For many, travelling the world feels like a luxury reserved for the ultra-rich or the endlessly lucky. But Haley and Zach, a travel-loving couple from the United States, have shattered that assumption in the most convincing way possible. From 2022 through 2024, they journeyed across more than 60 countries—exploring Europe, Asia, and South and Central America—all on a carefully managed budget of just $39,000 each.
Their adventure lasted 834 days, taking them from the cobbled lanes of Eastern Europe to the rice fields of Southeast Asia and the high-altitude villages of the Andes. It wasn’t about cutting corners—it was about choosing the road less taken, often by bus or local transport, and finding richness in experience rather than expense.
In a detailed Reddit post that struck a chord with fellow travellers, Zach shared the wisdom they gathered along the way. His advice, drawn from trial, error, and plenty of detours, is refreshingly practical and deeply human.
How to travel on a small budget (Everything I learned during 834 days around the world for $39k USD)
byu/HaleyandZach intravel
Whether you're planning a six-month backpacking trip or dreaming of a long-term escape, these eight tips offer a roadmap to affordable, meaningful travel. Let's take a look...
1. Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
Budget travel doesn’t come wrapped in luxury. It involves long bus rides, uncertain schedules, and occasional breakdowns—both mechanical and personal. But discomfort is often the gateway to real, unfiltered experiences.
2. Master the Art of Credit Card Points and Miles
For travellers from the U.S., credit card points can be game-changing. Flights, hotels, and transport were often covered using reward programs. The key is to optimise, not overspend.
3. Live Like a Local, Not a Tourist
Skip overpriced tourist traps and eat where the locals eat. Whether it’s noodles in Vietnam or arepas in Colombia, the cheapest meals often carry the most flavour—and the richest stories.
4. Let Hostels Be Your Headquarters
Hostels aren’t just for students. With the right gear (read: top-tier earplugs), shared dorms become an affordable and surprisingly social way to travel, especially across Europe and Asia.
5. Don’t Plan Too Far Ahead
Unless you’re travelling during a festival or peak season, leave some room for spontaneity. Last-minute bookings often yield cheaper deals and allow you to adapt as you go.
6. Look Beyond the First Google Result
Think the only way to visit Machu Picchu or the Great Wall is through a pricey tour? Think again. Do a little digging and you’ll uncover cheaper, sometimes better, ways to reach major sites.
7. Spend Wisely on What Truly Matters
Not every dollar needs saving. For rare moments—like sunrise in Patagonia or walking the Great Wall—spend without regret. Smart travel is knowing when an experience is worth the cost.
8. Create a Travel Quest
For Haley and Zach, the mission was ambitious: visit as many UNESCO World Heritage Sites as possible. It wasn’t about ticking boxes—it led them off-grid, into towns where tourists rarely tread.
Haley and Zach didn’t just go on vacation—they embraced a lifestyle. Their story isn’t about extreme sacrifice or privilege. It’s about curiosity, resourcefulness, and a willingness to experience the world on its own terms. If you’ve ever dreamed of travelling more but thought it out of reach, their journey proves it can be done—and perhaps, it’s closer than you think.
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