Traveling is an opportunity that shouldn’t be limited to only a select few. Exploring the nooks and crannies of historic cities, bonding with locals, hiking, making up your own rules—sounds like a dream, right? This is precisely what backpacking entails. Whether you’re an experienced backpacker or a first-timer, backpacking can be a challenging yet exhilarating experience.

Many backpackers end up spending more money than they need to—especially on minor, day-to-day things. Here are some money-saving tips that you'll definitely need for your next backpacking trip in 2021!

Cook Your Own Meals

When looking at hostels to stay in, make sure the one you choose has a kitchen. There are hundreds of hostels and guest houses available which offer communal kitchens and free breakfast. Instead of spending your daily budget on eating out in expensive restaurants, cooking your meals will help you cut corners more than you can imagine. If you must eat out, remember to stay away from tourist destinations. Prices are grossly inflated in those areas, and most of the time, not worth it.

Invest In a Train Pass

This is a no-brainer. Public transport is much, much cheaper than traveling in a taxicab or an Uber. In most countries, you can pre-purchase train passes, so you can travel throughout the country without having to worry about how much it'll cost. An even more inexpensive way of traveling is walking! Take the scenic route so that you can easily go sightseeing without having to worry about the cost.

Don’t Fall Into A Tourist Trap

Do some research online beforehand to find the cheapest local areas where you can easily drink and dine. Make a list of free walking tours, attractions, and parks that you can visit. Many museums and other attractions also offer significant discounts on certain days, especially if you're a student. Oh, and remember to steer away from tacky souvenirs. Remember—collect moments, not things.

Bargain

Haggling at local markets will seriously help you out. If you're a noticeable foreigner, chances are, vendors will try to take advantage of you and inflate prices. You'll actually be amazed at how much you can save by bargaining at markets. Be it a keychain or clothes—haggling will be sure to save you lots of your hard-earned cash.

Pack Light

Backpacking requires light packing. Leave the things that you don't really need on the trip behind. Pack only the things you can easily replace if you lose them. Carry snacks with you for the road to not have to stop and eat at expensive restaurants. Packing light will save you additional luggage costs when flying.

The best backpacking bags are those that are ultra-lightweight and easy to carry around. At Light Hiking Gear, we offer all kinds of backpacks and gear for all sorts of traveling and hiking. We’re a science-driven, environmentally-friendly company here to help you with all your backpacking needs.

Contact us at 801-971-0007 or email us Service@LightHikingGear.com.