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Traveling as a Couple: 15 Vital Tips!

July 3, 2019 By Hangry Backpacker 8 Comments

Couples traveling together have their work cut out for them. Traveling with a significant other is a challenge for most, and it’s certainly nothing like a cheesy rom-com.

I know. I’ve traveled solo for months, and I’ve also traveled for several months with my girlfriend. Neither is easy, but there are additional challenges faced when traveling with someone else.

The relationships of backpacking and long-term traveling couples rarely survive the trip. Check out Solo Travel Vs. Travel with a Girlfriend for more on the differences of solo travel versus traveling as a couple.

Traveling as a couple requires work. Correction: happy traveling as a couple requires work. Here are 15 tips to help couples traveling together enjoy the experience and avoid frustrations with their significant other:

1. Be Patient

Exercising patience is an important part of any relationship. When traveling, it is paramount for a couple to remain patient. In order to continue having fun and enjoy the destinations, patience goes a long way in keeping moods even and avoiding conflict.

2. Be Nice

Don’t misplace blame. If something goes wrong – when something goes wrong – don’t be a jerk. It’s pretty simple.

We should all try to be nice to one another. Hopefully, couples are nice to each other already, but in the daily frustrations that come with travel, it can be easy to quickly blame someone else for misfortunes or missteps. Cooler heads prevail, and couples that are nicer to each other will travel happily.

3. Be Honest

Honesty is the best policy. Well, honestly, after having that maxim drilled into my head from a young age, I think that’s a load of crap. Brutal honesty just leads to arguments and hurt feelings. Anyway, to keep the peace on the road, be honest with your travel partner.

Don’t be agreeable to everything. Worrying about keeping your significant other happy all the time, while disregarding your own preferences and desires, will only lead to resentment. Speak up. If you’re not enjoying a place or need to slow down, say something! It’s better to vocalize opinions sooner. Bottling up feelings is likely to lead to a massive argument. The bad part about couples arguing while traveling is the distraction from the adventure.

Honest couples will avoid future conflict and travel happier.

4. Spend Time Apart

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right? If that’s not the case, how about this: take some time apart from your significant other when traveling, so you don’t get sick of each other.

Even if it’s only a few hours one day a week, spending time alone is important for couples traveling together. Most people don’t have identical interests. Couples should take care to recognize their differences while traveling and make a habit of regularly spending time apart.

On beaches, I like to float in the water or chill beneath an umbrella. My girlfriend will spend hours scouring the shore for rocks and seashells. On days I need to be productive, I’ll find a bar or a coffee shop to work while she’s shopping, watching Netflix or doing who-knows-what. These times apart are what keep us together.

5. Know the Travel Situation

Clarify the travel situation beforehand. Are you traveling as a couple in an equal partnership? Is one person the leader?

It’s important for couples to understand how major travel decisions will be made before setting off for months on the road together. An inexperienced traveler should not take charge over everything in the name of equality.

Relationships should be partnerships, with certain levels of give-and-take. When thousands of miles from home in an unknown land, it’s not all about ensuring each person feels valued in decision-making. If couples are equally experienced and knowledgeable about the destination, that’s a wonderful advantage!

When one person is a little green to backpacking or long-term travel, it’s okay to follow another’s lead. Skills can be honed over time. The primary focus is always smart and safe travel.

6. Talk It Out

Relationships go through rough spells. Couples backpacking or traveling long-term experience the same difficulties.

When relationship problems arise on the road, it doesn’t matter how much time is spent apart. Unresolved issues will fester into something worse. If travel is taking its toll on the relationship, or the arrangement is not working out, talk it out or slow down before the situation worsens. Assuming you want to salvage a relationship, talking it out as soon as possible is the best course of action when traveling.

The worst part about relationship problems on the road is that they get in the way of traveling. Don’t let frustrations with a significant other get in the way of exploring the world and happy travel.

7. Do Couple-y Activities

Being thousands of miles from home does not absolve couples from relationship duties. Treat your girlfriend/boyfriend/spouse like they are just that and the trip will go smoother.

Making time for date nights and coupley activities with your travel partner is a great way to maintain a certain level of happiness on the road. Lack of familiarity with a destination is not an excuse. Bike rides, walks in the park or going to see a movie can be fun activities almost anywhere in the world.

I’d rather go to a museum than an amusement park, but it didn’t stop me from getting on a rickety, questionably-safe ferris wheel in Armenia. Did I enjoy it? No, not really. The rusty ride from Soviet times terrified me, but I would do it again.

8. Chip in on the Bill/Decisions

This one is easy. Even if your significant other is financing the travels, make a point to contribute every now and again. Pay for drinks, dinner or admission to an attraction. If you’re lucky enough to get a free ride, make the effort to pitch in on occasion. The gesture is appreciated.

If major travel plans are made by your significant other, contribute to lesser decisions to ease the burden of responsibility. Research the destination and find an activity or restaurant to try. Easing the responsibility of little things helps couples maintain a happy state of travel.

9. Make Friends

Making friends while traveling is more difficult for couples. Backpackers and other solo travelers are often reluctant to approach couples. Traveling couples are less inclined to leave their comfort zone and strike up conversations with strangers, but making friends abroad is just as important as it is at home.

Finding new friends abroad adds a little excitement to the journey. Going out for dinner with others will be more than another meal. New conversations and ideas make daily travel experiences more lively.

Be cautious of meeting an oddly friendly couple. They just might mistake friendship for promiscuity, pull out a bag of blow and invite you to an orgy. Because that actually happened to my girlfriend and me in Asia.

Backpackers are a friendly bunch, and most are not presumptuous groupies. For a better travel experience for couples, find some normal people and make new friends.

10. Be Patient

Yes, again. It’s that important. There is no more important tip for couples traveling together than to be patient, even when it’s hard.

There is no point in being flustered over having to wait for your travel partner. The only result will be further annoyance and an irritated travel partner. And there is no reason to constantly be in a rush when traveling. Timeliness is a valuable trait to have, but the best travel is slow and appreciates the little things.

The way I avoid growing impatient is through timing. I don’t rush to get ready and leave when I know I’ll have to wait. Instead, I time it so we’re both ready about the same time. When time is more important – for instance, when catching a plane or a bus – and we need to leave at 10:00 AM, I say we need to leave at 9:30.

My methods may be misleading, but conflict, annoyance and frustrations are avoided. I also hope my girlfriend doesn’t read this and catch on to my scheme.

11. Be Spontaneous

Sticking to a strict schedule is a great way to make travel boring and uninspiring. For couples, wandering aimlessly is a fun opportunity to explore a destination.

As a solo traveler, I often pick a direction and go. When traveling with a significant other, wandering new cities is a lot more fun. I often overlook sights that draw the attention of my girlfriend. Wandering with her, I’m led to areas that I would otherwise likely miss.

When it comes to sharing unique experiences, structured travel leaves little time for spontaneity and imagination. Freely-traveling backpackers and long-term traveling couples will see more of their destinations. With two heads and less structure, they are likely to let spontaneity take hold and have the most memorable adventures.

12. Make Sacrifices

One of the best things about traveling as a couple is that my girlfriend is much smaller than I am. As a large human (six-foot-three and about 250 pounds), this is a welcome benefit. She is gracious enough to let me encroach into her space on buses and planes. In places like Southeast Asia where transportation is rarely comfortable, her generosity speaks volumes.

dirty marshrutka in Yerevan Armenia — *Marshrutka*

I’m not all selfish, though. I have spent many hours sitting on a toddler-sized stool in the aisle of a jam-packed marshrutka (minibus in former Soviet countries), letting her have the seat. And I oblige her desires for shopping and cheeseburgers, as well.

Making sacrifices is crucial for couples to travel harmoniously. Travel, especially backpacking and long-term travel, is not a comfortable affair. Partaking in activities that are of no interest, ceding unused space on planes and eating what your travel partner wants are part of happy travel for couples.

13. Choose Mutually-Appealing Destinations

Expanding on making sacrifices, mutually appealing destinations are important for couples traveling together. Letting your significant other choose the next travel stop is also a good idea.

Long-term travelers and backpackers often set off without strict plans, and couples may not always agree on the next destination. Letting your travel partner pick destinations, or choosing a destination that is mutually appealing, is a good way to keep both parties happy.

14. Pack Appropriately

One foolproof method to piss off your travel partner is to pack like an idiot. Healthy and able backpackers are responsible for carrying their own stuff. Don’t pack more than you can practically handle.

Proper packing is packing light and smart. Practical packing will allow for more comfortable travel and less worrying. All backpackers have their own baggage to haul, and it is not their responsibility to pick up the extra weight of a travel partner. Happy traveling as a couple – and avoiding undue strife – begins with smart packing.

15. Have Fun!

The most important part of traveling is to have fun. With all of the challenges and distractions that accompany traveling with a significant other, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. Couples travel together to see and explore something new with someone special. Don’t let daily frustrations or petty differences hinder a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

If the days of travel grow long and mundane, remember the reason you travel. Find something fun to reignite the wanderlust. Couples have the benefit of traveling with someone else to help keep them motivated and positive. Travel comes with difficulties and challenges, but they are temporary and manageable. Never forget to have fun!

Why I Stay in Hostels

January 20, 2020 By Hangry Backpacker Leave a Comment

This is Why I Stay in Hostels

The reason why I stay in hostels is constantly reaffirmed. On a recent trip to Morocco, Spain and Portugal, it was moving day – that is, a travel day from one place to the next. These are some of my favorite days. I am usually found with my neck craned, staring out the window of whatever method of transport, trying to take in as much as possible of the passing world.

bus window view Extramaduro Spain — *window seat view*

This particular day was an exceptionally tedious day of travel. Starting in Morocco, my initial estimates were that I would be traveling for 8-10 hours before reaching my next destination, a city in southern Spain. [Read more…] about Why I Stay in Hostels

Essaouira Beach Hostel – Morocco’s Best

February 28, 2020 By Hangry Backpacker Leave a Comment

Essaouira, Morocco is a popular getaway on the Atlantic coast of the North African nation. Most of the tourists who visit the beach town stay in one of the many large, expensive hotels right along the promenade.

Other tourists visiting Essaouira stay at one of the many smaller riads, family-run guesthouses, in the medina of the old city. As far as hostels in Essaouira go, there aren’t many great options.

But there is one hostel of note. And it’s one of the best hostels in which I have ever stayed. Out of the countless hostels where I’ve spent time, in dozens of countries, Essaouira Beach Hostel is easily among the top. Here’s why you should stay at Essaouira Beach Hostel in Morocco: [Read more…] about Essaouira Beach Hostel – Morocco’s Best

Hangry Backpacker Travel Gear

August 6, 2020 By Hangry Backpacker Leave a Comment

My backpacking gear changes almost every time I travel, and it’s a constant learning experience figuring out what to pack and what not to pack.

This post contains affiliate links. We may receive a small commission from any purchases through these links – at no extra cost to you. The Hangry Backpacker is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn commissions by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

There are so many factors that go into packing, such as where, time of year, local customs, what I’ll be doing and so on. But with each trip, I learn a little more and pack a little better and a little smarter. This is my current list of travel gear for my backpacking travels.

Basic Travel Gear for Backpacking

Essential Electronics for Hangry Backpacker Travels

Essential Backpacker Clothing

For most travelers, packing is an acquired skill. Learning what works and what doesn’t work for you is part of the travel experience.

When it comes to travel, what to pack and what NOT to pack is an endless discussion. Every traveler has different needs and preferences regarding what is necessary to pack. Some items that travelers pack are obviously unnecessary. Other popular packing pieces and travel gear are not so blatantly expendable or easy to leave at home.

What to pack for travel depends on a variety of factors including: the length of the trip; where you’re traveling; whether you’re traveling solo or with others; what you need to be mentally (and physically) comfortable; necessary personal items; and many more.

Through multiple backpacking trips on multiple continents, I’ve learned what works for me. I pack fairly light and efficiently when I travel, but I also manage to leave space for a few creature comforts.

Travel packing is truly an endless learning experience, though. Even after backpacking around the world, packing and unpacking so much I couldn’t begin to count how many times, I wonder how I manage to always forget something. And I still find myself spending time searching for a missing sock, charger or hat.

Hangry Backpacker searching for missing travel gear — *searching for that missing sock…*

Packing the right travel gear is one of the most important parts of travel. Deciding what to pack and what not to pack is important for every traveler. Whether you’re backpacking for months or going on vacation, packing right (and packing light) can have a great impact on travel.

To better understand why I pack certain travel gear, and for a little more insight on items not on this page, check out the Hangry Backpacker’s three-part packing series, Pack Light, Pack Right.

Complete Guide for Solo Travel in Madrid

August 15, 2020 By Hangry Backpacker Leave a Comment

Madrid, Spain is an excellent candidate for solo travel. The vibrant city attracts millions of tourists each year, and it’s position as the Capital of Spain elicits a cosmopolitan vibe throughout the city. The popularity of Madrid does not mean it should be discounted as a destination for solo travel.

Whether you’re in Madrid as a budget backpacker or with a little more spare change in your pocket, visiting as a solo traveler is a fantastic way to spend time in the city. There is a reason to visit Spain’s capital for every traveler. This guide will help in your preparations and expectations for visiting Madrid:

Tourist Highlights

Madrid’s position as a national capital is an obvious tourist attraction. The location of Madrid in the center of Spain is an added travel bonus. It is essentially at the geographic crossroads of Spain, and this has positioned Madrid as an ideal place to start a solo travel journey into the culture and action of the country.

For any traveler, be that a solo backpacker or someone in town for a short travel stay, there are a few highlights of Madrid that cannot be missed on a first visit. These are some of the main tourist attractions in Madrid:

Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid is an imposing sight and the official residence of the King of Spain. Although the Spanish Royal Family wields virtually no power or authority – they seem to be shrouded in scandal more often than politics – it still exists. For whatever reason, Spain still has a king.

Without getting into the politics of it – if you’re not a Spanish citizen, does it really matter? – the Royal Palace of Madrid is a great place to visit at the right time. Portions of the palace are open to visitors throughout the year (with holiday and other exceptions).

Unfortunately, admission costs €13. There is a free admission period each day for EU citizens and citizens of certain Latin American countries. For the rest of us, don’t expect a discount.

The Royal Palace is spectacular, but the admission price isn’t really in line with a solo travel backpacker budget in Madrid. Photography is also not allowed inside. Take the time to see the exterior of the palace, and wander the surrounding grounds. Skip the entrance fees and the crowds.

Prado Museum

The Prado is the most famous museum in Spain and one of the most well-known art museums in the entire world. Famous artists represented include Goya, Raphael, Titian, El Greco, Rembrandt and many more. The Prado is home to some of the world’s most famous works of art and the world’s largest collection of Spanish art.

If you’re even slightly interested in art or museums, the Prado is a must-see for a first timer in Madrid. The benefit of visiting the Prado for solo travel in Madrid is seeking out the art that interests you and going at your own pace. To state the obvious, art museums don’t appeal to everyone. A solo traveler can freely spend an hour or half a day in the Prado.

The only downside to visiting the Prado is the no photography rule. While it makes sense with flash, it puzzles me that some art museums allow non-flash photography and others fiercely prohibit snapping pictures of any kind.

Visiting the Prado is a good deal. Admission is only €7.50, and entrance is free from 6-8 PM, Monday-Saturday and 3-5 PM on Sundays. My advice is to arrive at least an hour before the free period begins. The crowds and lines are quite large.

Travelers with an especially keen interest in art will love the area around the Prado. There are two other art museums, the Thyssen and the Reina Sofia, nearby. These galleries contain art that is not featured in the Prado, such as modern and contemporary art, as well as art from other historical periods.

The Prado (and other nearby art museums) is on nearly every Madrid travel guide for a reason. It is a terrific display of Spanish history and culture at a reasonable price.

Other Notable Museums in Madrid

Madrid’s status as a large city, an old city and national capital means there is a lot of culture and history in a single area. For travelers and tourists wanting to explore a little deeper into that culture, here are some other good museums in Madrid:

National Archaeological Museum – prehistoric, ancient, medieval and Moorish history in Spain
Museum of the Americas – great museum for insight into Spain’s once-illustrious empire
Naval Museum – Spain once had the greatest navy in the world
Madrid History Museum – local history galore
Museum of the Royal Mint – for coin lovers and fellow numismatists, this place is a must!
Dozens more including museums of tapestries, anatomy, rocks, transportation and so on

Almudena Cathedral

Almudena Cathedral, officially Santa María la Real de La Almudena, is the center of Catholicism in Madrid. As a heavily Catholic city in a largely Catholic nation, that’s a significant distinction for a church.

Visiting Almudena Cathedral doesn’t have to be a pilgrimage, and it’s not as incredible as Seville Cathedral. It’s just a large, pretty church that holds an important cultural position in the city. The cathedral is also conveniently located directly across the small Armeria Plaza from the Royal Palace.

Almudena Cathedral is big and beautiful, the kind of church that is popular for a reason. The best part of this church is that admission is free – like visits to all religious sites should be.

Puerta del Sol

All tourists in Madrid will eventually find themselves standing in Puerta del Sol. The de facto center of Madrid, Puerta del Sol is where all roads in the city meet. The large plaza is teeming with people, shops and street performers.

To be frank, the area around Puerta del Sol isn’t that interesting. If the plaza was empty, it would be a cool sight. As it is, Puerta del Sol is incredibly crowded. This is great for people watching, but travelers need to mind their pockets and bags around here.

If you’re into shopping at the same stores (or very similar ones) that are found in every big city in the world, this is the place to go in Spain. And if you need to purchase a silly souvenir, this is the area.

There’s also the famous bear statue – The Bear and the Strawberry Tree – where tourists congregate waiting to take a picture. It’s a fun statue with a little bear craning up to the top of a little tree, but apparently it is representative of Madrid. The statue has definitely become a symbol of the city.

Puerta del Sol is one of those places you have to see on a first trip to Madrid. It’s on all the travel guides, and it’s certainly a “thing to do” in Madrid. It’s a lot like Times Square in New York City – it’s a center of tourism with shops of overpriced crap and an absurd amount of people. Puerta del Sol is only useful for people watching and ticking something off a list.

I enjoy getting away from dense crowds when I travel solo, and that’s generally easy to do in Madrid. Puerta del Sol is one exception. It’s a place you kind of have to see at least once, but that’s probably enough. See it, use it as a reference point to get around and then explore the rest of the city.

Plaza Mayor

Where Puerta del Sol is the center of Madrid, nearby Plaza Mayor is the historic main square. Plaza Mayor is equally as touristy, but it is a much more attractive scene. The buildings appear older and are certainly more photogenic.

Plaza Mayor is attracts crowds. Despite being smaller than Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor isn’t usually as busy. The square isn’t as open, and it’s also free of public transit stops.

Plaza Mayor has a few restaurants with outdoor seating into the square. These are almost certainly going to have a tourist element about them, including tourist prices, but the location is hard to beat. If you’re going to splurge for one touristy meal in Madrid, this is a good spot.

Live Sports

Controversy aside, bullfighting is popular in Spain. It is often seen as an artform and has deep cultural ties to the country. Madrid is home to the largest bullfighting ring in Spain, Las Ventas. The stadium is located in Salamanca, with the season running from March-October and the peak in late Spring.

Attending a bullfight may not be for everyone. Let’s just say that the bull rarely wins and doesn’t live to fight again. If you’re up for it and in Madrid during the season, there are few activities to experience local culture better than attending a bullfight.

Far more popular and world-renowned than bullfighting is soccer. Or futbol, football, whatever you want to call it. Madrid is home to one of the world’s best, biggest, and wealthiest soccer clubs, Real Madrid. Atletico Madrid is the second best team in town, and both clubs play in enormous stadiums.

Madrid has other teams, too, including two other clubs playing in Spain’s top soccer league. In other words, soccer in Madrid is a really big deal.

If you can get tickets to a Real Madrid game – well, if you can afford them – this would surely be an incredible experience. Atletico tickets are also going to be expensive and in high demand, though slightly more attainable.

Even if you can’t make it to watch one of the famous teams, catching a game for one of the smaller teams will be an exciting affair. Soccer in Spain is serious business, and the atmosphere at the games is exciting. Even if you’re not a soccer fan, casual sports fans will thoroughly enjoy this opportunity.

Parks & Green Spaces in Madrid

Madrid has a fair amount of parks. If you count public gardens and other (calm and quiet) public spaces, there are a lot. But there are two parks worth checking out for tourists in Madrid.

Casa de Campo

The largest park in Madrid is Casa de Campo. The enormous park, located near the Royal Palace, was originally on royal land, but today it is open to the public. The park is predominantly green and natural, but it is dotted with historical landmarks, points of interest and even an amusement park.

Casa de Campo is the perfect area to get away from the city without actually leaving the city. Solo travel in Madrid may be overwhelming for some, and others may just want to escape the constant grind of big city traffic and crowds.

Casa de Campo is made for wandering. Pack a helping of jamón, bread, cheese and a cold Mahou, and it’s a great area to spend half a day. At over 4000 acres, it is full of trails and quiet spaces. Casa de Campo is the ideal retreat in Madrid for nature, hiking and a decent view of the city.

El Retiro

The prettiest park in Madrid is El Retiro. This park, located in Salamanca, is more organized and planned than Casa de Campo. The lake in the middle is popular for paddle boats, street vendors selling cheap (probably counterfeit) goods and just hanging out.

Although it’s not as “untouched” as it’s larger counterpart, El Retiro is an equally pleasant escape from the city. The paths are perfect for an easy walk. It’s quiet. And the design of the park is attractive, too.

Best Neighborhoods for Solo Travel Wanderings in Madrid

Centro is the oldest district in Madrid. As the name clearly implies, it is also the central district in the city. This is where visitors will find most of the major tourist attractions in Madrid, such as the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor.

Aside from the obvious highlights of Centro, the district is also home to some of the coolest neighborhoods (wards) in Madrid. The Cortes and Embajadores neighborhoods are especially interesting.

This is the area made for solo travel in Madrid. It’s apt for aimless wandering, and the narrow streets are lined with interesting shops and hundreds of tempting places to pop in for a drink or a bite to eat.

The age of this part of the city is apparent in the architecture. Most of Madrid has older buildings, but a lot of the city looks fairly new or recently renovated. The small side streets of Centro is the area to find slightly older buildings lining stone streets that were never intended for cars. It’s definitely the prettiest part of the city and the best area to get a distinctly Madrid feeling when walking around.

For solo travelers who want to get a real feel for Madrid and find a less touristy part of the city, there are plenty of options. Madrid is a huge city by population and area. There are several neighborhoods to walk around aside from Centro, though it is the most conveniently located and most photogenic. Each district and neighborhood is unique from the next.

I especially enjoyed walking around Salamanca, which is an upscale district to the east of Centro. Salamanca is nicer and more expensive, but that is mostly for people living in Madrid. It still has its fair share of cheap food, and the whole area is a pleasant place to take a stroll.

Solo travel in Madrid would not be complete without checking out areas less frequented by tourists. During my three visits to Madrid, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring more of the city. In addition to Centro, I recommend checking out Retiro, Prosperidad, Salamanca and Charmartin to see another side of Madrid.

Madrid is much more than Centro and much more than these few districts. Solo travelers who like to get away from the crowds and tourist attractions will find Madrid an ideal place to wander.

Eating & Drinking in Madrid

The best activity for tourists – be that backpackers, families, couples or solo travel in Madrid – is eating. Food in Madrid is excellent. Eating in the city offers a wonderful blend of cuisine from around Spain. There are also a lot of international options thanks to Madrid’s size and international status.

Solo travel foodies in Madrid don’t have to worry about the city lacking authentic local eats. Madrid also has plenty of local specialties, and pretty much everything is exceptional.

For first-timers in Madrid, there are a few important things to note: This is not the part of Spain where tapas are free and famous, and this is not the paella capital of Spain, either. Lastly, jamón is everything. Eat it. Those are the main points.

For a thorough breakdown of costs, eating cheap, local dishes, drinking the good stuff and a lot more, read the Hangry Backpacker’s Guide to Eating & Drinking in Madrid.

The Best Time to Visit Madrid for Solo Travel

Summer is the most popular time to visit Madrid. This is when the bulk of visitors, tourists of all types, show up en masse. Summer is ideal for the traveler who wishes to travel Spain in the sunshine and include a beach visit or two.

Winter can be more challenging in Spain. It’s not like Winter in Siberia, but mountainous areas are snowy. Winter in Spain also sees popular attractions alter hours and even some smaller tourist businesses shut down for the season.

For independent travelers and solo travel in Madrid, the best time to visit is Spring or Fall. The weather in the city ranges from cool to warm and is pleasant overall. The low season has yet to inconveniently alter operating hours, but the numbers of tourists are significantly lower than the peak season.

Mid-Spring or early Fall is ideal for solo travelers who still want some sunshine and possibly a bit of beach time. It would be wise to expect rainy days and plan accordingly, though. The nice days are made even better by smaller crowds, especially in Fall. The weather in late Fall is inconsistent and unreliable, but the crowds are significantly smaller.

Spain’s climate varies a lot considering the relatively small geographical area. For instance, Summer in the north is pleasant and even cool at night. On the other hand, Summer in Seville is notoriously hot. Madrid is warm during the summertime, occasionally very hot.

For the most part, Madrid is a fairly temperate city. It’s never Bangkok hot or Moscow cold. Solo travel is easiest when there are fewer tourists, and this is the main factor for deciding when to visit Madrid.

How Long Should You Stay in Madrid?

Madrid is a really cool city, but how long is long enough?

Madrid is big, and it’s a national capital. And it’s old. All of these things mean there’s a lot to do. In fact, there is as much to do in Madrid as you want to, so it just depends where your interests lie.

History & Culture Enthusiasts

For travelers interested in history and culture, you could easily spend weeks in Madrid. There are enough museums, galleries, ruins and historical sites to occupy your time for quite a while.

Outdoorsy Travelers in Madrid

Travelers interested in nature and outdoor activities won’t find much need to stay in Madrid for long. It’s a big city, pretty much a concrete jungle, so any sort of hiking, trekking or other outdoor fun will require nature-loving travelers to go elsewhere.

Foodies in Madrid

Food-focused and hungry travelers will love Madrid. There are thousands of bars and restaurants, and the gastronomic scene in Madrid is absolutely top notch. A few days is adequate to get a thorough sampling of cuisine in Madrid. A week of eating in Madrid would be an awesome, thorough way to taste the city. You’ll probably get fat, though, so maybe do some walking.

Solo Travelers in Madrid

Madrid is an excellent choice for solo travel or those who want to escape tourist traps. Yes, there are a lot of tourist attractions (and tourists, at times) in Madrid, but the city is large enough that solo travelers in need of an authentic detour can easily get lost.

There are also several great day trips from Madrid that are ideal for solo travel, such as Segovia and El Escorial. A week is long enough to stay in Madrid if you plan to use the city as a base for day trips, otherwise 3-4 days is enough to see the sights and do some wandering.

Ultimately, how long you should stay in Madrid depends where your travel interests lie. A couple of days is not enough, but a week is probably pushing it for most people. Somewhere right in the middle, about 3-4 days, will be the optimal length of stay in Madrid for most travelers.

Transportation in Madrid for Tourists

Transportation in Madrid is easy and efficient. The city is largely walkable, and there aren’t that many steep hills. Public transportation within the city is easy to use and reasonably priced. Transportation to nearby cities, destinations farther away in Spain and international destinations are also pretty easy to reach from Madrid.

For a full, thorough breakdown of getting around Madrid, including airport transfers, bus/subway prices and more, read the Hangry Backpacker’s Guide to Transportation in Madrid for Tourists.

Is Madrid Safe for Solo Travel?

This is a surprising question that comes up a lot before and after my trips. People are always curious about safety abroad, as if I was heading off to trek through cartel territory or an active warzone.

I guess it’s a reasonable question if it keeps coming up. So is Madrid a safe place to travel solo?

To my American friends, Madrid is far, far safer than most of our big cities. Hell, most of the world is statistically safer than Chicago, New Orleans, St. Louis, Detroit, D.C, Baltimore – should I continue? No, that’s depressing. While tourists aren’t at danger of being hacked away in American cities, rest assured knowing that Madrid is not a dangerous place to travel.

Like any city in the world, travelers should always exercise caution and remain aware of their surroundings. And getting stumbling drunk late at night is not something I would advise.

The only instance in Spain’s capital where I felt uncomfortable was in Plaza Mayor where a non-local vendor got mad that I didn’t want to buy his cheap, fake sunglasses. I walked away when he yelled, and he left me alone. Otherwise, I had no issues whatsoever.

So, yes. Madrid is totally safe, and solo travel in Madrid is totally safe. In fact, traveling alone might be even safer because you don’t stick out and scream “I’m a tourist!” like the mere presence of a tour group. Solo travel is the best way to see Madrid, and it’s very safe to do so.

Best Hostels in Madrid for Solo Travelers

Madrid is made for solo travel. For backpackers and other long-term travelers, social interaction or someone to explore the city with (or a dinner companion!) is an important factor to consider.

Thankfully, Madrid has hundreds of hostels, and most of them are less than €20 for a bed in a dorm. Private hostel rooms can be as low as €25. These are a few of the great hostel options in Madrid:

Is Madrid Worth Visiting for Tourists?

Madrid is not known as being the most culturally rich, quaint or picturesque city. It’s known more as the big city in Spain. If it’s not spectacular, is it worth your time?

Yes and no. Madrid is not as photogenic as Seville, and it’s not as lively as Barcelona. That doesn’t mean you should skip it. There’s a lot to be said about the national capital and largest city of a country as old as Spain. The cultural impact from those distinctions means there is a lot of important stuff going on. It means there will be a lot of interesting sites and places to see.

Madrid has its pros and cons. More extensive impressions and whether or not I think Madrid is worth visiting for tourists are coming soon.

Madrid is a cool, fun city with tons of attractions and activities for tourists to enjoy. Solo travel in Madrid comes with the bonus of getting around easier, the ease of wandering, exploring the city beyond the touristy areas and traveling cheaper.

Whether it’s a brief stay or a longer trip, Madrid has something for every traveler. There are few cities with such a high concentration of culture and history that also have fantastic food and are incredibly clean. Madrid is the gateway into Spain for solo travel, and it’s an excellent starting point for anyone heading to the country for the first time.

15 Tips to Travel Cheaper & Longer

August 2, 2020 By Hangry Backpacker Leave a Comment

Too many people write off travel as prohibitively expensive, with the idea that cheaper travel is unattainable. That’s simply not true. Cheaper travel and longer trips are possible for anyone willing to reconsider the travel process, from research and bookings to the return flight home.

Budget travel doesn’t mean sacrificing the best parts about travel. Affordable travel doesn’t have to be uncomfortable, either. It means making a few simple decisions that save money. Here are some of the ways I personally travel cheaper, which also enable my travels to last longer:

1. Travel Cheaper – Forget the Fancy Hotels!

Traveling cheaper doesn’t mean you have to stay in a 20-bed hostel dorm room. Hostel dorms are usually only a few beds and nicer than most people presume anyway, but saving money on travel accommodation doesn’t have to mean staying in a hostel, either.

Guesthouses, short-term apartment rentals and smaller hotels are easy ways to save on travel. Many hostels even offer private rooms for the fraction of the cost of a typical hotel room.

Nice budget hotel in Malaysia — clean, A/C, great location – less than $10/night

Name brand hotels usually offer consistency, amenities and comfort. That’s not always a guarantee, though. On one occasion in a South American capital city (before I discovered hostels), I stayed in a hotel that is known around the world for being comfortable, expensive and fancy. It was not. As it happens, a recognizable brand and more than $150 a night in South America guarantees nothing.

2. Travel Independently, Travel Longer

Tour groups are expensive. It may be easy and carefree to travel in a tour group, but this is not the most economic way to travel. If you want to travel cheaper and longer, independent travel is the way to go.

Group travel has its place, but that place is not in the realm of budget travel.

Most group tours cost several thousand dollars and typically last a week or two. These tours rarely include the cost of flights. It’s not uncommon for travelers to drop $3000, $5000, $7000 or more on a 10-day trip. Before buying a plane ticket! It’s no wonder people think travel is too expensive.

If you’re willing to spend a tiny amount of time researching and booking things yourself, you can save thousands of dollars. Travelers still hesitant to wander by themselves can hire a personal guide to lead the way. In most places, a personal guide for a few days is still far cheaper than a group tour.

Group tours are easy. Tourists in structured group travel don’t have to think about anything or do any research. If that’s the kind of trip you’re looking for, go for it! For those who want the ability to travel cheaper and longer, travel independently. It’s more economical and, honestly, a lot more fun.

3. Travel Solo

Better than traveling independently – that is, outside of a group but with other people – is traveling by yourself. Solo travel is a wonderful experience. Granted, long-term solo travel isn’t for everyone, but you never truly know until you give it a try.

Solo travel has a rewarding and freeing impact on travelers. You won’t have to constantly worry about appeasing someone else. Solo travelers can go at their own pace. They can eat when and where they want. For many travelers, this will save money.

When I travel solo, I don’t have to waste time shopping. I stay in hostels. I eat cheap and spend loads of time just walking around. In short, I save money and do what I want.

Everyone who can should travel solo at least once in their life, even if it’s only a short weekend away. It’s a great way to learn about yourself, and it’s also another great way to travel cheaper.

4. Eat Local

Eating local is a great way to cut costs abroad and make your travels cheaper. To be clear, “local” does not mean local fine dining. For instance, eating at a Michelin-star restaurant in Bangkok (yes, there are several) is not what I mean when I encourage local eating.

Don’t get me wrong. If you have the means, desire and appreciation to enjoy a world-class meal at any time, take the chance. But if you are trying to travel cheaper, fine dining is not the answer.

Eating local with the aim to save money is all about finding the little holes in the wall, the mom-and-pop shops and street food. Forget about the table cloths. Find a small, unassuming cafe. Not only is the food in these “hidden” places often better, it’s budget-friendly. For adventurous eaters, apply these guidelines to safe eating in Southeast Asia. The tips are useful for eating abroad in many places.

Eating local food is a great way to experience a more local side of a destination, but it is also an easy way to save money so that you can travel longer.

5. Sign Up for Rewards Credit Cards!

Without a doubt, the single most expensive part of traveling abroad is the cost of airfare, at least most of the time. Lodging/accommodation is another major cost of travel. These two aspects of travel can quickly add up and make a trip considerably more expensive. To many people, the costs of airfare and hotels is enough to write off traveling altogether.

There are easy ways to defray – or outright eliminate! – these expenses. How? Travel rewards credit cards.

No, it’s not a scam, and there is a card for just about everyone. Picking the right card for you can mean easily earning enough points/miles to cover flights or hotels for your entire trip.

If you (wisely, of course) transfer as much spending as possible from debit cards/cash/checks to credit cards with travel rewards, the rewards can easily cover substantial travel costs. This is only sensible if you spend normally, avoid big purchases you wouldn’t otherwise buy and pay your bill ON TIME.

There are a ton of options, so take the time to research appropriately. This review from Money is an excellent place to start diving into the world of travel credit cards. Imagine turning everyday spending into free travel. That is how you travel cheaper and longer.

6. Stick to a Travel Budget

Too many travelers set off without a budget. For the average traveler, that is not a good idea. The constant swiping adds up, and when you’ve got the distractions and excitement of exploring a new place, it can be difficult to keep track of all the spending.

What if you’re in a cheap location? Well, that’s a great start! However, disregarding a budget, even in a cheap destination, can quickly lead to spending a lot more than you realize.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t splurge here or there. You can stick to a budget and do all the fun stuff, too. The key is to have simpler, cheap days to offset the more expensive days/activities.

Hiking Trail in the mountain woods Anthony Lakes Eastern Oregon — *Nature, usually pretty close to free*

You can save on food for a day or two by cooking for yourself or shopping at the supermarket. Instead of taking an organized day trip, using public transportation to reach a trailhead is a cheaper alternative. Offset hotels with time in hostels. There are so many ways to have budget travel days to offset the occasional splurge without sacrificing the fun.

Set a budget. Stick to it. It might not sound like a fun thing to worry about when you’re staring at delicious food and wandering the streets of postcard-perfect little villages, but responsible and disciplined budgeting is important to travel cheaper and longer.

7. Pay with Cash

I know, as mentioned above, credit cards can be a great way to earn miles/points/rewards for your spending. A lot of these cards will offer the same rewards abroad, but using cards abroad can also be frustrating.

The reason I use credit cards sparingly when I’m abroad is for practical reasons. I don’t spend that much money when I travel, and it’s one less thing I have to worry about monitoring. My credit card spending when I’m traveling is generally kept to secure online spending like transportation and accommodation. It’s easier to stick to a budget and track daily spending when I’m not swiping for every purchase.

Unless you’re earning killer perks with a credit card on every purchase, pay with cash. Even then, I’ll often sacrifice the few miles/points to make my life easier or avoid using my card somewhere sketchy.

Physical money is always a better way to keep track of finances. On a subconscious level, paying with physical money registers as spending more than swiping the plastic over and over.

Another simple way to save is efficiently using ATMs. Foreign ATM charges can add up, and most banks charge foreign “processing” and “conversion” fees on all international card purchases. Withdraw cash sparingly.

It’s certainly greedy of banks to charge people to access and use their own money, but there’s no way to avoid this. There are, however, some banks/credit card companies that charge customers less (or nothing at all) for these foreign transactions. Find and use one of these banks. You’ll save money on card purchases and ATM withdrawals abroad.

8. Don’t Travel in Peak Season

What if I told you that Amsterdam is a more expensive place to travel in summertime? And so is Prague and the South of France? What if I said that Munich is crazy expensive during Oktoberfest? Or that prices in Southeast Asia are higher in November and December?

These are examples of peak season. Almost every tourist destination in the world has a peak season, when, for one reason or another, tourists visit in higher numbers.

The simple law of supply and demand applies to travel, too. When the demand for services is higher, so are prices. That means hotels, excursions and even restaurants raise prices because they can.

If cheap travel is the goal, don’t travel during peak season. Visit Southeast Asia during the shoulder season. Go to Munich after Oktoberfest.

How about an air-conditioned, clean, beachside room on the island of Koh Lanta (Thailand) for about $6USD/night? That’s the offseason for ya, and that’s how I managed to travel cheaper and stay longer in paradise. Sure, it was hot, but the water was the perfect way to cool down from the sun on that EMPTY beach.

Empty low season Koh Lanta Thailand Beach in Southeast Asia — *people-free tropical paradise*

Yes, better weather is tempting, but at what cost? Literally. How much are you willing to pay to ensure Thailand is not as hot during a trip? I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s always hot there. And the sun still comes out during the rainy season in Southeast Asia. The main differences in peak season are higher prices and larger crowds.

Eventually, I will make it to Oktoberfest. In the meantime, I’d rather spend a couple of weeks somewhere else for the same price as two or three days at Oktoberfest. Traveling in the offseason or shoulder season is a great way to travel cheaper and extend the length of a trip.

9. Choose Cheaper Destinations

The easiest way to save money on travel is to choose cheaper destinations. A little bit of research and an open mind can mean saving thousands of dollars and enjoying longer travels.

Famous and popular tourist destinations are almost always more expensive than necessary. But similar experiences can often be found in lesser-traversed places. At the same time, some places are simply cheaper than others no matter how popular they are.

For people who just want to travel somewhere and are discouraged by the apparent high costs of travel, consider alternate destinations. There are stunning mountains, vast deserts, enormous cities, pristine beaches and great food in every corner of the world.

For cheaper travel, expand your horizons. Widen the search. What’s the point of having the same travel experience as everyone else anyway? A small amount of research can lead to the most exciting trips and save thousands of dollars. There is always a cheaper travel alternative.

Zagreb Croatia street, a cheaper travel destination — *the Balkans, beautiful & cheap*

Here are a few examples of cheap travel destinations where your money goes further on the ground:

Southeast Asia
South Asia
Central America
Eastern Europe

10. Flexible Travel Dates Saves Money

Traveling with flexible dates is challenging for most people. Not everyone has the liberty to freely pick and choose their departure dates, and I understand that.

Popular tourist destinations – for instance, places in Europe like Paris, London, Amsterdam, Madrid, etc. – are busier on weekends. Arranging to be in these places in the middle of the week means accommodation rates will be lower. I try, though not always successfully, to spend my weekends in smaller, less touristy destinations.

If you are able to be more selective with departure dates, you can travel cheaper. Flights departing in the middle of the week are generally cheaper. Some of the best travel deals are last-minute deals. For those who don’t have the flexibility to drop everything and travel with little notice, booking far ahead with a little wiggle room is the best option.

Having a rigid schedule usually makes travel more expensive. With flexible travel dates/plans, you can take advantage of cheaper airfare, hotel rates and other costs when demand is higher. Flexible travel dates are a great way to travel longer and cheaper, and you might even find your destinations less crowded.

11. Start Walking

I save money when I travel by walking as much as possible. Taxi fares and Uber charges add up. Local buses or subways, while typically a cheap way to get around, are not free.

Walking instead of paying for transportation can save a few bucks a day. Over time, the savings add up and are an easy way to travel cheaper. In addition to savings, walking is a great way to see more of your destination.

Getting around on your own two feet is also an easy way to avoid gaining travel weight. Travel is often an unhealthy undertaking for many people, but it doesn’t have to be. Best of all, extra walking means I earn more of the beer with which I reward myself. At least that’s what I tell myself.

When I travel, I rarely hold myself back when it comes to eating. And I’m not known for passing up that second beer, either. That’s one reason you can always find me in the gym before and after a trip. Walking ten miles a day when I travel might negate a fraction of what I consume, but it eliminates almost all of the guilt! And I save a few bucks a day that goes towards spending money where I enjoy it – experiencing my destination with food and drink!

12. Pack Smarter, Travel Better, Travel Cheaper

Not everyone has the freedom to spend months at a time traveling. For many travelers, a day on a bus here or a half-day on a train there cuts into time that could be spent sightseeing, wandering and eating – all the best things about traveling somewhere new.

It’s not uncommon for tourists to take short flights to maximize time spent in the actual destination. These flights can add up, but there are ways to minimize the financial impact.

Lose the bag fees.

Checked bag fees can be expensive starting with the first bag. Occasionally, bag fees are as low as $15 – in rare instances, free – but in my experience, $25-40 is normal for a domestic flight in the United States. International (transoceanic) flights regularly charge more than $50 for the first checked bag. The cost to check a bag on my last transoceanic flight was $60 each way.

Black Osprey Travel Backpack — travel cheaper with a practical backpack

If you purchase a bag that is small enough to be a carry-on, you’ll save money. What I did was buy a backpack that splits into two pieces: A small backpack that I use as a personal item; and a larger part that zips up like a duffel bag. Before I get on a plane, I break down the bag into two pieces. It takes 1-2 minutes to disassemble or reassemble the backpack.

I spent about $200 on this backpack, but it’s even CHEAPER now! The first trip in which I used the new backpack consisted of three flights that had a total of $160 in bag fees for the first checked bag. My bag conveniently splits in two, so it appears (and functions) small enough to be my carry-on and personal item.

In a single trip, this bag nearly paid for itself by helping me avoid checked bag fees. Pack lighter and smarter, and invest in a practical bag. This is an easy way to shave a few hundred bucks off of a trip. By my estimations, I’ll save thousands of dollars in bag fees by the time this backpack wears out.

13. Leave the Kids at Home

No, I don’t have kids (yet). We’re not talking about Summer vacation, either. I’m just saying, if you’re not going to Disney World and you want to save money on travel, leave the kids at home.

Honestly, what benefit is there to bringing a 5-year-old to Europe? They’re not going to remember much, if anything, from the trip. Even most 12-year-olds aren’t going to appreciate traveling in foreign lands.

Traveling with kids means it will be more difficult to go for a hike, visit a winery or have a nice dinner. Most kids don’t like museums. Walking several miles a day isn’t easy for them. And you’ve always got to keep an eye out. I’ve never hired a babysitter, but doing so in a foreign country must be difficult and unnerving.

Perhaps I’ll feel differently when I have children, but I think saving a couple thousand dollars now – this includes flights, larger hotel rooms, souvenirs and extra admission prices – will benefit kids later.

I’m not suggesting anyone withhold their kids from the world of travel. Rather, travel can be expensive, and I don’t understand the reasoning behind spending gobs of money traveling with small children when they might appreciate it better (and, ya know, remember some of it) a few years down the line.

Leave the kids at home. Your own travels will be cheaper, more enjoyable and less stressful. A couple of weeks with the grandparents (or whomever) is good for everyone.

14. Cut Out the Extra Stuff

Why is it that when people travel they suddenly decide to go on shopping sprees, eat expensive food for every meal and live some imaginary Beverly Hills lifestyle?

Why do people who can’t afford to live that way at home suddenly turn on the switch to burn money abroad?

If the goal is to travel cheaper, and, by doing so, enable yourself to stay abroad longer, then stop wasting all that damn money! Cut out the extraneous fluff. The same methods you employ at home to cut back on expenses or save for something special work for budget travel, too.

Not to sound too cliche, but skip the expensive coffee. Sure, slowly sipping an espresso on a corner in Paris is a moment to savor, but spending a few bucks every day on coffee will quickly eat into a budget.

Budget travel abroad is very much like being cheap at home. Choose the right moments to splurge, and don’t make it a habit. To travel cheaper and longer, you’ll have to exercise discipline and a bit of sense.

15. Stop Buying Souvenirs!

No one cares that your new scarf is from Milan. And do you really need that $20 t-shirt that says the name of whatever city?

When I travel, I hardly shell out for souvenirs. I certainly don’t seek them out. I keep a few bottle caps and a few coins. Sometimes I buy one of those pretty, albeit touristy, canvas paintings. They roll up nicely into my bag, and I make sure to get a good price. Otherwise, I’m not interested in more junk cluttering my life. I never go out of my way to buy a souvenir.

cheap travel souvenirs, beer caps of the world — *a cheap, fun way to collect souvenirs*

If you’re going to buy a souvenir, make sure it’s cheap, small, lightweight and not breakable. Larger souvenirs – things like rugs, lamps or other useless junk – are a waste of money. At the very least, it hinders an attempt at budget travel. Buying anything that doesn’t fit inconspicuously into your bag is not the way to travel cheaper.

Most of the things I buy when I travel are practical items. In Hoi An, Vietnam, I bought a water buffalo leather wallet. It was useful and less than five bucks. Naturally, like an idiot, I lost my wallet in Bangkok.

I also try to take pictures with myself in the frame. What better souvenir is there than an image capturing a memory of a place with yourself in the image? Seeing yourself in an image is a great way to look back and reflect on past travels. Added bonus: pictures are free and don’t take up space in your bag.

I used to buy magnets, cheesy tourist hats and the occasional trinket. Now, I don’t waste time or money on such things. Instead, by traveling a little cheaper, that extra money goes towards something better. Something like longer travels.

There aren’t many ways or tricks to simply cut travel costs by 50% in the blink of an eye. Some money-saving measures are more tedious than others, but there are several steps to travel cheaper and longer.

Each step you take to travel cheaper adds up, and, eventually, there’s a surplus. Whether that surplus is used to travel longer, splurge on a fancy meal or put back into savings, the options are there. Better, longer and more interesting travels starts with cheaper travel.