Budget travel may be the most exciting way to save money; After a two dollar bus ride up the Ganges you might find yourself dancing in the shimmering moonlight or facing a disgusting toilet in candle light. One dollar you spend next to the Mekong may buy you one of the best meals you have ever had or a night battling bed-bugs. For less money than it costs to buy strir-fry in the States you can spend a day on a Thai beach.

If you are interested, the following are the three basic steps.

1) Settle Your Accounts

Even when you are away there are bills to pay. From health insurance to monthly payments on your storage unit, money usually still needs to keep flowing back home. Some people convince a very trustworthy friend to keep an eye on things. I prefer to have things directly deducted from my checking account. Either way, make sure your health insurance payments are made on time.

2) Wander The World

South America and Southeast Asia are long-time favorites of the budget traveler. You may find a vibrant, colorful, delicious world…that happens to offer a very good exchange rate. But, no place is perfect for everyone. Plan to wander. Then linger in the places you really enjoy.

Creative Commons picture by judepics.

3) Learn

Learn how to speak Thai. Try your hand at organic farming. You could even do field research on sea turtles.

However many of the iconic roman sites are pretty good at collecting money from tourists. There is the entrance fee, then the cost of the guide book or audio tour, then if you would like a guide to actually lead you around that will cost still more. Not to mention all the guys dressed up as gladiators yelling things like “hey baby, want to take a picture?” They also charge.

The solution to these problems? Churches. They are majestic, incredible, many of them were built only with manpower, and they often don’t charge entrance fees. Take that…other majestic places.

Many of the churches do suggest a donation. Such donations are usually drastically less than the required entry fees of other attractions. However, leaving one can be a good idea, as it can support the upkeep of the church.

As well as being cheaper, churches can even be a little more pleasant. It is highly frowned upon to stand outside these churches dressed as a priest while yelling “hey baby, want to take a picture?” at passing women.