Budget Travel with Nomadic Matt

Photo Credit: Nomadic Matt

If you haven’t already met, then let me introduce you to Matt Kepnes, otherwise known as Nomadic Matt. Author of a number of books, including How to travel the world on $50 a day, Matt is a travel writer who believes passionately that travelling doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.

Following what was supposed to be a year trip around the world, Matt got a taste for travel, built his website and has been on the road since. That was over 6 years ago.

We all read about places we long to visit, but what I love about Matt’s website is that he tells us about countries where you can travel to and around, on a budget.

His life is travelling, his career is travelling and his passion is travel. That’s why his words of wisdom have appeared in some of the world’s biggest media companies – The New York Times, The Guardian, Huffington Post, National Geographic and more.

This is what I love about interviewing other travel writers. I get to be taken on their journey, even if it is just for a few moments.

Q: You have been travelling around the globe since 2006, is there anywhere you thought ‘Yes, I could live here forever?’

MK: Yes, there’s plenty of places I’ve felt that way. Paris, Stockholm, New York. Home is where the heart is and my heart is in many, many places around the world. For now, I’m comfortable living in NYC, where I am temporarily calling home. At least, until I can’t stand being still any longer.

Q: What are the 3 things you can’t travel without?

MK: A good book, my ipod, and soap.

Q: Where is your favourite place you’ve travelled to/around and why?

MK: I hate this question. It’s hard to really pick a favorite. It’s like picking your favorite child. You can’t do it. I have a few top favorites: Thailand, Sweden, Japan, and Costa Rica. But a favorite? I can’t pick it.

Photo Credit: Nomadic Matt

Q: What are your top five travel tips for those travelling on a budget?

MK: My top five tips would be:

1. Avoid hotels

2. Avoid expensive restaurants

3. Stick to the local food markets

4. Use public transportation

5. Use frequent flier miles/awards programs to fly for free.

Do these five things and you’ll save a lot of money on your trip!

Q: You’ve just won the lotto, what holiday are you going to book?

MK: A 7 star, first class trip to the Seychelles until the money runs out.

Photo Credit: Nomadic Matt

Q:  What has been your worst travel experience?

MK: When I was in Spain, I was staying at a hostel and one of the roommates came home drunk and shit all over the room. I was the unlucky one who woke up after he had done it. It was the grossest experience I’ve ever had. You can red the full story here.

Q: What is it that you love about travelling?

MK: The freedom it gives me to do whatever I want, as well as teaches me about how the world works.

A big thanks to Matt for sharing his adventures! If you’d like to read more, check out his website here and if you’re looking for more of his great travel tips, read here.