**How to Travel on $75 Per Day: Budget Tips from Nomadic Matt Kepnes (Episode #594)**
In an uplifting episode (#594) of his popular travel podcast, experienced explorer and bestselling writer Nomadic Matt Kepnes addresses one of the most common queries from his listeners: How can you journey across the globe on merely $75 a day? With experience in over 100 countries on a budget and the author of “How to Travel the World on $50 a Day,” Matt shares proven techniques acquired from years of travel.
Whether you’re organizing a gap year, a prolonged expedition, or just searching for budget-friendly ways to discover new destinations, here’s an extensive guide to Nomadic Matt’s favorite budget travel advice.
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### 1. **Select the Right Locations**
According to Matt, the foremost rule of budget travel is centered on choosing the right places. In certain areas, such as Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, South America, and some regions of Africa, your money can stretch much further. Countries including Thailand, Vietnam, and Nicaragua provide rich cultural experiences at a fraction of the cost found in Western locales.
> _“A dollar in Paris is very different from a dollar in Chiang Mai,”_ Matt points out.
**Tip**: Utilize platforms such as Numbeo or BudgetYourTrip.com to investigate daily living costs in potential destinations.
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### 2. **Utilize Affordable Accommodations**
Accommodation often represents the largest daily expenditure while traveling. Matt suggests several cost-effective alternatives:
– **Hostels** – Perfect for sociable travelers and thrifty backpackers.
– **Budget guesthouses** – Particularly in Asia and Central America.
– **Couchsurfing** – Connect with locals for free lodging and cultural immersion.
– **Short-term rentals** – Consider Airbnb or Booking.com for potentially better rates on longer visits.
He also encourages travelers to seek lodging that includes breakfast and provides kitchen facilities for meal preparation.
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### 3. **Capitalize on Travel Deals & Points**
Matt strongly endorses travel hacking — leveraging credit card rewards and airline miles to significantly reduce airfare costs.
– **Obtain a rewards credit card** that features a generous sign-up bonus.
– **Make everyday purchases** to earn miles.
– **Book flights wisely**, maintaining flexibility with timing and destination.
Frequent flyer programs, fare mistakes, and airline promotions can enable you to fly at a lower cost — and sometimes even for free.
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### 4. **Dine Local & Cook When Feasible**
Eating in tourist hotspots can rapidly exhaust your budget. Instead:
– Dine where locals frequent – street food and small family-run restaurants are authentic and budget-friendly.
– Purchase groceries and snacks at local markets.
– Prepare your meals if you have access to a kitchen at your accommodation.
> _“In some cities, you can savor a fantastic bowl of noodles for under $2,”_ he remarks.
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### 5. **Travel at a Leisurely Pace**
Rushing between multiple cities and nations can lead to high transportation costs. Matt highlights the benefits of slower travel:
– Diminish travel expenses.
– Secure better accommodation rates for extended stays.
– Cultivate richer connections with the local culture.
– Spend extended time engaging in free or low-cost activities.
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### 6. **Avoid Peak Season**
Traveling during the off-season can yield cheaper fares, lodging, and smaller crowds. Be sure to explore shoulder seasons — the intervals between peak and off-peak — to find the ideal mix of favorable weather and lower costs.
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### 7. **Seek Free Activities**
From complimentary museum days to community events, there are plenty of wallet-friendly activities to enjoy.
– Walking tours
– Hiking
– Beach outings
– Public activities and local ceremonies
Matt suggests using apps and websites like Meetup, Couchsurfing events, and local Facebook groups to uncover free opportunities and experiences.
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### 8. **Daily Budgeting**
While $75/day serves as a reasonable average, some days will inevitably be pricier. Matt recommends travelers monitor their expenditures using apps like Trail Wallet or even a simple notebook. Budgeting not only helps avoid overspending but also reveals areas where you can cut back if necessary.
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### 9. **Invest in Travel Insurance**
This might seem counterintuitive for budget travel, yet unforeseen medical or travel-related issues could lead to substantial costs. Matt suggests investing in a solid travel insurance policy to safeguard your budget over the long haul.
> _“Being frugal doesn’t mean being cheap—it means being smart with your money,”_ he emphasizes.
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### 10. **Stay Flexible and Open-Minded**
Lastly, Matt stresses the mindset needed for budget travel. Flexibility is essential—not just in destinations, but also in your mode of travel. Embracing diverse experiences, transportation methods, and lifestyles enhances your journey while keeping expenses low.
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### Final Thoughts
Traveling on $75 per day is not merely feasible—it can also be deeply fulfilling. Nomadic Matt’s approach is grounded in spending wisely while traveling.