How I Travel the World on a Normal Budget Without Compromising Comfort

A few years ago, I made a promise to myself: I would visit every country in the world. Not for the sake of ticking boxes, but to truly experience the beauty, the chaos, the warmth, and the uniqueness of every culture. Sounds ambitious? It is. But here’s the twist—I’m not a millionaire, nor do I live an extravagant life. I earn an average income, I live comfortably, and I value both financial responsibility and the small luxuries that make life more enjoyable.

What I’ve learned on this journey is that traveling the world doesn’t have to mean living out of a backpack or sacrificing your love for a soft pillow and a good cup of coffee. In this article, I want to share with you the lessons I’ve learned—about internet challenges abroad, the magic of eSIMs, cultural surprises, and how I Travel Business Class.

The Reality of Internet Struggles Abroad

Let’s start with the not-so-glamorous part of travel: staying connected. I’ve had my fair share of landing in a country, opening my phone, and realizing—no signal, no Wi-Fi, no idea where I’m going. In some places, like Southeast Asia or parts of Africa, finding reliable internet can be frustrating, especially when you rely on Google Maps or want to update family and friends.

After a few stressful experiences, I discovered the magic of eSIMs. If you haven’t looked into this yet, it’s a game changer. Apps like Airalo or Nomad allow you to download a local data plan instantly, without having to find a store or struggle with language barriers. It works seamlessly in most countries, and it’s saved me more than once when trying to book a last-minute taxi or find my Airbnb in the middle of the night.

Culture Gaps Are Real – Embrace Them

One of the most beautiful parts of travel is also one of the most challenging: understanding cultures that are vastly different from your own.

I’ve had moments when I unknowingly broke unspoken social rules—like smiling too much in Eastern Europe (it can be seen as strange) or trying to haggle in Japan (a big no-no). But over time, I learned that these “mistakes” are part of the journey. The key is to stay curious, ask questions, and never assume your way is the “right” way.

A tip I always follow: learn a few words in the local language. Even just “hello,” “thank you,” and “goodbye” can change the way locals see you. It shows respect and breaks down walls quickly.

Budget Travel Doesn’t Mean Giving Up on Comfort

Here’s where I probably differ from a lot of budget travelers: I still choose business class flights when I can. Why? Because I value sleep, space, and starting my trip without neck pain. And surprisingly, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

I use flight comparison sites like Skyscanner and Google Flights, and I always check the “cheapest month” option. I also signed up for a few frequent flyer programs and travel credit cards that offer points—these have helped me upgrade flights for a fraction of the price.

When it comes to accommodation, I mix things up. Sometimes I’ll stay in a beautiful local guesthouse or a well-rated hostel with private rooms. Other times, I’ll splurge on a boutique hotel for a few nights to enjoy a spa or rooftop view. The trick is to balance—I don’t stay 10 nights in a 5-star hotel, but I do allow myself some comfort when I feel like I need it.

Smart Spending While Traveling

One of the best pieces of advice I can give: set a daily travel budget but leave room for spontaneity.

I usually set a daily limit (let’s say €50–70, depending on the country), and I track everything in an app like TravelSpend. This helps me stay mindful, but not obsessive. I’ll eat delicious street food for lunch and maybe go to a nice restaurant for dinner. I don’t say no to local experiences just because they’re “extra”—a sunset boat ride, a traditional massage, or even just a slice of cake at a cozy café.

Another tip: travel during shoulder seasons. You’ll avoid the crowds, save money, and still enjoy good weather in many places.

Making It All Work with a “Normal” Life

People often ask me, “How do you manage to travel so often?” The answer is simple: I plan ahead, I prioritize experiences over material things, and I make travel a non-negotiable part of my life.

Instead of buying a new phone every year, I save that money for TravelBusinessClass. Instead of eating out five times a week, I cook at home and put the savings toward my next adventure. I travel once a month—even if it’s a short weekend trip to a nearby country. Every journey adds up and brings me closer to my goal of seeing the world.