If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the world without breaking the bank, Alfie Watts is the guy you want to listen to.
The 22-year-old from St Albans became a household name after competing on Race Across the World last year, where he and his travel buddy, Owen Wood, embarked on an adventure from northern Japan to the Indonesian island of Lombok, all while sticking to a shoestring budget of just £1,100 each.
After winning the show and pocketing the £20,000 prize, Alfie’s been on a mission to backpack his way through every country, and so far, he’s crossed 78 of the 195 countries off his list—all while being mindful of his wallet.
Alfie’s Budget Travel Secrets for Exploring the World
In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, Alfie shared his best money-saving tips for fellow travelers looking to explore the globe without spending a fortune.
One of his biggest pieces of advice? Don’t rely on your debit or credit card when traveling outside of Europe.
“Exchange money before you leave home and always carry cash,” Alfie says.
“In the West, we’re used to paying with cards, but outside Europe, that’s not the case. ATMs abroad can really charge you hefty fees.”
The True Cost of Holidays: Look Beyond Flights and Accommodation
When it comes to booking holidays, Alfie recommends comparing the total cost of the trip rather than just the price of flights and accommodation.
He explains that sometimes, going long-haul can actually be more cost-effective.
For example, flights to Thailand may cost £600-700, while Spain might be cheaper at around £300, but the overall cost can be drastically different.
“Accommodation in Thailand can be as low as £20 a night for something luxurious, and you can get meals for just £2,” he says.
“Owen and I spent less on an entire week in Brazil than we did for a week in Majorca, even though our flights to Brazil were £750.”
Lessons Learned From Race Across the World
Reflecting on his time on Race Across the World, Alfie admits that he and Owen could have saved a lot of money if they had approached the trip differently.
“There were so many places where we could have cut costs,” he admits.
“We didn’t haggle enough at street markets, and we didn’t hitchhike as much as we should have.
We also stayed in some overpriced accommodations when we could have opted for more budget-friendly hostels or less comfortable options.
If we had sacrificed a little comfort, we could have saved a lot.”
Alfie’s Favorite Countries and Most Overrated Destination
As a seasoned traveler now, Alfie has a few favorite destinations that stand out.
“Jordan and Malaysia are two of my top choices,” he says.
“I took my Nan to Petra because it had been her dream to see it, and the whole trip was really special.
The people in Jordan are so friendly, and it’s just such a positive place to visit.”
For a more budget-friendly option, Alfie recommends Malaysia. “It’s like a cheap paradise,” he says.
But when it comes to his absolute favorite place, nothing beats Venezuela’s Angel Falls.
“They’re the tallest waterfall in the world, but they’re so off the grid, it’s a real challenge to get there,” he reveals. “But it’s absolutely worth it. It’s a place I’ll never forget.”
Alfie’s Approach to Travel: Embrace the Adventure
Alfie’s travel journey has been filled with learning experiences, and his budget-conscious approach has only grown stronger as he’s explored more of the world.
Whether it’s using cash to avoid high ATM fees or embracing the discomfort of budget travel, Alfie has become a true expert in making the most of every trip without blowing the budget.
And for anyone looking to follow in his footsteps, he has one final tip: “Traveling on a budget can be easy and fun if you embrace the adventure.”