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Backpacking Uganda on Budget

Uganda, the famed Pearl of Africa, is a destination many travellers ought to have on their bucket list. There’s a lot to see in this small yet mysterious country and if you are not careful enough, you will end up spending your blife’s savings just to explore its beauty.

You might think that traveling Uganda on budget would be easy, given the foreign exchange rate and how literally almost everything seems cheap; accommodation, fruits, food, drinks, transportation and even some tours.

But with everything sounding cheap, it could hurt your bank account in the long run if you don’t find ways to tame your expenses while out here in Uganda. Plus, some of the most famous activities in Uganda can be very pricey, like gorilla trekking, or safari. To help you backpack on a budget in Uganda, follow these insider tips.

Meals

When it comes to meals, there are various ways you can stick to your budget when backpacking Uganda. Food is generally cheap in Uganda, but of course it depends on your choice of restaurant. The most popular Ugandan dishes include matooke/ green bananas, cassava, sweet potatoes, potatoes, yams, beans, peas, peanuts, chicken, beef, cabbage, and pumpkin.

Usually, the best place to find affordable prices is to eat at a local restaurant, since they mostly serve local food and cuisines. If you are the kind that loves to integrate variety, there are plenty of midrange restaurants that serve delicious treats. Usually, their prices range on location and cuisines offered.

Cooking for yourself can also help you save some money; it is very much possible in big cities and towns where they have supermarkets that offer a wide range of spices, vegetables and tinned foods. Vegetables are readily available around Uganda, though vegetarians are less catered for in restaurants.

Accommodation

This is one of the areas that most travelers fail to stick to a budget. The accommodation in Uganda comes in all ranges, and you can find options ranging from 1 star to 5 stars depending on where you are. Usually in towns, accommodation rates are quite high, but if you travel a few kilometers outside of the city center, you might find a budget-friendly, comfortable and quiet option.

A budget option for backpackers in Uganda is to stay at a hostel, which is a great budget option for most travellers to Uganda both local and international. There are a wide range of hostels that you can check out like Kyampisi Backpackers Home, Nile River Camp, and Red Chilli among others.

Camping is greatly increasing in popularity in Uganda, there is also an increase in the number of organized campsites. The fees for these tend to differ depending on whether you have your own tent or not.

Another budget accommodation option is to find a home stay, though these are quite hard to arrange in Uganda. Most homestays are arranged through word of mouth, so if you have a friend who has travelled here before, they can recommend places they have been to.

Budget Safaris and Tours in Uganda

Stick to budget tours and safaris in Uganda

It is always good to visit a country and carry back as many memories of it as possible because we never know when we will visit again. Carrying a camera is very important on such trips and knowing how to get the best deals is another way.

When it comes to budget safari options, group tours are the best; you don’t only get to mingle with people from other nations and walks of life, you also get to kick away the boredom of traveling alone, and it even gives you the courage to try out some adventures that you wouldn’t have tried if you were alone.

For solo travelers, the best time to travel in Uganda is during the low season; that is the rainy season and there are pools in the parks, that’s if you are not afraid of getting stuck while there. The most unique thing during this time though, it is the period when the country is most beautiful, the savannah plains and everywhere else is covered in green and photography is at its best. There a different glow too when the sun shines over in the afternoons and evenings.

Another unique and better way is to go off the beaten paths and explore places that most tourists rarely visit and discover these raw and untouched wild places. Among these are rarely visited waterfalls like Kisizi, Itanda, almost deserted islands in the Victoria Lake, dense forests like maramagambo, tea, sugarcanes and coffee plantations that adorn Uganda’s nature. Such places keep you immersed in nature’s own ambiance and make you part of it.

Transportation on a Budget

If your plan is backpack Uganda extensively, then you will most likely use public means or walk. There are private means of transport like hiring a cab or hiring a car to drive yourself but the charges on these make them expensive in the long run especially if you are staying longer in the country. There are a lot of options in regards to the public means for you to choose from as well.

Mini buses/ taxis or matatus are also used to get from city to city. These do not run on a set schedule but rather leave when full; they are the most affordable means when going from town to town or city to city though one has to be certain of their destination/ drop off when considering these.

And the boda-boda (motorcycle taxis) found almost every in Uganda; one of the most popular and exciting way of getting around though they should be approached with caution, and don’t do it unless you feel comfortable.

Hop on a boda-boda to travel in Uganda on a budget

The buses that go across regions and the most comfortable and more organized in regards to payments and staging. There are plenty of bus and coach service providers in Uganda that link nearly all towns and cities. Most tickets provided within Uganda are one way, so you can spend as much or less time in a region as you desire.

Private taxis/special hires are also helpful in some cases. These are comfortable and can be relied on when getting around as they drop/ pick up to/from your specified location. They usually charge per kilometer or route and depending on the deal you give them.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to travel Uganda on a budget

One other way of backpacking Uganda on budget is through volunteering. Volunteering gives you a touch to a country’s culture than anything else; you get to move deep down to the grassroots, get immersed in particular culture, learn and share ideas, something an itinerary limits. There are number of organizations that provide volunteering services to students, professionals and seniors in different communities across the country and some of these have extra activities over the weekends that help you to discover and travel around. Ssamba Foundation provides free volunteering to Uganda.

Affordable Travel Insurance

It is always good to travel with Travel insurance, especially to a country like Uganda where you will have new experiences on almost everything. Insurance will help protect yourself from a lot of would-be hustles, when you run out of money, or when things are not going your way. Travel insurance will get you covered if you face the unexpected, like if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, or when you fall seriously ill and need to fly back. One of the most commonly used travel insurance company is World Nomads and the reviews about it are very good.

There are many other ways a person can travel to Uganda on budget, it could be through consulting a friend who has been here before, or having to stick to a budget to get you going. Everyone traveling on budget has a special way of doing it apart from the basics, like having a local guide friend to help you juggle day to day life or get attached to an organization that offers country coordinators.

May 19, 2022

Backpacking Jobs in Australia: 5 Ways to Earn Money While Traveling

Budget Tips

Backpacking around Australia is an amazing experience. You get to explore natural wonders at your fingertips from white sand beaches and lagoons to natural rainforests, mountains and ranges.

With all this travelling though, it can often end up being an expensive trip. If you are backpacking in Australia, you may have come across the issue of being low on funds.

With this in mind, one of the best ways to make the most of your time in Australia and avoid running out of money is to work while you travel. If you’re not too sure where to start, we can help you out. Take a look at our top 5 backpacker jobs to earn money in Australia.

Fruit picking jobs

Discover fruit picking jobs all around Australia

Fruit picking jobs and harvest work, in general, are highly seasonal, but they are also a fun way to earn money in Australia while backpacking. Finding fruit picking backpacker jobs in Australia is a great way to see more of the lesser travelled parts of Oz while making some lifelong friends along the way. You can travel the length and breadth of the country following the harvest seasons. From banana farms in the tropical north to blueberry picking in New South Wales through to apple and pear harvests in Tasmania.

Some great places to look for fruit and produce picking jobs in Australia include Murray River, the Queensland Coast, The Top End of the Northern Territory and Margaret River in Western Australia.

Pros

It’s fairly easy to pick up a position as farmers are always looking for help
Pay is decent at anywhere from $25.41 to $30 an hour
You get to spend your time outdoors away from a desk

Cons

Fruit picking jobs in Australia can be physically hard and tiring
Not as reliable long term as other industries
Being out in the sun all day can lead to sunburn and heat fatigue

Gig economy jobs for backpackers

Find a wide range of gig economy jobs in Australia to earn money while backpacking

Find a wide range of gig economy jobs to earn money in Australia while backpacking

The gig economy is heating up, with plenty of people turning to odd jobs such as food delivery or air tasker jobs to help earn some extra cash. Like many casual positions, you get out what you put in, so if you’re willing to work, you can make a good amount of cash here. Earning money in Australia with gig economy jobs can include everything from rideshare drivers and food delivery drivers to pet sitters, furniture removalists or freelancers. The scope is wide and can be tailored to your interests, skills and talents.

A great benefit of the gig economy is that you can do it practically anywhere there is internet service. This makes it a great way to earn money in Australia while backpacking with little to no experience.

Pros

Flexibility and ability to travel while working
Huge variety of gig economy jobs available in Australia, so you shouldn’t struggle to find work
You can often work to your own timetable, which is perfect for those who want to spend more time sightseeing and exploring

Cons

Often requires you to have your own equipment or vehicle such as a bike, car, laptop etc depending on the job
Pay can be lower than a traditional job
No job security or peace of mind

Bar and hospitality backpacking jobs in Australia

Working in hospitality is a great way to earn money in Australia while backpacking. Australia has a huge hospitality industry, so you should be able to find work anywhere in the country, especially in the top tourist destinations. Many businesses will hire and train someone even if they don’t have any experience, which makes it a great option for everyone.

Hospitality jobs can be found all around Australia, simply walk into any bar or restaurant and ask to see the manager.

Pros

Work experience not often required
Easy to find work throughout Australia
Pay is usually reasonable, especially if penalty rates are offered

Cons

You will often have to give up your weekend and evenings
Can be harder to go exploring for more than a day or two due to shift work
Customer service isn’t necessarily for everyone

Fishing jobs for backpackers in Australia

If you have some experience on fishing vessels or in the industry, you shouldn’t have any trouble getting a position in one of the many coastal towns in Australia. Working on a fishing vessel or charter cruises is a great way to spend some time on the water while earning some extra cash.

These backpacking jobs understandably are found in coastal locations in Australia, so might not be suitable if prefer larger metro destinations.

Pros

Fishing jobs in Australia offer great pay
If you love fishing or being on the water, you’ll have a great time while getting paid
You’ll learn a lot about the industry and location from your coworkers and team

Cons

Experience in such a position is often required
Limited positions depending on location and season may be available, making it a competitive job market
Hours of work are often long

Housekeeping work in hotels and hostels

Work in a hotel or hostel to earn money while backpacking Australia

Work in a hotel or hostel to earn money in Australia while backpacking

Housekeeping jobs are a quick and easy way to earn money in Australia while backpacking around. You will have plenty of places to find work from hotels and motels to the hostel that you are staying in. Housekeeping often has set hours that allow for plenty of time to explore your current location.

You will be able to find plenty of housekeeping jobs no matter where you are, to earn money in Australia while backpacking.

Pros

Housekeeping jobs in Australia are often easy to find
Pay rates are often quite good, with $20 – $30 an hour being standard
Experience is often not required to get into the industry

Cons

Can be a physically demanding job, with lots of walking around and picking things up
You may find some duties unpleasant
You are often expected to work swiftly and accurately, requiring attention to detail

Backpacking around Australia doesn’t mean that you have to chew through your entire travel fund and head home early if you run out of money. With some creative thinking and a bit of research on the internet, you will be able to find plenty of backpacker jobs that can help you earn money in Australia while still experiencing the best that the country has to offer.

Backpacker Job Board is a great place to start your job search. The site is free to use and has 100s of active job vacancies, all suitable for working holidaymakers.

May 12, 2022

How to Plan a Weekend Trip on a Budget

Budget Tips

Wouldn’t it be great if you could travel, meet new people, broaden your horizons, and generally have a grand adventure without blowing a hole in your wallet (or selling your kidney for that matter)? Believe it or not, you actually can (no kidneys involved). Some savvy backpackers have the formula figured out – they manage to globetrot on an amount of money you typically spend in your city for daily living.

While you don’t need to globetrot (not unless you want to), you could still have an awesome weekend trip on a shoestring budget, spending no more than you would anyway at home. It requires some planning, clever workarounds, and a few minor sacrifices. Read on for our best tips for how to plan a weekend trip on a budget.

Pick a flight first instead of a destination

The typical travel process is this: You pick a destination you want to visit and then, hopefully, find a cheap flight to get there. We recommend flipping the script: Pick a cheap flight first to a likely-looking destination. It could save you hundreds of dollars.

Furthermore, even if the destination isn’t your first choice, that doesn’t make it a bad one. There are plenty of undiscovered gems out there. You can and will still have a good time.

Be creative with your food

Besides flights, food and drinks will be amongst your biggest expenses when you’re figuring out how to plan a weekend trip on a budget, reports GOBankingRates. You could reduce your spending by being creative with your food. For example, pick a hotel or hostel with free breakfast, skip lunch, and then splurge on dinner. If you’re looking to penny-pinch, you could cook your own food or try cheap supermarket meals.

Hunt for last-minute deals or check out “secret” deals

Online travel portals will often feature last-minute discounts – say when a particular flight or destination isn’t fully booked. It pays to scour these deals. You will have to be flexible, but you could snag a top-tier destination at a rock-bottom rate. Secret deals are also worth trying out. They often include stays in well-known hotels and resorts. You find out the exact details after booking.

Have a Saturday-Monday weekend off-season

Avoid peak weekend prices by traveling Saturday to Monday

When demand is high, so are prices. When you’re figuring out how to plan a weekend trip on a budget, consider traveling from Saturday to Monday (people typically book flights and stay Friday through Sunday). Traveling off-season also helps. “Shoulder season”, says Real Simple, is a good time to travel because it offers good pricing, fewer people, and better access to destinations. It refers to the period between low and high seasons for a particular destination.

Look for cheap or free stays

It goes without saying – prioritize cheap stays whenever possible. If you don’t mind sharing a room, you could have a perfectly comfortable bed in a hostel for $20 per night. If you’d prefer a bit more privacy, you could also find an affordable Airbnb, hotel room, or similar. You should scour top sites (like Booking.com) for deals.

Image via Unsplash

Prioritize hostels with free breakfast, classes, and activities

Plan a weekend trip that includes activities to stick to your budget

Book accommodation that includes activities to stick to your budget

Hostels are usually a good idea not just because of the cheap room, but also the board. Many throw in free breakfast and allow you to cook food in the kitchen. Furthermore, some offer special classes and activities to travelers. These range from yoga classes to walking tours, and everything in between. Not only could you have fun, but you’d also save money.

Minimize touristy activities

They call them tourist traps for a reason. Many tourist-related attractions charge premium prices. You will also end up paying more for eating or shopping in a place that’s near a major tourist landmark. If you truly want to experience a destination as well as save money, consider living like a local.

Make a budget and stick to it

This is just like our first tip: Usually, people pick a destination and then decide on a budget. It may be a good idea to reverse that process when determining how to plan a weekend trip on a budget – make a budget first. Think up how much you’d be okay with spending on entertainment, food, travel, shopping, and similar. Then stick to your resolution. Too many people end up overspending because they don’t hold themselves to a budget.

Share your travels and potentially earn money

If you’re the especially entrepreneurial type, you could also monetize your travel. You’ve likely heard of travel blogging, vlogging, and similar. You will need to document your travels, take plenty of photos, and share it all with your viewers. At the very least, you could have some memories for later (something to show your grandkids).

Good-quality snaps on social media can help you attract followers (and generally make good memories). You may need to use a photo size editor to adjust the size of your images to fit a social media platform’s requirements. It’s as simple as uploading a snap from your phone or camera, having it resized, and then download it for use on the social media page.

Image via Unsplash

Planning a weekend trip on a budget – final thoughts

As you can see, traveling doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive. Of course, when figuring out how to plan a weekend trip on a budget, you may have to forgo a few creature comforts, but you can still have a wonderful time. It’s a weekend well spent and will let you come back to work energized and refreshed. Don’t forget to follow these safety and general tips for the best results.

April 28, 2022

Backpacking Sydney on a Budget

Budget Tips

Sydney is the backpacker hub of Australia.

It is a world-famous city with iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, and more. And Australia, in general, is an easy country to travel around because it has good infrastructure, friendly locals, and a strong backpacker community

The main obstacle for backpackers in Australia is usually money!

Australia is a notoriously expensive country, and Sydney is one of the more expensive places to visit Down Under. Though you’ll definitely spend more money backpacking in Australia than you would in places like Southeast Asia or Central America, it is still possible to explore cheaply.

This guide will break down backpacking Sydney on a budget. You can stay in Sydney and have an epic time without spending a fortune. You just need to know how to use your money wisely.

Throughout this budget travel guide, you will learn about flights, transport, accommodation, food, drinks, and activities in Sydney. And you’ll learn how to do it all on a backpacker budget!

How to Find Cheap Flights To Sydney

Don’t let your budget hold you back from experiencing Sydney!

Because Australia is so far away from most of the world, your flights to and from Sydney may be your biggest expense. Flying to Australia is not cheap, especially if you’re coming from the Americas or Europe.

But it is possible to score affordable flights to Sydney. The best tips for finding cheap flights to Sydney are:

Fly Off Season
Fly Budget Airlines
Be Flexible

In Sydney, Summer is peak travel season. From December to February, people are on holidays, the weather is hot and sunny, and everyone wants to hang out at the beach and have parties. Summer in Sydney is so much fun, but it’s also crowded and expensive.

The best time to visit Australia is probably the shoulder seasons of Spring or Autumn. You’ll still get beautiful weather, but the crowds will be less intense and the flight prices will drop. For the cheapest flights to Sydney, visit in winter. Temperatures are a bit chilly, but you’ll still get lots of sunshine and you’ll find flights for as much as half of what they cost during peak season!

Also be flexible with your travel dates and times, and fly budget airlines. If you’re traveling a long distance to Australia, you’ll probably need one or two layovers. Browse websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights to compare different airlines and layover cities.

Flights with more layovers, early or late flight times, and budget airlines will be much cheaper. Sure, a direct flight on a nice airline may be more comfortable. But if you’re backpacking Sydney on a budget, pick the cheapest flight and save money for fun activities when you arrive.

Transport Within Sydney

Once you arrive in Sydney, public transport will become your best friend. There is pretty good public transport throughout the city, and it’s significantly cheaper than taking taxis or Ubers.

I wouldn’t recommend renting a car in Sydney, as there is a lot of traffic and parking can be expensive and stressful. If you plan on doing any road trips around NSW, then you can rent a car for that. But for getting around in the Sydney CBD, stick to walking and public transport.

The best form of public transport in Sydney is the train. It covers most of the CBD and Eastern Suburbs, and even goes down the NSW South Coast, up to the Central Coast, and to the Blue Mountains.

The train is super well organized and easy to navigate. Train journeys in Sydney are capped, so you can ride unlimited journeys and the most you’ll spend is $16.30 per day or $50 per week. On weekends and public holidays, the rate is capped at $8.15 per day.

Efficient and affordable, the train is the best way to get around Sydney on a budget

You can also take buses, ferries, the metro, or the light rail around the city. The Northern Beaches don’t have trains, so bus and ferry are the best options there.

For all Sydney public transport, use an Opal Card. You can pick one up at any convenience store and top up at the train stations. With such easy, straightforward public transport, you should never have to pay for a taxi! When possible, walk around Sydney as this is obviously free and the best way to exercise and see everything.

Budget Accommodation in Sydney

Accommodation is not that cheap in Sydney, unfortunately. If you’re backpacking Sydney on a budget, I would avoid hotels altogether and just stick with hostels!

Hostels in Sydney

Hostels are a budget traveler’s best friend. Most of the hostels in Sydney are very nice as well, with lots of amenities, a social atmosphere, and fun events and activities. Just read traveler reviews on Hostelworld so you know what to expect at any hostels you book.

Most hostels in Sydney cost around $20-$40 AUD per night for a bed in a mixed dorm room. Private rooms are anywhere from $80-$100 USD per night. If you’re backpacking, I highly recommend staying in dorm rooms. It’s a fun experience and you’ll meet lots of other travelers.

Wake Up! hostel located in the heart of Sydney

Mad Monkey, Wake Up!, and Summer House are the three most popular and highly rated hostels in Australia. Each one has numerous locations around Sydney, such as Bondi Beach, Coogee Beach, Kings Cross, and other spots in the CBD. But there are many more options, so just browse Hostelworld for all the best Sydney hostels.

How To Find Free Accommodation in Sydney

If you want to take your money saving to the next level, there are ways to get free accommodation in Sydney.

The first is couchsurfing. This is an online platform that connects travelers with locals all over the world. You can stay on someone’s couch or in their spare room for free! Just always trust your instincts, use good street smarts, and only stay somewhere if you feel comfortable.

Another option to save money on accommodation is doing a work exchange. This is when you work in exchange for free accommodation. The work is usually only about 20 hours per week, and popular work exchange options include working in a hostel, helping a local with housekeeping or childcare, or volunteering on a farm or eco village.

Work exchanges offer a cool cultural experience that you may find on the usual tourist trail. You can live with locals, learn new skills, and save money.

Eating and Drinking on a Budget in Sydney

It is possible to eat and drink in Sydney on a budget. I would recommend sticking to the following tips:

Cook most of your own meals
Shop at budget grocery stores and farmers markets
Dine out for lunch rather than dinner
Visit Happy Hours
Drink local stuff
Ask for local recommendations

If you eat out often and get cocktails in fancy bars every night, you’ll spend so much money in Sydney. The dining and nightlife in the city is really expensive, whether you’re a local or a backpacker.

If possible, stay in a hostel with a communal kitchen. That way you can cook a lot of your own meals and prepare packed lunches for long days of exploring. Shop at local markets and budget grocery stores like ALDI for the most affordable food.

Stay on budget in Sydney by cooking meals in your hostel’s kitchen

That being said, don’t restrict yourself too much! Sydney has lots of amazing eateries, and if you’re a real foodie, definitely treat yourself here and there. Ask any locals you meet what their favorite spots are, as they will probably be more affordable than spots in the touristy areas.

Look up local happy hours, as you can find food and drinks that cost as little as half the normal price. Many restaurants and pubs do cheap lunch specials as well, so eating out at lunch is often cheaper than dinner.

Drinking alcohol is also pretty expensive in Sydney, but local beers and wines are cheaper than imported. Cocktails cost around $15-$20 each, so don’t go overboard on those or you’ll spend a fortune. Even at a liquor store (known as a “Bottle-o” to the Aussies), hard alcohol is expensive, so stick to local beer and wine.

Free Things to Do in Sydney

Strolling around Sydney’s famous waterfront

To save money in Sydney, fill your schedule with these free activities:

Exploring the Royal Botanic Gardens
Strolling around Sydney Harbour
Walking across the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Admiring the Sydney Opera House (from the outside)
Visiting St Mary’s Cathedral
Sunbathing at Bondi Beach
Walking the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Walking the Manly to Spit Bridge Coastal Walk
Window Shopping in Newtown
Wander through the Queen Victoria Building
Go on a Free Walking Tour
Relax in Hyde Park or Centennial Park
Browse the Art Gallery of NSW or the Museum of Contemporary Art
Seeing the light installations at Vivid Sydney (If you’re there in May-June)

So there are lots of free things to do in Sydney! Just walking around the Harbour, the beaches, and the free art galleries are amazing ways to enjoy the city without spending a dime.

Other Affordable Things To Do In Sydney

Some fun Sydney attractions cost money, but they are definitely worth it. If you balance out your free activities with some costly ones, you’ll be able to make the most of Sydney without spending heaps of money.

There are some activities that cost a lot of money, such as a luxury harbour cruise, a Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, skydiving, or enjoying a multi-course fine dining experience. Because this is a guide to backpacking Sydney on a budget, I’ll skip going into detail, because most budget travelers aren’t looking to drop hundreds of dollars.

However, these activities are still super fun, and they cost under $100 each. Book ahead using Get Your Guide or Viator to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Touring the Sydney Opera House
Taking a surf lesson in Bondi
Going to a comedy show
Visiting the National Maritime Museum
Riding the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly
Kayaking or snorkeling at Shelly Beach
Renting a bike in the Northern Beaches
Enjoying the view from the top of the Sydney Tower Eye
Seeing the animals at Taronga Zoo
Visiting the historic Luna Park

Day Trips From Sydney

If you have some spare days during your day, definitely do a day trip from Sydney! There is so much natural beauty around the city, from the Royal National Park, to the Blue Mountains and more.

Visit the Blue Mountains on a day trip from Sydney

The cost of Sydney day trips depends on how you do them. If you book a guided tour that includes all your transport to and from the city, they can cost around $150-$200 AUD.

If you take public transport and explore on your own without a tour, they may only cost $50 AUD or less. For example, you can take the train directly from the Sydney CBD to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains and do a free day hike. Or take the South Coast Train line down to Wollongong or Kiama.

You could also rent a car for day trips. Just do a bit of research about what transport is available when you choose where you want to visit.

Here are some of the best day trips from Sydney:

Hiking in the Blue Mountains
Seeing the amazing coastal views in the Royal National Park
Wine tasting in the Hunter Valley
Road tripping down the Grand Pacific Drive and passing the Sea Cliff Bridge
Hiking in Dharawal National Park
Checking out Wollongong
Hiking in the Illawarra Escarpment
Visiting Stanwell Park and Bald Hill
Touring Symbio Wildlife Park
Exploring Newcastle
See the Kiama Blowhole

Backpacking Sydney on a Budget: Final Thoughts

Although Australia is one of the world’s most expensive countries to visit, you can still explore on a budget! Sydney is an amazing city and with the right mindset and these budget travel tips, you can enjoy this city cheaply.

Travel off season, take public transport, stay in hostels, eat and drink like the locals do, and stick to mainly free or cheap activities in Sydney. You will have no problem backpacking Sydney on a budget!

Pin Backpacking Sydney on a Budget

March 19, 2022

10 Tips for Backpacking on a Budget in Ireland

Budget Tips

Ireland is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries to visit. Though it might be a small country, it never seems like you can spend too much time in Ireland. Each coast has its own unique geographical features, gorgeous ocean views, and rolling green fields, valleys, and lakes to explore. While it is a more expensive country to travel in, there are still ways to save and backpack on a budget in Ireland.

Below are a few of the top tips I used while living in Ireland to stretch my student budget and explore this amazing country!

1. Get out of Dublin and explore the rest of Ireland

Find amazing spots to explore just outside of Dublin

Ireland might be a small country, but there is so much to see and explore! The bigger cities of Dublin, Galway, Cork, and Belfast of course have plenty to do and see, but they are more expensive than the smaller cities.

Dublin specifically can be expensive to visit with a backpacker index estimated budget of €65 per day. One way to save money as a backpacker in Ireland is to get out into the Irish countryside and visit some of the quaint, smaller Irish towns. You will not only save some money, but you will have a more unique experience and likely will meet some of the friendliest people along the way!

2. Stay in hostels

Hostels in Ireland are all fairly decent and the best option for backpacking on a budget.

In Dublin, you can find dorm beds starting at €25 and privates starting around €70, depending on the time of year. Hotels will run around €70-€130 per night.

Many hostels in Ireland offer free walking tours of the city, which is a great way to spend a day and familiarize yourself with the area. To get a great deal on a hostel, you can browse Hostel World, which has a huge selection of hostels with reviews from fellow travelers.

3. Or try Couchsurfing to backpack Ireland on a budget

Couchsurfing, or staying with local Irish people, is a great way for backpackers to save some money on accommodation with the site boasting over 37,000 hosts in Ireland. Though I didn’t Couchsurf myself in Ireland, Irish people are incredibly friendly and hospitable and my friends who stayed with locals said they had an incredible experience!

Additionally, for backpackers traveling with a tent, a basic plot for two people without electricity can be found for around €12 per night in Ireland.

4. Grocery shop and cook meals when you can

Seek out hostels, Airbnbs, guest houses, etc. that have a kitchen. You will be able to save some money by grocery shopping and cooking in. Dining out can add up quickly while backpacking in Ireland on a budget.

A meal out in Ireland will cost you anywhere from €11-17 for a standard restaurant, or €7-10 for a fast-food place. Pub food tends to be more affordable than nicer restaurants, and keep an eye out for outdoor markets, often you will be able to find some yummy local food at a decent price.

5. Stay in the city center in Dublin to walk everywhere

Staying in the very walkable center of Dublin will help you stick to a budget

Dublin is a very walkable city to visit. From the city center, most attractions are an easy walk away from each other. I could walk pretty much everywhere I wanted to in Dublin in under 15-20 minutes.

If you want to use public transportation, bus trips around Dublin cost about €3, in Galway tickets are around €2.40, and in Belfast (Northern Ireland) tickets are around £1.60

6. Or use the Leap Visitor Card for public transportation

The Leap Visitor Card is the cheapest way to get around Dublin if you plan on consistently using public transportation.

It is a pre-paid card that gives you unlimited travel on Luas (the light rail / tram system), DART (the train line operating along Dublin’s scenic coastline), commuter rail services, Dublin Bus, Airlink Express 747/757, and Go-ahead Ireland.

1-day (24 hours) costs €10
3-days (72 hours) costs €19.50
7-days (168 hours) costs €40

You can purchase the Leap Card at the airport (then take the Airlink Express), online (to be mailed to your house, so plan ahead accordingly), or at a few locations in the city center.

NOTE: Download the Journey Planner App for timetable and map information from all licensed public transport providers across the whole of Ireland. It provides information for trains, buses, trams, ferry, and taxi services.

7. Travel between cities in Ireland by bus

The cheapest way for backpackers to travel between cities in Ireland is by bus. Since Ireland is a small country, it is decently affordable to travel between cities. You can get between most of the major cities by bus for roughly €13-20 one-way for adults. You can use Omio to browse for the best deals and get your bus tickets ahead of time.

8. Be careful not to overspend at pubs while backpacking Ireland on a budget

Don’t blow your budget at the touristy pubs, explore some off the beaten path!

Pubs are a staple in Ireland, and it would be difficult to backpack through without ever stopping in a pub. Drinks in Ireland are not the cheapest, especially in Dublin, so be careful to not overdo it on a night out.

A pint of beer in Ireland will cost you anywhere from €4-6, and if you are going out for a night of drinking, be prepared to spend money on rounds. The Irish love to buy rounds and expect each person to buy a round at some point. To save some money on a night out, you could try to go out with a smaller group or have a good “pre-drink” with your buddies at the hostel before heading to the pubs.

If you are out in Dublin, try to avoid the touristy Temple Bar area where the drinks are most expensive and instead try another pub around and on the outskirts of the city center. Or, stop in for a quick drink for the experience but try one of the many other things to do in Dublin at night.

9. Ask about student discounts

If you are a student backpacking through Ireland, you will find great student discount deals. Some student discounts will get you up to 50% off at attractions, museums, nightclubs, and buses throughout the country. Always ask if there is a student discount, you might be surprised how much of your budget you can save!

10. Book your attractions in advance

Don’t miss the Cliffs of Moher on the west coast of Ireland

Many of the attractions in Ireland are often cheaper if you book in advance. Plus, you might be able to find good deals and discounts by researching online ahead of time. You can browse Get Your Guide or Viator to get the best deal and check out reviews from fellow travelers.

Many of the top attractions on their own aren’t too expensive (for example, the Cliffs of Moher is ~€7) so long as you can get to them easily on your own. Attractions start to get pricey when you look at guided tour groups. However, sometimes you can find bundles that will help you save money and see multiple sites at once.

You will find some of the friendliest people in Ireland alongside beautiful nature and a warm culture. Fortunately, backpacking Ireland on a budget IS possible if you stay frugal, follow the above tips for saving money, and travel wisely!

10 Tips for Backpacking on a Budget in Ireland

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March 10, 2022