Hey there, Wanderlusters! Vick and Ellie here. After spending the last three years exploring everything from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene mountains of Georgia (the country, not the state!), we’ve learned a thing or two about making long-term travel work.
And guess what? It’s more doable than you might think! We’re excited to share our complete guide to help you turn those travel dreams into reality.
Plus, if you’re looking to travel the world in 2025 without breaking your bank, we’ve got you covered too!
What Is Long-Term Travel and Why It’s Different
When we first started planning our adventure, we thought travel was just… well, travel. But trust us, there’s a world of difference between your typical two-week vacation and settling into a place for three months or more. Long-term travel isn’t about rushing between tourist hotspots or ticking items off a bucket list – it’s about truly immersing yourself in new cultures and creating a sustainable lifestyle on the road.
The beauty of long-term travel lies in its flexibility. You can spend a month practicing your Spanish in Mexico City, then head to Medellín for a few months of remote work, all while spending less than you would back home. It’s about finding your rhythm and creating a life that balances exploration with routine.
How to Budget for Long-Term Travel
Let’s talk money – because that’s probably what’s keeping you up at night, right? Here’s the good news: long-term travel can actually be cheaper than living in many major cities. We’ve managed to live comfortably on $2,000-3,000 per month for both of us, and we’ve met plenty of travelers getting by on even less.
So, here’s our tried-and-true approach to budgeting:
Before You Go
- Build an emergency fund covering 3-6 months of expenses
- Pay off high-interest debt
- Set up a travel-friendly bank account (we love Charles Schwab for zero ATM fees worldwide)
- Start tracking your spending now to understand your habits
While Traveling
- Book monthly stays for significant discounts (we typically save 40-50% on Airbnb)
- Cook most meals at home, treating yourself to local restaurants a few times a week
- Use public transportation or walk when possible
- Join local expat groups for insider tips on deals and discounts
Top 5 Budget-Friendly Destinations for Long-Term Travel
And, after exploring countless cities, here are our top picks for affordable long-term stays:
1. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai perfectly balances tradition with modern comfort. Also, the city is home to over 300 temples, with Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang dating back to the 14th century.
Furthermore, what really sets Chiang Mai apart is its fantastic coffee culture – the city sits in Thailand’s primary coffee-growing region, and you’ll find exceptional cafes on almost every corner.
During November, don’t miss the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, where thousands of illuminated lanterns float into the night sky.
The surrounding area is dotted with ethical elephant sanctuaries, and the famous Sunday Walking Street market stretches for over a kilometer, which features everything from traditional handicrafts to street food delicacies.
- Monthly budget: $1,200-1,800 per person
- Highlights: Amazing food scene, strong digital nomad community, beautiful temples
- Best for: First-time long-term travelers, digital nomads, food lovers
2. Medellín, Colombia
Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its year-round perfect weather, Medellín has undergone an incredible transformation over the past two decades.
Besides its beauty, the city’s innovative public transportation system includes metro cables (gondolas) that connect hillside communities to the city center, earning it multiple urban planning awards. The Parque Arví, accessible by metro cable, offers 16,000 hectares of ecological reserve.
Each year in August, the city explodes with color during the Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival), where local farmers parade through the streets carrying intricate flower arrangements on their backs.
Also, the El Poblado district, popular among digital nomads, is home to some of South America’s most innovative restaurants and breweries.
- Monthly budget: $1,500-2,000 per person
- Highlights: Perfect weather, vibrant culture, modern infrastructure
- Best for: Spanish learners, remote workers, city lovers
3. Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi is where ancient meets avant-garde in the most fascinating way.
The city’s famous sulfur baths, domed buildings dating back to the 17th century, still offer traditional treatments in the Abanotubani district. And also, Georgia claims to be the birthplace of wine, with an 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition using qvevri (clay vessels buried underground).
The city’s architecture is a stunning mix of Byzantine, Persian, Art Nouveau, and Soviet influences. Don’t miss the chance to try khachapuri, especially the Adjarian variety – a boat-shaped bread filled with cheese, butter, and egg that’s essentially Georgia’s national dish.
The city’s location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia has created a unique fusion culture that’s evident in everything from its music to its cuisine.
- Monthly budget: $1,200-1,700 per person
- Highlights: Rich history, incredible wine, visa-free stays up to 1 year
- Best for: Culture enthusiasts, food and wine lovers, digital nomads
4. Porto, Portugal
Porto isn’t just about port wine (though that’s a fantastic bonus!). Also keep in mind that the historic Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets and colorful houses.
The Livraria Lello, rumored to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s depiction of Hogwarts, is often called the world’s most beautiful bookstore with its stunning neo-Gothic interior. Also, The Dom Luís I Bridge, designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel, offers breathtaking views of the Douro River.
Besides, Porto’s food scene is legendary – try the francesinha, a sandwich that makes a French dip look like diet food, loaded with meat, cheese, and a special tomato-beer sauce.
The city’s nearby beaches are a surfer’s paradise, and the Douro Valley, with its terraced vineyards, is just a short train ride away.
- Monthly budget: $2,000-2,500 per person
- Highlights: Beautiful architecture, excellent wine, European lifestyle
- Best for: Europe lovers on a budget, remote workers, photography enthusiasts
5. Bali, Indonesia (specifically Canggu or Ubud)
Canggu and Ubud offer two distinct flavors of Balinese life. Canggu, often called the “Brooklyn of Bali,” has transformed from rice paddies to a hip beachside community in just a decade.
Also, the area is famous for its black sand beaches, world-class surf spots, and some of the most Instagram-worthy cafes you’ll ever see.
Every sunset at Echo Beach brings together surfers, digital nomads, and locals for a beautiful daily ritual. Meanwhile, Ubud, Bali’s cultural heart, sits among terraced rice paddies and ancient temples. It’s home to the Sacred Monkey Forest, where over 700 macaques roam freely among Hindu temples.
The morning market is a sensory overload of tropical fruits and flowers, and the nearby village of Mas is renowned for its wood carving traditions. Both areas maintain strong ties to Balinese culture – you’ll regularly encounter ceremonies, offerings (called canang sari), and traditional dance performances.
- So, for monthly budget: $1,500-2,000 per person
- As for highlights: Beach lifestyle, spiritual culture, huge expat community
- And it is best for: Digital nomads, yoga enthusiasts, creative professionals
How to Earn On Your Long-Term Travel
Gone are the days when long-term travel meant burning through savings. And you know we’ve tried various ways to keep our travel fund healthy:
Remote Work Opportunities
- Freelance writing and editing
- Also Virtual assistance
- Online teaching (English is particularly in demand)
- Digital marketing
- And also don’t forget Web development
Digital Nomad Visas
More countries are offering special visas for remote workers. Besides, here are our favorites which include:
- Portugal’s D7 visa
- Estonia’s digital nomad visa
- Mexico’s temporary resident visa
- Georgia’s Remotely from Georgia program
Packing for Long-Term Travel: What You Really Need
So, after lugging around too much stuff for our first few months, we’ve become masters of minimalist packing. Here’s what actually matters:
Essential Items
- 4-5 versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched
- Good walking shoes and flip-flops
- Also a laptop and necessary tech gear
- Basic first-aid kit
- Universal power adapter
- Quick-dry towel
Pro Tip
Remember, you can buy most things locally. We’ve learned that less is definitely more when it comes to long-term travel.
What Are the Challenges of Long-Term Travel?
Let’s keep it real – long-term travel isn’t all sunset photos and beach days. So, here are some challenges we’ve faced and how we’ve dealt with them:
Homesickness
- Schedule regular video calls with family and friends
- Create routines that remind you of home
- Join expat communities in your destination
Work-Life Balance
- Set clear working hours
- Create a dedicated workspace in each location
- Take regular digital detoxes
Relationship Strain
Furthermore, for couples traveling together (like us!):
- Schedule regular date nights
- Maintain individual interests and activities
- Communicate openly about needs and concerns
Top Do’s and Don’ts for Long-Term Travel
Do’s
- Research visa requirements thoroughly
- Always get travel insurance that covers long-term stays
- Besides the basic phrases, try learn some fun or useful ones too
- Remember, stay flexible with your plans
- Also, build a routine in each new place
Don’ts
- So, don’t book everything in advance
- Please don’t ignore your health (physical or mental)
- Also never skip travel insurance to save money
- It’s a mistake to isolate yourself from locals
- And to round it out, don’t try to maintain the same lifestyle as home
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does long-term travel typically cost per month?
A: For a couple, we’ve found $2,000-4,000 per month allows for a comfortable lifestyle in most affordable destinations. Besides that, solo travelers can often get by on $1,200-2,500 per month, depending on the location and lifestyle choices.
Q: Is it safe to travel long-term solo or as a couple?
A: Absolutely! The key is research, common sense, and building connections in each destination. Furthermore, join local expat groups, stay aware of your surroundings, and trust your instincts.
Q: What’s the best way to find long-term accommodations?
A: Besides getting in touch with locals, we’ve had the most success with:
- Airbnb monthly stays (with negotiated rates)
- Also Local Facebook groups
- Real estate agents in expat-friendly areas as well as
- Furthermore, nothing beats word of mouth from other travelers
Your Long-Term Travel Adventure Awaits!
So, please remember, long-term travel isn’t just for trust fund babies or social media influencers – it’s for anyone willing to take the leap and adapt to a different way of living. We went from dreaming about travel to making it our lifestyle, and you can too!
Safe travels! Love, Vick & Ellie