Alfie Watts knows a thing or two about making the most out of a travel budget.

After starring in Race Across the World last year, where he and his travel companion Owen Wood had to navigate from northern Japan to Indonesia with only £1,100 each, Alfie has since become a seasoned backpacker.

Despite winning the £20,000 prize, his mission hasn’t ended—he’s on a journey to visit every country, with 78 already ticked off on his list, all while sticking to a shoestring budget.

In an exclusive chat with MailOnline, he shared his best money-saving tips and the valuable lessons he learned along the way.

1. Always Carry Cash, Not Just Cards

One of Alfie’s biggest pieces of advice is to avoid relying on debit or credit cards when traveling outside Europe.

“Exchange money before you leave home, and always carry cash,” he recommends.

“In many countries, especially outside of Europe, card payments aren’t as common, and ATMs can charge high fees.”

For Alfie, being prepared with cash can save you from unexpected charges and hassles, allowing you to enjoy your trip without worrying about finding an ATM that doesn’t overcharge.

2. Look Beyond the Price of Flights and Accommodation

When planning a trip, Alfie suggests considering the total cost of the holiday, not just the flight and accommodation prices.

“Long-haul destinations can sometimes work out cheaper than European ones,” he explains.

For instance, while flights to Thailand might cost £600-700, the accommodation can be as low as £20 per night for a luxury stay, and meals can cost as little as £2.

In contrast, peak season in Spain can quickly add up, even though flights might seem more affordable.

Alfie and Owen even found that their week in Brazil was cheaper than a week in Majorca, despite the higher cost of flights.

3. Haggling and Embracing Cheap Options

Reflecting on his time on Race Across the World, Alfie admits that there were several areas where he and Owen could have saved more money.

“I hate haggling, especially over small amounts,” he confesses.

“But in many places, haggling is essential to get the best price.

We could have saved a lot if we had embraced it more.”

Additionally, Alfie feels they could have made better use of budget accommodations like hostels and relied more on hitchhiking.

“We could have sacrificed comfort to save money, and in hindsight, it would have made the trip more affordable.”

4. Exploring His Favourite Destinations

After traveling to so many countries, Alfie has a few favorites that stand out. Jordan and Malaysia top his list.

“I took my Nan to Petra because it was her dream to see it, and that made the trip extra special. The people in Jordan are incredibly friendly too,” he says.

As for Malaysia, he describes it as a “cheap paradise” that offers a fantastic travel experience without breaking the bank.

However, his ultimate favorite destination is Venezuela’s Angel Falls, the tallest waterfall in the world, which he describes as “off the grid” and difficult to access, making it all the more rewarding to visit.

Alfie’s journey proves that budget travel is possible, even in some of the world’s most expensive destinations, as long as you’re willing to plan carefully and make some sacrifices along the way.