Kerala, India – January 2026
Being born and raised in Switzerland has its perks when it comes to travel. Europe is right on my doorstep, which means short distances, cheaper transport options, and endless destinations within reach. Weekend trips and short getaways are realistic, and thanks to the comparatively high salary, saving money is more achievable. Adding the freedom of movement with a Swiss passport, was how I was able to travel to lots of places within Europe from a young age. However, I know plenty of people with the same background who are still asking me the same question, saying that they themselves wouldn’t be able to do the same. A significant difference I see myself: When I settle down somewhere for work, I usually live quite simply.
I cook for myself instead of eating out, rely on public transport or my bike rather than owning a car, and I don’t spend much money on partying, drinking, or constantly buying new clothes. These choices might seem small, but over time they add up to serious savings. Housing plays a big role too. I’ve always lived in share houses, and I usually stayed at my parents’ place when I was back in Switzerland. Having lower rent gives me the freedom to put more money towards future trips. And honestly, travelling can be a lot cheaper than you might think. Given that my last jobs were in Japan, it was a little harder for me to save money than previously. I actually took on some part-time online jobs to earn a little extra. When I finally quit, I had enough to give myself a budget of ca. 100’000 JPY per month for the current trip.
When I’m on the road, I travel in ways that keep costs low without sacrificing the experience. I stay in dorms, do work exchanges, take night buses, and eat street food. It’s not about being cheap for the sake of it. It’s about choosing options that make travel sustainable for longer periods of time. Instead of paying for lots of museums and attractions, I love wandering around new cities, getting lost in neighborhoods, and observing daily life. I also prefer group experiences over guided tours or private drivers. They’re often more affordable and feel more social and spontaneous. Slower travel helps too. Constantly flying and hopping between countries gets expensive fast. Staying longer in one place saves money and lets me connect more deeply with where I am.
Another big factor is destination choice and timing. Travelling in Asia is generally far more affordable than Europe or Oceania, especially when it comes to food, accommodation, and transport. Another perk for me is that I now have an extensive network of friends and acquaintances around the globe. Visiting them not only means quality time together, but also saves me some money on accommodation. I avoid peak holiday seasons and overcrowded destinations whenever possible. Traveling in the off-season is cheaper, calmer, and often more enjoyable. At the end of the day, affording travel isn’t only about earning loads of money. It’s about how you choose to spend what you have. I prioritize experiences over possessions, flexibility over comfort, and time over luxury. Travel fits into my life because I’ve made space for it. And I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
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