I have always seen travelling abroad as this impossible mission, one where you need a fair amount of money to do so. But as I traveled more, turns out it isn’t that impossible. Last year, my friends and I decided to do a senior trip to Malaysia and Bali, all on our own. We booked travel tickets, rented an apartment, all by ourselves. And we didn’t spend much, the budget that I had set was around the 20K minus the travel tickets.

So with my little experience, I’m going to narrow somethings down to help you plan for an abroad trip, on your own and save as much as you can.

1- The accommodation

Now, I believe that if you have this figured out, everything else will fall in motion. I usually choose countries where someone I know lives or studies there. If this option is off the table, then your next best option is renting an apartment through airBnB, the website is very easy to use, and it’s not that pricey. You can find a small studio with a reasonable price, it helps if you are travelling as a big group; because when the rent will then be divided on all of you. Another option is staying in a hostel, it may not be comfortable, but it saves a lot!

Tip: remember that a studio or small apartment won’t be as lavish as a hotel, but trust me it will save you A LOT. And when you travel, you barely spend anytime inside, so all you really need is a clean apartment where you can shower and get a good night sleep.

We have booked a studio, it was tiny but cozy. The building was secure and clean, just check the reviews and ratings.

2- The flight ticket 

Usually this is the one thing I don’t risk to save in, but what helps is booking it early and constantly checking for the price. Emirates would be my number one choice for a destination like Malaysia, because you get your transit in Dubai airport, and it’s exquisite!

Tip: Getting to transit will get you a cheaper ticket, and it’s actually better,in fact try to get longer hours if you’re interested in shopping in the airport.

BUT always be close to your gate number, so that you’re ready to board. You don’t want to miss your flight for shopping!

3- The food

If you’re staying in an apartment, then bring canned food from home with you for breakfast and snacks. You can get Nutella, peanut butter, pastas, tuna, canned corn, even cheese and turkey.

But of course, this should not substitute the local food of the country, but fancy restaurants are off the table.

Tip: Don’t worry, we have taken all the above with us, it didn’t get ruined on the plane and we were traveling for long hours. I just prefer to put them in a separate bag and wrap it really good, and this bag will come in handy when you need storage for all the shopping.

4- The shopping 

If you’re travelling on budget then you better check this out of your list, and trust me you want to enjoy the city, shopping wastes a whole lot of time.

Tip: Some countries are known for certain things, then you can get off the budget a little and buy those things that you won’t find in Egypt, and that is my own scale for shopping, can I find this in Egypt? Is this way cheaper than if I get it from Egypt?

5- The transportation 

Depending on the country you’re traveling to, but the best way is through subways and buses. But always check for the prices of train and subway tickets, then compare them with an Uber. Because sometimes, when you’re a big group, it costs less to divide a cab fare than to pay individually for the subway.

Tip: Check google maps for which subway lines to take, and ask people for confirmation, so you don’t get lost.