If you want to travel the world and feel that the only thing stopping you is a lack of resources, there is hope for you. While it may seem as though you need thousands upon thousands of dollars to travel the world, that’s not the case. As long as you’re willing to be flexible, there are ways for you to travel to international cities without maxing out your budget.

Backpacking is a Great Way to Save

If you can pack light and don’t mind roughing it in a tent, there are many places where you can set up a camp for a few nights. This saves on the cost of renting a room in a standard hotel, which can run several hundred dollars in some places. However, you should keep an emergency fund handy, so you can rent a room on stormy nights.

Try Not to Rush the Journey

If you’re in a hurry to get to your destination, you should expect to pay more. However, if you’re willing to slow things down, you can take the time to see a few places and meet locals along the way. In one example, a first-class, high-speed train that goes from Beijing to Shanghai runs about $140 in U.S. currency, but the same route aboard a sleeper train only costs $45. If you’re willing to give up the luxury of first class, many modes of transportation offer similarly cheaper rates.

Skip the Restaurants

While one part of international travel that makes the journey worthwhile is sampling local cuisine, eating out for every meal can become very expensive. You can save a bundle by visiting an area supermarket and picking up things that can be prepared in your room. If your room features a kitchenette or a microwave, eating a home cooked meal most nights can save you quite a bit of money. Maybe limit restaurant dining to one or two nights.

Look for Free Activities

Another way to save on travel expenses is to skip the pricey tours, which can often be disappointing anyway. Instead, check the city’s tourism website for free area events, such as concerts, walking tours, and festivals. There are also plenty of apps that you can download to your phone, which will help in this regard. Talking to locals can point you towards free or cheap events that may not be largely advertised.

Look for Cheaper Accommodations

If camping out isn’t your cup of tea, you can still find cheaper accommodations that will allow you to travel at will. One of the best options is to look for hostels in your destination city and along your route. Renting a bed for the night costs only a fraction of the price you would pay for a standard hotel room. Airbnb is another option that helps people travel within their means. You can usually find accommodations to fit any budget, if you’re willing to sacrifice the creature comforts. After all, you really only need a bed.

Stop Taking Taxis Everywhere

Even an Uber can get pretty expensive, especially when you’re traveling to various points in a single day. Walking to nearby destinations may be more desirable, because it gives you a better look at the city and you may find places you’ll want to visit later. For distant destinations, try taking the subway or bus. These forms of public transportation are much cheaper and can usually get you close to your destination.

Doing a little research ahead of time can help you plot out a trip that will let you see all of the best attractions. It may require taking less luxurious accommodations and cheaper travel options, but those are often the options that offer the most colorful experiences. Traveling cheap can help you get away and see those sites that have been on your bucket list for years.