- 3-minute read
- 25th May 2016
Towel Day: Hitchhiking the Galaxy with Low-Budget Travel Solutions
It’s Towel Day! If you’re currently wondering why towels need their own day, allow us to explain. Towel Day is an annual celebration of the late Douglas Adams, author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, in which budding travellers are informed that:
A towel … is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have.
As such, in tribute to Adams, we’ve compiled a few travel tips we hope you’ll find useful (even if you’re just going on holiday rather than hitchhiking across the galaxy).
1. Terrestrial Hitchhiking
Assuming you’re looking for some adventure here on Earth, hitchhiking is one of the cheapest ways of getting where you’re going. You do need to know what you’re doing though, otherwise you’ll spend a lot of time standing at the side of roads!
Moreover, while hitchhiking is safer than you might think, you should always take personal safety seriously when asking for a lift from strangers. Having a friend with you can help, and gives you someone to talk to if no-one is stopping!
2. Pack Smart (and Light)
Packing light is definitely a good idea if you’re hitchhiking, though you’ll want to make sure you’re well equipped to stay safe and comfortable on the road.
Even if you’re not hitchhiking, it makes sense to pack light so you won’t have to lug heavy luggage around. Double check that you have all the essentials before you leave too, as it may be expensive to pick them up once you’re at your destination.
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3. Save on Accommodation
As well as travel expenses, you can also make savings on accommodation with a little planning. And we don’t just mean booking well in advance (although that is a good idea).
It’s also worth considering alternatives to hotels and B&Bs, with short-term rentals, house-sitting, hostels and hospitality exchanges all offering excellent options for travellers on a budget.
4. Working Your Way around the World
Maybe your budget is almost non-existent. The good news is that you don’t have to give up on your travel plans, as long as you’re willing to put a little work in.
Lots of people fund their wanderlust by working at the same time, with common options being teaching English or getting a job at a resort.
And if getting back to nature is more your thing, you might want to consider working on an organic farm with the WWOOF exchange scheme.
5. Always Remember Your Towel
Wherever your travels might take you, remember to bring your towel! Happy Towel Day, everyone!
