Traveling for less than one hundred dollars per month is an absurd budget. If you think about it from a western point of view, that’s not even enough money to pay rent for a week, so how is someone suppose to live on that for a month abroad? I don’t know, it’s almost incomprehensible, but I met a few people doing just that. They weren’t dirty, grimy, or shifty westerners though. They were usually travelers from countries with a lower income level than in the West. They of course want to travel too, so they had to get creative with their budget and work as they go.

Those that have tried to meet this budget tell me that they never want to travel any other way. When you must earn money and cut corners to get by, you get to know the locals and the culture at a more intimate level and experience things in a whole new way. Learning to travel for less than rent may be the new way of traveling.

If you’re not looking to be this budget crazy, read over my post about general budgeting and saving (coming soon…)

5 Tips to Travel for Less than $100 a month budget:

• Hitch hike. Use caution and know your area, but bus and air travel are one of the biggest expenses while traveling. If you can avoid it, don’t pay it. Hitch hiking is also a great way to meet locals and sometimes earn a free meal.

• Couchsurfing. A great website that allows you to sleep at local houses in exchange for a little work or nothing at all. It’s a great way to meet locals and learn about the city more deeply.

• Work Exchange and Volunteering. There are a lot of dumb pay-to-volunteer opportunities out there. Avoid these. Sites like HelpX.net and WorkAway.info are great ways to find real volunteer and work opportunities that allow you to exchange your time for a room and board or maybe a paycheck. You’ll be teaching English, rebuilding communities, working in hospitality, doing labor, etc, and you’ll be getting to know the area, the people, and the volunteers for longer periods of time and making longer lasting connections. This is a must on a tight budget, covering hostel costs and food is covering 90% of a tight budget.

• Negotiate and Haggle. It’s so obvious, but haggle for everything. The price is almost always negotiable, and you’ll be surprised how much you can save by simply asking. Pennies turn into dollars and dollars turn into serious savings.

• Don’t Drink. Alcohol is the biggest waste of money on a tight budget. A local meal in Thailand costs less than a dollar, but the national beer costs $2. Go out at night and drink some tea instead, and you’ll rally to the break of dawn.

Finding an actual job is worth noting but may be too obvious. There are jobs all over southeast Asia for travelers and expats, especially in cities. Many travelers find work teaching English or working at a hostel, but other professional jobs exist as well if you’re not picky about location. With the small earnings you make, you’ll be able to easily travel on weekend and vacations without dipping into the original budget. Australia also offers one year working visas to many countries, and this is a very popular way to travel and work simultaneously.

For more budget tips, see LINK TO COME SOON

Find more advice on budgeting and saving money, see these sites.

• Reddit – /r/showstring
• Rick Steves – Thrifty 50 Travel Tips
• NOMADasaurus – 10 Tips For Sticking to Your Travel Budget
• BeMyTravelMuse – What 6 Month Traveling in SE Asia Cost Me

The post Travel Budgeting 103 — 5 Tips to Travel for Less Than $100 a Month appeared first on Quarter Life Excursion.

What do you take? What is expendable? These were the questions that troubled me the month before leaving on our trip, but I think I’m finally ready to go. Take a look at the list below, and maybe you’ll notice something I forgot (fingers crossed that it isn’t too important), or maybe something you forgot. Overall, this post goes into detail with what I decided to take to Southeast Asia.

[Updated!] I’ve returned from six months abroad, and I have learned a lot about packing light. I’ve gone through, edited, omitted, and added a few things here and there. After getting some true experience on the road, I’m confident that my final pack is perfect for backpacking tropical areas. If you’re going to colder climates, pack a few more layers.

The Backpack:

I was able to get everything I needed into a 55L two compartment backpack, and all my gear combined is under 25 lbs. I’ve made the carry-on requirements and I’m stoked.

My backpack of choice is the Osprey Farpoint 55. It is a two bag system, a day pack (15L) and a carry-on, suitcase-style pack (40L), that zip together for easy travel. The bag opens completely, easily revealing all of its contents when needed, and the straps tuck away, leaving a slim suitcase that travels well. I thought I’d need a bigger bag, but everything ended up fitting in here no problem, and it’s within the carry-on limits. This will save me time and money on buses, trains, and planes.

The Gear:

Everything I brought is in this photo (except my cell phone). I hope someone can use this photo later to double check there own pack and make sure they have everything.

If you want to know exactly what I’m bringing, I’ve labeled and explained everything in the rest of the post. I can’t recommend any of this gear 100%, but I’m about to put it all to the test, and I’ll let everyone know how it holds up at the end. [Update: I’ve added and removed gear in the list below with reasons.]

What to Pack for Southeast Asia!?

(Click the image and let it load for more detail) (An index is at the bottom of the post.)

Clothes:

From what I’ve heard, you can buy anything once you get there, but I also heard that if you’re gonna spend good money on anything, it should be good clothes to start your journey. Southeast Asia is gonna be warm and humid, so I’m bringing light clothes that wick moisture well. I’m not too worried about the cold, but I did bring a few extra layers. My goal here was to create 2 or 3 outfits that can rotate in and out, backpacking style.

• Hat [3] – Critical for staying out of the sun. Energy levels after a day with and without a hat is significant.
• Outdoor Pants (2 Pair) [5]
  • Both rugged and one nicer (or at least cleaner) pair for city night life. Don’t bring jeans to a tropical climate. Trust me. They’ll sit at the bottom of the bag, weighing you down.

• Sandals [6] – Leave the heavy sandles at home unless you have bad feet. Light and quick is key.
• Walking/Trekking Shoes [8]
  • I looked for a blend of comfort, aesthetic, and tough and found these.
• Polarized Sunglasses [20]
• Long Sleeve Light Jacket [25]
• Synth Underwear (4 Pair) [26] – Laundry days will be few and far between so buy some underwear that doesn’t stink after a day of use.
  • Exofficio
• Watch [28] – Waterproof with basic functions.
• Down Jacket [42]
  • Wait for a sale, and you can get the REI Revelcloud at a good price.
• 3 Shirts [43]
  • 2 Synth, 1 Cotton T (Sleepy time)
• Belt [53]
• Socks (4 Pairs) [54]
• Athletic Shorts [63] – Sleepy time.
• Swim Trunks [64]
• Permethrin [99] – I don’t know if this stuff works, but the mosquitoes weren’t as bad as I expected.

Electronics / Entertainment:

I’ve broken it down to what’s needed to take pictures, blog, and keep myself sane. After the trip, I regretted a few items. For example, a goPro is awesome, but carrying any camera around besides my phone was a total drag. Besides the occasional dive, the goPro never made it out of my pack.

• Small BlueTooth Speaker [8]
• GoPro [16] – Besides the occasional water day, the goPro never made it out of the bag. I was 100% content with my phone camera.
• POV GoPro Strap Mount [15] – No GoPro, no mount, but this thing is a super handy POV camera and a sturdy out-of-pocket holster.
• SD Card Adapter [17] – Never made it out of the bag.
• MoleSkine Notebook [18] – An awesome way to remember your trip is to immortalize it in a daily dairy. Just some quick bullet points to solidify the highlights, the people, and the best experiences. You’ll be able to look back years later and remember it all over again.
• iPad [19] – I’ve decided to leave the laptop behind in favor of an iPad. The liability and anxiety of carrying a fragile / expensive laptop isn’t worth the small amount of remote work I may be able to find during these first few months traveling.
• Portable Battery [21] – A must have if you’re carrying/using electronics on the move. It saved us every week when we were back where we shouldn’t be and in need of GPS. The battery I linked is the best  balence between size, weight, and charge I could find.
• Universal Plug Adapter [22] – Buy one with USB ports so you can leave the wall adapters at home.
• NOMAD ChargeKey (MicroUSB) [23] – The perfect compliment to the portable battery. Also available with a Lightning Cable (iPhones)
• GoPro Tripod [35] – An awesome tool if I wanted to bring my goPro again. Set up good photos, time lapses, or use it as a nice handle.
• NOMAD ChargeClip (MiniUSB/GoPro) [36] – An awesome tool if I were to bring the goPro again.
• Charge Cables [37]
• Book [39] – Make it a good one and leave the travel book at home. This is the 21st century.
• Head Phones [40]
• Dice (Liars Dice!) [50]
• Cards (Spades!) [51]
• Phone (Not Pictured) [58] – I’m taking my phone, but ditching the service. Wifi, coupled with apps like What’s App and Maps.Me is just enough for me to communicate back home and navigate around. Check out my post about using a phone abroad and the best apps for backpacking! And ALWAYS get a good case.

Necessities:

I might be bringing some of these things out of camping habit, but you never know.

• Silk Bag Liner [1]
  • Sleeping Bag vs Liner: From what I can tell, it’s never going to get much colder than 60F in Thailand and most of SEA. That combined with bare bone hostel accommodations, and my desire to eliminate unnecessary gear made me ditch the sleeping bag in favor of a nice silk sleeping bag liner. I got mine (Item 1) from JagBag and it’s awesome. I already did a couple nights with it while visiting friends. Basically, it’s just enough to keep you comfortable and bed bug free.
• Draw String Bag [2] – Buy a dry bag once you’re there. It’s the same thing but safer.
• Osprey Farpoint 55 Backpack [4] – See first section, but just to say it again, this backpack is awesome! Fits everything comfortably and packs light. Not to mention, it counts as a carry on!
• Head Lamp [10] – Buy this as soon as you can. They are beyond convenient, so much so you’ll never want to use a normal flashlight again. Hands free is the way to be.
• Bug Spray [11] – REI has THE BEST all natural spray. It smells good, and it worked better for me than 100% deet (and it didn’t melt my clothes). I’ll die with stuff on.
• Iodine Pills [13] – For water purification in a pinch.
• Backpacking Towel [14] – Light weight and drys quickly. Just don’t forget it at the first hostel.
• Hydration Bladder [27] – Since I had to buy bottles every time I needed drinking water, it never made sense to use the bladder. I would not bring it next time.
• Doxycycline (Malaria Pills) [31]
• Lighter [32]
• Map (Southeast Asia) [41] – With Maps.ME app and the internet, this never made it out of the bag.
• Mini Flash Light [47] – Just in case, they are very handy in a pinch
• First Aid Kit (See Section) [59] – The minimalist kit needs Neosporin, bandages, drugs, superglue, duct tape, and hand sanitizer.
• Passport [60] – Protect this at all costs.

Toiletries:

• Disposable Razor [12]
  • Allowed on the plane. I checked.
• Deodorant [29] – Bring a full size, you’ll never find normal stick deodorant in SE Asia.
• Sunscreen [30] – Bring what you can. It’s no cheaper there, and most brands include a whitening powder.
• Toothbrush [44]
• Soaps [45] – You’ll end up buying full size bottles if you’re there for more than a month. Leave the travel bottles at home, and bring what you can.
• Common Pills [46]
  • Vit C, B12, Advil, Melatonin
• Toilet Paper [55] – Carry this on you, ALWAYS. Code browns can become frighteningly real, and bathrooms never carry toilet paper for you.
• Hand Sanitizer [56]
• Toiletry Satchel [57] – Such a great and convenient purchase. You can be in and out of shower in minutes since everything is always ready.

Other:

• Packing Cubes [7] – Awesome for bag organization. It seems tedious, but it’s way faster in the long run.
• Bug Net [9] – Never used it.
• Extra Waist Buckle [24] – Just in case the apathetic bus driver or airline smashes yours.
• Rope (30′) [33] – Drying laundry, tying off boats, making improvised fixes, a rope is a priceless item.
• Sink Plug [34] – Better idea: Use a plastic bag from a grocery store for laundry, and you’ll be able to agitate all your laundry at once.
• Travel Pouch [38] – Passport security.
• Carabineers [48] – Just like a rope, it has a thousand uses. Take a couple.
• Locks [49] – Take two or three, and maybe some metal wire. $10 for security is worth not getting things stolen. Thiefs look for opportunity, so simple security is usually enough to deter them.
• Pen [52]
• False Wallet [61] – Still a good idea, but I never used it.
• Sleeping Eye Cover [62] – This and the ear plugs are MUST HAVES. On trains and buses, in hostels, around construction or noisey neighbors, where ever, a comfortable eye cover and ear plugs make all the problems go away while you’re trying to sleep.
• Ear Plugs [Not Pictured] – Good sleep is priceless.

A few notes:

Purchased once I arrived: These things are amazingly useful and cheap to buy once you’re there. No need to by one at home, you’ll find the same thing for a better price on the road.

• Dry Bag – Priceless during a short hike or any time water my be a factor. Beat it up. Get it wet. Never worry about your gear or about the bag. They are designed for abuse, even the cheap ones.
• Sarong – Guy or girl, this is priceless. It’s a towel, a blanket, a cover, a shoulder cover for mosques, or anything else you may think of. They can usually be bought for a few dollars at a night market.
• Umbrella or Pancho – Leave the rain gear at home, they are to hot for the tropical climates. There may be two days a year where you may want it, but the rest of the year, an umbrella is perfect for keeping you dryer and happier. If the rain is too bad or horizontal, buy a pancho for a few dollars. They are quite convenient, and they cover your backpack too!

Leave it at home: I brought a lot of things I didn’t need. Review the lists above and notice the items I crossed out. I’m not bringing those next time. I didn’t use them or they weren’t as useful as I thought. Either way, I’ll save the weight next time.

Another perspective: No one agrees on this topic, so check out a few other views on the topic of packing.

• Basics with details: travelindependent.info and worldlynomads.com
• Female perspective: dontforgettomove.com and herpackinglist.com

First Aid Kit:

When I was First Responder certified, some of my first questions had to do with making a good first-aid kit. I didn’t find much help in pre-made kits, so I had to get some advice and make my own. For those interested, here’s what I think is always good to have on hand:

(Disclosure: I’m not a doctor, EMT, or paramedic. I’m a WMI first responder, nothing more. This kit could always have more and better supplies, but this is what I’ve deemed necessary to have on hand at all times.)

The Kit:

• Ace bandage
• Alcohol Wipes
• Athletic tape
• Band Aids
• Burn Cream
• ChapStick
• Clear Bandage
• Drug: Antibiotic (Cipromyosin)
• Drug: Anti-histomine (Benodryl)
• Drug: Diareaha (Lopermide)
• Drug: Pain Medicine (Alive)
• Drug: Heart Burn (Tums)
• Drug: Stomach (Pepto) [Bring Extra]
• Drug: Sugar (Honey)
• Duct tape
• Floss
• Gauze
• Gloves
• Hand Sanitizer
• Irigation Syringe
• Lighter
• Mole skin
• Nail clippers
• Neosporin (not pictured)
• Note card
• Pen
• Pocket Knife
• Sterie Strips
• Tincture of Bynzoine
• Triangle bandages
• Tweezers

Pack Index:

• [1]          Silk Bag Liner
• [2]          Draw String Bag
• [3]          Hat
• [4]          Osprey Farpoint 55 Backpack
• [5]          Outdoor Pants (2 Pair)
• [6]          Sandals
• [7]          Packing Cubes
• [8]          Walking/Trekking Shoes
• [9]          Bug Net
• [10]       Head Lamp
• [11]       Bug Spray
• [12]       Disposable Razor
• [13]       Iodine Pills
• [14]       Backpacking Towel
• [15]       POV GoPro Strap Mount
• [16]       GoPro
• [17]       SD Card Adapter
• [18]       Notebook
• [19]       iPad
• [20]       Polarized Sunglasses
• [21]       Portable Battery
• [22]       Universal Plug Adapter
• [23]       NOMAD ChargeKey (MicroUSB)
• [24]       Extra Waist Buckle
• [25]       Long Sleeve Fleece
• [26]       Synth Underwear (4 Pair)
• [27]       Hydration Bladder
• [28]       Watch
• [29]       Deodorant
• [30]       Sunscreen
• [31]       Doxycycline (Malaria Pills)
• [32]       Lighter
• [33]       Rope (30′)
• [34]       Sink Plug
• [35]       GoPro Tripod
• [36]       NOMAD ChargeClip (MiniUSB/GoPro)
• [37]       Cables
• [38]       Travel Pouch
• [39]       Book
• [40]       Head Phones
• [41]       Map (Southeast Asia)
• [42]       Down Jacket
• [43]       3 Shirts (2 Synth)
• [44]       Toothbrush
• [45]       Soaps
• [46]       Common Pills
• [47]       Flash Light
• [48]       Carabineers
• [49]       Locks
• [50]       Dice
• [51]       Cards
• [52]       Pen
• [53]       Belt
• [54]       Socks (4 Pairs)
• [55]       Toilet Paper
• [56]       Hand Sanitizer
• [57]       Toiletry Satchel
• [58]       Phone (Not Pictured)
• [59]       First Aid Kit (See Section)
• [60]       Passport
• [61]       False Wallets
• [62]       Sleeping Eye Cover
• [63]       Athletic Shorts
• [64]       Swim Trunks
• [99]       Permethrin

The post What to Pack for Southeast Asia? – Backpacker Packing List [Updated] appeared first on Quarter Life Excursion.

Everything I wrote about, I wrote from experience. I invite all the readers to continue the discussion and comment with there own tips, tricks, knowledge, experience and stories.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW AHEAD OF TIME

This is the basics. Make sure you understand all of this before you leave, so you aren’t caught off guard.

• Credit cards are rarely accepted anywhere except the airport (within SEA specifically): After 6 months of travel, I don’t even need one hand to count the number of physical stores I used my credit card in. I never used it. I still needed it though. The credit card is great for flexing its benefits when buying plane tickets, booking hostels on your phone, and at the airport before you can find a currency exchange. It can also act as an ATM card in a pinch.
• Most cards charge a hefty foreign transaction fee: Up to 3%, I hear. These fees will break you down if you are not careful. Luckily, many cards advertise themselves as travel cards, with no foreign transaction fees, and do not have these fees. Shop for your credit card wisely and keep this in mind. See my card suggestions at the end for a good example.
• Every ATM charges fees: ATM fees in SE Asia vary from $3 – 10. With the steep fees, most people are stuck between sucking it up and paying it often, or carrying loads of cash on them in each country (that is not recommended for obvious reasons). There is one exceptional bank that will refund you all ATM fees that are charged. Schwab, and its excellent free checking/investor account, saved my girlfriend and I over $300 in ATM fees after six month. More information about this account can be found at the end of the article.
• The banks will shut down your account if you don’t tell them you will be traveling: Don’t forget to call them. Should only take 2-10 minutes depending on the bank.
• Cards expire: No duh, but don’t forget to check.
• Don’t expect to find an ATM right when you get to a new country. Be ready and have about $50 in USD stashed in your pack for emergencies, and a bit of pre-exchanged local currency ready.

How a card can fail and why you need more than one:

Three stories summed up in a sentence each:

• The ATM charged me but I didn’t get any money, and now my bank shut my card down for suspicious activity. Always keep receipts for cancelled and failed transactions. Try to always visit an ATM that is attached to the associated bank. Frequently check your account, especially after a strange interaction with an ATM. Remember that a credit card can act as an emergency debit card (cash advancing), but try not to use it since there are commonly extra fees involved.
• The bank was hacked, and now they sent me a new card, but obviously I’m not home anymore. Note: They will send you a new card to an international address if you can wait it out and know where you’ll be.
• I’m an idiot, and didn’t check my expiration date. It happened to me, and I’m not proud of it.

These are three damn good reasons to carry an extra credit and debit card from a different bank on the side when traveling. Stash them deep in your bag for safety. They weigh nothing and if you ever need them you’ll be stoked that you brought them.

Saving money on fees and beating the system:

Foreign transaction fees: There are dozens of banks and creditors that offer cards, for free, without foreign transaction fees. Find one! 3% is a lot of money to be paying on a long trip that is tight on funds.

ATM fees: Unless you’re using the Schwab High Yield Investor Checking Account, you’ll likely be paying ATM fees at every ATM you see. Beat these fees by withdrawing large sums of money at ATMs. Balance the risk of carrying cash with the cost of the ATM, but I usually took out 10-14 days worth of cash ($200-500) and split it between my bag and my wallet.

Cash back and rewards cards: Most credit cards come with a 1% cash back on certain purchases. Some cards, come with even better deals, with cash back percentages reaching over 3% in certain categories. Even better cards sweeten the deal buy offering decent sums of money (in reward points) if you spend enough money or keep the card long enough. The Barclay Arrival Plus, I’ll talk about below offers 40,000 points (about $300) if you spend $3000 in the first three months. If you can meet these demands and still make the payments, it’s almost free money.

My cards:

These three cards combined, have earned and saved me over $600 in a year of travel and preparation.

Schwab High Yield Investor Checking Account:
I didn’t think to look at a brokerage firm for a checking account, but this account has been a god send. No ATM fees! Excellent customer service! No foreign exchange fees! This one of a kind account will eventually become the backpacker’s standard.
Pros: Refunded ATM fees. No foreign exchange fees. Market price exchange rates. Excellent customer service. Short hold times. Decent web and app platforms.
Cons: Transferring money from a main account at another bank wirelessly takes about 5 business days. Physical banks are few and far between in the states. Hopefully there is one near you. Initial set up may need to be done in person. This is an old school bank.

BofA TravelRewards Card:
Standard card with no foreign transaction fees. Visa. My back up card. No pros, no cons. Super standard.

Barclay Arrival+:
Awesome card with an excellent set of perks, especially the initial rewards offer. No foreign transaction fees. The first year is free, but after that, you need to pay $95/yr, so don’t forget to cancel the card before the year is up.
Pros: 2% Cash back. No foreign transaction fees. Cash advances available (at cost). MasterCard. Huge 40,000 point reward offer. Good customer service. Free for first year.
Cons: $95/yr after first year (remember to cancel it). Not Visa. Needs decent credit to get approval.

Additional links for credit card research:

• Nerd Wallet – for side-by-side card comparisons.
• The Best Way to Carry Money Overseas – Travel Independent
• The Best Travel Credit and Debit Cards – Thrifty Nomads – International Options!
• Prepaid Debit Cards in 2018 – Overview of available prepaid debit cards available at the moment.

The post Credit and Debit Cards While Traveling: this article could save you hundreds… appeared first on Quarter Life Excursion.

1. Almost all apps operate perfectly on Wi-Fi only. The exceptions being calls and text, of course. Read my other post, Best Backpacker Travel Apps for Free, for the best travel apps. They are all offline or Wi-Fi based.
2. GPS still works without service and without data.
3. Bring a plug adapter with USB ports to make your life easy, and bring an external battery for extra life in a pinch.
4. The camera in your Galaxy or iPhone is just as good as any point and shoot camera. Save yourself the weight and leave the little camera at home.
5. International plans are available from major American providers, but they are generally expensive (additional $40/month).
6. There are international data providers in the region you’re traveling. If your phone is unlocked, you just need to change SIM cards and pay a new company. Most are pay as you go, have no contracts, and are very cheap! Do the research and find the right company for you.
7. New regional data plans and SIM cards can be brought after you arrive in the country from a huge variety of stores. They are super cheap.
   1. Example data plan: Malaysia, CELCOM company, XPax Magic SIM card, 2.5 Gb/month of 4GLTE service plus text and calls from a Malay number for $10/month plus $2.50 for the SIM card.
8. Most cell phones, especially new 4G phones, come unlocked now including all iPhone 5’s and 6’s. This means you can easily put in a SIM card from an international provider.
9. As of 2014 and the Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act, all phones that have been paid for must be unlocked by the carrier on request. Many companies now ask you to pay for the phone in installments over time so they can get around this.

The post Taking Your Phone Abroad – 9 Things to Know appeared first on Quarter Life Excursion.

Even though we don’t want to have a data and phone plan abroad, that doesn’t mean we should ditch the phone entirely. This is the 21st century and a thousand little convenient tools can all be used with the smart phone. With a proper tool kit of apps on your phone, you’ll find yourself surprisingly prepared for travel anywhere.

Below are the best apps to make traveling easier and better.

Maps.ME: [Offline Maps]  #1 Must have backpackers app. This off-line map/GPS app was a godsend in every country we visited. Not only were we navigating busy cities like a local, we were following trails, finding lesser known attractions, and spotting emergency toilets like a pro. All the locations on the app are crowd-sourced, you can add locations of your own or simply add and share personal locations with their simple interface and tools.

Google Translate: [Universal Translator] There are no good offline translate apps. Google Translate at least allows you to save a list of your favorite translations for offline reference. Do the research on Wi-Fi in the hostel and you’ll be butchering the language to the local’s amusement in no time. If you want an offline app, consider a basic English to Other dictionary app.

XE Currency Exchange: [Updated exchange rates] Don’t get screwed, reference this app. Of course this app does not work offline, since rates change everyday, but it’ll keep the old data saved for reference till you do fond Wi-Fi. Set up your preferences to view the currencies you’ll be using and refresh. Easy.

Hostelworld: [Hostel and hotel booking] Comparable to Agoda, AirBnb, Hotels.com and Booking.com, but I found that Hostelworld had the best rates, the easiest interface, the most reasonable options for a backpacker, and the best and most honest rating system. Hostel with 8.0 rating and less than $10/night? Sold.

Bank and Credit Card apps: Get them, use them, love them. It’s easier and faster than the web for checking on your finances. Read our post on credit cards and banks for useful travel tips (coming soon).

Hangouts Dialer: [Free Wi-Fi dialer] Call anywhere in the United States or Canada for FREE using Wi-Fi. No mutual friendship required. I couldn’t believe it either when I heard it. This app saved me when I needed to call my banks and possible employers who didn’t have WhatsApp

WhatsApp: [$0.99 to call or text any contacts] Texting and Calling between mutual friends on WhatsApp. Super convenient and super easy.

Dropbox: [Photos and file sharing] A must have for backing up photos and videos on the go. It’s also a great way to share high res photos with friends all at once by simply sending them a link. (I’ve recently heard that Google Photos is making this even easier, more organized, and more accessible.) Dropbox is also great for sharing media files like movies and music.

AirAsia App: [Flights] It is the worst app to work with but if you’re flying around SE Asia on a dime, you’re most likely gonna be flying AirAisa. Fortunately, the app works better than the mobile site, so be glad about that. Also, always check AirAsia’s direct rates before booking through any third party for the same flight.

Kayak and Skyscanner: [Budget flight finder] Besides AirAsia itself, these are the two apps with the best deals on airfare consistently.

Google Keeps: [Notes and bucket lists] Write down names, emails, and notes in a second. Our memory is crap, but if it’s written down, it’s forever. Google keeps isn’t the best notes app in many categorizes, but its simple, online, offline, and sharable.

Facebook: [Friends and relationships] Maybe you’re trying to get away from social media, but 98% of travelers have one and it’s the easiest way to keep in touch with travel friends.

Spotify: [Music] If you can afford it, you can have all the music you need saved offline for listening on the go.

Podcast Addict: [Podcasts and music] Podcast are a great way to spend a long bus ride. Try listening to RadioLab, Hardcore History, Serial, or Dirtbag Diaries. There’s a podcast for every taste if you Google it.

Play Books: [Paperless Books] Googles basic eReader app is perfect for reading .epub or .pdf files on the go. It even includes a great internal offline dictionary. Books are heavy and phones use battery, so it’s good to have a book in both categories. Nothing is sadder than ten hours on a bus without a book.

If anyone wants to suggest more apps, post them in the comments. It’s a great feeling when you find a good app to make life so much easier.

Other sites for travel apps:

• 10 Best iPhone Apps for the Outdoors
• 20 Travel Apps You Should Never Be Without
• 21 Best Damn Travel Apps for Backpacking
• 15 Best Free Travel Apps for Backpackers

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