When our currency weakens in the global market, it’s easy for the bleaker outlook to cast a dark cloud over would-be travellers’ heads. If money matters  have shattered your dreams of a trip where your funds works as hard as possible to satisfy your every adventurous whim, we’re here to show you how you can claw back some of that financial power with the help of some savvy exchange rate hunting.

The marketing director at Teletext Holidays, Mark Bloxham, recently conceded that newly-reported exchange rate statistics do not make for positive headlines, but promised a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel for those with the travel bug: “Your money should work for you, not against you”, he said, “[and] a lot of people overlook the simple ways that you can have a great holiday – or one that’s better than what you had planned – and for a lot less!”

So in the name of rekindling that desire to take off and see the world without feeling like our cash is holding us back, we round up some great ways to get that holiday for less.

Rethink your location:

The Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer works out the cheapest places to visit by taking the total cost of eight likely expenditures into account for 42 separate places across the globe. Theses outgoings include a coffee, suncream and a three-course meal for two with a bottle of wine, among others. In 2013 the Barometer placed Spain and Sri Lanka in first place for value at a cumulative cost of just $55.15, while a trip to South Korea should perhaps be placed on the back-burner since it came in at number 42, with a cost of $224.20. Bali and Vietnam have also become a lot cheaper over the last year, making them good places to consider in place of Thailand.

Rethink your currency:

Buy a lump sum of holiday money

You may be entitled to a better exchange rate if you buy over a certain amount of holiday money. Instead of getting too much for yourself, why not buy the money your holiday mates will need too? This will save you both money.

Don’t buy from the airport
Airport exchange rates won’t be anywhere near as good as those on the high street, so make sure you get your holiday cash sorted beforehand if you want to get more for your money.

Don’t pay in your domestic currency

While you’re away, don’t be tempted to pay in dollars rather than euros if the option is there; the seller will have to make the conversion and you’ll have to pay for the convenience.

Keep your leftover holiday money for next time

You could actually get more for your money by holding on to holiday cash depending on the future of its exchange rate. But even if you don’t, it’s a good way to give your spending money a kick-start for next time!  

If you want to avoid future lower back pain and any other travel stress make sure your backpack is packed perfectly before you head off on a long hike or adventure.  The worst thing possible is when you pack your bag quickly and without any thought and then find it almost impossible to continue on your off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Save yourself and your body from the get go by taking the time to make a list and organize how you want your pack to work for you, not against you. Packing your backpack incorrectly can have some serious drawbacks such as you losing your balance or injuring yourself while trekking through an exotic rainforest or crossing through the Australian outback. Some people tend to think that if they put everything in all the backpack compartments correctly that they will be able to travel on foot with ease, but this is simply not true and there are a few strategies to consider. Here are some backpack packing tips so you can avoid unnecessary mishaps and travel blips.

Weight Distribution is Key

If you want to maintain a health posture while on a backpacking adventure, make sure you spread the weight around in your bag. Place your heaviest items closest to your back, in the back end of your backpack and towards the center. This will not only protect your back from injury but you will also be able to maintain balance as you are crossing streams, scaling mountains and hiking in general. The last thing you want is to topple over when crossing on a log over a very cold river.

Useful Items Must Be Reachable

The best way to make things easier while you are traveling with a backpack is to keep all of your necessary and useful items within reach. Don’t put your asthma inhaler in the bottom of your backpack or shove your contact lens case into the back area of the pack. Think about everything that you require more than other items in your pack such as a tooth brush, brush, contact lens case and solution, snacks, flashlight, bug repellent, medications, sunglasses and sun block.  Keep all important items at the top so you can grab them when needed.

Light Gear Should Be Packed at the Bottom

Light gear that you do not use throughout the day can be packed under your heavier items. This may include a parka, raincoat, sleeping bag or a tent. By the time you are ready to call it a day and set up a sleeping area you will be able to sit down and empty your pack to find your tent.

Use Small Spaces

Even small areas can be extremely useful.  Mesh pockets on the side of your backpack or inside your pack can be great for water bottles, sunscreen, snacks, cell phones, MP3 players, wallets,  cutting tools and other essential items.

By using these important and useful tips above you can greatly reduce the experience of travel injuries and upset. After all, you are supposed to be having an adventure of a lifetime and not worrying about what is on your back.

About the author:

Natasha Jervis is a dedicated and professional travel copywriter with over 14 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. Some of her past and current roles include the New York Times travel channel on About.com, Sunwing Vacations, CanadaTravels.com, Escapes.ca and a variety of other worldwide travel media resources.  You can find some of her more recent works here.

Although a backpacking lifestyle is what many dream of doing 365 days of the year, it just isn’t feasible at times from a expenditure and productivity point of view.  For those times where you need to get a lot of work done it makes sense to be in one particular location for a fixed period of time.  Moreover, staying in one location is far cheaper than constantly being on the move.  By planning well beforehand, you can also find cheap but comfortable accommodation in most cities or urban regions for extended periods of time.  The following are some suggestions to possibly lower your costs while sticking around in one place.

Trade your skills for a room

As a travel blogger and digital nomad you have a highly desirable skill-set from the perspective of many hotels, hostels and short-term rental apartment companies.  Consider using your expertise as a photographer or social media maven as a trade to land a free room.  Moreover, consider writing a review or making a youtube video to share with your devoted fans in exchange for a certain amount free nights.  I’ve even heard of people getting an entire month of free accommodation in exchange for daily English lessons.

Teach English

If times are a bit lean financially consider teaching English.  There is a great demand for English teachers in many countries around the world.  With English being the default language for business it’s an essential skill for many to learn.  Many contracts provide a generous salary or possibly even free accommodations.  Teaching English in a country such as South Korea is ideal because a free apartment is almost always provided.

WWOOFing (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms)

Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms or Willing Workers on Organic Farms places willing volunteers on organic farms.  With over 99 countries involved in this program there are plenty of opportunities for ideal matches.  Although you won’t receive any financial compensation your food and accommodation will be provided.

The ability to live remotely is a common dream held by many travel bloggers.  In order for this to become a reality a number of things first have to fall in place.  The following 3 tips are sure-fire ways to ensure one is on the right path to achieving a location independent lifestyle.

1)  Pay Off Debt

Debt is a dream killer of all sorts that holds no prejudice.  Eliminating debt is a must for an aspiring location independent travel blogger.  Debt can come in a number of different forms ranging from credit card debt to student loans and everything in between.  One of the easiest ways to pay off debt is to stop spending frivolously.  Small changes that can save a few dollars here and there add up over a period of time.  Finding a way to reduce costs by just a few dollars daily can add up to thousands of dollars available to pay off debt.  Debt is the shackles that keeps many stagnant.  Shake the shackles and you’re well on your way to a promising future.

2)  Cut Loose Possessions

Living remotely out of a backpack is a sobering experience.  One quickly begins to realize that half the stuff (if not much more) that is left back home isn’t really necessary in the first place.  Reducing clothes, material possessions, subscriptions, vehicles and even property can free you up to be mobile.  Not only will you be hoarding less stuff but you won’t be worrying about it either.  What’s out of sight is out of mind.

3)  Reduce Cost of Living

Finally, reducing cost of living is an essential skill to enjoy true location independence.  This can involve a host of different things.  Moving to a location with a lower cost of living is an obvious appealing example.  Choosing to eat locally or preparing your own food is another.  Pursuing hobbies that are not expensive may be your best bet.  Instead of going for a fancy meal, drinks and a movie.  Why not climb a mountain or wander around a nature reserve.

It’s tempting to eat out while working or living location independently.  The cost of eating out consistently day after day really adds up over time.  Instead of wasting money on expensive lunches consider packing your own food.  What you’ll save in terms of costs associated with food can be spent on buying yourself days off from money saved.  It’s a tip that can applied on a daily basis.

It’s exciting whenever a new gadget, movie or event suddenly is available for purchase.  However, if taking the trip of your lifetime or living a location independent lifestyle is a serious dream of yours, it’s important to be able to reduce spending and live more frugally.  Being able to say ‘no’ to things and having self discipline is essential for an aspiring digital nomad.  Try to think of it like this:  whenever you spend frivolously what are you costing yourself?  Is it a several days in Laos or is it a weekend in rural France?  It pays to be frugal as you’ll be trading in material possessions for experiences.