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Traveling on a Budget

Writer's picture: flattackfarmflattackfarm

Updated: Jan 24

We just spent 5 weeks away from the farm; 4 weeks in New Zealand and 1 week in Hawaii.  You’re probably thinking, “How can you afford to do that???  Traveling is so expensive!”


As farmers, we’re very frugal and traveling has always been a necessity- because we believe it really helps us grow as human beings.  


Traveling is something everyone should get to experience. We think stepping out of your comfort zone, discovering new cultures, and exploring places you've never been is super important for personal growth. Understanding and being more patient with others and learning to care and have more empathy is definitely one of the skills you gain as you travel.  Sharing the uniting elements of food and music, good conversation and learning to understand one another is what makes us human!


Over the years we’ve also learned a few tricks to travel on a slim budget.


1.)    Flights and Miles

Airline Mileage Tickets:  After I stopped working for the airlines and no longer had flight benefits, I started to apply for and use credit cards that offered bonus miles and rewards in order to get free or very affordable tickets.


If you’re purchasing anything, try to do it with a card that gives you something back for the purchase!  That way, every dollar you spend earns you more than just spending cash or using a debit card. 

 

-There a few things to keep in mind when doing this: as with any line of credit, make sure you pay it off on time every month to avoid costly interest fees.   Use it like you would a debit card, only spend what you have in your bank account!  As long as you pay it off within 1 month of the purchase, you don’t have to pay any interest fees.  (Some cards also have 0% down for 6 or more month offers, which are handy if you do have to make a large purchase and can get it paid off within the interest free period).


-I’ve used many different cards from Airline Specific Mileage cards (like Delta, American and Alaskan), to bank offered cards (like CapitalOne Venture and Chase Ink) that have either cash back or mileage bonuses.  Keep in mind that airline specific mileage cards are only good for that airline (and sometimes their direct partners) where as bank mileage cards are good for any airline.  *Check with your financial advisor before applying to see how it might affect your credit score.


How do we do it right now?  We expense all of our business purchases on our business credit card.  If you run a business and want to know more- send us an email! I also have personal cards that give me 1.5% cash back every month through my credit union.


We pay off these expenses monthly and watch the bonus’ add up over the season.  Then, in the winter, we take a trip!  The card usually covers at least one of our tickets for international travel or two tickets if traveling domestic. 


When you open up a new credit line, you typically get a nice bonus if you spend a certain amount within a certain period.  For the most recent trip, we used our bonus miles and paid around $400 each (for a ticket to and from New Zealand with a 1 week stop in Hawaii).


Research and compare different cards to see what might work best for you! Some have annual fees- make sure to compare different cards and do your pros and cons.

 

-PLAN AHEAD : If you don’t wanna mess with mileage tickets- Another option would be to keep an eye out on tickets for at least 3-6 months before you plan to travel.  You can set a google (or kayak) flight search alert on specific cities to track flight prices. 

 

From an insider airline perspective- flights are typically sold in tiers.  The cheapest seats sell out first (months in advance) and as you near the travel date the seats get more expensive.  I’ve also noticed that certain days of the week the prices are cheaper as well (typically if you buy the ticket midweek vs. Friday-Sunday it is cheaper).  I’m not only referring to the day of the week you travel, but also the day of the week you purchase your ticket!  Make sure to click on the calendar when you’re searching to compare prices.

 

2.)   VISAS

Working Holiday Visa:

If you’re under 30 years old, many reciprocating countries have what is called a Working Holiday Visa program.  This program allows you to stay in a country for 1 year and take up work.  This makes longer travel periods so much easier because you don't have to have a ton of money saved up- you can earn it as you travel!


The application is super easy and affordable.  Before Patrick and I (Kelly) started Flat Tack Farm, we applied for this visa in order to live in New Zealand.  During that time, we worked in agriculture around New Zealand learning all that we could and sorting out what we wanted to do with our lives at the time.  We actually got a 3-month visa extension for working in Agriculture and lived in New Zealand for a total of 15 months.


There are quite a few countries that have reciprocal agreements with the USA and offer working holiday visas. 


Other types of visas include tourist visas (the most common) and typically are good for anywhere from 30-90 days depending on the country.  They’re usually free to very affordable.  For visa info always check with the country you’re visiting- go to their embassy or consulate website (avoid websites that claim to get you a visa for cheap- there’s lots of scams out there that are costly!).


Some countries require a visa ahead of travel- so make sure to look this up at least a month before you travel.  Off the top of my head- China & Vietnam require you to send your passport in to their consulate to get a visa before you travel!  So, make sure to do your research.  You can always call your airline as well for visa requirements if you have questions.


3.)    Travel light- for short trips, only bring a bag the size of a carry on! 

Airlines don’t charge you if you only have 1 carry on bag and 1 personal item.  Plus, you don’t have to worry about any lost luggage.  Check with your airline for details.


-Bring clothes that are “disposable” You can chuck ‘em or donate them to a thrift shop if you find something else on your trip that you want to bring home. 


-Don’t bring any toiletries, except maybe a tooth brush and travel size toothpaste for the interim travel.  You can purchase those at your destination and save some space!  Plus, you can only bring one small zip lock bag with liquids (any shampoo, liquid soap, face wash, etc.) under 3 oz. per bottle.


-Pack Less, wash a little more frequently: Bring underwear and socks that can easily be washed in a sink and dried on a line.  Smaller size travel towels are handy too!  I love the Exofficio brand.

 

4.)    Where to stay?

-In New Zealand we rented a camper van from a private owner (using a website called Camplify) that was very affordable compared to Corporate Rental Companies.  In the US we have a company called Turo that is similar, but depending on where you’re going and what type of car you want, it may not be cheaper.   The camper van served as not only our way to get around, but it had couch in the back that transformed to a double size bed, a cook stove for making your own meals, a mini cooler box, solar, a battery inverter, and storage.   For 26 days, we paid around $1500 US including insurance and it was our hotel/restaurant on wheels.


-When you’re traveling solo- Hostels are a great way to travel affordably and also meet new people!  Before I met Patrick, this was my typical method of traveling.  A bed in a small dorm is usually around $10-30/night depending on the country.  Hostels always have kitchens and fridges too,


Make sure to visit the local farmers markets! Often times they're cheaper than the grocery stores and you're helping support locally grown! By making your own food more often than eating out- you'll definitely save some money. Eating out adds up quickly!  But you’ve gotta try the local cuisine, too!  So don’t necessarily skip that- the option of having a kitchen just makes it easier to balance the budget. Also, don't be afraid of street food! Insider tip- find the busiest street vendor around and you know it'll be delicious- locals approved!


-Now that we travel as a couple, we usually just get a cheap hotel or Airbnb because the cost for 2 beds in a hostel can sometimes be more expensive than getting your own room.  Plus, it’s nice to have private space if you know what I mean 😉 One of our biggest tips, make sure to thoroughly read the reviews of the places!  We’ve had some duds for sure.


-WWOOFing and HelpX is a great way to travel if you're willing to work and help out for a few hours in exchange for room and board. WWOOF- or World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, is a network of farms that host travelers. In exchange for typically 4 hours of work on their farm you get a room or place to stay and typically a meal or two. This is a great way to learn more about different farms and see the countryside as well as learn more about the local culture!

Before starting our farm we WWOOFed in Australia, New Zealand, Laos and Thailand.

HelpX is a similar network that also includes the service industry- hostels, cafes, etc.


-Couchsurfing, Staying with Friends or Family Friends- I used to always use Couchsurf when I worked for the airlines.  Couchsurfing is a website that connects hosts to travelers.  Unfortunately, it’s not as widely used as it used to be (there were some changes in their ownership / management/ and structure).   It became a paid website and the network is much smaller now. 


That being said- I made so many friends through CouchSurfing and it’s a much better way to connect with the locals and learn about their culture.  If you’re on social media- don’t be afraid to post general info about where you’re going to friends and family- we love to meet for coffee or a meal with friends and family when we’re in their area.  You can get really good tips and info on what to see and where to eat from the locals!  Insider info is always the best.  You never know- some people also have an extra room or couch and are happy to share!


Tips for being a good traveler at someone else’s’ place:  Cook them a meal, buy them a drink, do all of the dishes, clean up after yourself & keep your belongings neatly organized, help with something random (or at least offer!) and make the stay 3 days or less. 


-Camping – Hotel rooms in Hawaii were no less than $250/ night.  So, we opted to rent a car and camp!  Some of the campsites you have to book ahead (3 days’ notice) so do some research before you go and sort out a plan.  We also tried HipCamp for the first time after one of the campsite we booked ahead cancelled on us last minute.  We had a great experience camping at a private owners “Lava Tube Campground” he just opened and we made a new friend!  If you’re ever on the big island of Hawaii and want a really cool camp site- hit us up!


5.)    Getting around:

-Always try to take public transport when possible!!!  This not only lowers your carbon footprint, but it can also be a good way to see things you would miss if you take a cab or uber/lyft.


Many cities have apps to help you get around.  Ask the information or tourist desk if they have tips or google it.  These apps not only give you the bus pick up locations, but also real time location maps, pick up and transit times, and prices.  


When we were in Auckland NZ, we had to uber to pick up our rental and it was over $100 NZD!  On the way back we were in less of a rush so we decided to take public transport.  The hour plus long bus ride was less that $4 each.  Totally worth it!

Taxi Tip- beware of taxis that are not unionized or regulated!  They can change the prices as they feel and could leave you stranded.  Always look for meters that tell you the price, posted rates and that they have proper identification.


-Most cabs and ubers from any airport charge extra fees.  It is usually cheaper if you walk outside of the airport area and then hop on transport or find your taxi/uber.

First and foremost- focus on safety no matter what you do!  Trust your intuition and if you sense something off, head for a public place with lots of people around.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask the locals.  One time I was stuck in Frankfurt Germany and didn’t realize the bus stopped running.  Finally, a local came up to me and asked where I was going, I told him and he walked with me to the nearest hostel!


-Finally, renting a car is sometimes the best option if you’re traveling to multiple places or limited on time.  It may not be possible to get public transport to some places.  When we rent, we typically do multiple price comparisons by using sites like google, kayak, agoda, etc that compare many companies at once.  When we can, we try to rent from private owners vs. corporations.  Compare sites like Turo or Camplify (for Australia / NZ) to the large companies.  


Most credit cards- like Visa have a rental damage waiver program.  If you pay for your car rental in whole with that credit card they have coverage in case of damage or theft.  This could save you (sometimes half) of the cost of renting because you don’t purchase the insurance that the car rental company offers.  Always check with the card agreement or call your credit card company for more details.


6.)    Funds:

We always bring some cash and stash it in different parts of our bag and on our person in case of emergency.  Fortunately, the US dollar tends to hold its value and is accepted by locals in other countries. 

 

Go to banks to exchange USD for local currency vs. the exchange counters. Most exchange counters have extra fees they tack on.  Always check the exchange rates on your phone before you walk to counter so you have a better idea of what they should give you back.  Also, make sure to count the money before you walk away or have them count it back to you.

 

For most purchases, get a card that does not have foreign transaction fees.  Banks will charge 3% or more on every purchase otherwise.  I use a Schwab debit card for foreign travel because they don’t charge fees.  Many credit cards (mentioned above) also offer cards without foreign transaction fees.  This will save you a lot if you’re in another country!

 

Use ATM’s to take out cash, but make sure to check their rate before accepting and withdrawing.  Some ATM’s charge high user fees.  ATM’s usually give you a better rate than the foreign exchange counters though.

 

Do you have a favorite method of saving money while traveling?  Please share below or email us if you have any questions!  We love sharing travel stories and hearing about others’ experiences 😊


Patrick and Kelly at Mangawhero Falls (Gollum's Pool & Ithilien) in New Zealand
Patrick and Kelly at Mangawhero Falls (Gollum's Pool & Ithilien) in New Zealand

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Thanks for the tips! And the encouragement to take time for travel. Love the idea of renting a camper van. 🚐

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