How to Take a Vacation Around the World Without Going Broke

If you’ve ever dreamed of taking a vacation around the world but thought, “There’s no way I can afford that,” I’ve got good news—you can. You don’t have to be a millionaire to explore new continents, eat amazing food, and check off your bucket list. All it takes is smart planning, some flexibility, and a few tricks I’ve learned from doing it myself.

Let me show you how to turn your travel dream into a reality—without draining your bank account.

Decide What “Vacation Around the World” Means to You

The first step is to define what your vacation around the world looks like. Are you imagining a year-long backpacking trip, or a three-week adventure hitting multiple continents? Do you want to stay in hostels or boutique hotels? Fly first class or go full budget?

When you know your style and timeframe, it becomes much easier to create a realistic plan. For some people, it means circling the globe on a shoestring. For others, it’s a series of shorter, strategic trips that add up to a global experience over time.

There’s no right way—just your way.

Create a Budget (and Stick to It)

Yes, this part can be boring. But trust me, it’s where the magic happens. Start by researching the average cost of travel in each region you want to visit. Southeast Asia and Central America, for example, are much cheaper than Europe or Australia.

When you plan your vacation around the world, break down your budget into key categories:

• Flights
• Accommodations
• Food
• Transportation
• Activities
• Travel insurance
• Emergency fund

You don’t need a ton of money to make it happen, but you do need to know where your money is going.

Travel to Budget-Friendly Countries

Choosing the right destinations is one of the smartest ways to save. You can stretch your dollars a lot further in countries like:

• Vietnam
• Thailand
• Guatemala
• Portugal
• Georgia (the country, not the U.S. state)

In these places, you can often get a great meal for under $5, a clean room for under $25 a night, and transportation for just a few bucks. Planning your vacation around the world with these spots in mind helps your budget go the distance.

Use Flight Hacks to Save Big

Flights are often the biggest expense, but there are tricks to keep them affordable. Use tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Hopper to track prices. Be flexible with your dates and departure cities—flying a day earlier or from a nearby airport can save hundreds.

Also, consider booking a round-the-world (RTW) ticket through airline alliances like Star Alliance or Oneworld. These can bundle flights together for less than if you booked them separately.

For budget travelers, don’t overlook low-cost carriers. Airlines like AirAsia, Ryanair, and Jetstar offer insanely cheap international flights if you plan in advance.

Pack Light and Smart

This might seem like a small thing, but packing light saves money. Many budget airlines charge high fees for checked luggage. Plus, it’s way easier to move around with a small backpack than a giant suitcase.

Bring versatile clothes you can layer and mix, and focus on quality over quantity. I use a packing list and stick to it like glue—it helps me avoid unnecessary purchases on the road.

Travel Slow to Spend Less

The faster you move, the more money you spend. Every new destination means new transportation costs, higher tourist prices, and more logistics. But when you slow down—spending a week or more in one place—you save on travel costs and often get better deals on lodging.

Traveling slow also gives you the chance to connect with locals, find hidden gems, and really enjoy the experience instead of rushing through it.

Use Rewards and Travel Points

If you have good credit, using travel reward credit cards is a game-changer. You can earn points for everyday spending that you can redeem for flights, hotels, or even rental cars.

Cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture are popular with travelers for their generous bonuses and flexible redemption options.

Just make sure you pay your balance in full every month. The goal is to save money, not pay interest.

Stay in Affordable Accommodations

You don’t have to stay in fancy hotels to have a great trip. Hostels, guesthouses, Airbnbs, and even homestays offer cheap and unique experiences. In some countries, you can get a private room with breakfast for less than $20 a night.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try Couchsurfing or house-sitting through platforms like TrustedHousesitters. You can stay in someone’s home for free in exchange for pet care or house-sitting duties—definitely a win-win.

Eat Like a Local

Food is one of the best parts of traveling, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. Skip the tourist restaurants and head to local markets, street food stalls, and small family-owned places.

In many countries, the best food is also the cheapest. I’ve had unforgettable meals for under $3 in places like Indonesia and Mexico. Just be smart about hygiene and trust your gut (literally).

Take Advantage of Free Activities

Some of the most amazing experiences cost nothing. Walking tours, hiking trails, beaches, public festivals, and museums with free entry days can all fill your itinerary without touching your wallet.

When you plan a vacation around the world, it’s easy to get caught up in pricey attractions. But don’t overlook the free or low-cost options—they’re often just as rewarding.

Work or Volunteer While You Travel

To keep your budget alive, consider earning money or trading your time while abroad. Some popular options include:

• Teaching English
• Freelancing online
• Working on farms through WWOOF
• Volunteering with organizations in exchange for food and lodging

It’s one of the best ways to keep exploring without going broke—and you’ll gain deeper cultural experiences in the process.

Protect Yourself with Travel Insurance

This is one expense you should never skip. Accidents, theft, or illness can happen anywhere. Having reliable travel insurance ensures you don’t end up with a massive bill or stranded without help.

Sites like SafetyWing or World Nomads offer flexible plans for long-term travelers at affordable rates.

Final Thoughts

Taking a vacation around the world doesn’t have to be a fantasy. With smart planning, careful budgeting, and a little creativity, you can see the world without going broke.

It’s not about luxury or five-star resorts—it’s about collecting memories, meeting people, and seeing what’s out there beyond your comfort zone. And trust me, it’s worth every bit of effort.

So, where would you go first if you were planning your own vacation around the world? I’d love to hear your dream itinerary—drop it in the comments below!