In this episode of Recipe to the Road, I had the pleasure of interviewing Emma, a world traveller who has mastered the art of exploring the world on a budget. She shares her experiences and insights on how to travel affordably without compromising on adventure. From her van life journey through British Columbia and Alberta in Canada to her extensive trips across Asia, Africa and Central America, Emma's stories are both inspiring and practical.

Emma's experiences living in a van and exploring various parts of the world while keeping expenses in check demonstrate that with careful planning, resourcefulness, and a bit of adventure, anyone can embark on their dream travels without breaking the bank.

Emma's travels

Emma embarked on an incredible eight-month journey through the picturesque landscapes of British Columbia and Alberta, all while living in a van. She chose to stay in national parks, often opting for the solitude of camping on her own rather than paid campsites. She set up away from civilization, allowing her to fully immerse herself in nature and enjoy numerous hikes each day. Although not initially the fittest person, Emma gradually built up her stamina, hiking miles and miles every day.

Emma's budget

8 months van life in Canada:

$125 CAD per month insurance

$1,200 CAD for the van → sold it for a profit after

$50 CAD for the national park pass

Gas 400 km → $100 CAD

14 months travelling Canada in a van and backpacking Central America- £12,000

16 months backpacking in Asia and Africa- £10,000

Safety and travelling as a woman

When it comes to safety, Emma doesn't worry much, as she trusts her gut instincts and has a lot of experience travelling. She knows what to look out for and believes that people are mainly kind and generous. In fact, she has encountered numerous instances where locals went out of their way to help her. When Emma’s van broke down in Canada, people not only fixed the van but also brought her back to their house for a shower and dinner.

Emma acknowledges that incidents can happen, especially as a woman travelling alone. She has encountered a small number of incidents where men attempted to kiss or touch her inappropriately. However, Emma has always been firm and assertive, standing up for herself when necessary. She even resorted to headbutting someone who tried to kiss her and punched another person who crossed the line by attempting to remove her shorts while she was on the beach. She emphasises the importance of setting boundaries and being prepared to defend oneself if needed.

Tips for Travelling on a Budget

Emma shares some valuable tips for travelling on a budget, which have helped her stretch her funds and make the most of her adventures. These tips include hitchhiking to save money on transportation, asking locals for their cheapest recommendations on accommodations and activities, avoiding expensive bars and restaurants in favour of local and affordable spots and engaging with locals who often offer to show her around for free or at a lower cost than professional tour guides. Emma also uses Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights, allowing her to maximise her travel experiences within her budget.

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