How We Traveled the World on a Low Budget: A 2-Year Adventure-A step by step guide by Anum Maqbool

Introduction

Have you ever dreamed of traveling the world but thought it was too expensive? What if we told you that it is possible to explore different countries, meet incredible people, and experience unforgettable adventures—all on a tight budget? This is the story of how we spent two years traveling the world with just €5 per day per person, relying on hitchhiking, couch surfing, and a spirit of adventure.

The Beginning of Our Journey

Our journey began more than ten years ago when we were just 18 years old. Back then, we were still in school and had a passion for travel. We took our first trips across Europe using Interrail passes, exploring different countries while keeping expenses low. These experiences fueled our desire to see more of the world.

However, after finishing school, we were faced with an overwhelming number of choices about what to do next. With no clear direction, we decided to work for a year, saving every penny we earned. Living with our parents helped us avoid unnecessary expenses, and we took on multiple jobs in retail, supermarkets, and fast food chains to save up for our dream trip.

Choosing a Life of Travel

After a year of working and saving, we had enough money to embark on our adventure. But instead of taking the conventional route of booking flights and hotels, we were inspired by a German couple who had traveled across the world on just €5 per day. They hitchhiked, camped, and relied on the kindness of strangers to make their journey possible. Their story motivated us to follow in their footsteps.

So, after two years of university studies in different cities—where we felt confined and unfulfilled—we decided to take the leap. We quit our studies, left our apartments, and equipped ourselves with camping gear, a small gas cooker, and a strong sense of curiosity.

The Rules of Our Journey

To make our trip financially feasible, we established three main rules:

1. Spend only €5 per day per person. This meant relying on hitchhiking and avoiding paid transportation whenever possible.

2. Cook our own meals. We bought groceries from local stores and prepared food using our portable gas stove.

3. Find free accommodation. Instead of booking hotels, we used Couchsurfing to stay with locals and occasionally camped outdoors.

The Adventure Begins

Our first destination was Poland, but our hitchhiking adventure got an unexpected start. Concerned for our safety, my father drove us to the Polish border before we officially started hitchhiking. It was both exciting and nerve-wracking, but to our surprise, our first hitchhiking experience was incredible. A friendly family picked us up, invited us to their home for dinner, and shared travel stories with us. This initial experience set the tone for the rest of our journey.

We traveled through Eastern Europe, crossing the Baltic States, where we found it relatively easy to stick to our budget. However, when we reached Finland, the constant rain made camping challenging. Despite the difficulties, we learned an important lesson: the world is far kinder than media often portrays it to be. Strangers offered us food, shelter, and even transportation, making our journey smoother than we had anticipated.7

Unexpected Generosity and Cultural Experiences

One of the most astonishing moments of our journey happened in Norway. A generous family we met through Couchsurfing lent us their car for two weeks so that we could explore the country. This kind of trust and generosity left a lasting impact on us, reinforcing our belief in the goodness of people around the world.

In the UK and Ireland, we started documenting our journey by creating videos. Little did we know that these videos would eventually turn into our full-time career as content creators. This was the beginning of something bigger than just a travel adventure.

Challenges and Growth

Of course, not every part of our journey was easy. Traveling on such a tight budget required constant adjustments and stepping out of our comfort zones. We often had to camp in less-than-ideal locations, sometimes near train tracks or in unfamiliar neighborhoods. We couldn't shower every day, and there were moments of exhaustion and frustration.

Crossing the Balkans and Italy, we realized that we had packed too much. Over time, we got rid of unnecessary items, making our backpacks lighter and our journey easier. The experience taught us the value of minimalism and that true happiness doesn't come from possessions.Venturing into Asia

As we moved into Asia, our adventure took an even more exciting turn. We reached Iran, a country many had warned us against visiting due to safety concerns. However, our time there was one of the most memorable experiences of the trip. Despite the restrictive government policies, the Iranian people welcomed us with open arms, offering hospitality that was unparalleled. We stayed with locals for six weeks straight through Couchsurfing and made friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Next, we explored Central Asia, traveling through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan. These countries surprised us with their incredible landscapes and rich history. Hitchhiking became more difficult in some areas, forcing us to spend more on buses, but the experiences we had were priceless.

Adapting to Change

By the time we reached China, we were exhausted. We decided to break our budget rule for the first time and rented an apartment in Beijing to rest for a few weeks. From there, we visited North Korea on an organized tour—a stark contrast to our free-spirited journey so far. The experience was eye-opening and gave us a unique perspective on life under strict government control.

Afterward, we visited South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, where the cost of living was higher. We adjusted our budget accordingly but still managed to explore these countries without overspending.

The Final Stretch

As we reached Southeast Asia, we allowed ourselves some comfort. With food, transport, and accommodations being much cheaper, we stopped hitchhiking as much and even stayed in budget-friendly hotels. This region, including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines, felt like a well-earned break after months of rough traveling.

However, in India, we faced our toughest challenges yet. Unlike the warmth and generosity we had encountered elsewhere, we met people who were not as friendly, which made our journey harder. Nevertheless, we stuck to our budget and pushed through, learning valuable lessons about resilience and adaptability.

After exploring Nepal and hiking through its breathtaking landscapes, we reunited with family in Bali before heading to Australia. Despite having seen so much of the world, this was the first time we felt truly homesick. As we wrapped up our travels with a visit to the United States, we knew our adventure was coming to an end.

Returning Home and Reflecting on Our Journey

Returning home was more challenging than we had expected. While everything at home remained unchanged, we had transformed. It took time to reintegrate into normal life, but eventually, we found a new path. We studied business psychology, became self-employed through social media, and even adopted our dog, Felix, who now joins us on our travels.

Looking back, we spent less than €20,000 in total for two years of travel—an amount that many people spend on a single year of living expenses. More importantly, the experiences, friendships, and personal growth we gained were invaluable.

Final Thoughts

Our journey proved that travel doesn’t have to be expensive. With creativity, flexibility, and an open mind, anyone can explore the world on a budget. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the world but felt held back by finances, remember that adventure is out there, waiting for you. Sometimes, all it takes is the courage to step outside.

We hope our story inspires you to take the leap and embark on your own journey. Safe travels!