to see what the “eco cabin” in the hills of New Mexico would be like. We arrived and were greeted by the Airbnb manager, Lucy, settling into our cozy cottage with its compost toilet and limited electricity. Colorful prayer flags were strung about and we immediately felt at home.

It wasn’t until later that night, over glasses of wine beside a glowing fire under the full moon, that Lucy and I realized we had a mutual friend.

On the other side of the country in a remote Southwest town with a population of 200 people, I’d found a connection. We stayed up late into the night talking about synchronicity and human connection. What were the odds?

That trip ended up being one of those vacations where everything just works out. We ended up staying in Airbnbs a total of four different times and left all but one feeling like we were good friends with the owners. They were complete strangers. Welcoming other complete strangers into their homes. Literally opening their doors and hearts to the belief that people can be kind.

A Life Of Travel

As I continued a life of travel following that trip, I learned that this would be more common than not in all of my experiences of staying in Airbnbs. I’ve stayed in Airbnbs all over the world—rambling farmhouses in Maine, cozy cottages in rugged Tasmania, mountain suburbs in Ojai. Sometimes solo, sometimes not—but always with the faith that people are good at heart. (And of course, most of these were private rooms in a home, rather than an entire home independent from the owners—I always find that I like it better when hosts are around.)

Four years after my initial Airbnb stay in Joshua Tree, I found myself in a 1900s clapboard house in the Blue Mountains of Australia, a fantastic region filled with eucalyptus forests and stunning cliffs and roaring waterfalls. I was with a friend who’d never stayed in Airbnbs before, a friend who was a bit reluctant to reserve a room in a stranger’s house with nothing but hope, faith, and a few reviews.

The owner, a sweet woman in her fifties, invited us in and explained how she found herself there—escaping city life in Sydney at the discovery of a troubling illness, settling into the mountains for fresh air, art therapy, and recovery. I spotted my favorite artist’s work on her fridge, and she’d left us hot water bottles at the end of our beds for the chilly autumn night. In her kitchen hung a giant chalkboard upon which she’d jotted affirmations and quotes, and we got lost exploring her bookshelves filled with tomes on lucid dreaming and homesteading.

She was out of the house the next morning when we checked out with our backpacks in tow, and when we realized we’d accidentally left a cell phone behind, she was suddenly pulling up alongside us in her car, encouraging us to get in so she could give us a lift back to get it.

Complete strangers from countries other than her own. Trusting us in her home without her. We could have been the ax murderers.

My friend was shocked at how Airbnb worked. “She doesn’t mind that we’re here without her?” she said incredulously. “Are all hosts this nice? Is this always how it goes?”

(Of course, it doesn’t always go exactly like this. Not every single Airbnb host is kind and welcoming and goes out of their way to make you feel at home. But with a little awareness and intuition when you’re booking, you can find gold. And more often than not, it’s worth it.)

Conclusion

Now, I always prefer to peruse Airbnb before turning to a hotel or hostel. I love not knowing what I’ll find or who I’ll meet. When you can be open to it, there are stories to be heard, kindnesses to be gifted, meals to be shared, neighborhoods to be explored, friends to be made. I’m still in touch with some of my past hosts, and even just a connection over Instagram feels incredibly heartwarming to me.

Because in a world that feels increasingly scary and unsafe, there’s this: the unfailing hope and belief that people are intrinsically good — and that we have more in common than we think.

Note: I want to acknowledge that as a white American female, I carry a certain privilege that not everyone is granted, and others’ experiences of strangers’ kindness may not be the same as mine.

Suggested next reading: Why I Travel Alone (And Why You Should Too)

The post How Staying In Airbnbs Renews My Faith In Humanity appeared first on Modern Trekker.

By my calculations, in order to hit everything on my bucket list, I’d have to move every 2-3 days, and even then I might not be able to hit everything. That’s just simply not sustainable for a year, and while moving quickly and checking off boxes might be some people’s preferred way to travel, it’s definitely not for me.

So, the alternative was to figure out how to make it work long-term. If I was going to take the plunge and travel full time, it was going to be a permanent lifestyle change. It took a lot of deliberate planning and hard decisions to get to this point where I am permanently and intentionally homeless.

I’m not saying that everyone should quit their jobs and travel long-term instead of enjoying those short trips when you get the chance, because short-term travel can also be wonderful and I’d always advocate for any type of travel over staying in one place. The long-term travel lifestyle is not for everyone, by any means. But if you are considering making the leap, here are the tidbits of wisdom I’ve learned so far.

Pros of Long-Term Travel:

You can go anywhere at a moment’s notice, and that’s incredibly liberating. My entire life fits into a 45L backpack. I can be at the airport in under an hour, and go anywhere in the world. Because I work online, my job will come with me. For the gap year-ers and the non-digital nomads, the process is the same. When you can carry everything you own with you on your back, the possibilities are endless. While on some days the sheer number of options will seem overwhelming, there’s so much joy in going with the flow and seeing where life takes you.

Your perspective will change along the way, and you will grow as a person so much faster than if you’d stay at home. You have to adapt and evolve with each new place you visit. The exposure to new people and fresh perspectives will constantly challenge you to reevaluate who you are, what you believe in, and what’s truly important.

Every person crosses your path for a reason, and being in an unfamiliar place opens up your heart and your mind to those lessons. On my first round of traveling after finishing school, I learned more about people, life, love, humanity, and the way the world works in three months on the road than I did in four years of college. It took one eight-hour hike with a stranger to completely change my entire worldview.

You don’t necessarily need to travel long-term to experience this—it could be as much as taking a weekend trip to somewhere an hour away from your hometown, as long as you can go somewhere new and open your eyes to the people and cultures around you. While all our cultures, languages, and traditions vary wildly across the globe, we are all the same at a basic, fundamental human level, and kindness knows no language barrier.

Cons of Constantly Being on the Move:

It’s a lifestyle, and it’s going to be just as scary jumping out as it was jumping in. As scared as I was when I finally walked into my boss’s office after months of planning and told them I’d be leaving at the end of the month to travel the world, I’m committed now. It took a lot of deliberate, calculated steps to get to this point, and I’m sure it will take just as much work to stop. After all, a body in motion stays in motion. As hard as it is to adjust to the culture shock of being in a new place, reverse culture shock when you return home is so much worse. 

But it is a lonely lifestyle. Even if you’re moving slowly and staying in the same place for months at a time, you’re ultimately still saying goodbye to those friends you make in each new place, and you can forget about having a real long-term relationship. The pool of people who share the same nomadic or semi-nomadic mindset is small and scattered, and so far, I’ve had a hard time identifying people who are even able to relate to what I’m doing, or why.

Long-term travel is a beautiful thing, and an experience I wouldn’t give up for the world (pun unintended), but ultimately it’s not sustainable. As you get older, your interests and pace will inevitably change, leading you to put down roots and move more slowly. That doesn’t necessarily mean stop traveling, but it could mean setting up a home base somewhere and spending a smaller percentage of the year on the road.

Anyone who has taken the plunge into long-term travel knows that even once you’ve stopped, travel is not something you’d ever willingly give up altogether. It becomes a series of trade-offs. Yes, see the world while you have the ability to do so, and don’t look back. But know that it’s not all gorgeous, instagrammable sunsets and coconuts. It’s a lifestyle that comes with pros and cons, just like any other.

Suggested next reading: Backpacker Culture: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

The post The Pros & Cons Of Long-Term Travel No One Ever Tells You About appeared first on Modern Trekker.

I’ve traveled in a variety of contexts—with friends, with family, with a large group, with a small group, and by myself. Each of these trips has been a wonderful experience for different reasons. It’s nice to have someone there to share the journey and I definitely wouldn’t complain if someone wanted to tag along, but to me, there’s no better feeling than arriving in a brand new place and being surrounded by strangers just waiting to be turned into friends.

Here’s why I love to travel alone so much:

I can do whatever I want: no limits, no judgment.

Want to wake up at 4 am to catch the sunrise on the beach? Do it.

Want to skip all the main (read: overrated) tourist attractions in the city and instead sit outside a cafe all day and people-watch like a local? Do it.

Want to stay out all night dancing with a group of people you just met? Do it.

Want to nap in the middle of the day because it’s hot and you’re exhausted? Do it.

You travel along for yourself and yourself alone. You don’t have to operate around someone else’s schedule or accommodate anyone else’s interests. It’s your trip, your life, and your chance to make the most of it.

The downside of this is that no one will be there to tell you that eating exclusively German sausage and drinking alcohol for a week is a terrible idea, but you’ll figure that one out on your own pretty quickly.

To get out of my comfort zone.

I’m an “ambivert”, or as I like to describe it, a shy extrovert. I’m also a creature of habit (one of those weird people who eats the same thing every day, don’t @ me). When I travel with a group of people that I already know, it’s easy to fall into a pattern. They expect me to behave in a certain way, so therefore I will. To travel alone is to constantly step out of your comfort zone, but it’s much harder to do that when you have a safety net of familiarity with you. When you’re constantly on the move, you have to talk to new people and try new things—it’s just unavoidable. And I love that.

To become a more confident version of myself.

When you are alone in a brand new place, if you don’t get over yourself and talk to strangers, you won’t be able to talk to anyone at all. I was never super outgoing, but the easiest way to get more comfortable striking up conversations with strangers (in any setting) is just to get out there and do it, over and over again.

Plus, there’s nothing better than the feeling of looking back at your adventures and knowing that you successfully navigated through the obstacles that come along with keeping yourself alive and thriving in a place where you don’t speak the language and don’t have a network of friends and family to fall back on. You planned the trip, you saved up for it, and then you went and came back full of new experiences and memories. If you can do that, you can do anything.

To become more self-reliant, and learn when to lean on others for help.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been stubborn and wanted to do everything by myself. But when you travel alone, no one is going to tell you what to do, how to get there, what you should or shouldn’t eat, or how long you should stay. You have unlimited choices in what you can do, and that’s awesome.

However, sometimes you need to lean on other people. You can struggle to figure out how to navigate the Budapest subway system or Google Translate all the food labels at the Croatian supermarket and spend two hours getting lost and looking for something you can actually eat, or you can ask a friendly stranger for help and they can point you in the right direction. A smile and a little politeness go a long way, and you may even end up with a new friend.

To meet new people from around the world.

People who travel alone a lot will know it’s not always easy. Especially if you’re on the road long-term, it can be really tough to make new friends in each new place you visit, only to have to say goodbye a few short days later (repeat * infinity). If you’re working and traveling, you can easily go a whole day without talking to anyone else, despite being surrounded by people.

Eating dinner by yourself can get old after a while, and there are definitely times that you will feel lonely on the road. But you’re never truly alone unless you choose to be. One of my favorite things about traveling is staying in hostels and other spaces that cater to travelers because there you can meet people from all over the world. More often than not, you’ll meet other solo travelers who are in the same situation and you can find an instant group of people to explore with, create memories with, and to start friendships that will last a lifetime.

Every journey has its ups and downs. There will be times when you would love to have someone there with you, whether to gush about how incredible the thing you just did was, or to go out and get you some food if you get sick on the road. But, you learn so much about the world and about yourself along the way. It’s an experience I strongly believe everyone should do at least once in their lives, at the very least just to get out of your comfort zone and do something different. It doesn’t need to be some wild, overseas trip—it could be something as simple as driving to that place you’ve always wanted to visit an hour away from home.

Do something new. Get out of your comfort zone. The world is a big, beautiful, and kind place. Get out there and explore it.

Suggested next reading: Backpacker Culture: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

The post Why I Travel Alone (And Why You Should Too) appeared first on Modern Trekker.

To be fair, hosteling is definitely not for everyone. For some, it’s doable for a long weekend or a vacation with friends, whereas for others, hostels form the perfect home base in each new city for extended solo trips due to the social scene. It’s these clusters of like-minded travelers you find in hostel lounges and bars throughout the world that makes up the backpacker counterculture.

The stereotypical backpacker is young, scruffy, crunchy-looking, possibly weed-smoking, earth-loving hippie dressed in baggy elephant pants, carrying a tattered backpack and wandering around train stations or urban centers looking for their next ‘experience’. While all stereotypes at some point originate in truth, there’s far more behind the appeal of the vagabond, backpacker lifestyle than simply avoiding responsibilities back at home.

The Good

The Backpacker Bubble is an attractive, welcoming niche for many who reject the ‘traditional’ life arc: you go to school, study hard so you can get into a good university, do well in university so you can get a good job, and then work until you can settle down, buy a house, start a family, and do the same thing every single day until you die.

They’re mixed in with the vacationers and the gap year-ers, creating the vibe of being permanently on vacation. Regardless of whether or not these long-term backpackers are working remotely, just living off savings, or some combination of the two, the laid-back, go-with-the-flow mindset is what draws many people in, to begin with.

When you’re on the move long-term, you’re far removed from the day-to-day stresses of ‘normal’, everyday life. It’s easy to make friends with like-minded people from around the world because many people travel alone or in small groups, ready to mingle with others and make new friends.

Even further, everyone is transitory—only in town for a few days before moving on and following their own path. You know you don’t have much time together, and you never have to see these people again unless you actively make an effort to do so, so people are far more open and authentic. The shared bonding experience of being in an unfamiliar place creates instant camaraderie between travelers, along with lasting memories of the people and the places you visit.

When you’re ‘at home’, people have a tendency to fall into specific patterns of behavior around their family and friends, setting the expectation that you’ll continue to behave the same way in the future. When you’re on the road, constantly surrounded by strangers, there’s no pattern for you to follow. You can just go with the flow, exist, and enjoy the world around you.

The Bad

Maintaining a semi-nomadic lifestyle in the long term is not sustainable for most people. For most, as you age, your interests naturally shift from wanting to get out and explore as much of the world as possible towards wanting to settle down (or at least move slower).

It is easy to burn out both physically and mentally after being on the road for long periods of time. Moving around constantly, sleeping in unfamiliar locations, and eating unfamiliar foods can wreak havoc on your body. In addition to being physically exhausting, it’s difficult to maintain ideal levels of health and fitness while on the move without some impressive discipline and dedication, which can take a toll on your body over time.

In addition, being constantly surrounded by strangers and having to meet and befriend new people in each location only to leave them again in a few days or weeks is emotionally draining. Even if you love to travel, meeting new people, and finding your next adventure, there are only so many times you can have the “Oh, cool, where are you from? Where else have you traveled?” conversation with everyone you meet. Especially as an introvert, it can be difficult to continue being open to meeting new people after going months without seeing a familiar face.

After months of living in the world’s greatest destinations, what do you do when living the ideal vacation lifestyle sought after by millions becomes your everyday life? As wonderful as it is to travel the world indefinitely, where do you go when you need a vacation from your vacation?

The Ugly

When you’re alone in a foreign country, it’s easy to bond with those who speak your language or share a similar cultural background. However, it also creates a Backpacker Bubble, which, especially for Westerners, encompasses the globe and allows you to travel anywhere in the world without having to have a meaningful interaction with someone outside your own culture if you so desire.

We travel the world to escape our own lives, cultures, and communities, but yet can easily find more of the same in a warmer locale with (usually) a lower cost of living than our home countries. This brings along a whole host of social issues—do you, as a traveler, have the responsibility to have a positive impact on the places you travel beyond stimulating the local tourism economy?

When you’re living among backpackers constantly (or permanently), you have no choice but to deal with the negative stereotypes and social consequences of the backpacker lifestyle. Will you be one of the notorious Western tourists partying on the beaches of Southeast Asia with no intention of learning about the culture of each place? Are you contributing to over-tourism in some of the world’s most beautiful places, such as Venice or Boracay?

This is by no means to discourage you from joining the thousands who reject the sedentary lifestyle in favor of traveling the world, but to encourage anyone considering long-term travel to be conscious of your position, privilege, and perception as you do so.

Suggested next reading: Questions You Need To Ask Yourself Before Traveling

The post Backpacker Culture: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly appeared first on Modern Trekker.

1. Research destination ahead of time

Before you pack your bags and take off, you need to research your destination so you are aware of a number of things when you get to where you’re going. The most important thing to be aware of is any safety concerns or warnings in place for the country you are visiting. You should be in the know of any terrorist threats or recent issues the country may have faced. This is probably the most important thing to be aware of and most likely best done before you even book your trip.

There are many other basic things you should be aware of before traveling to your destination of choice. General safety as you are exploring and wandering around is a good place to start. Research whether or not the place you are going is known for pickpockets and tourist scams. Many places, especially around Europe, can be prone to this so it is good to know how to avoid anything happening to you. Other things are important to know to be prepared such as the language spoken, the money used, how to get around and, of course, all the sights and activities you want to explore while you are there. It is always good to have a plan before you go so you can make sure you see and do everything you want to do.

2. Provide itinerary to someone you know

Before you leave on your trip, leave a detailed itinerary as best you can for someone at home. Whether it is a friend or family member, it is important that someone knows where you are along your travels in case something happens. I am not saying you have to have everything planned out exactly, but even a rough idea of where you are staying and where you will be going is better than nothing. Most people keep in touch with family and friends through social media, texting or calling anyways, but there is always a possibility you may end up somewhere that doesn’t have WIFI so you can’t connect on a daily basis. It will keep you, as well as your family and friends, at ease knowing that someone will always know where you are.

3. Never tell people you are traveling alone

Even though solo travel has become more and more popular, especially with women, these days, it can be important not to offer up the fact that you are traveling alone to strangers. On the contrary, it becomes obvious to your accommodation staff when you check-in by yourself. However, this is the only time I feel comfortable with people knowing I am alone. I have found hotel staff very accommodating and helpful when they have known I was traveling alone. They tend to keep more of an eye on you to make sure you are coming and going safely which can actually be a nice feeling. They will also give you pointers on areas to stay away from while you’re solo.

As for everyone else you may come across, keep the fact that you are alone to yourself. I have been to a number of places, met loads of people along the way and have always been asked: “Are you traveling alone?” I am always quick to say I am meeting my friends later or try to avoid the answer. This is because the minute you say you’re by yourself, you become a target. It is probably not likely something would happen if you let it slip out, but better safe than sorry.

4. Lock up your valuables

Another thing I have learned the hard way is to keep your valuables in your accommodation safe, such as jewelry. I tend to leave my jewelry at home and only travel with cheap stuff so I don’t risk it being lost or stolen. Unless you are going on a day trip or somewhere where you would need it, keep your passport locked up. I made the mistake once of keeping it on me and I had it stolen. Keeping it locked up will save you a lot of trouble and money trying to file a police report and get an emergency passport issued. Lastly, money is a big thing to keep safe. Only take out with you what you will need for the day and keep the rest locked up (if you carry mostly cash on your travels). Another piece of advice is to spread your money out among your belongings. Keep a small amount tucked away in a sock or something similar, keep a little somewhere else and lock up the rest. This way if you misplace, lose it, or something happens, you will still have some money available. Most hotels and hostels have safes available either in your room or at the front desk.

5. Blend in

When I travel anywhere, I always try to blend in as much as I can. The last thing you want to look like while on your travels is a “tourist”. This is mostly because in certain places this can make you a target. If you are visiting an island and off on a beach holiday, leave your expensive jewelry and fancy dresses at home. You want to fit in with the local crowds, not stand out. If you are exploring a new city, leave the maps at home and wander around freely or pull out your phone for GPS to guide you. You are less of a target walking around with your phone out than you are if you are holding out a map and trying to find your way around. Keep local customs in mind while traveling as well. This is extremely important. If you are visiting the Middle East, for example, you do not want to be walking around in crop tops and high cut shorts. This will definitely make you stand out as a target and you could actually find yourself in a lot of trouble dressing that way. You are already standing out as a tourist when you visit these countries, especially as a single woman, so you do not want to do anything that will add any kind of unwanted attention.

6. Trust your gut

While you are wandering around on your own in a strange new city or even somewhere you have been before, it is important to always be aware of your surroundings. If you happen to stumble upon an area that doesn’t feel right, or you walk into a bar or pub that feels a bit shady, trust your gut and leave. If something seems off, it probably is. I have a friend who was wandering around a city by herself during the day and felt as though someone was following her. She trusted her gut and found her way into a shop to confide in the employee there and it turns out she was, in fact, being followed. She trusted her gut and found help. I am a firm believer that your gut will somehow let you know when you are about to find yourself in a sticky situation. So be sure to listen to yourself rather than justify your uncomfortable feelings away.

7. Limit alcohol drinking

This is extremely important while traveling solo, especially as a solo woman. I am not one to go out and party on my own during my travels, however, I do enjoy a glass of wine here and there with my meals. When you are on your own, you only have YOU to rely on to get yourself back to your accommodation at the end of the day. If you are someone who likes to go out and enjoy the nightlife on your own while your traveling, limit how much alcohol you drink so you are fully capable to find your way back at the end of the night. Going out in the evenings may be a great way to meet new people, but you don’t want to end up drinking too much, getting sick with no one to take care of you and finding yourself lost on your way back to your bed.

8. Avoid going out at night alone

Depending on where you are traveling to, there can be places that are a bit sketchy after the sun goes down. When I travel as a solo woman, I tend to get up early to explore the city and head back to the hotel after dinner when it gets dark. It is not to say that everywhere you go is dangerous after dark, but there tends to be a different crowd of people who wander around at night time. Unless you are planning on going out in the evening to experience the nightlife, there really isn’t much to see in the dark anyways. It is better to be safe than sorry and avoid any mishaps that could happen when out at night time.

9. Pack light

Packing light and sensibly is not only a way to make traveling around easier; it is also a way to stay safe. Only taking a small carry on size suitcase will limit you to taking what you actually need rather than stuffing a big bag full of stuff you will never actually wear or use. This will help to avoid losing anything or having valuable items misplaced or stolen. Carrying around a smaller bag or dragging along a smaller suitcase will make it more convenient for you to get from point A to point B. You don’t want to get stuck dragging and lugging a big bag from your hotel to the train station or airport while trying to juggle your shoulder bag and using your phone for directions. This will not only make you a target for pickpockets and unwanted attention, but it will drive you crazy and cause undue stress on your travels.

10. Don’t trust too quickly

Lastly, another important tip to stay safe is not to trust too quickly. You will no doubt meet lots of people along the way whether they are other tourists or locals. You don’t want to give in and trust them right away because they could be trying to trap you or direct you to an uncomfortable situation. This goes hand in hand with trusting your gut. When you meet someone, whether you are on a tour or out having dinner, do not be too quick, for whatever reason, to go off alone somewhere with them. Suggest meeting up in crowded areas and going out where you know there will be other people around. It may sound silly because you are going to meet people and want to make new friends along the way, but just be smart about it until you really get to know them.

Now that you have some tips on staying safe while traveling alone, how about some tips on how to make solo travel more satisfying?

The post 10 Smart Tips To Stay Safe When Traveling Alone appeared first on Modern Trekker.

On a daily basis, the media is filling us up with all the terrible things that are happening around the world, stirring up fear and creating an image of the world as a horribly dangerous place filled with crime, hate and terrorists. But you know what? The world is, in fact, a much better place than what is being portrayed. The thing is, the positive news about good people simply doesn’t sell. And that’s it. Once you start traveling, you will encounter many, many random acts of kindness from people you’ve just met and from complete strangers who will, one by one, restore your faith in humanity. This is something that happens more often when you are traveling solo because you are more likely to spend time with other people.

Being a stranger in a foreign country, you are forced to get out of your comfort zone, and that’s the place where the magic starts to happen. Not knowing how your day will look and being completely free to shape it as YOU want, is one of the most liberating feelings ever. Traveling solo gives you the freedom to do whatever you want, while not being dependent on anyone else. You are free to change your plans or not to have a plan at all.

The other most common reason that holds people back from traveling is money. There is still a strong presumption that traveling is reserved only for the privileged rich people, but this can’t be further from the truth. While traveling, I’ve met people from all walks of life who are the living proof that the only thing you need to travel is good health and strong will to do it. I am not saying that you don’t need cash, but I am saying you don’t need to spend much more than you would back home. Your spendings depend solely on you and how resourceful and adaptable can you be.

When I first started traveling, I made a lot of mistakes. I would spend way too much money mostly because I wouldn’t do any research or explore all the possibilities I had access to. I would mostly stay in hotels, eat only in places recommended by Trip Advisor and do expensive organized tours, thinking that’s the only way to see and do things. Traveling like that was not only expensive but, for me, was also quite unfulfilling and often boring. I would not meet any locals, nor would I get a feel for what the life was like in that country. I would come back home only with pictures and a few facts I learned from our tour guide, and I soon realized I could have gotten all that while sitting on my sofa and googling the destination—plus I would have saved a lot of money!

Things changed when I changed the way I traveled. As soon as I did that, I fell in love with traveling. Here are some things I learned over the years that will allow you to travel while not breaking your bank account.

1. Flights

Airline tickets will probably eat up a big chunk of your budget. To minimize this, there are several things you can do. First, do your research. Don’t just call the agency and ask them to find you a ticket for a specific date. The agency will, of course, charge you a fee for their services that will make the ticket a few percents more expensive right from the start. Instead, check out Skyscanner or Google flights to get an idea of which company has the lowest fares.

The second rule. Try to be as flexible with the dates as you can. Some dates will just be cheaper than others because of the flight’s availability. Usually, weekdays are cheaper.

The third rule. There are great websites on the internet that search for the best flight deals and error fares and publish those deals. Check those sites regularly and act fast because they disappear soon. For example, at the moment of writing this, I found a deal on return tickets from Italy to South Africa for $100, and my friends flew from Czechia (formerly known as the Czech Republic) to Australia for less than $300! Some of those sites include Holiday Pirates or Fly Free.

When you buy a ticket, you’ve done half of the work already, and the trip is no longer just an idea in your head but has become a reality!

2. Destination

If you are on a tight budget, the best thing to do is simply to travel to destinations that are cheaper than your home country. Southeast Asia is the perfect destination for travelers on a budget—you can live for less than $20 per day! You can find good hostels that are less than $5 and have a proper meal for no more than $2. Plus, Southeast Asia is stunning. It has tropical weather, the most delicious food, and some of the nicest people you will ever meet.

There are also some amazing countries that allow for cheap travel in Europe, such as Czechia, Portugal, Hungary, Greece or Poland.

3. Accommodation

If you don’t want to spend much money on accommodation: choose hostels, and if you don’t want to spend anything at all: start couchsurfing. Hostels are great places for solo travelers on a budget because they are social places where you get to meet other travelers and are super affordable. In Europe, depending on the country, you will be able to find hostels from $10 while in Southeast Asia you can spend as little as $2 for a bed.

Perhaps you’ve heard about couchsurfing? It’s a community of travelers that host and stay in each other homes for free. But couchsurfing is much more than free accommodation, and it shouldn’t be used just for the sake of crashing on a free bed. Couchsurfing is all about meeting new people, exchanging your stories and learning about other cultures. It is the best possible way to meet the country and the city through local people. Maybe the idea of sleeping in a stranger’s place doesn’t appeal to you, but there is nothing to be afraid of. Most of the people in the couchsurfing community are super nice and friendly, and you can always check their reviews and find out more about them from other travelers.

Alternatively, another idea would be to try a home exchange (also known as a house swap). This is where you basically stay in someone’s house for free, and that person stays in yours. The exchange can be done at the same time or not—it all depends on how you arrange things with your home-swappers.

4. Volunteering and Student Programs

If you are a student or simply have enough holidays (or free time), there are plenty of volunteering programs available to be found. Not only will you have, in most cases, free accommodation and food, but you will also get to know the local community and be able to contribute to it. There are sites like Workaway or WWOOF where you can find plenty of opportunities around the world, from teaching English, to working on organic farms or to help out in hostels.

Erasmus+ is the best youth program in the European Union and, in my opinion, probably one of the best programs the EU has come up with in general. Whether you want to study abroad, start an internship, or just join a short-term voluntary program, Erasmus+ offers you all of that that while covering most of your expenses. I have personally been on Erasmus+ 2 times, once as a study year in Poland and once as an intern in Czechia. Both were the most amazing student experiences I could have hoped for, and my living costs were cheaper than what they would have been at home!

5. Other Tips

After flights and accommodation have been sorted out, you still have plenty of ways to save up on other stuff. Rather than eating all the time in restaurants, cook your own meals or ask your host to teach you their traditional meal (most of them will gladly do it). Use public transportation and go on free walking tours. In short, try to live as similarly as you do when back home. In this way, you will not only save money, but you will experience a new destination from the local’s perspective.

And finally, my last piece of advice: don’t wait for others to join you, and don’t wait for a more convenient time to travel—they both may never come. Get out there and see the world!

Suggested next reading: 5 Expert Tips To Make Traveling Alone 1000x Better

The post 5 Easy Ways You Can Travel Solo On A Tight Budget appeared first on Modern Trekker.