Something is exciting in slinging a backpack across your shoulder and setting out into the unknown. It’s the type of travel that’s raw, spontaneous and incredibly liberating. But get real—budget backpacking isn’t always as Instagram-perfect as it appears.

Amidst dodgy dorm beds, spotty meals and uncertain rides on public buses, backpacking on the cheap is an adventure. Even so, with some savvy tricks and a dash of resourcefulness, it’s well within your means to stretch out your dollars and have the time of your life. Here’s how to do it.

Select Destinations That Make Your Money Stretch

Where you go is as important as how you travel if you want to stretch your cash. Southeast Asia, Central America, Eastern Europe and much of Africa present phenomenal experiences (and memories) at a fraction of the price of Western Europe or North America. This is about $1 street food in Bangkok, $5 hostels in Guatemala or hiking routes for free in Georgia (the nation, not the state).

Accommodation, transportation and food in these destinations can frequently be less than the price of one evening at an international hotel in Paris. Invest in locations where your dollars go farthest and suddenly one trip for a month becomes three.

Hunt for Deals, But Don’t Get Too Obsessed

There’s a thin line between being smart and being frugal to the detriment of your productivity. Of course, flight comparison websites are wonderful—Google Flights, Skyscanner and Momondo can get you that mythical $30 one-way bargain. And indeed, cashback websites and booking discounts pay off in the long run.

But the thing is: in pursuit of the absolute cheapest price, you have some questionable experiences. That $10 saved on that overnight bus may come at the expense of your sleep and sanity. Research well, be guided by your instincts and know it’s okay to treat yourself to some comfort and safety now and then.

Unexpected Travel Hacks

Budget travel isn’t all about cutting coupons—it’s about leveraging assets that may not be immediately apparent. For instance, casinobonusca.com is primarily recognized for comparing casino promotions, but the site regularly emphasizes promotional codes and bonus opportunities applicable to general travel packages and lifestyle extras. Travelers open to varied entertainment options can get more bang for their buck through means such as this in between legs of their travels.

And on hacks, digital nomad discounts, student cards and volunteering exchange programs (such as Workaway or Worldpackers) can make all the difference. Whether it’s getting a discounted museum pass or receiving accommodation for nothing in exchange for several hours of labor, these hacks all add up.

Eat Like a Local (No, Really)

Forget tourist traps and high-end sit-down restaurants. The most excellent food is on the street corner, at open markets or in obscure little joints you find by weaving between scooter traffic. Not only is food on the street typically less expensive, but it’s also typically more authentic and much better tasting.

If your accommodation has a kitchen area, that would be all the better. Visit the neighborhood store, grab what’s fresh and affordable and get cooking like a hostel chef. Pasta, curry, stir-fries with vegetables—you can do it all with a hot plate and some imagination.

Bonus tip: Some of your best dining discoveries happen by simply asking your hostel staff where they eat. Nine times out of ten, you’ll come across some little gem just off the main street.

Travel Light and Save More

Packing lightly saves not only your back but also your bank account. Budget airlines delight in charging outrageous fees for checked bags and lugging a giant suitcase makes it more challenging to make spontaneous plans.

Stay carry-on only and save your dollars and your sanity. Capsule wardrobes, multi-purpose equipment and a quick-dry towel come in handy. And when all your goods can fit in one backpack, you’re more mindful of what you need.

Fewer things also mean less worrying. No more frequent checking of your bag and freaking out at the prospect of losing the $200 jacket. Simplicity.

Free Experiences Are Everywhere

Free museum days, national parks, do-it-yourself walking tours and ad-hoc street festivals are some of the highlights that don’t have to be paid for. Whether trekking in Patagonia or window shopping in a Moroccan bazaar with no specific destination, magic has often come from unforeseen, unscripted experiences.

Couchsurfing and Meetup apps can also be treasure troves for meeting down-to-earth people who are happy to take you out for sightseeing or bring you to social events. Be sensible and inform somebody of where you’re heading.

An increasing number of city tours are also operated on a “pay what you can” basis. These are typically conducted by enthusiastic residents who share insider information not found in your guidebook.

Embracing Chaos

Budget backpacking isn’t about pinching pennies for pennies’ sake. It’s about stripping back the high gloss of travel and rolling your sleeves up and getting dirty. It’s missing the last bus and chatting with new people on the platform while you wait for the next one. It’s sleeping on the beach in one of your hammocks because all the beds were gone. It’s loving the simplicity and creating memories out of micro moments.

It’s not money—it’s attitude. Given a bit of planning, an open heart and a willingness to laugh things off when life goes awry, it’s possible to travel farther than you ever dreamed. So slip on your dusty boots, trust strangers’ goodwill and get on the road. The world is out here—and it’s not as expensive as you think.