Five Money Saving Strategies From Backpacking Gurus

People who enjoy backpacking can teach us a lot about the outdoors. They love to go hiking, camping, and participate in other adventurous activities.

They enjoy traveling, especially long distances and extended time periods.

We can learn a lot from a backpacker about being in nature, and also about simplifying our lives, because they manage to fit everything they need in one single pack that they carry everywhere on their person.

If we’re looking for a little inspiration, we can also find some great money-saving strategies from backpacking gurus.

Have Just the Essentials

Backpackers don’t have a lot of storage space, and whatever they bring with them they’re responsible for lugging around, so they try to pare down to only the essentials with few luxury items.

You can save money by reevaluating the meaning of “essential” to you and making more of an effort to only spend money on things you truly need. Is it really necessary to buy another pair of shoes?

Do you need that Espresso maker when you’re only going to use it on special occasions? If something is not essential to you and your lifestyle, don’t spend money on it.

Simplify

Another great lesson from backpackers is to try and do things in the simplest way possible. For example, a roll-out sleeping bag is preferential to an air mattress that requires blowing up.

When you do things in a manner that is quicker and easier, you often save money. If you like to work out, save money by not purchasing that complicated treadmill you have to put together.

It’s much simpler to go for runs around your neighborhood, and it will give you the same results. Always look for the simplest way of doing things.

Bank Smart

Backpackers who travel in other countries know that it can be a hassle to make foreign currency exchanges or access their money abroad.

They plan ahead, and they try to choose a financial institution that will give them the best and most affordable options for their lifestyle, specifically with the lowest ATM and exchange fees.

When you’re choosing a bank, look for one that isn’t going to charge to a lot of fees and has a variety of options for your personal needs.

Negotiate

In foreign countries, it’s common to haggle in marketplaces to try and negotiate a lower price. Backpackers are good at bargaining, because if they travel abroad they’re accustomed to the practice, and they have an interest in saving as much money as possible for their trip.

Whenever you’re making a purchase, don’t assume that the sticker price is nonnegotiable. Always try and see if you can get a better deal.

It can’t hurt to ask, and you can end up saving a ton of money by haggling on everything from electronics to insurance.

Plan Ahead

Most backpackers plan their trips well ahead of time. They set a goal, and they plan as much as possible in advance. They may need to train, for example, for the conditions or physical requirements of their trip.

When they book early, they often save on airfare and travel, as well as any accommodations they may need. If you wait until the last minute to do things, you may be paying too much.

Try to plan ahead whenever possible, and you will save money by being sufficiently prepared. 

About the Author:

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