How to travel the world with almost no money | Tomislav Perko | TEDxTUHH


Traveling the world is a dream nurtured by many, but often, financial constraints seem to put a damper on these grand plans. However, according to Tomislav Perko, a seasoned traveler who shared his experiences in a TEDx talk at TUHH (Hamburg University of Technology), it is indeed possible to journey across the globe with little to no money. Here’s how you can embrace the art of traveling cheaply based on the insights from Perko’s adventures.

### Embrace Flexibility
One of Perko’s key messages is the importance of flexibility. When you’re not bound by strict schedules or destinations, you open up a world of cheap travel opportunities. Last-minute deals, off-season price drops, and unexpected invitations can lead to significant savings.

### Rethink Accommodations
Forget pricey hotels. Embrace alternative lodging options like hostels, couchsurfing, house sitting, or even volunteering in exchange for free room and board. Websites like Couchsurfing connect travelers with locals offering a free bed or couch, fostering a cultural exchange that enriches your travel experience.

### Utilize Hitchhiking and Ridesharing
Transportation can eat up a significant portion of your travel budget. To counter this, Perko suggests hitchhiking or using ridesharing platforms. Not only does this cut costs dramatically, but it also provides an opportunity to meet new people and share stories.

### Work on the Go
Working while traveling can help fund your journeys. Whether it’s freelancing online or picking up local odd jobs like bartending or teaching English, these opportunities can offer both financial support and deeper engagement with local communities.

### Travel Slowly
By slowing down your pace of travel, you save money that would otherwise be spent on frequent transportation costs between locations. Slow travel allows for deeper exploration of each destination and reduces overall expenses.

### Learn to Cook
Eating out can quickly become expensive. Learning to cook simple meals can save money and also adds an element of home comfort to your travels. Local markets offer fresh ingredients at lower prices than restaurants.

### Pack Light
Avoid costly luggage fees by packing light and only bringing essentials. This not only saves money but also makes traveling from one place to another easier and less stressful.

### Focus on Free Activities
Every destination has no-cost activities if you do some research beforehand. From hiking trails to free museum days and public events—there are numerous ways to enjoy without spending a penny.

### Be Open-Minded
Having an open mind opens doors. Be willing to explore less popular destinations which are often cheaper than tourist hotspots. Additionally, engaging with locals can lead directly to tips about affordable hidden treasures off the beaten path.

## Conclusion

Tomislav Perko’s approach in his TEDx talk “How to travel the world with almost no money” highlights that with creativity, courage, and resourcefulness, exploring the globe doesn’t have to drain your bank account. His experiences prove that barriers like financial constraints can indeed be overcome with the right mindset and strategies.