The idea of traveling and exploring new places with no or very little money looks very appealing. When we get inspired by reading instagram posts or memorabilia of popular travel bloggers hitchhiking their way to various unexplored destinations and living like a nomads – some of us get really enthralled by this idea. However, the dark and hidden truths behind it are rarely discussed and are often experienced by seasoned travelers on their explorations. Of course, we don’t want you to be discouraged, but only want you to plan smart and have a safe travel experience!
Hence, here are some of these truths, discussed below with the aim to throw some light on the other side of the traveling coin.
Getting robbed despite having no money
Getting robbed without money seems like an absurd idea; however it is quite possible in the kind of world that we live in. Despite having no money, most of the travelers are usually equipped with all kinds of expensive gadgets and things. Stuff like your mobile phones, iPad’s, cameras, laptops, power banks, etc., which is quite expensive and can attract a lot of bad and unwanted attention. So, be sure to always keep an eye on your belongings and never leave them unattended.
Spending a lot of time at one place
The idea of traveling is to explore the unexplored and visiting places which are far away. Hence, spending a lot of time at one place seems unwise & out of context; however it is one of a major reality of traveling. This is because of the fact that most of the time hitchhiking is the only mode of traveling for getting one place to another and due to the factors such as unavailability of transports, it becomes really difficult. Moreover, other times the external factors such as health, weather issues, etc. you have to stay put at a same place. You can avoid this by studying thoroughly about that location in advance. You must be aware of the sudden weather change possibilities, keep other options at bay. For health, be sure of the things you are allergic to and carry appropriate medicines with you at all times.
Prepare for discomfort
Traveling really pushes one’s comfort zones and often travelers have to stay and eat at places where they normally would not, if they had money. A hard reality of traveling is that you can rarely find an economical and comfortable place to stay or eat. You would have to stay at unkempt places, use dirty washroom, eat at unhygienic places and do much more, in order to keep your budget in check for the trip. So, be sure to carry your own sanitizers, some wet wipes, other products to maintain your hygiene. These products are not that expensive and will definitely help you stay hygienic. Try to find fresh food to eat and fresh and clean water to drink.
Adjustment and Rejection become your best buddies
You will have to face a lot of rejection while you’re traveling with little money. Most of the times, people would not give you a lift, or let you stay at their place, or give you food. Not everyone is very warm and welcoming for travelers. The key to survive in such situations is to adjust with it and not let the rejection slow you down or get to your heart. You must not get bothered by the rejection and keep moving forward.
There is no adequate sleep
Most of the times, travelers have to stay in the harshest of conditions, adjusting to the conditions of their hosts. People who let you stay, don’t usually let you do everything according to your time. For examples, there are several instance, when even though get accommodated very late at night, but you have to leave very early in the morning. But, you should be well prepared for that. Moreover, exploring places late at night and in early mornings has its own charisma. So, make sure that you take lots of rest in between your journey so that fatigue doesn’t gets the hold of you. Just focus your energy and good thoughts on the fact that you get to explore new places.
Charging your Gadgets is a major issue
Most of the travelers like to explore places where there is little or no inhabitants. The biggest challenge at these places is the availability of electricity and therefore the charging points. You would often have to adjust with little or no battery in your camera or mobile phone and would have to go days, without fully charging it.
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