the Travel Enthusiast
- 07 Oct
How to travel on a budget in the most expensive countries in the world
Switzerland
There are some countries in the world that backpackers and travelers on a budget don’t often think of visiting, simply because they are too expensive and they are afraid that their money will run out in a blink. Round the world travelers are often especially wary of these money-eating countries because they feel like there is absolutely no way to live on cheap while they’re there.
But notoriously expensive countries like Japan, Iceland, Norway, Singapore and Switzerland should not be off your list when you’re traveling on a budget, because luckily there are ways to make your money (and the duration of your stay) last longer. Here are some tips on how to travel on a budget in the most expensive countries in the world.
Switzerland
Switzerland, photo by Michael Faes
Accommodation, transport and food are really expensive in Switzerland, even by Western European standards. But if you stay out of Zurich and Geneva and buy an unlimited Eurorail pass, you can reduce your transport costs considerably, and you can also buy a half fare card that gets you 50% off most means of transport.
Since crime rates are very low in the country, you can consider hitchhiking and camping, as for the food you can try supermarkets like Coop for half-price sandwiches and salads, especially in the evening.
Japan
If you don’t mind sleeping in dorm beds, you can find accommodation as low as $25, which is not bad at all considering hotel prices. You can also save a lot on transport if you use buses instead of trains – they are much slower, but they are comfortable, and for $180 you can get a Japan Bus Pass valid for 5 days. Supermarkets sell tasty and cheap prepackaged lunches, and if you want a warm meal you can get a hearty meal at small family owned noodle shops.
Iceland
Iceland, photo by Grethe Boe
Aside from the fact that getting there is not exactly cheap, Iceland has pretty high prices for everything. The cheapest you can go is a dorm bed for $40, but if you want a private room, prepare to shell out at least $100 per night.
But you can camp for as little as $5 per night, and consider buying a Reykjavik Welcome Card which gives you free public transport in the capital as well as free entry to many important attractions.
Singapore
Singapore is known to have some absurdly high prices that make backpackers balk, but backpacking in Singapore is not nearly as impossible as it may sound. Despite the abundance of luxury hotels, it’s still possible to find hostel accommodation for around $15 per night, and the cheap and delicious street food in Little India and Chinatown will keep your stomach full. Plus, there are quite a few great free attractions in the city!
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travel search by Travelgrove (get this widget)Norway
Norway, photo by Ben Wiersema
Icy Norway is one of the most expensive, and at the same time most beautiful countries in Europe. The main asset of Norway is its natural beauty, and you can visit any of its national park for relatively cheap if you buy your food in supermarkets (think of it as a picnic) and sleep in camping areas. Trains are very expensive in Norway, but bus tickets are considerably cheaper, and even more so if you book online in advance.
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