In fact, eating is one of my favorite activities, and also one of my favorite aspects of traveling.
Food is such an integral part of so many cultures that to skip out on meals when you travel is to miss out on a part of the travel experience.
I’m always disappointed when I meet travelers who cook all their meals in a hostel kitchen or spend so much of their time just getting food at grocery stores.
I mean, don’t get me wrong, grocery stores and markets teach you a lot about a place. And you don’t need to eat out for every meal.
But why come to Italy to cook pasta in your hostel? Or skip a sushi dinner in Japan or paella in Spain?
Of course, eating out all the time is expensive. Imagine if you ate out every day while at home — your food budget would be astronomical! And, when you are traveling long term (or just on a tight budget), you have to think about making your money last.
Additionally, many people have dietary concerns that prevent them from fully embracing new foods. And many travelers are vegan or vegetarian, as well, which might impact their options.
To make sure I can eat out without breaking the bank, I have had to learn how to balance eating 99% of my meals out while still finding a way to save money. Here’s how to eat out on a budget while you travel the world:
1. Follow the Five Block Rule
I live by what I call The Five Block Rule. I don’t eat within five blocks of a major tourist attraction or area. I simply walk in any direction and search for a place to eat when I hit five blocks. There’s an invisible line at this area: tourists don’t go past it. All of a sudden you notice that the crowds are gone, and that’s when you want to start looking.
Sure, you might find a good meal in a tourist area, but you’ll find a better, cheaper meal outside it. Go where the menus aren’t in multiple languages. Go to those little tiny hole in the wall places that you are unsure about. The meal might not knock your socks off each time but it will be a memorable and more local experience.
2. Use Local Knowledge
If you are unsure of where to eat (and don’t like the idea of randomly wandering into restaurants), try apps where locals post reviews. I use them often to find recommendations for food in the cities and towns I visit. You can also ask the tourist office or the staff at your hostel/hotel or taxi drivers, who tend to eat at cheaper food stalls. They will have good recommendations. After all, local workers aren’t going to eat in the tourist area!
My two favorite apps are Yelp and The Fork. For vegan and vegetarian recommendations, check out Happy Cow.
3. Ask The Right Question
Be sure to ask locals the question, “Where do you eat?” not “Where should I eat?” If you ask people the second question, most people will think to send you to the popular restaurants tourists visit because that will be what comes to mind. They’ll think, “Hmmm where do visitors go eat? What’s popular in town?”
However, by asking where they eat, you will get recommendations for more local restaurants because they will tell you all the hole in the wall spots they eat at on a day-to-day basis. Small word change, much better results.
4. Eat Street Food
In most places around the world (and especially in Asia), the streets are lined with little food stalls and areas where food is cooked openly on the street. You grab a plate, sit down in a little plastic chair, and enjoy a delicious meal. Street food is some of the best food in the world. Meals at street stalls and vendors cost just a few dollars (if that) most of the time and are a great way to really experience the local cuisine.
While in Sweden, I lived off these types of vendors. In Amsterdam, FEBO and their croquettes kept my stomach full. In Costa Rica, the empanada seller filled me up for a dollar and I bought local food from vendors at markets for mere pennies in Madagascar.
Many places, like Thailand and Vietnam, for example, wouldn’t be the same if the street food disappeared. (And yes, it’s safe. The locals wouldn’t eat it otherwise.)
5. Eat Fast Food (Sometimes)
Fast food isn’t the best food, but it is another option if you want a cheap meal in inexpensive parts of the world. For as little as $5 USD (more in expensive countries like Norway, home of the $13 Whopper), you can get a filling (and hugely caloric) meal.
Sure, it’s not the greatest food, and I am going to skip the philosophical debate about traveling around the world only to eat McDonald’s to say that it’s cheap and just another way to help you rein in your spending.
6. Stick to Local Ingredients
When you’ve been traveling for a while, it’s only normal to crave a taste of home every now and then. That means that sure, sometimes I get sick of Greek food when I’ve been traveling there for a bit. Other times, I can’t eat any more Thai food and just want a burger. And that’s OK.
However, non-local food is almost always more expensive than local cuisine. For example, in Vietnam, a bowl of pho is less than a dollar, but a burger is about three times as much (or more!). Try to stick to the local cuisine as much as possible and also try to avoid any food that is imported as that will increase the price of your meal too!
7. Find the Lunch Specials
Many restaurants, especially in Europe, offer lunch specials, where items on the dinner menu are offered at a huge discount. You can get an amazing afternoon meal for a fraction of the cost you’d pay for the same meal in the evening.
I usually tend to eat my “nice” meal during lunch, because lunch specials and plates of the day are about 30–40% off what I might pay at dinner. The options will usually be more limited, but the savings more than justify it.
Sadly, there is no one website where you can find all the restaurants in the world that offer lunch specials. They vary from city to city and region to region. What you can do other than wander aimlessly around the city in hopes of finding a place (though I have done that) is to ask the tourist office or the staff at your hostel/hotel if they know where to find lunch specials. They are usually very aware of what places have specials.
8. Bring a Refillable Water Bottle
As you walk around and sightsee, you need to stay hydrated. But buying a bottle of water every day is not only environmentally wasteful, it also makes foolish budget travel sense. Carry a refillable bottle of water (with a filter) with you instead and just use the tap water. I suggest a Lifestraw bottle. It ensures your water is always clean and safe — even if the tap water isn’t.
9. Cook 50% of Your Meals
I don’t cook a lot on the road as I don’t like hostel kitchens. They never have everything I need, and I hate traveling with a portable kitchen so I can have all the ingredients I want. Yet when I am in one place for a while (or if I’m Couchsurfing), I cook a few meals.
Cooking is one of the best ways to keep your travel costs down, and supermarkets are also great places to go see what the local people eat. The only place where cooking your own meals isn’t the most economical option is Asia, where street food is usually cheaper.
As I mentioned, I’ll often go out for a nicer meal at lunch when I can find a good deal. That will usually mean for dinner I’ll be cooking my own food. That way, I’ll still get to try the local cuisine but I’ll also get to keep my budget intact. Double win!
10. Have a Picnic
Another good option is to picnic. This is something I do a lot for lunch if I’m somewhere where the weather is nice. I usually head to a local food market, pick up a bunch of food, and go picnic in the park. Not only am I saving money (sandwiches aren’t expensive), but it affords me a good chance to watch the locals scurry about their daily lives.
If you’re staying at a hostel, this is a great ice-breaker for meeting new people. Just invite everyone along to join you and you’ll be making new friends in no time!
11. Use Tourism Cards
Most people think of tourist cards like the iAmsterdam card or the Oslo Pass as just a way to save money on transportation and attractions. But these cards also offer discounts at many restaurants. Typically, discounts are around 15–25%, but sometimes lunch specials can be up to 50% off.
Visit the local tourism office when you arrive and ask what food discounts are included. Chances are you’ll be able to save even more money if you just take the time to learn about the tourism pass. It’s a worthwhile investment!
12. Get Free Breakfast
If you can find hostels or hotels that include breakfast, you’ve already eliminated the cost of one meal. Plus, if you have a huge breakfast that fills you up for most of the day then you don’t need to eat as many meals out. Moreover, many hostels around the world also offer free dinners, free coffee and tea, and other food-related perks. Search them out to save money and lower your food costs.
13. Eat Where the Students Do
Where there are universities, there are students, and since students are usually broke, that means there are likely cheap places to eat nearby. Check Google Maps for local post-secondary institutions and see what you can find in the nearby area. Many bars in the area will likely have cheap drinks and happy hours too, so you can save even more.
Additionally, use Google to search for places. Type in “Student friendly restaurants in [X]” to get lots of suggestions on where to eat. You can also ask your hotel/hostel for information too.
14. Use Supermarket Deals
In many countries, supermarkets offer lunchtime specials for workers in the surrounding areas. These usually entail fresh sandwiches or some soup or salads. Additionally, many supermarkets also discount food that expires soon, including bread, baked goods, meat, and produce. For example, pre-made meals in Japan are often 50% off right before the grocery store closes because they can’t keep it overnight. Tight food laws in Scandinavia also mean that food that has “expired” is discounted too. (And, since food, especially imported meats, are so expensive in those countries, most locals buy the “expired” food).
Buy groceries in the evening and you can likely find yourself some discounted (but still totally safe and edible) food.
***
I love a nice restaurant. I don’t mind paying money for a good meal with a nice glass of wine. But doing that EVERY meal is simply too expensive.
But, by using the tips above, I can afford to keep my costs down while still being able to afford a quality meal every so often.
And that’s what is really important — finding the right balance.
Because if you can manage to balance eating great food with saving money, both your wallet and your stomach will thank you.
How to Travel the World on $75 a Day
My New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”
Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.
Need a Rental Car? Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.
Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
If there’s anything as 2024 as this, it’s taken me a full month after the year concluded to finish this post. But I didn’t want to skip it for the first time in 17 years, as the past year was remarkable in so many ways.
2024 was wild and weird and wonderful. I was not overly present on this blog for many reasons, mainly because life has thrown so many work changes into our life that have catapulted us to next level of busy. (Don’t you hate people complaining they’re busy?)(So do I.)(But here’s the truth.)
2024 in travel
We still traveled a whole lot in 2024 even if my airline accounts didn’t show it. Just days after ushering in a new year, we flew to Charleston, S.C. for a military ceremony celebrating SVV’s former roommate taking command of a NOAA ship. Since my brother-in-law’s family lives there, we also got to spend some quality time with them.
When we got home, I caught a terrible case of pneumonia and recovered just in time to leave on our annual winter sabbatical, this time to Thailand with four days in Qatar on the front end. Due to our increasing focus on tourism marketing, we try to plan all of our trips in the winter when tourism is in a lull. That typically means, we vacation in January or February, then come back refreshed for a busy and full work year.
I have so many tips for planning a trip to Thailand, and hopefully one day soon I’ll have time to sit down and bang them all out. We were lucky to have government friends based in Bangkok, so we headquartered our trip from their apartment, then did some island-hopping, too.
After returning from Asia, our work travel ramped up. We’ve been on contract with the state for the past two years, and we’ve gotten to see a lot of Tennessee as a result. Much of our travel in 2024 was by car, and I’m definitely glad I upgraded my vehicle a couple years back!
Tennessee tourism work aside, Mom and I took the kids to Blue Ridge, Georgia for a long weekend over their Spring Break, then I flew to Bismarck to keynote a marketing meeting.
We went to Memphis a few times, in March, April and July, to visit my cousins and also found ourselves in Sweetwater for a mural project. And we can’t forget one of the biggest events of the year: We flew to Austin for the eclipse and to see our besties!
My other international trip for the year was with my mom to Paris in May to attend Roland-Garros, our second of the four tennis Grand Slam events and first overseas tourney. It rained on us nonstop for 10 days, but we had a blast—and bonus: We got to see Taylor while there (my fourth Eras show, but I digress!).
For SVV’s 50th birthday—and just because we like to spend time together—my family met up with my cousins in Fort Morgan, Alabama for a full week of beach fun. We’re usually 30A people, but the crowds and the fact that SVV and I fell in love with Dauphin Island a few years back drove us west along the coast, and it was a blast.
Tell me he looks 50!? No flippin’ way.
When we got back, we went to Murray, Kentucky for a weekend, the first of three trips we’d make in succession to our northern neighbor. We finished the summer with a week in South Carolina at my friend Kelly’s family’s home in Lake Keowee and the Smoky Mountains only days before the area was devastated by Hurricane Helene.
In the fall, I spoke at a pair of Tennessee conferences, TNHTA’s Governor’s Conference on Hospitality & Tourism in Chattanooga and Rural Tourism Conference in Union City, and we took my niece Charlotte and nephew Mac on their first trip to Dollywood—and to their first UT game on the same weekend. A good Florida beating is best experienced in person at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville if I do say so myself!
I was back up in Kentucky for a night in Louisville with my cousin’s daughter McKayla in November to see Taylor Swift (yes, again) up in Indy, then SVV and I returned a few weeks later for me to speak at the Kentucky Travel Industry Association’s annual conference in Covington.
In November, my sister and I also celebrated my mom’s 75th birthday with a mid-week getaway to Cloudland in Georgia. We spent the entire holiday season at home, a nice respite after a year spent on the road, but hardly a restful one as we were in full holiday mode with Christmas shoots and school picture day and Breakfast with Santa and so much more.
2024 in work
We are more embedded in the tourism world than ever, and I’m truly grateful to every editor, every tourism board and every government official who hires us for gigs. It’s some of the most fulfilling work we’ve ever done (not to mention, a whole lot of fun!).
Though in 2024, I wrote several stories for Washington Post, Southern Living, Marriott Bonvoy, Preferred Travel and various other outlets, I have scaled back on my freelance writing because, to be frank, the pay for traditional media these days is peanuts compared to when I started over 20 years ago. And as an almost 42-year-old businesswoman, the one thing I’m not going to do is backpedal—though that said, I still have editors I adore who I am willing to do almost anything for if they ask. You know who you are!
We’ve found a whole lot of joy doing photography contracts and content marketing for tourism boards. Several of those who we have worked with regularly include cities in our own region like Bell Buckle, and being able to help tell their story on a continuous basis has been priceless.
In continuing with Work I Never Thought I’d Do—I legit hated a stage and an audience just 15 years ago—I keynoted a couple meetings, spoke at three conferences and hosted two marketing workshops. What an honor to get to speak a session at the Tennessee’s and Kentucky’s governors conferences, as well as the rural tourism conference which was in my home state this year.
In 2025, I already have four conferences booked as a speaker (including one keynote)—two in February, one in June and one in July—and I hope that’s just the beginning.
2024 in photography
Well I’ve studied photography since college, I could have never predicted what the last five years have brought, and that’s more than 100 standalone shoots a year that have absolutely nothing to do with tourism. Family shoots, children portraits, heritage photography, volume photography, corporate headshots, Breakfast with Santa—I’ve learned and done it all.
This year, I also did the school photos for four different preschools, which was a whole other skill set we have learned (and are still mastering), but what a fun new challenge—and it added another 125 kids to my 2024 photo subjects.
2024 in blogging
Blogging has changed dramatically since I started this blog in 2007. In 2024, I favored updating some of my most popular posts regularly over new content. Whereas in the pioneering day of blogging, we would get a wild hair, bang out a post and push it live without a second thought, publishing a new blog post in 2024 (or now, 2025) takes days from the research and the writing to the photo editing and the coding.
And secondly, Google’s ever-changing algorithm has decimated the careers of bloggers and creators across the board. If you don’t understand how search engines are prioritizing AI content over actual fact-checked content that has been thoughtfully researched, written and compiled by an individual, my friend Amanda has a great primer on the topic of Google and AI killing blogs here.
That means the post your favorite bloggers are spending days fact checking and producing may be pushed to the second or third page or even further back if they are never seen. That doesn’t exactly incentivize a lot of us to compete anymore. That said, if you want to be a good steward of original content and support your favorite creators, hopscotch right over the Google AI results and click through to an actual post the next time you’re searching, will you?
The good news is that, affiliate links aside, we have always been ad-free, so we have never relied on Google to pay our bills. On the same token, since this site is free content and not necessarily monetized, it is not always prioritized as it may be were the tables turned.
This time last year, I stopped publishing my monthly highlights posts due to time constraints, but also because after dropping MailChimp when they made it unattainable for small businesses to keep up, I have yet to find a newsletter service that sends out my posts in full. That means when I do write a new post, I also have to write a newsletter, format it and push it out to the thousands of people who subscribe. All of that is just a lot when blogging is not my main revenue stream, but more something I love and can’t always prioritize.
As always, I love posting my travels here and I will continue to as time allows. I have so many trips like Australia, Thailand, Iceland, and Hawaii I spent months planning and perfecting the itinerary that I truly want to share. When that will happen? Your guess is as good as mine.
2024 in entrepreneurship
Two years ago, we bought our latest commercial investment. We initially tried out a co-working space, but in Tullahoma, it simply wasn’t financially feasible for us to continue operating it as such.
So last summer, we regrouped and rebranded, and at the beginning of September, opened our CoSalon which were full in a matter of weeks. After owning the building for 18 months, it was so nice seeing the space brim with stylists and entrepreneurs. An added bonus is I now have a place to go for my hair, facials and Botox all under one roof!
2024 in public art
As the economy continues to waffle, several federal agencies have taken hits in the past years when it comes to funding, and the arts is no different. For our public art nonprofit, many of our projects exist entirely due to grant funding, and there were simply not as much funding available last year. As such, we declined several opportunities and only completed two mural projects: in Sweetwater and Palmer, the first funded by the city and the second by the state arts commission.
“Allegory of Hope” by Britt Flood Palmer, Tennessee
We also had one of our favorite artists, Whitney Herrington, come down and paint a mural inside CoSalon, which was a treat!
We’ve got some fun projects up our sleeves for 2025 though, so stay tuned! Many grants we were awarded for this fiscal year will be implemented this spring, plus we applied for operational funding for the first time, which would give us many opportunities to gift art to rural communities that need some love and color.
2024 at home
I still love the Cedar House as much as the day we bought it six years ago, even more so now. While we didn’t complete any major projects this year, we’ve slowly been tweaking away and making this house a home, including hanging more original art, some of which is our own.
I love adding to the framework of this beautiful piece of property, and I hope SVV lets me stay here many, many years! The Victorian is the only home I lived in for longer than 18 months as an adult, but I have absolutely no itch to change our situation or to build out a new space as I have in the past, just to continue to improve the one in which we live.
Our animals are doing great: Ella (our pup) is 14.5, the first of our Cat Distribution System rewards Whiskey and Rye are 5, and our baby girl Molly is 2.5. They keep us busy and constantly cleaning up fluids in our home (ha), but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
2024: The Greatest Hits
Days traveled: 115
Countries visited: 5, including 2 new ones
States visited: 11
Miles put on my Expedition: 30,000
Tennessee counties covered: 63
Business class flights taken: 4
Taylor Swift shows attended: 2, making that 4 total for the Eras tour
Books read/listened to: 52
Photos snapped: 30,000+
As always, thanks so much for being here! If you’re looking for travel inspiration, I’ve got 17 years’ worth of posts you can sift through by location here.
The best beaches in Victoria Australia promise boundless sunshine, sand, swells, and spectacular views for travellers.
Victoria’s coastline sprawls over 2,000 kilometres. Beautiful beaches dot this long sandy stretch, as do seaside towns, national parks, and walking trails.
Listing down all the best beaches in Victoria is a tall order because there are just too many! But we’ve rounded up the top must-visit spots that will keep you returning for more.
Here are the most spectacular beaches in Victoria, Australia.
The best way to get to all these incredible beaches is with your own car. We highly recommend renting a car if you don’t already have one! This gives you the most flexibility for exploring the stunning coastline.
The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.
Torquay Beach, Great Ocean Road
The seaside town of Torquay is the gateway to the Surf Coast and the birthplace of the surfing sportswear Rip Curl. It’s also home to Torquay Beach!
Though often overshadowed by its more popular neighbour, Bells Beach, Torquay Beach is one of the best beaches in Victoria Australia for the whole family. Dogs included (yes, it’s pet-friendly).
On its beautiful stretches of sand, you can have a picnic, sunbake, build sandcastles, or walk your furry friend.
The milder breaks are tailor-made for those who want to learn to surf or hone their skills. During low tide, the shallow waters near the shore are great for little kids to waddle and paddle in.
Nearby are cafes and eateries if you want to grab some snacks. The beach has shower facilities, toilets, and a spacious parking lot.
Lifeguards patrol Torquay Beach in the summer months, particularly on weekends and school holidays.
Bells Beach, Great Ocean Road
Victoria’s most popular beach destination, Bells Beach, is the crown jewel of Torquay, Australia’s surfing capital.
Bells is globally known for its legendary swells. It hosts the oldest surfing competition in the world, the Rip Curl Pro, every Easter weekend.
Because of its powerful waves, Bells is fitting for experienced surfers. It’s unpatrolled and the strong currents make it unsuitable for swimming.
But you don’t need to be a surfer to enjoy Bells Beach. The incredible scenery makes up for its rough waters!
Dramatic cliffs fringe the coast, creating a natural amphitheatre from where you can gaze at the ocean or watch surfers barrel through giant waves.
Make your way to the shore through the wooden stairs that snake down the bluff. On the beach, you can set up a picnic, sunbathe, or soak your toes in the waters at low tide.
Surfers at the famous Bells Beach
Johanna Beach, Glenaire
A hub for surfing, fishing, and camping, Johanna Beach is another stunning stop along the Great Ocean Road. It has an off-grid campsite frequented by road trippers, bushwalkers, and surfers.
Surprisingly serene despite its popularity, Johanna is surreal at sunset.
The waves here best fit seasoned surfers. Don’t swim unless you’re a strong swimmer, as the beach is unpatrolled and the waters are rough.
Between August and February, it is a nesting ground for the threatened Hooded Plover.
You can bring your dogs, but keep them on a lead to help protect the wildlife in the area.
Loch Ard Gorge Beach, Great Ocean Road
Named after a wrecked ship, Loch Ard Gorge Beach is one of the most memorable stops along the Great Ocean Road.
Due to its strong currents, Loch Ard Gorge is unsuitable for swimming. But its otherworldly views make it one of the best beaches in Victoria for sightseeing.
If the scenery doesn’t move you, perhaps its haunting history will. The gorge forms part of the infamous Shipwreck Coast, where roughly 638 ships sank.
In June 1878, the ship Loch Ard, travelling from England to Melbourne, struck a reef and sank near the shallow inlet.
Of the several surrounding walking trails, the most popular is the track down to the beach where the survivors were safely washed ashore. Unfortunately, the access to the beach from the lookout has been closed after a rockfall in May 2023.
You can still see Loch Ard Gorge Beach from the decked-out platform overlooking the coastline.
There are many other points of interest in the area, including various viewpoints, rock formations, a blowhole, and a small cemetery where those who lost their lives in the Loch Ard shipwreck were laid to rest.
A short drive from the gorge is another iconic natural landmark, the Twelve Apostles, a collection of towering limestone columns rising from the Southern Ocean.
You can see both attractions on a Great Ocean Road trip. For a hassle-free adventure, consider booking a day tour of the area.
Apollo Bay, Great Ocean Road
A scenic seaside town nestled at the foothills of the Otways, Apollo Bay is a haven for outdoor adventures and relaxing getaways.
One of its highlights is the three-kilometre sandy beach that follows the curve of the crescent-shaped bay.
The sheltered waters make it an excellent swimming beach, especially among casual bathers and families with small kids. Lifesavers patrol the area in the summer and public holidays.
Apollo Bay doesn’t have the huge waves that pro surfers chase, but it’s a popular spot for watersports like kayaking and boating.
Seafood lover? Consider lunch settled. Once a fishing village, Apollo Bay has fantastic eateries serving the catch of the day. After lunch head to the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse, famous for its 100 craft beers.
Beaches surrounded by rolling green hills in Apollo Bay
Kitty Miller Bay, Ventnor
Kitty Miller Bay is not the best beach for sunbathing, but the rock pools, surrounding cliffs, and SS Speke Shipwreck create a postcard-worthy scenery.
The bay is more of a walking beach than a swimming beach. When the tides are low, you can go to the beach and scramble over the rocks to the shipwreck site.
For confident swimmers, there are lovely spots for snorkelling at high tide. You might even catch some waves to surf.
Gibson Steps, Great Ocean Road
The name Gibson Steps technically refers to the 86-step staircase carved intro a rocky bluff, leading to a quiet beach below. Over the years, the name has come to refer to the entire area.
Like many spots on the Southern Ocean coast, the beach has choppy waves, making it unsafe for swimming. The view, however, is not to be missed.
The beach’s most famous landmarks are the two gigantic sea stacks jutting from the ocean. Nicknamed Gog and Magog, these rock formations are simply out of this world, but even more so at sunrise and sunset.
You can see the rocks from the lookout at the top of the Gibson Steps. But if you want to get a feel of how massive they are, climb down the stairs and hike to the end of the beach.
The beach access may be closed due to rough weather or high tides. Be sure to check the weather and tide table before visiting.
Unspoilt, untamed, and unforgettable, Ninety Mile Beach is Victoria’s longest uninterrupted beach.
This pristine strip of honey-coloured sand lies between the Gippsland Lakes district and Bass Strait. It sprawls as far as the eye can see without any headlands or sudden bends blocking the view.
It’s a favourite among hikers, kayakers, campers, and surf fishers. You can also swim in some areas. Touristy seaside towns, like Lakes Entrance and Woodside, have lifeguards that patrol the beach during summer.
Ninety Mile Beach is within the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, the country’s most extensive inland waterways, famous for boating and fishing.
Brighton Beach, Melbourne
Brighton Beach is another highlight. The Melbourne beach is most famous for its row of brightly painted beach boxes lining the shoreline.
In the Victorian era, women used the bathing sheds to change into their swimming attire. Over a century later, most of these multi-hued wooden huts remain largely unaltered, except for a dab or two of paint.
As iconic as these bathing boxes are, there is more to Brighton Beach!
Thanks to its calm waters, Brighton Beach is a popular swimming spot. It’s also patrolled by lifeguards year-round.
Beyond the shallow sand bar, you can windsurf, kite surf, or water ski.
For something more relaxing, take a leisurely walk on the Middle Brighton Pier or picnic at Green Point, a small park near the beach.
The iconic colourful beach boxes at Brighton Beach, Melbourne
Half Moon Bay, Melbourne
The 350-metre-long Half Moon Bay beach has two distinct sides that offer different experiences.
As the southern bay is partially protected, it has been considered one of the best beaches in Victoria Australia for swimming and boating.
Apart from the calm waters, the southern part is known for the Black Rock Jetty. From the jetty, you can see the remains of a sunken warship, HMVS Cerberus. Grounded in 1926, it serves as a breakwater.
Half Moon Bay Surf Life Saving Club, the oldest in Victoria, and the Black Rock Yacht Club are also in the south.
The northern end, backed by the Red Bluff Cliffs, is wilder and more raw. The water is deep, with high waves that create strong currents.
For leisure bathers, the patrolled and protected south is the best and safest spot for a swim. Still, the northern section is worth exploring for its breathtaking beauty.
The beach is dog-friendly, but take note of the schedule, as access hours are capped during peak season.
You don’t have to travel far from the city to experience one of the best beaches in Victoria! St Kilda Beach is just six kilometres south of the Melbourne CBD.
Summer or not, St Kilda is a hive of beach activities. Beyond swimming and sunbathing, holiday goers can engage in windsurfing, kitesurfing, jet skiing, stand-up paddle boarding, and sailing.
The Esplanade draws rollerbladers, joggers, walkers, and foodies on the hunt for good food.
Walk down the pier to see the colony of Australian penguins. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, try the rides at Luna Park, the oldest amusement park in Australia.
Fairhaven Beach, Fairhaven
Undoubtedly one of the most spectacular beaches in Victoria, Fairhaven Beach is fantastic for serene strolls. This 6-kilometre stretch of golden sands is the longest beach along the Great Ocean Road.
Its main draw, however, is the cinematic views. On a clear day, you can see eye-popping panoramas sprawling from the eastern headland, where the surf club is, to Devil’s Elbow, a hairpin bend atop a sheer cliff face.
The beach’s eastern end has great swells and numerous breaks for surfing, particularly around Moggs Creek, Spouts Creek, and The Spot.
You can also swim in Fairhaven, but make sure you stay within the red and yellow flags for safety.
Sorrento Ocean Beach, Mornington Peninsula
Sorrento Ocean Beach (also known as Back Beach) is stunning from all angles, from its golden sand dunes to its deep blue waters and the grassy bushland in the background.
It’s easily one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mornington Peninsula. That’s saying something, considering the slew of lovely ocean beaches in the area.
Partly protected from waves and patrolled at peak times, the beach is moderately safe for swimming. But be cautious of the rips and swim only between the flags.
As the waters recede at low tide, several rock pools appear on the coast. They come in various sizes, with some deep enough to swim in.
Many visit the beach just for the rock pools. It’s important to check the tide chart to be sure you visit during low tide when the area is safest!
The beautiful Sorrento Ocean Beach, Mornington Peninsula
Refuge Cove, Wilsons Promontory
If isolated beaches are your thing, nothing is more secluded than Refuge Cove. It lies on the eastern tip of the Wilsons Promontory National Park and is only accessible by boat or a multi-day hike.
For over 200 years, sailors and boaters have used Refuge Cove to shelter from the turbulent Bass Strait. It’s popular not just with boaters but also with birders and bushwalkers.
Refuge Cove has two sandy beaches backed by lush vegetation. The northern end is larger and more exposed, while the southern section is smaller and even more sheltered.
There’s a campsite with basic toilets and unfiltered creek water on the south beach.
Both beaches are safe for swimming, but be careful as they’re unpatrolled and the water is deep near the shore.
Nestled in the southern end of Wilsons Prom, Little Waterloo Bay is a lovely strip of white sand lapped by crystal blue waters. A steep slope of granite boulders and lilly pilly trees borders the bay from behind.
You can reach the bay by foot via the Telegraph Saddle Track in an overnight hike or a day walk. It’s a popular stop along the multi-day Wilsons Prom Southern Circuit.
On the beach is a campsite with picnic tables, toilets, and untreated water from a creek.
When the waves are low, the beach is safe to swim in. Be sure to stay close to the shore, as rip currents may suddenly intensify at any time.
Squeaky Beach, Wilsons Promontory
If you haven’t figured out where the name comes from, here’s a clue: powdery white sand that is so clean it doesn’t only glisten under the sun, it also squeaks underfoot.
Squeaky Beach is not just one of the best beaches in Victoria. In 2024, Tourism Australia declared it the best beach in the country. And in 2025, Lonely Planet awarded it the second-best beach in the world.
We wholeheartedly agree. Squeaky’s natural beauty is hard to beat. The sugary sand contrasts dramatically with the turquoise waters, while the greyish granite boulders bring out the vibrancy of the surrounding foliage.
One snag is that Squeaky is unsuitable for casual swimming due to the rips and strong currents. But if you’re an experienced surfer, you’ll have fun catching the waves.
Wilsons Promontory is lined with incredible beaches!
Portarlington Beach, Portarlington
With its calm waters, sandy expanse, and views of the Melbourne cityscape, Portarlington is one of the best beaches in Victoria Australia for those seeking a relaxing seaside escape.
The area near the jetty is the busiest, with people picnicking, barbecuing, swimming, sunbathing, or just soaking up the warm summer’s day.
Portarlington boasts clear, shallow waters with almost no waves, making it ideal for families with small children. Though there are no strong currents, be cautious of the boat traffic near the jetty.
YCW Beach, Phillip Island
The beach’s gentle waves are tailor-made for novice surfers. But when the conditions are right, the ocean can produce excellent waves for more experienced ones.
The sandy strip between the headlands at each end of the beach is safe for young and casual bathers to paddle in. But be cautious, as the beach is unpatrolled and has sections with rocks beneath.
YCW has a campsite, change rooms, toilets, and gravel car parking. If you need to grab some snacks, there’s a local store nearby.
Cape Paterson Beach, Cape Paterson
The cape has two beaches: bay and surf.
The curved 400-metre bay beach is a favourite among families and fishers. The area near the shallow bar, away from the rocks at each end, is a safe spot for casual bathers and young kids, while the marine-rich waters offshore draw snorkelers and divers.
The highlight is an artificial rock pool atop a craggy platform. Built in the 1960s, it’s a great place for cooling off on a hot summer day.
The surf beach is 500 metres long and receives waves averaging 1.3 metres high. The life-saving club, parking lot, toilets, and food stalls are here.
Both sides have lifeguards during summer and holidays. Dogs are allowed but must be on a lead at all times.
Port Phillip Bay has some of the best beaches in Victoria Australia. Many of these are shallow and flat, with golden sand and calm turquoise waters that are safe for swimming.
The swells are seldom huge enough for surfing, but the beaches offer watersports like bodyboarding and kayaking. Several lifesaving clubs operate along the bay, so most beaches are patrolled.
St Kilda and Brighton are part of Port Phillip’s beaches. But there are several other beautiful beaches lining the bay, including:
Williamstown Beach
Safety Beach
West Beach
Dromana Beach
Elwood Beach
Hampton Beach
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Last year, I had the pleasure of attending Roland-Garros with my mom, and I chronicled every moment of the experience. I’m back to update this post for tennis fans and newbies alike as the ticketing process has changed for 2025. So if you’re planning to get tickets for Roland-Garros this year two-week, you may want to listen up about what to know when going to the French Open.
This post was last updated in February 2025.
What is Roland-Garros?
First, if you’re a newcomer to tennis, you need to know this much: Roland-Garros is Paris’ largest tennis facility and the site of one of four Grand Slam tennis events—the others being the Australian Open in January, Wimbledon in June and the U.S. Open in August. Taking place for two weeks each May and June, Roland-Garros (also known as the French Open) is the only Grand Slam that is played on clay. This generally means the courts can take a bit more light rain than other events, but the rain during last year’s French Open was downright relentless, and matches were canceled more often than not.
What does that mean for you going to Roland-Garros in the future? Be sure you plan to attend several days in a row—and also make sure you buy access to Philippe-Chatrier or Suzanne Lenglen at least half of the sessions because on heavy rain days, these courts with their retractable roofs are the only ones where play will remain uninterrupted.
Roland-Garros is located in the heart of Paris in the 16th arrondissement, and due to its convenient locale, it’s absolutely mobbed with tennis fans who train and plane it from all over the continent—as well as plenty of Americans like us on their quest to hit all the Grand Slam tennis tournaments. It’s incredibly easy to reach, which means it’s also incredibly hard to get tickets.
But before we get any further: Is Roland-Garros worth attending? Absolutely. Was navigating the ticketing system an absolute nightmare? Also yes.
Which brings me to why I’m writing this post. I spent months reading firsthand accounts and Reddit threads of how to get tickets for Roland-Garros so you don’t have to.
How to get tickets for Roland-Garros
The traditional ticket process for Roland-Garros has been modified for 2025, likely because the process was such a headache in the past. Seriously, I equate our 2024 experience with trying to get tickets for Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, it was that bad!
For this year, there is a priority booking period for all premium offers from February 27 to March 3. These offers include gourmet catering and access to private areas.
For regular tickets, you’ll need to register for the draw by Feb. 9. This is meant to reduce waiting times and guarantee fair access on the opening day of sales. If you are selected in the draw, you will be given a two-day slot to book your tickets. According to the Roland-Garros website:
Sales will open at 10am, and a queue will be set up to regulate access to the website in case of heavy traffic. Whether you arrived at the ticketing site at 6pm the day before or at 9.58am on the D-day, your position in the queue will be allocated randomly at 10am. Once on the website, you will have a certain amount of time to finalize your order.
In full transparency, here is what Roland-Garros tickets cost us in 2024 and how much we paid per session going through the main sale:
The lowest we paid was €370 for a premium / VIP day pass with €520 being the most. For a single night session that was not VIP, we spent €169.
Sales limits have been adjusted this year, so each buyer can purchase:
4 tickets maximum for the Main courts
4 tickets maximum for the Outside courts from 25 May to 1 June
15 tickets maximum for Opening Week (Qualifying)
15 tickets maximum on the Outside courts from 2 to 8 June
Buying hospitality packages or after-market tickets for Roland-Garros
If you want to guarantee tickets to Roland-Garros, it’s probably smart to consider going through a tennis broker like Steve Furgal who organizes packages to all the tournaments. Though I’ve never personally gone this route, this is obviously a more surefire way to guarantee admission to Roland-Garros, particularly if you’ve booked your flights and hotels a year out like we did. We spoke to several Americans who went through such brokers to bundle their lodging and session passes and ensure they got tickets, and they recommended this route if you have the money to do so. (I’ve priced it out, and it’s VERY expensive.)
Roland-Garros does open up tickets for resale in late-April, so you could get lucky there, too. Roland-Garros has gone to an all-mobile ticketing system, which means the only way in the tournament is by having the ticket loaded into your app before you’re on the grounds. Your name and birthdate are also tied to this ticket. You can, however, buy tickets for others, then transfer them to them, but the ID’ing process makes buying after-market tickets for Roland-Garros extremely sketchy.
Thanks to a pilot friend who attended Roland-Garros in a previous year, I knew of at least one reputable after-market seller, GoalTickets.com, which seems to mainly deal professional sporting events in Europe like the Olympics. So when we found a day session pass that included a seat at Philippe-Chatrier for €400 a person the night before, we jumped on them. You have to enter the name, birthdate and email address of each ticket holder when you go through the purchasing process, so the tickets can be transferred to your Roland-Garros account, which they were almost immediately.
Which tickets should I get at Roland-Garros?
What tickets access what courts at Roland-Garros is by far the most confusing part of the process. There are so many different ticket options—then VIP packages on top of that—that I didn’t even understand until after four full days on the grounds.
Grounds pass
The grounds pass gets you access to all the outside courts (courts 2 through 14), as well as the unreserved upper section at Suzanne-Lenglen, the second biggest court, and the unreserved section of Simonne-Mathieu. It does not allow you access to the main court, Philippe-Chatrier, which in the early rounds only has three day session matches and one night session match to begin with.
So if you’re a casual tennis fan—and it’s not a rainy year—the grounds pass likely makes the most sense for you. When the grounds pass would suck is a week like this week when everything is rained out. That said, you get a refund for the pass if less than two hours of play time commenced.
Court Philippe-Chatrier
Every one of the five sessions we purchased were a Philippe-Chatrier ticket, which allows access to all outside courts and the unreserved section at Simonne-Mathieu, as well as an assigned seat within the main stadium, which does have a retractable roof. It does not include admission to Suzanne-Lenglen; that is a separate ticket. Originally built in 1928, Philippe-Chatrier was renovated a few years back with lighting and a retractable roof; the stadium can hold 15,225 spectators, and the seats are quite comfortable with padded backs.
After attending Indian Wells, the U.S. Open and the Cincy Open, we bought the Philippe Chatrier tickets thinking it was our best shot at seeing so many of our favorite top-10 ranked players. What we didn’t know before arriving at Roland-Garros is that the French do not put the biggest matches on the main court; rather, they put the French men (and occasionally women).
So on the first night we were there, Rafa Nadal was playing his last ever match against Sascha Zverev, who has a great shot at winning the whole thing, which you would think would be the featured night match. It wasn’t. Instead, we got to hear the cheers for Nadal from the outside of the afternoon match, and Gael Monfils got the prime spot on Philippe-Chatrier instead (which was a fun match, but c’mon … give Rafa, the most winning Roland-Garros champion of all time, his respect!).
Still, I’m very glad we had this option on the day all outside matches were rained out, as we had a warm and cozy seat and got to see eight hours of tennis across three matches—Caroline Garcia versus Sofia Kenin, Jesper de Jong versus Carlos Alcaraz, Naomi Osaki versus Iga Swiatek—only moving for snack and bathroom breaks.
Court Suzanne-Lenglen
Suzanne-Lenglen is the second largest court at Roland-Garros with a capacity of 10,056 seats. Thankfully, as of last year, there’s now a retractable roof. After seven straight days of rain delays, this was a great year for Roland-Garros to introduce its second indoor-outdoor court.
Court Simonne-Mathieu
Court Simonne-Mathieu is a bit of a stroll from the rest of the grounds, so we only caught one match there: a heated three-setter between Olga Danilovic and Donna Vekic. This court has a capacity of 5,000 seats and is absolutely stunning in that it is situated smack in the middle of a botanical garden with a greenhouse you walk through to access your seat. If you have a grounds pass or a ticket to Philippe-Chatrier or Suzanne-Lenglen, you can get into the upper unreserved seats at any Simonne-Mathieu match.
Premium / VIP passes
Three of the five sessions we had tickets for, we had premium passes (or VIP tickets) not for any reason other than that was all that was available during the tense ticket-buying process. For our two day premium passes, we had Premium Découverte, which gave us access to the complimentary bar in La Divine at Suzanne-Lenglen throughout the session in La Divine and drinks (champagne, beer, spritzes, coffee, soda) at any time during the day.
The food at La Divine was great, but it was the same every time, and it was definitely more passed apps and canapes than an actual filling meal. Still, we ate enough to hold us over between sessions and prevent us from having to buy the subpar food in the Roland-Garros convenience stores. I also liked the VIP passes for going to use the private bathrooms when hurrying between matches and not having to wait in line.
For the first night session we attended, we had Premium Immersion, which gave us early entry at 6pm through a private gate (Gate 49, at Boulevard d’Auteuil), access to La Brasserie des Mousquetaires all evening where we could enjoy drinks throughout the session and a cocktail dinner served between 6:45pm and 8pm. This did not give us any direct access to the stadium (or view of the matches other than the TVs), nor could we take drinks out of the lounge and into the stadium.
The difference between day sessions and night sessions
I much prefer the day session at Roland-Garros (or any tennis event really) because you get to see so much tennis, particularly in the early rounds.
Day sessions: what to know
For day sessions, you can get into the ground starting at 10am. The matches on outside courts and Suzanne Lenglen start at 11am, while the first match of the day on Philippe Chatrier is at 12pm. Your ticket will get you into the rest of the day until the night session starts, and if the outside matches go well into the night, you can stay on those courts as long as you want—they don’t kick you out! Most of the outside courts don’t have lights, so they can only go until 10pm (when it gets dark here in Paris), but a few do.
Night sessions: what to know
For night sessions, you can get into the grounds from 6:30pm on (or 6pm with VIP). There’s only technically one night session match per night on each Philippe-Chatrier and Suzanne-Lenglen courts, so unless it’s a big name you want to see, you’re far better off getting a day session pass to Roland-Garros. That said, you can also access any outside matches still going on—and this week with all the rain delays, there have been plenty—so if there are some going late, I’d recommend getting there the moment you can get through the gates and see as many of the outside matches as possible before the main event on Philippe-Chatrier or Suzanne-Lenglen.
Reselling your Roland-Garros tickets
The mobile app does make it extremely easy to resell your Roland-Garros tickets, but even though you’re doing so directly through the tournament’s portal, they take a commission. We put ours up the day of Sinner’s night match, and for a night session ticket we bought through Roland-Garros for €169 that sold within seconds, we got €63 back each, despite them reselling for retail price or higher. I could have sold my ticket via GoalTickets.com or another third-party, but honestly, I didn’t want to deal with it.
Getting to Roland-Garros
There is a metro stop, Boulogne Jean Jaurès, directly by Roland-Garros that you can take if you’re staying by a metro. We had planned to do this, but our Airbnb in the 15th arr. on Rue Alain Chartier wound up being just 10 to 15 minutes from Roland-Garros by car, so we took a Bolt each way and paid 10 euro on average (and €25 once during surge pricing). This was not much more than it would have cost us for two metro tickets at €2.10 a person. Plus, we left the grounds well after 10pm most nights, so it also just felt safer.
Bolt is like European Uber, and we used it more than a dozen times in Paris and had only good experiences. I recommend downloading the app before you go and looking for Bolt promo codes on Reddit that give you discounted rides. I found one that got us 20% off our first 10 rides.
There are also taxis lined up outside of the Roland-Garros stadium at the security entrances, but they were charging a flat fee of €50 to get back “into the city,” which in reality is a hop, skip and jump away.
What can you bring into Roland-Garros?
The bag policy states no backpacks and no bags more than 15 liters in capacity, but I found that people abused this policy and that security didn’t really care so long as it wasn’t a suitcase. This is Europe, so you don’t have to bring clear bags. Out of respect for the others sitting near you in the stands, please make sure you’re carrying a bag that is small enough that you’re not knocking over those around you (this happened to me many times!).
With a small slingback bag, I was able to fit an extra layer, a poncho, a visor, back-up chargers, my wallet, sunscreen, my emergency meds, granola bars and a small camera. I did not take my DSLR or mirrorless camera, but I saw several non-media spectators with them. Instead, I rented this compact camera (promo code LUNATIC15 if you want 15% off) to save myself the trouble.
If you’re doing a general admission ticket, your bag will be checked once when you’re crossing the street into the Roland-Garros barriers and once when you go through the ticket scan line. If you have a VIP ticket, your bag will be checked when crossing the street and then at special Gate, likely 49, which is basically the fast-track line into the Roland-Garros grounds. This was the one thing I missed the sole session we didn’t have VIP access: the quick pass-through versus gen-pop queuing. But I don’t think that aspect alone warrants the hefty prices of VIP (again, which we only did because it was the only tickets we could get on the site!).
You can also bring in water bottles that are 1.5 liters or less in size, and there are refill stations throughout the grounds so bring an empty canteen. You can also bring in snacks, so if you don’t want to drop a mint on food at Roland-Garros, I recommend doing this. We didn’t eat a lot from the food vendors at Roland-Garros other than a caprese sandwich, which was delicious, but I saw a lot of people online complaining about how expensive the food was for the price.
I did have a couple Lavazza cappuccinos which at €7.50 a pop were steep for being basic drinks, but it was freezing out and I didn’t buy any cocktails like I typically do at tournaments due to the weather and the lack of bathrooms, so girl math and whatnot. Though the last night there, I felt like I needed to try the beer, so I had a €12 Leffe, which is self-serve at the beer stand and also requires a €2 deposit for the cup that you’ll get back once you return it.
Where to stay for Roland-Garros
Roland-Garros is on the other side of the Seine in the 16th Arrondissement. If you’re going to Roland-Garros this year, I’m assuming you already have a place to stay. I’ll update this post before next year’s Roland-Garros with a more thorough list of hotel recommendations that aren’t far from the tournament site.
We originally booked at the Radisson Blu Paris Boulogne eleven months out, then a few months ago, they canceled our booking without reasoning or so much as a message. Emails and calls went unreturned, and I got a bit panicked knowing it was an Olympic year, so I booked an Airbnb in the 15th Arrondissement off of Rue de Vaugirard. We arrived and it was not as described and also quite cluttered and dirty. The host had a refund policy where we could get a full refund for all unused nights within 24 hours (guess she’d had this issue before…), so we stayed a night then canceled the following six and booked this gem owned by an architect named Sylvie for the remaining time.
I would absolutely book Sylvie’s apartment again, but I’m not sure I’d go through the general Airbnb route in Paris again if I didn’t know the host (or have a direct recommendation or referral to one) as so many people reached out to tell me their similar horror stories, and Airbnb is worthless in guest resolution when the host is at fault. I loved the 15th for its proximity to the Eiffel Tour, the Seine, Montmartre and all of the iconic Paris museums.
Other things to know about Roland-Garros
A few more key questions about Roland-Garros, answered:
Getting between stadiums at Roland-Garros
The bottleneck between Suzanne-Lenglen and the outer courts (Court 11 and up) is real! I almost had a panic attack when I tried to move from Philippe-Chatrier to Court 11 when the two main courts were letting out at the same time. This is my biggest criticism of Roland-Garros; the layout isn’t conducive to moving around when big matches are letting out simultaneously, not like more thoughtfully designed grounds like Indian Wells. I assume this is because Roland-Garros is in the middle of a city and space is a premium, but I wish they’d do something to help with the crowd control as it felt like someone could easily get crushed.
Buying merch at Roland-Garros
A friend who had been before said a lot of the branded Roland-Garros merch sells out by week two so to go to the store when you first get there. We did, to buy our ponchos (€15) and then again the next night to buy Mom a pair of tennis shoes since she only brought sandals. There’s a huge store right by the main entrance and a few smaller boutiques and T-shirt stands throughout the grounds. Most of the T-shirts ran from €20 to €37 and the sweatshirts and hoodies were in the €70 range.
You can also buy the clothing on the Roland-Garros website and have it shipped for free to your house, which we did so we didn’t have to haul our new fits home with us. Since LaCoste is the official Roland-Garros sponsor, you’ll find a whole lot of LaCoste clothing and shoes, as well as Wilson and Babolat.
Queuing to get into outside courts
The stadiums of Court 6, 7, 8 and 9 are in a four-square pattern between Suzanne-Lenglen and Philippe-Chatrier. We watched a four-hour Frances Tiafoe match here during which we had to wait 45 minutes to get in. So if there’s someone you really want to see on one of these four courts, I suggest you arrive early as you’ll likely have to queue first.
Wi-Fi and charging your phone
The Roland-Garros WiFi was quite good. There were only a few times I couldn’t get on WiFi in the early rounds. Still, you’ll need to have data enabled when you arrive on the grounds, as the tickets in the mobile app only show when you’re connected (and screenshots of your tickets will not fly). So if you’re coming from overseas, make sure your phone will work in France, then you can turn it right back on airplane mode when you’re inside the grounds to save money and preserve your battery.
I recommend taking a fully charged phone and at least two external batteries if you’re going for the full day session. I used two of these USB-C chargers for my iPhone 15 Pro while my mom used one of these compact chargers for her iPhone 14; though there was only one day I needed the second back-up charger, it was good insurance for us since we needed to scan our tickets every time we went into Phillipe Chatrier, as well as use my phone for Bolt after we left.
When we weren’t using data to scan our tickets or check the schedule, I kept my phone in airplane mode at all times (and got on WiFi if I wanted to check the schedule). The app also prompts you to enter dark mode, which I kept enabled to further preserve battery. There are charging lockers on site at key spots around the grounds if you’re desperate. You may just have to wait to use them.
The bathroom situation at Roland-Garros
If you get on the Roland-Garros app, you can zoom into the site map and find all the bathroom points around the grounds. Compared to other tennis tournaments I’ve attended, the bathrooms at Roland-Garros felt scarce. There were only two bathrooms at Philippe Chatrier total, and they are outside the court, so you have to go out of the stadium if you need to go to the toilet between matches and lines could be very long. So if you’re someone with an active bladder, I recommend going easy on the champagne and beer to limit the number of bathroom stops you need to make.
OK, that was a lot of information on what to expect at Roland-Garros, so let me know if I missed anything. Despite the weather, which can’t be helped, I really love this tournament and would recommend it to all tennis fans. I’d also do it very differently next time and buy after-market tickets on GoalTickets.com a few days before each session rather than spending so much on VIP packages we didn’t really get to use fully thanks to the weather. But you live, you learn, you know?
Traveling can be quite stressful when planning and the worst thing that can happen is dealing with theft during your travels. One way to ensure the safety of your belongings is by getting one of the best anti-theft travel bags out there. There are a few companies out there and I’ll lay out which ones to look out for. Whether you are looking for the best anti-theft travel purse, best travel anti theft backpack, or a travel anti theft crossbody bag, I got you covered.
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Best Anti Theft Bag for Travel for 2023
There are a few things to consider when picking out the best anti theft travel bag from the type of fabric, types of zippers, a chain, and protective lining. While it’s not necessary to have an anti theft travel bag, it provides a sense of security and prevent thieves from getting you personal information. A theft proof bag will be one of the best investments you can make for your trip.
Quick Recommendations – Best Anti-Theft Bags Quick Links
If you are just want to get quick and to the point for an anti theft bag for travel, here is the list of the best anti-theft bags listed in this review guide. You can also go by my true and trusted favorite here.
Best Anti Theft Cross Body Bags | Best Anti Theft Purses
Best Anti Theft Backpacks
Best Anti Theft Slings
Best Anti Theft Handbag Totes
Best Anti Theft Travel Bag Comparison Chart
What is an Anti Theft Bag?
Ananti theft bag for travel is pretty much a bag with all the modern conveniences and prevents pickpocketers from getting your important documents and finances. These bags often include a variety of different materials, locking clasps, a chain, and more. Honestly, my best travel tip is to get an anti theft bag for travel. There are many reasons why these bags are worth it.
These bags help prevent thieves from getting to everything that matters to you on your trip. It stops them from slashing your bag open, unzipping them in crowded and public spaces, prevents them from scanning your RFID cards, is easy to clean, and can be used in different circumstances. Most bags are not necessarily equipped with these kinds of materials which is why it’s crucial to consider the following items below.
What to look for in an Anti Theft Bag – Anti Theft Bag Best features
I’ve listed the major features to look for when trying to find the best anti theft bag for travel. Unfortunately, when it comes to many of these bags, a lot of them are not always necessarily beautiful or stylish although they have improved and many are. The purpose of an anti theft bag for travel is primarily for function, however, designs are constantly changing and I think eventually, it will be easier to find fashionable yet functional bags.
How do I choose the best Purse for travel?
Well there are a lot of things to consider in which is the best purse or bag for travel. I’ve listed some of the most common things you need to look out for below and see which suits you best for your future anti theft travel bag, backpack, purse, or tote. It’s important to have a pickpocket proof bag.
Slash-proof Fabric
The first and foremost thing you need to look for in anti theft travel bags is slash-proof materials to make your bag theft proof. This is crucial because a lot of pickpocketers will quickly slash your bag from underneath or the strap around your body in order to get your important belongings. A slash-proof bag should be something you should definitely look for in an anti theft bag.
Zippers with Locking Latches or Clips
This to me be is a very important feature for an anti theft bag for travel. There are some anti theft bags out there that don’t have the locking latches which is a little worrisome for me. The locking latches provide more security to your bag when you lock it up or have it around your body.
These locking clips prevent thieves from accessing your pockets right away. It clips your zippers and keeps them locked and safe. Additionally, some have it on the strap and it prevents thieves from unclasping the lock and dropping the strap of your bag.
There are anti theft travel bags that only have clips and are not locking clips and those are subjectable to what you are looking for. A locking clasp provides more security but a regular clip does a fairly decent job as well. It may or may not be a deal-breaker for you and that is ultimately your decision. I have listed a few that do not have that feature on some of the zippers, however, they are stylish and do not typically look like anti theft bags.
Attachable chain or Shoulder strap to table while dining
When I talk about the clasps above, I highly recommend them for an anti theft bag for travel because these clips are also helpful if you want to take your bag off and attach it to the chair or table at a restaurant when eating. It will prevent someone from taking it easy. You can even add a lock between the 2 for extra security if necessary.
RFID Lining
This is super important to protect you from identity theft from credit cards, debit cards, and passports, it’s crucial that your bag has these features to save you from the headaches of worrying about theft. The worst thing that can happen other than physical theft, is having a canceled credit card and being unable to have the fund to pay for things abroad. These are why RFID travel bags are so important to have.
Easy to Clean Material
An easy-to-clean material is important because well-travel can get stinky, messy, and often requires long and enduring trips. You want an anti theft bag for travel you can easily wash, take care of, and make sure it lasts a lifetime.
Versatility
Finally, I think it’s important to have a bag that is very versatile. A bag that has a lot of pockets so I can store money and cards in different areas of the bag, can be accessible in many areas, areas for a water bottle, or just the necessities.
Brands with the Best Anti Theft Bags
There are 2 major brands with the best anti theft bags. These 2 brands are typically PacSafe Anti Theft Bags and Travelon Anti Theft Bags. Another brand I am introducing is Arden Cove which is more for a stylish and simplistic design.
What is the best-rated anti-theft messenger bag for travel?
I would say that PacSafe and Travelon are the best and more well-known for a reason. Although I do love Arden Cove’s design and aesthetic, I find that PacSafe and Travelon to be more durable and well known. However, that does not discredit Arden Cove. They are still a great brand and their main goal is to provide stylish anti theft bags.
Best Travel Anti Theft Purses and Anti Theft Cross Body Bags
Anti Theft Purses and Anti Theft Cross Body Bags are probably some of the most popular items people search for and are in need of. Many women are worried when they travel about losing items, being a victim of theft, and assault. These items help many of us women who travel solo have a little bit more of a sense of security. Travel secure purses are becoming more common even for everyday use. These are some of my favorite purses for travel security.
The Arden Cove Crossbody is probably one of my favorite anti theft bag for travel as it’s a designed cross body purse that doesn’t look too much like an anti-theft purse. I would say it’s one of the best bag travel anti theft for women. It’s got a modern design, it’s simple, and it seems to go from day to night fairly easily while still being a secure travel purse. It doesn’t look so sporty which is what we love about this product. This anti theft crossbody purse comes in black, cream, grey, navy, maroon, chocolate, and red. This is an anti theft travel bag for women fashion lovers.
Don’t let the size of this anti theft purse fool you. This purse is pretty jam packed with features.
This was honestly my first and favorite cross body bag. It’s an anti theft classic bag. I used this when I traveled all over Italy and I’m so thankful I had this bag. During our trip to Italy, someone had managed to get into my Aunt’s backpack, but thankfully, she had safety pinned it. So all they managed to do was get the safety pin off. This bag is my ultimate favorite because of its size and features.
I was able to carry my Fujifilm Mirrorless Camera, passport, money in different pockets, wallet, a water bottle, and so much more. I love the locking features for this bag as well, it provides locking clasps with a safety clip feature which makes it harder to get into.
Features of this anti theft crossbody bag include:
The Travelon bag is a pretty stylish anti-theft bag that is modern-looking. This is a unisex bag that is perfect for anyone out there. It’s a bit of a city-style which is one of Travelon’s popular designs. This one also has a pocket for a water bottle or small compact umbrella and I would say is pretty comparable to the PacSafe Metrosafe LS250 above. I would say this is a anti theft classic messenger bag. It is a perfect anti theft crossbody travel bag for men.
Features of this anti theft crossbody bag include:
PacSafe created this bag for fashion and function. It’s a minimalist style bag perfect for small things. If you like to pack light and not carry too much on the go, this is the perfect bag for you. This bag is perfect for city touring and just a great little bag for everyday use.
The Travelon anti-theft bag is probably their most common anti theft purses. You can easily find this purse at the container store and my friends have purchased this bag when I recommended they get an anti theft bag for Europe. What we loved about these bags is its sheer amount of space for a crossbody. There was seriously so much space in this bag and lots of pockets, a zipper lock, slash-resistant strap, and versatile design. It was perfect for holding makeup, extra souvenirs, water bottles, and so much more. This is the travelon anti-theft classic messenger bag that is one of the best sellers and best options on the market.
If I didn’t already love my PacSafe bag, this would be an option I would buy for sure.
The best anti-theft backpacks are ones where you feel secure having them on your back and protecting your items. There are so many backpack options out there for travel but to narrow it down to anti theft backpacks is quite difficult. It depends on what type of backpack you are in need of and looking for. These are some of the best anti theft backpack designs out there.
What I love about this backpack is that you can change the straps into a shoulder bag. This is an anti theft travel bag for women. I love a bag that is versatile, a anti theft convertible bag, and can change based on what your needs are. Sometimes you want a backpack and sometimes you want a different bag. There is 1 main compartment with a front pocket perfect for story money and cards. It also has space for things like a tablet, camera, and more. This is the best travel purse backpack combo.
This backpack reminds me of a classic high school backpack. It looks like an everyday backpack which makes it a perfect design. This backpack has a laptop pocket that holds up to a 13” Macbook or 12” laptop. It also has a strap that slides over your luggage handle which makes it perfect for travel. You can easily slip this bag onto your roller carry-on suitcase. It also has a side pocket perfect for holding a water bottle or small umbrella which makes it a perfect anti theft bag for travel.
Introducing the Bagsmart Camera Backpack, a true companion for the intrepid photographers traversing the globe! This backpack is more than just a carrier; it’s a fortress for your precious camera gear, meticulously crafted to safeguard your equipment while providing unmatched convenience. Designed with the modern photographer in mind, the Bagsmart Backpack boasts a cleverly organized interior.
With specialized compartments for your camera and space for up to two lenses, it ensures easy access and ample protection. Its thoughtful design doesn’t stop there; it extends to accommodating your laptop, memory cards, and even a rain cover for those unpredictable weather moments, making it an indispensable travel companion for every shutterbug.
Features of the Bagsmart Camera Backpack include:
Dedicated compartments and pockets for camera and lenses
Padded sleeve for a laptop
Ample storage for memory cards and accessories
Integrated rain cover for weather protection
Adjustable and padded shoulder straps for comfort
Side pockets for a water bottle or compact umbrella
Anti-theft design elements like lockable zippers and RFID protection
Durable, water-resistant materials for added security
Ergonomic design for prolonged wear and ease of use
Stylish yet functional, the Bagsmart Camera Backpack is a testament to innovation meeting practicality, catering to the needs of photographers who seek both security and convenience in their gear-carrying solutions.
This is a backpack has a vintage style that makes it modern yet classic. It’s fairly stylish, fashionable, and perfect for everyday use. I would say that this is a bag that meets function and fashion. You can use this to carry your laptop, tablet, accessories, and would also make for the perfect diaper bag as well.
Key features? It’s got a pocket for a 14” laptop and is built with safety in mind. Slash-resistant fabric and straps, locking clasps, and RFID-blocking pockets protect you and your valuables. This bag’s not just smart; it’s a fortress. It’s perfect for work, travel, or even as a diaper bag. Functional, fashionable, and secure. What more could you want?
Features of this anti-theft backpack:
14″ Laptop Pocket: Designed with a pocket to fit up to a 14″ laptop. Perfect for work or travel.
Slash Resistant: The material and straps are built to resist slashing. Walk confidently through any crowd.
Locking Clasps: Keeps your valuables secure so you can explore without constant worry.
RFID Blocking Pockets: Safeguard your personal information from tech-savvy thieves.
Best Anti Theft Slings or waist packs
Sling bags are another option for an anti theft bag for travel. These are very popular in Asian countries and can be seen as fanny packs in some situations. Most people enjoy wearing these like a crossbody backpack. These provide some space for small important must-haves during your travel and they are light and leave you hands-free. These are 2 of my favorite options of the anti theft slings.
This is the perfect bag for everyday city life. It’s designed to be more like a crossbody backpack. It has a long narrow main pocket and a variety of different pockets to keep your belongings safe. This bag has been well designed and provides a variety of different safety features including locking clips, RFID and splashguard materials.
This is the typical fanny pack-style anti-theft bag for travel. It’s perfect for people who like to wear these packs on their hips. It can also be worn around the back like most sling bags and is interchangeable. This one has a lot of pockets to hold your cards, passport, and more. This one even has a pocket to hold a waterbottle or small umbrella! It makes for the perfect anti theft travel bag for a water bottle.
The Pacsafe Go Anti-Theft Sling Pack is more than just a trendy bag—it’s your security detail wrapped in a sleek design. Ideal for urban adventurers and casual day-trippers alike, this pack offers a perfect blend of style and function. With its versatile design, you can sling it any way you like, all while knowing your essentials are safe and sound.
Key Features of this Anti Theft Sling
Versatile Design: Wear it on the front or back to match your style and situation.
Lockable Zippers: No more constant bag-checks. Lock it and forget it.
RFID Safe Pockets: Protects your cards and passport from unauthorized scans.
Cut-Resistant Straps: Feel secure even in crowded places, thanks to straps that are tough to slice through.
The Monos Metro Sling is for those who love simplicity but won’t compromise on functionality. This pack is the epitome of minimalist design, offering a sleek and clean look while maintaining space for your essentials. It’s perfect for those quick trips out where you just need the basics, but want them to be easily accessible and secure.
Key Features
Compact Yet Roomy: Don’t let its size fool you. It’s designed to hold more than you think, from a tablet to your daily essentials.
Water-Resistant Material: Because nobody likes water damage, right? Your belongings stay dry, come rain or shine.
Multiple Pockets: Organize with ease, thanks to well-placed pockets for everything you need to carry.
Adjustable Strap: Customize the fit to make it as comfortable as it is functional.
Best Anti Theft Handbag Totes
These totes are perfect for someone who just wants a useful messenger workbag and other things. It’s perfect to hold important documents and protect your tech from thieves. These are great substitutions for bulky hard briefcases.
This bag has more of a feminine look to it which provides a lot of security but is also stylish. It’s elegant and timeless which means it won’t go out of style. This is a satchel handbag which is the perfect large-size anti theft travel purse. It’s perfect for fitting in your makeup, tablet, phone, and more.
Use this everyday tote for travel, work, life, and daily errands. It’s a modern tote with everything you need. It has several pockets, an interior wallet, and a spacious pocket for a 10” tablet to keep on hand. This bag is meant to be durable and long-lasting with all the anti theft features.
This is probably my favorite tote bag out of all of the ones I listed above. This tote bag is large and perfect for the beach, grocery shopping, day trips, and as a diaper bag. It’s spacious and has a pocket for a 15” laptop. It’s made from recyclable materials with all of the perfect anti-theft security features as well.
This is a great option for those looking for a briefcase and a secure messenger bag. This is a unisex anti theft bag that holds up to a 15” laptop and a 10” tablet. This has a wide zipper area that allows you to get to your things quickly and easily. It has locking zippers, slash-resistant material and straps, RFID blocking materials, and more. It also includes a strap that allows you to easily slide these over carry-on roller suitcases to allow you to be hands-free at the airport. This is probably a popular anti-theft travel bag for men.
The Peak Design Everyday Tote is the ideal blend of fashion and utility. Its elegant design fits in just as well at a fancy dinner as it does on a casual day out. But don’t let its good looks fool you—this tote is built to handle your daily grind and then some.
Key Features for the Peak Design Everyday Tote
Convertible Straps: Switch between tote and backpack modes for ultimate carrying flexibility.
Weatherproof Exterior: A durable, water-resistant shell ensures your valuables stay dry, no matter what the day throws at you.
Customizable Compartments: The inside is like a personalized locker, with dividers you can adjust to fit all your essentials neatly.
Quick-Access Pockets: No more digging through your bag. Pockets designed for fast access to your most-used items.
Anti Theft Bag for Travel FAQs
Where can I buy an Anti Theft Purse or Travel Bag?
Most of these bags an be found online by clicking on the links above. However, PacSafe and Travelon I have found at the Container Store and at REI. These have been great places to grab some of these popular bags. However, their selections are very limited. I suggest using the links above to grab some bags you may not be able to find in the store.
The Benefits of Anti theft Travel Purses
Honestly, this is completely up to you and your budget. It provides a great sense of security when walking around especially in busy and crowded areas. These anti theft travel purses provide a great deal of protection for your belongings when you are out and about. It doesn’t necessarily have to be used for travel, it can definitely be used every day as well. These bags prevent thieves from getting all of your important information.
I have listed all the materials above that make for a great anti theft bag for travel and those would be the benefits for getting one.
What Is An Anti-Theft Pocket?
An Anti theft pocket can be a variety of things. It can be the hidden pocket within your back that is more secure with RFID pockets that help keep things hidden from view and difficult for thieves or pickpocketers to access.
Why Do You Need An Anti-Theft Bag?
You don’t need an anti-theft bag, but they do make for a great investment and protect your belongings while traveling. Thieves are getting more creative in getting into your belongings and you don’t want to fall victim to theft during your international travel.
There are a lot of benefits from having an anti-theft bag from lockable zippers to anti slash materials, it can’t be beat when it comes to normal purses and bags. I do have to say it is one of my travel essentials and the slash-proof material provides me withextra protection.
What Is The Best Anti-Theft Travel Purse?
This ultimately comes down to your decision. There are a lot of anti-theft bags on the market right now. I highly recommend the Arden Cove Crossbody bag or the PacSafe Metrosafe Bag. These are bags I’ve had in my rotation for a while and have done really well for my trips to Italy where my aunt almost got robbed!
The Arden Cove Crossbody is one of the best anti-theft purses and my favorite right now because it doesn’t look anything like an anti-theft bag with its elegant and stylish design with shoulder straps that you can easily take out to dinner in a nice dress. It can easily be dressed up and dressed down without lacking anti-theft features.
What Is The Best Anti-Theft Bag For Travel?
Well, I would suggest an anti theft backpack ultimately when it comes to am anti theft bag that is best for travel. My suggestion is the PacSafe Go 15L. It looks like a normal backpack with all of the features you need to travel like RFID protection, Slashproof Materials, and locking zippers. You won’t look like a tourist wearing this backpack around town.
For me, the most exciting part of any vacation often is the trip planning aspect. The second my husband or I dream up a potential destination, I’m compiling Airbnb recommendations, flight alerts flagged and a rough itinerary outlined within hours. If trip planning is something that overwhelms you, however, pull up a chair and I’ll give you a peek behind the curtain as to my process—here are the travel tools and websites I use as a jumping off point for any vacation.
This post was last updated in February 2025.
And if you’re just here for a greatest hits list of travel tools, here’s a round-up of sites and tools I swear by:
How I start trip planning
For me, every trip starts with finding the best flight deal, which helps me figure out when I want to travel. Generally, I have a good idea of the time of year, but my dates are fairly flexible, which is why I love that many airlines now have flexible search calendars.
Note: When using credit card points for flight redemptions, particularly overseas, it’s imperative you have flexibility within a certain date range. We’ve started targeting a month we want to travel about a year out, then planning our actual dates around the best rewards flights availability (lowest cost and best route). This is how we’ve traveled for extremely cheap to Thailand, Qatar, Australia and Hawaii the past three winters!
I typically prefer traveling in the off-season or shoulder season because that means less crowds and cheaper prices, but sometimes—like our summer trip to Europe with our niece—timing just isn’t that flexible, which is why flight alerts and tracking are my jam. I start tracking flights anywhere up to a year before a trip I’m considering.
Any frequent traveler will tell you that Google Flights is king, and I’m not going to steer you any differently. This is always where I begin my flight search: first by entering the route I want, entering approximately how long I’d like to travel, then using the flexible calendar feature to decide on the cheapest days for my trip.
Then, I set up a flight alert so I get an email if that flight route goes up or down in price before I book it. Google Flights will also tell you if the price is high for that time or typical, which I find helpful as it gives me a good guideline to know if I should wait for the price to go down or book when I find it’s normal or cheaper than average.
Important to note: Once you find the best flight for your trip, go to the airline’s website and book directly. Google Flights sometimes will show rates for OTAs (online travel agencies) like Expedia, and it’s never smart to book a flight via a third party, at least if you’re flying overseas and doling out thousands of dollars. (If it’s a $100 flight for a one-hour route from you, then by all means, tempt fate!
I’m of the mindset that you should book flights as far out as possible, especially if flying at peak times like holidays, but often the rule of thumb is to book six months before an international flight and one to four months before a domestic. That said, there’s no hard-and-fast “when is the best time to book flights?” answer anymore, so if you find a good deal that matches your budget, jump on that.
I’ve also been subscribed to the Going newsletter (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) since the very beginning of this flight alert email, and I love this free version for finding great air deals. It’s why we wound up going to Holland a few years back and why we were in Iceland on another cheap flight the following winter when $400 airfare landed in my inbox. I’ve never booked a flight so quickly!
Before I pull the trigger on my flights, I then cross-reference my dates with lodging availability; usually finding something isn’t an issue unless you’re going to, say, Africa (which we’re doing in the spring!) where lodges are scarce and you truly need to book your accommodation 10 to 12 months out.
How cute was our chalet in Switzerland?
I’m an Airbnb girl despite my recent frustrations with them, but not everywhere in the world has a large selection of Airbnbs available; I find this particularly true for coastal and rural regions of the South. Booking.com has become my other go-to resource for lodging, especially overseas, as it consolidates hotels and vacation rentals. I’ve used it several times on U.S. vacations in the past couples years, too, as I’ve found the same listings on there as on Airbnb, only Booking charges a much lower service fee.
Booking rental cars
When traveling domestically, I’m typically loyal to Enterprise as I have a business account with them that gives me certain perks and cash back, but overseas where rental cars vary dramatically is another story. On recent trips, I’ve been using DiscoverCars.com to find the best deals on rental cars. Most recently, we rented a car in Switzerland for $966 for one week, whereas it was $1800 or more directly through the rental car companies. I pre-pay with this option and always put it on one of my travel cards that also includes insurance coverage so I can decline that at the car rental window.
Figuring out things to do
I use Google Images, friends’ travel blogs and social media to figure out what I want to do in whatever destinations I’m visiting. I typically have a list of several free or low-cost options that make the final itinerary, then budget for one big-ticket item like the helicopter ride in Iceland or a train ride to the top of Jungfrau in Switzerland.
My go-to booking sources for tours has been Get Your Guide for years (especially ever since Viator did me dirty). I find that, in many cases, the price is lower than if I were to book the attraction outright, and I’m always all about saving a dollar or 10.
Buying insurance
The only time I take out a separate insurance policy is when I’m doing a big trip like our safari next spring, for which I took out a trip insurance plan for SVV and me through World Nomads. Otherwise, I book all my trips on my AmEx Platinum and Chase cards (more on that later), each of which carries specific insurance and coverage for trip delays, trip interruptions, delayed baggage and more.
Other resources to help my trip plan
How I use credit card points to travel is an entire series of posts of its own. I’m a big proponent of the Chase Sapphire cards and the American Express suite of cards (I have the Plat, Biz Plat, Gold, Biz Gold and Blue) for anyone who wants to accrue points quickly and use them for flights and hotels. Not only do I get the points for purchases I’d already make, but all of my cards have so many add-on benefits that they quickly even out with the cost of the annual fee.
In the past year I’ve been getting serious about making my miles go even further; it turns out the more I study, the less I know, so I frequently refer to a host of points blogs and Facebook groups that have helped me learn the churn and burn of travel credit cards. Some of my favorites are 10x Travel, One Mile at a Time and The Points Guy. I also use Credit Karma and Mint, both free, to monitor my expenses and various credit cards, as well as the Rakuten plugin for cash back on pretty much every purchase I make online.
It’s definitely a lot of work, making charts and budget spreadsheets and referencing various sources before booking a trip, but I like to think it saves me a lot of money in the long run, so it’s completely worth the hours spent learning these various platforms! If you have any specific questions about my trip planning process, drop them in the comments.
As a professional photographer who runs a photography business, including an online photography course, I am often asked if I have any tips on how to run a successful photography business.
I also get e-mails from time to time from readers asking me why their photos aren’t selling. Possibly they’ve set up an online photo sales store using a site like SmugMug, but they are struggling to find an audience. They are wondering where they might be going wrong. If that’s you, this guide should help.
I have already written a guide to how to make money as a photographer, which covers the various income streams available to you when you are starting out as an amateur photographer. This guide isn’t going to focus on that. Instead, it’s going to look more at what you need to do to actually succeed with your photography business.
So, whether your photography business is about selling your photos, working as a wedding photographer, running photography tours and workshops or selling stock photos, this guide should help ensure you focus on the right things to get your business running successfully. This is based on my years of actually running a successful photography business and what has worked for me.
10 Tips for Running a Successful Photography Business
I’m now going to go through my tips for running a successful photography business. These are not in any specific order, I’d say they are all equally important to your success!
Craft your Skill
One common mistake I see with aspiring professional photographers, and one which is easy to fall into, is basically trying to run before you can walk.
What I mean by this is that it is really important to ensure that you are actually creating a good enough service or product that people will want to buy from you before trying to make a living from it.
This can be tricky to establish, especially as the initial feedback we get on our photos is likely to be from friends and family. They will tend to offer very positive feedback, which is of course very nice, but unfortunately might not provide the sort of constructive feedback we really need.
Buoyed by all the positive feedback, it can be easy to jump straight into building an online portfolio, uploading a pile of photos, and then sitting back and waiting for the money to roll in. If it does, great! If it doesn’t, it can be a disheartening experience.
It can also be a costly experience, as many online portfolio sites charge a fee, which you need to be able to cover from your income. If you aren’t making an income, you’re going to be operating at a loss, which is not a good place to be.
Even worse would be to set up as a wedding photographer, book your first gig, and then not be able to deliver to your client’s expectations. This can result in anything from disappointed clients to negative reviews to, in a worst-case scenario, being sued for not delivering a quality service.
So, what to do? Well, first you need to spend time actually developing your photography skill. That might mean reading online photography guides, watching photography focused videos, signing up to a photography course, or taking a local photography class. There’s a huge amount of content available for free, and of course there are also paid resources.
You also need to get out there and practice your photography as much as possible. Photography is a skill, and it is one that can be continuously improved. If you are planning on becoming a wedding photographer for example, you might be able to find an existing photographer who needs a second shooter, and this can be a good way to develop your skills in a real-world environment.
When you are starting out I highly recommend volunteering to assist in doing actual gigs such as being a back-up wedding photographer, interning at a photo studio, shooting at an event as a volunteer, or shadowing a working photographer. Doing a bit of work for free can allow you to get some experience and stretch your wings without the pressure of being the one responsible for the final product.
If you plan to make an income from your photography then I would argue that it’s best to invest up front in your skillset first and foremost. As I said, it can be easy to put the cart before the horse, whether that’s paying for an online e-commerce store or spending thousands on gear. You need to know to use the gear so you can create content good enough to sell in your store, and that should definitely be the priority.
Now, to circle back to my previous point, which is how to know if you are at the point where you are actually creating content that is going to be good enough to sell. Of course, there’s no fixed goal, and a lot will come down to the market you are selling into and the products you are selling. If you’re the only wedding photographer in town for example, then it will likely be easier to find clients even if you are a bit less experienced. However, if you’re competing in an established market, you might have to level up your skills more to be able to compete.
Still, there are ways to know if your work is at the level where it can sell. First is feedback with buyer intent. That means, if people start to contact you, perhaps having seen your work on your social media feed, and ask if they can either buy your work or hire you to do a shoot. Ideally these will be total strangers who have nothing vested in your success. This is a strong indicator that your work really is good enough to start making an income from.
I’d also highly recommend seeking out ways to get constructive feedback on your work. In-person photography clubs, online groups and forums, and photography classes with a homework element can be a good way to get this feedback.
You basically want total strangers to be looking at your work, who aren’t worried about your feelings, to provide input as to what is good about it and what could be improved. A word of warning, this kind of feedback can sometimes be challenging to hear, especially if you have primarily only gotten glowing feedback from friends and family. But it is definitely important to a) help you improve and b) get you the point where you can feel confident in putting your product up for sale.
Finally, another way to get validation of your work is to enter photography competitions which are judged by real people (not social media popularity contests!). There are a lot of these, some paid, some not.
I’d suggest focusing on the free competitions to start with. If you start to place your work in these competitions, this can also be positive validation. It can also be a useful accolade to add to your photography resume.
My photography course, which is one of the ways I make an income as a photographer, offers learning opportunities to those starting out in photography
Do your Research on the Type of Photography Business
Before launching a photography business, you will want to do some research into the type of business you plan to run to make sure it’s a feasible business idea.
Selling photos – this can be selling physical prints, digital images, licenses to use an image, canvases, etc.
Selling photo art products – using your photos to create unique products. Photos can be printed on all sorts of things, such as greeting cards, pillowcases, phone cases, fabric, ornaments, clothing, coffee mugs, postcards, wallpaper, tote bags, etc.
Taking portrait studio photos – family photos, student yearbook photos, pet photos, graduation photos, cruise photos, portfolio photos, catalog and fashion photography
Wedding / event photography – engagements, weddings, parties, business conferences, music festivals
Business / product photography – taking photos for business websites, doing product photography, food photography, taking photos of cars, hotel rooms, houses/apartments etc.
Stock photography – taking photos to be sold on stock photo websites. A lot of the most popular are fairly generic photos with wide appeal (e.g., man holding coffee cup while looking surprised at computer, family on sunny beach in California, elderly woman crossing street), but stock photography can also include fine art photos or photos of famous people which can command much greater prices.
Photojournalists – photographers who take photos to be featured in newspapers, online news articles, magazines, TV programs, etc. to go along with news stories.
Education – this can mean running photo workshops, writing about photography, teaching online or in person classes, giving talks etc.
Leading photography tours – taking guests on photography specific tours, either locally or in popular photography destinations
There are of course other ways to make money from photography but those should give you a lot of ideas and most photographers will fit into one of those general areas. Many working photographers make money in a number of different ways and I myself have done work in at least half of those types of photography at one time or another.
I would recommend choosing one or two specific areas you want to start with, and then later you can always expand once you are established and making money in those initial areas.
Once you have chosen how you want to make an income from your photography, you will want to try to figure out what you want to focus on and do the research on what is already out there. You want to understand what kinds of products/services are being offered, and does it match with your skills and interests etc.
So, for example, let’s say you know you want to sell photos. Specifically, you decide you want to take photos and sell them online as either prints or digital images.
Now you have to decide what kind of photos you want to sell as it’s much easier if you are known for a certain type of subject or style. Whether that is fantasy fine art photography, bird photography, NYC street photography, abstract photos, or seascapes, it’s generally important to have a niche you are going to be known for.
Then you have to figure out the best place to sell and market your type of photos. Where and how do other photographers sell the type of photos you like to take?
Another example may be someone who wants to do studio photography focusing on babies and families. Lots of people like to get professional photos when they have babies and young kids.
But studio photography is something that is geographically bound so you want to make sure there is a strong market for this service in your area as renting studio space can be costly. So if you live in an area where most people are older and retired, focusing on baby photography is probably not a great business for your area and you may want to consider either another kind of photography or setting up in another area with a younger demographic.
You will also want to research your competition in the area. Whilst no competition might seem like a good thing, this can also be a warning sign that there is no market for the services you are offering.
Of course, this isn’t always the case, but it is worth bearing in mind. If there are existing businesses offering similar services, you will want to be sure that there is enough market to go around, and that you will be able to effectively compete.
Wedding photographyEvent photography
Figure out your Audience and Market
Before you start off, it is best to figure out who is your typical customer. How old are they, where are they from, what are they looking for, what is their budget etc.
If you can get your products and services in front of people who are more likely to want to buy them, it’s going to make your life a lot easier.
For example, if you want to sell photos and mainly take beach landscapes in Florida, your best market is probably people living in coastal Florida and tourists visiting those areas of Florida. A combination of online, gift shops, and local art shops might serve you well as ways to target this audience. There will be an established market, and it should be easier to start selling your work.
In this example you may also want to diversify your offerings to appeal to your target audience across price points. Perhaps you offer larger original framed photos at the local art shops and cheaper smaller prints, greeting cards, and postcards at the local tourist souvenir shops.
If you are a wedding photographer, you’ll want to narrow down your geographical range (unless you plan to travel as a destination wedding photographer). And you’ll want to decide on type of weddings you want focus on and a style of photography so you can build a portfolio. You’ll also want to carefully decide on a pricing model.
If you are someone offering photo tours in Iceland for example, you’ll want to find ways to reach people planning travels there. An online presence is likely going to be very important, as well as perhaps connecting with travel agents, travel bloggers who write about Iceland, local tour companies in Iceland, etc.
If you are doing tours, you’ll also want to do a lot of ground research and practice, so you are knowledgeable and set up to handle such a tour in the destination.
As you can see, there’s a lot to think about. Ultimately, you want to make sure that an audience exists for the product you want to sell in the place you want to sell it, and that you will be able to reach that audience.
Photographing puffins in Iceland, a popular destination for photography workshops
Run your Numbers
If you are planning on making money as a photographer, you need to treat the business like, well, a business. This might not be the most exciting part of being a professional photographer, but it’s certainly important if you want to run a profitable business.
So what does it mean? Well, you need to sit down with a tool like a spreadsheet and figure out how you’re going to make a profit. That means writing down all the costs associated with running your business, which is called your cost of business.
These costs will vary depending on your business model, but could include anything from the cost of gas getting to and from a shoot, to studio rent, equipment costs, insurance, taxes, marketing, photo editing software subscriptions, any professional fees (accounting etc.), shipping cost of products, printing costs, website costs etc. Some costs will be ongoing, others will be upfront one-off costs. You also want to consider how much you want to pay yourself.
Once you know the costs of doing business in your area, you can then start to put together a pricing model that will allow you to cover all your costs and, hopefully, turn a profit. At its simplest, you want to make more money selling your products and services than it costs you to produce them.
Put together a simple business plan and consider showing it to some trusted family members or friends for advice to see if it makes sense. There are lots of free online templates for business plans you can download for examples to get you started.
You will need to make various estimates when you put your pricing model together. For example, you might need to forecast how many weddings you might shoot in a year, or how many photos you plan to sell. It’s best to be conservative with your estimates when you start out. As you develop your business and build a reputation, you’ll be able to revise your numbers and likely increase your prices.
Whatever model you choose, be it an hourly billing rate as a wedding photographer, or a per product rate for sales, the goal is to put together a plan which makes financial sense and doesn’t have you running at a loss.
Price your Work/Services Accordingly
Speaking of pricing, this is a key consideration. Photography can be a tricky service to price, depending on what type of photography business you are setting up.
If you are offering a service like wedding photography, portrait photography, or a similar service, then you can fairly easily figure out pricing by simply researching other businesses in your general area (or areas with a similar demographic and income level) who might offer similar services.
Fees for these sorts of service tend to fall inside a certain range, and can be priced hourly or on a package basis. As an example, some wedding photographers charge a package price, whilst others might charge an hourly rate and then a fee per photo. A package rate tends to be commonly accepted (and can be easier in terms of knowing your income) but it’s up to you.
When you start off you will likely need to be at the lower end of the range in order to win clients and develop a reputation. As you build your reputation and get positive reviews and feedback, you can start to look at increasing your prices if you feel the market will support it.
If you plan to sell your photos, then you fall more into the world of art. Art is much more subjective, and so pricing can be highly variable. Mostly it comes down to how well established you are as an artist, the specific product you are selling (limited edition vs regular print for example), and the demand for the product you are selling in the location you are selling it.
Again though, I’d advise starting out on the low end of the pricing spectrum. Just make sure to cover your costs. As you develop a name for yourself and build an audience, you can start to think about increasing prices and things like limited edition or one-off prints that command more of a premium.
Your target market will also directly affect your prices. There’s no point setting high prices for prints you are selling locally if this makes your products unaffordable to most of the people in your area. However, if this is the case, you might consider selling online to reach a wider and more affluent market.
Now, while I do recommend starting out low, you want to be sure to increase your prices as you grow more confident in your skills and you become more known in your field. At the end of the day, you need to make sure you are making money once you get yourself established and you don’t want to undersell yourself.
Invest in yourself and your product
As previously mentioned, photography is a skill which we develop over time. There’s always something new to learn, and there’s always new gear to buy.
I am a strong believer in the concept of continuous education. I always feel there’s something new about photography to learn, be that a new style of photography, a new way to edit photos, or a new bit of equipment to learn how to use.
Now, you do want to invest in high quality equipment, especially as you begin to make some money. This doesn’t mean the most expensive equipment but you certainly need to make sure your gear is up to the task. For example, a wedding or portrait photographer is definitely going to get better results with a wide aperture lens and a decent flash. A studio photographer doing things like portraits or animal photography will likely benefit from a good studio lighting setup and backdrop.
As you grow, you will want to make additional investments as needed and as you have the money. Start with the camera and gear you have and save up the money for the gear you think you need to make your photos better or your job easier. Don’t go into debt trying to buy gear you can’t afford!
You also don’t want to fall into the gear acquisition trap. It can be easy to believe that simply upgrading your camera and your camera gear will make you a better photographer.
In some cases, better gear will absolutely yield better results. However, good gear can’t replace skills. So don’t forget to keep investing in yourself. Whether that’s taking trips to new destinations to broaden your portfolio, enrolling in a class to learn new editing techniques, or going on a photography workshop to get new inspiration, investing in yourself is always a good idea.
You will also want to invest in your product to make it the best it can be. If you’re offering prints of your work for example, a high quality photo printer might be a sensible long-term investment. If you are going to spend hours editing photos, then a high-end photo editing computer and monitor for photo editing is going to be an excellent investment.
A good monitor and computer make all the difference to photo editing!
Having the right equipment to cover your photography needs is also important
Be Professional
Your clients’ (and potential clients) impressions of you are very important, and it is key to be as professional as possible in all aspects of your business.
For example, if you have a photography studio or office, this should be clean and professional looking. If you meet clients in person, you should be dressed appropriately and professionally for that situation (especially if doing wedding or corporate photography). If you are selling at an art show booth you should act professionally and have business cards to give out to those interested etc.
If you want to have a successful photography business, you also need a professional online presence. This should take the form of a website at the very least but can also extend to social media channels. If you choose to run a social media channel, you need to commit to regular updates of content, and to interact with any comments you receive. Otherwise, it can seem like the business is inactive. If you can’t do that, it might be better not to do social media.
I would say that a website is the most important online presence to have. This is where clients can find you, see how to contact you, and see what services you offer.
It’s also an opportunity to showcase your work to potential clients, share testimonials from existing clients, and it can be a place to sell photos from directly if that’s something you do.
These days, people are used to professional looking websites that are easy to navigate and look good on mobile. An outdated website can very quickly put clients off. The good news is that once you have set your website up, it will need minimal ongoing work other than refreshing your prices, updating photos and other minor tasks.
I would personally recommend using a service that specializes in creating a nice looking website that matches the service you plan to provide. Whilst you might be able to save a little bit of money by building a website from scratch yourself, the end result is likely not going to look as professional unless you happen to be a professional web designer as well.
As examples of recommended services to check out, SquareSpace is an excellent system that lets anyone build good looking websites with minimal experience required. SmugMug is a fantastic tool for building an online site for selling your photos (You can get 15% off the plan cost and a 14-day free trial if you use this link).
You might be the greatest wedding photographer in the world, or at least, in your part of the world, but if no-one knows you exist, you aren’t going to get any work.
Whatever type of photography service you are offering, marketing is going to be key. There are multiple types of marketing, available at various price points. The key thing is to invest in marketing that is going to reach your audience. There’s no point paying for a marketing campaign that reaches an audience that isn’t relevant to you and your product.
Marketing is also something you want to do after you have set up your website and any social media channels, defined your prices and so on. There’s little point advertising your services if your target audience then has no way to find you and see what you offer.
Some marketing options to consider are as follows:
social media, such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Your marketing efforts can be both paid advertising as well as organic content
offering your services or products for free as a way to grow your portfolio and get word of mouth recommendations as well as testimonials
locally targeted marketing, good for a local service such as a portrait studio which focuses on providing photography services in a local community. This can be anything from advertising in a local newspaper to sponsoring local events, to local bulletin boards and even ads on your local Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist
paid digital search ads such as Google Ads or Facebook Ads. Just note that these can be expensive and difficult to get right if you don’t know what you are doing, and it can be very easy to spend a lot of money with little return
e-mail, which is to say, try to collect e-mail addresses whenever you can from both potential and existing clients. An e-mail list can be a powerful way to reach out to potential clients about what you are offering, promotions and so on
The main takeaway here is that you want to get word about your business out to people who are likely to want to buy your products and services, and a good marketing strategy is how to do that.
Examples of marketing channels
Be a Timely Communicator with Potential Clients
Ok, so you have setup your photography business, you know what you are selling, and you have potential clients. Hurrah!
Now you just need to be sure you convert your potential clients to paid clients. It is really important at this phase of your business that you respond very quickly to any outreach, be that phone call, e-mail, text message, or via social media.
When in the research phase for purchasing a photography product or service, many people will reach out to multiple providers at the same time. You want to always try to respond quickly, as this will give your potential client confidence in your ability to deliver.
If you think about any company you’ve ever contacted, how has it felt if you’ve not had a response in days? These days, with the speed of available communication tools, everyone wants a speedy response to their enquiry.
The worst thing is no response at all. I’ve seen this happen many times, particularly on social media. If someone asks a question on a social media post, you want to be sure to respond.
This is good for that potential lead, but also looks good to anyone else checking out your social media, as they will see you are proactive and responsive. If someone see a question with no response, it makes them wonder if you are still active, or if you care about your customers. Not a good look.
Believe in Yourself
My last tip is a bit more personal in nature. The reality is that photography can be a hard business. It can be a bit lonely as most photographers work alone. So it can be hard to get started and find your footing and your niche, and you might start to feel defeated.
My advice is to believe in yourself and your product, and to keep at it. Many photographers, especially when starting out, do a number of different types of photo gigs to make ends meet. Or they might do it in addition to a regular 9-5 job.
The main this is to know what you want and to go after it in a smart way. Be patient, be realistic, be persistent, believe in yourself.
Finally, don’t let the business of photography get in the way of also just enjoying and loving photography. Turning a hobby into a business can be a challenge, and you don’t want that challenge to overshadow your passion for photography.
Further Reading
That’s it for my guide to running a successful photography business! If you found this useful, you might enjoy some of my other photography related content. Here are some articles to get you started.
Knowing how to compose a great photo is a key photography skill. See our guide to composition in photography for lots of tips on this subject
We have a guide to what depth of field is and when you would want to use it.
We are big fans of getting the most out of your digital photo files, and do to that you will need to shoot in RAW. See our guide to RAW in photography to understand what RAW is, and why you should switch to RAW as soon as you can if your camera supports it.
You’re going to need something to run your photo editing software on. See our guide to the best laptops for photo editing for some tips on what to look for.
If you found this post helpful, and you want to improve your photography overall, you might want to check out my online travel photography course.
Since launching the course in 2016, I’ve already helped over 2,000 students learn how to take better photos. The course covers pretty much everything you need to know, from the basics of how a camera works, through to composition, light, and photo editing.
It also covers more advanced topics, including astrophotography, long exposure photography, flash photography, and HDR photography.
You get feedback from me as you progress, access to webinars, interviews and videos, as well as exclusive membership of a Facebook group where you can get feedback on your work and take part in regular challenges.
It’s available for an amazing one-off price for lifetime access, and I think you should check it out. Which you can do by clicking here.
And that’s it! I’d love to hear about your thoughts and tips on running a successful photography business and as always am happy to answer any questions you have. Just pop them in the comments below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
We all want to travel more. Whether a vacation, career break, gap year trip, there’s some trip we are always thinking about. One of the things that keeps a lot of people from achieving that dream is money.
Saving money to travel can be an uphill battle but travel is not as expensive as you think. There are plenty of ways to save money on the road and lower your costs.
And you don’t have to be a backpacker to travel cheap. There are tons of ways to travel on a budget without sacrificing comfort.
One of the easiest ways to travel on a budget is to just go somewhere inexpensive. There are plenty of amazing places to visit that are still quite affordable. In fact, many of them are actually cheaper than day-to-day life back home!
And, while there are dozens upon dozens of inexpensive countries you can visit, in this post, I am going to share my favorite that I think are the best!
1. Thailand
Despite being a hugely popular tourist destination, Thailand has remained relatively cheap.
Outside of the popular island destinations, it’s easy to visit the country for around $50 USD per day if you’re backpacking. Hostel dorms cost $10 USD per night, you can eat on less than $10 USD per day if you stick to delicious street food markets, drinks are just a couple bucks each, and tours and activities don’t cost much more than $20-30 USD.
If you’re not looking to backpack around Thailand, you can still visit the country on a budget if you use points for hotels, stick to budget accommodation, continue to stick to street food vendors and public transportation. If you do that, you’d spend around $100 USD per day.
I’ll be honest: I was late to the game on Mexico. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I finally took the time out to explore the country. The country is just incredible. Mayan ruins, stunning beaches, lush jungles, world-class food, picturesque cenotes, mezcal….I love the country.
The trick to having an affordable trip to Mexico is to get out of the tourist regions. Leave Tulum (it’s the worst place in the world anyway), Playa del Carmen, Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, and all the other resort towns filled with American hotel brands and tourists.
Hostels cost between $10-15 USD per night, street tacos are $1 USD or less, other meals will set you back $5-10 USD, beer is around $1-2 USD, and even big-ticket sites like Chichen Itza are just $5-15 USD.
If you aren’t looking to backpack, you can still visit affordably. On a midrange budget of about $80, you can stay in a private hostel room or cheap hotel, eat out at restaurants serving cheap traditional cuisine, visit more attractions, enjoy a few drinks, and take the occasional taxi to get around.
For more information on how to plan a trip there, check out my guide to visiting Mexico.
3. Portugal
Portugal is not only one of my favorite countries in Europe but it’s one of the cheapest eurozone countries as well. Offering charming cities, stunning coastlines, and beautiful weather, this country has become much more popular in recent years. There’s a growing expat scene as well as a lively digital nomad community.
You can get by here for around $50 USD per day without missing out on the amazing food, fun activities, and delicious wine. On this budget, you’ll be staying in a hostel dorm room, cooking all of your meals, limiting your drinking, using public transportation to get around, and sticking to free activities like free walking tours and enjoying the beaches.
While prices are a bit higher in popular Lisbon, you can easily offset that by visiting in the shoulder season or in the winter.
Central America is one of the cheapest regions of the world, with pretty much every country here an affordable place to visit. Because of that, I’m including the whole region!
In countries like El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Guatemala you’ll find the best deals, with budget hotels costing around $15 USD, meals for $3-4 USD, bus journeys for the same price, and beer for less than a dollar.
In the “expensive” countries in the region (Belize, Panama, Costa Rica), you’ll be spending closer to $50 USD per day, though you won’t be wanting for anything as street food costs under $5 USD and hostel dorms are $8-12 USD.
Hungary is an amazing, affordable country, the highlight of which is Budapest. I love Budapest. It’s a beautiful, historic city.
Hostels in Budapest start at $10 USD per night. Meals at the markets or at the plethora of kebab and sandwich shops are around $5-10 USD. Trains and buses were just a few dollars while a beer is less than $2 USD.
Unless you are going out for a big night of drinking or paying for lots of attractions and activities, $50 USD will give you plenty of room to enjoy the sites and sounds of the country. And the Budapest is a great alternative to more popular destinations like Prague or Vienna, offering just as much fun for a fraction of the cost.
Home to the epic Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu, Peru is one of the most popular countries in South America. I absolutely loved my trip there. It’s a country I would go back to over and over again.
While hiking the Inca Trail will definitely burst your budget, everyday life in Peru is quite affordable. If you want to backpack Peru, I’d plan for $50–80 USD per day. On this budget, you’d be staying in hostel dorms, eating at typical hole-in-the-wall restaurants and cafés, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation and overnight buses, and doing a few paid activities and tours. If you’re going to party a lot, you’ll be on the higher end of this range.
And, if you do want to do some guided hikes but don’t have the money, try to book last minute. You can usually find amazing deals — including deals for hikes like the Inca Trail. While you might end up spending more than $50 USD per day, those once-in-a-lifetime experiences are worth it.
For more information, check out my guide to visiting Peru.
7. Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia. From the stunning views of Sam Mountain and Ha Long Bay to the man-made artistry of the sacred temples and pagodas to the rice terraces and beaches, Vietnam is stunning.
Hostels can be found for as little as $4-5 USD, with many including free breakfast and free beer (during limited hours). Food from street vendors can be found for under $1-2 USD, and buses around the country are incredibly cheap. Even activities here are cheap. The Cu Chi Tunnels (tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam war) are just $5 USD to visit while a full day of canyoning is just $20 USD.
No budget travel list would be complete without India. India has always been an inexpensive place to visit, but the steep decline in the Indian rupee in recent years has made the country an even bigger bargain. You can travel well here for very little money, and increasing your budget by just a few dollars can often lead to substantial increases in luxury.
For example, on a budget of $30-45 per day, you can do the typical backpacker thing: guesthouses, cheap food, sleeper trains, and overland buses. In the larger cities of Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bangalore as well as beach destinations like Goa, you can expect to spend around $45-55 per day.
But, if you doubled that, there’s virtually nothing you couldn’t do from private tour guides to three- or four-star hotels to opulent meals to internal flights. The country is generally just really, really cheap.
9. Taiwan
Taiwan is one of the most underrated countries in Asia. It’s super affordable, safe, clean, and has plenty of things to see and do.
You can easily visit Taiwan for $40-50 USD per day as food and accommodation are both super affordable. Hostels start around $10 USD while street food costs just a couple dollars (and is super tasty). There are plenty of markets, lots of hiking, convenient public transportation, and a fun nightlife. No matter what you are interested in, you can find it in Taiwan. You’ll get a lot of value here.
For more information, check out my guide to visiting Taiwan.
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There are many great destinations in the world that don’t have to cost a fortune. And, if you use points to fly there, you can save even more money. And, even if you aren’t an uber budget traveler and want some more luxury, all the destinations listed here can still provide a lot of luxury on a bargain.
By visiting some of these budget destinations, you’ll be able to stretch your budget and make your trip financially attainable.
How to Travel the World on $75 a Day
My New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”
Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.
Need a Rental Car? Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.
Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
After a few days camped out in the North Bay of San Francisco, we relocated to the city and four nights gave us ample time to to revisit our old haunts. But there’s one thing we made a priority, and that was taking a Half Moon Bay day trip to Martin’s Beach.
This post was last updated in March 2025.
Getting Around the Bay Area
Having a car in San Francisco can be one big headache: It’s either an arm and a leg to park overnight or you have to comply with very strict street parking rules (including paying attention to street cleaning times, which are always very random), something we learned the hard way living there and racking up too many parking tickets to count.
On our second day in San Francisco, we picked up our rental, which we got for a steal—under $300 for a full week from Enterprise—so we had a car for the duration of our trip.
But we knew we’d be turning it in early to avoid the hassle of driving around in circles waiting for a spot to open up only then having to move it every two hours we were stationary, so we planned our day trip to Half Moon Bay for the first weekday then turned in the car early.
Sadly, there’s no real public transportation method to get you up and down the coast, so if you want to see a bit of Highway 1 (aka the Pacific Coast Highway), you’re going to need a car. If you’re traveling on your own dime and not your company’s, I always recommend renting from a location within a city and not at the airport to save money on those airport taxes.
And let me just say if you are only going to rent a car for one day, make it a weekday. Despite the sunny, relatively warm weather, our beach day in North California was blissfully empty. There was literally nobody there.
Cruising Down Highway 1
Our first house together in the Bay Area was in South San Francisco, meaning Pacifica was just over the hill. SVV surfed there often, and my Bikram studio was located there, as well, so we popped down to the crescent-shaped Pacifica State Beach en route to Half Moon Bay to snap some photos.
Despite the sunny day, it was cold out. I was bundled up in a long-sleeved shirt, a vest and a sweater on top, and yet these surfers were out there in the 60-degree water in just a seven-millimeter wetsuit. Further proof I could never be a surfer.
We didn’t stay long (see: freezing outside!) and, from there, headed further south to the famed Mavericks and the town of Half Moon Bay. This was always—and still is—our favorite part of the Bay Area, and you can see why from this little video of our drone footage I put together.
We spent a glorious four hours on the lesser-known Martin’s Beach, which was quite literally vacant until we arrived. How that can still happen in a state with nearly 40 million residents and even more tourists is beyond me.
This is the exact spot we were the moment my brother-in-law texted that my niece Charlotte was born at 3:07pm, and I’ll forever cherish that despite the fact that no act of God could get us to convince the airlines to put us on an earlier flight home to meet her as she made her entry into the world.
It’s an interesting thing, the Pacific Ocean. If you gave me the choice, nine times out of 10, I would pick the balmy waters of the Gulf, warm enough to swim in 75 percent of the time and devoid of great white sharks that just feel as if they’re lurking behind every seal-laden rock.
But I see the appeal of the Pacific, I do. SVV always says: “The Gulf is tame and predictable—unless you count hurricanes. The Pacific Ocean is alive, breathing and will smack you in the face if you turn your back on it. There’s something exciting about that.”
“There’s a reason I would go surfing six days a week after working on my feet all day. It’s cleansing and invigorating. It’s constantly being churned. It’s full of life on a level that’s just not seen anywhere with warm water. That cold water breathes energy into the environment, and you can’t ignore it when you’re in the ocean.”
He swam laps in his beloved Pacific despite it never getting above 65 out that day while I stayed bundled up on the shore of Martin’s Beach.
After we’d soaked up all the sun our pallid winter skin could take, we headed back to the town of Half Moon Bay, but not before making an impromptu stop in the mustard fields that flanked the sea cliffs. You think it’s the ocean that gives all of Northern California its color? You haven’t seen the half of it.
We concluded our day trip with a stop at the local brewery and both agreed that while we miss the easy access to places like Half Moon Bay, we don’t miss the harsh realities of day-to-day life in San Francisco.
For those of you also making the journey, if you’re looking for the most perfect day trip from San Francisco, you can never go wrong with Half Moon Bay and the secret Martin’s Beach. Though it appears to be private, it is open to the public—at least for the time being.
Planning a California vacation? I have plenty of added ideas here:
Imagine this. You’re out on a camping trip with the family, the stars are out, and everything’s perfect, until your gear starts dying all at once.
The phones are down to a sliver of battery, the led lights you hung around your campsite are flickering, your battery powered lantern is almost dead and that trusty little tent fan is barely spinning. That means no new pictures in the morning, no rocking music playlist in the afternoon and here comes the overnight condensation and early morning boil in your tent. If you didn’t pack a decent power station, you’d be out of luck. However, if you had the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 600 in the car, you’d be just fine.
Here’s what surprised us most. For something that only weighs about 16 pounds, this thing can power way more than we expected. Thanks to VTOMAN’s V-Beyond technology, the FlashSpeed 600 can handle gear that normally needs more than 600 watts, and even brief surges up to 1200W.
Surprisingly Mighty for Its Small Size
It’s built with travelers and off-grid explorers in mind. Compact, lightweight, and packed with useful features like fast USB-C charging and support for solar panels. Whether you’re car camping, RVing, working remotely, or prepping for emergencies, it’s the kind of tool you end up using more than you thought you would.
We first tried the larger VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 a few years ago and honestly, it impressed us. Solid build, plenty of juice, and for the features you get, it’s a really great value. So when we got our hands on the smaller FlashSpeed 600, we were curious to see how it stacked up.
1. A full-size blender Yup, we sometimes bring a blender camping. It’s a bit extra, but nothing beats smoothies or frozen drinks after a long hike. The FlashSpeed 600 handled it like a champ, no sputtering, no drama.
2. A Travel Sized Hairdryer This one shocked us. A compact hairdryer actually worked, as long as we used it on the lower setting without heat and didn’t go for full salon mode. It’s also great for drying wet socks or gloves in a pinch.
3. An electric blanket Cold night? No problem. Just plug in a low-wattage electric blanket, and stay warm for hours. Perfect for when your sleeping bag isn’t quite enough and the temperature drops fast.
4. An Electric Air Pump for Paddleboards or Inflatables If you’ve ever manually pumped up a paddleboard, you know it’s a workout. Plug in an electric air pump (regular electrical plug or a 12v car style plug) and let the VTOMAN do the heavy lifting. It will handle ours with ease and with plenty of power left for other gear.
5. A laptop, Kindle, and phone all at once With 8 outlets, including fast-charging USB-C and QC3.0 USB-A ports, this thing is built for multitasking. We had the whole family’s tech charging at the same time, and no one had to fight for a plug.
6. LED lights and a projector for movie night One of our favorite camping traditions, hanging a white sheet and watching a movie under the stars. The FlashSpeed 600 will power LED string lights and a compact projector with zero issues. Definitely one of those moments that makes you forget you’re in the woods.
7. A drone battery charger If you film or photograph while traveling, this is gold. We can recharge our drone batteries right at the campsite and not miss a single shot of the mountain views.
8. A portable fan or heater This can be a lifesaver in a tent. A charged fan keeps air moving, helps with condensation, and makes sleeping way more comfortable during a warm night. We’ve also used our power station to power a diesel tent heater and it lasted us for multiple nights that were well below freezing (wasn’t cold in the tent though, those heaters are crazy warm.)
9. A small air purifier In severely dusty campsites or during wildfire season, having cleaner air in an RV can make a noticeable difference. While they don’t take much energy, it’s amazing how much they can filter in a few hours.
10. A camera battery charger When you’re off-grid for days and still want to document your trip, this is key. We ran our camera battery charger multiple times without draining the FlashSpeed much at all.
11. Bonus! Power tool batteries If you own an RV or work on projects outdoors often, you know that sometimes having a bit of remote electrical power is helpful. Whether running a cordless drill, inflating tires and inflatables or running a cordless saw or sander, those power tool batteries don’t charge themselves and never last as long as you wish they did.
To give you an idea of the size of the VTOMAN Flashspeed 600 in relation, it can charge over a dozen typical 18 volt power tool batteries. Considering our lantern, fan and inflator all use an 18v power tool battery, you know we bring our charger with us everywhere we go and the VTOMAN 600 keeps them all charged up for the weekend.
Why This Works
Here’s the secret sauce, VTOMAN’s V-Beyond technology. It’s what lets this power station push beyond the 600W mark for short bursts, powering gear that would usually trip up other portable stations in this size range. Combine that with LiFePO4 battery cells, a rugged build, and VTOMAN’s LIFEBMS safety system, and you’ve got serious reliability in a small, travel-ready package.
A Few Quick Tips
Try to run only one high-power device at a time, especially if you’re stretching its wattage.
Keep an eye on your battery level. The LCD screen is easy to read and gives you time estimates.
Add a solar panel or an extra VTOMAN battery if you’re out for longer trips. An extra batter can extend the 499Wh capacity all the way to 2047Wh and a solar panel (max 200W) can top the VTOMAN up every day in a few hours.
Unlike a normal gas/propane/diesel generator, you can use a portable power station like the VTOMAN at all hours regardless of where you’re camping and they’re so quiet you can even leave them plugged in directly inside your RV or right next to your tent.
Final Thoughts
The VTOMAN FlashSpeed 600 has officially earned a spot in our car camping kit. It’s compact, powerful, and just plain useful. Whether you’re going off-grid or just want a backup at home, it handles more than you’d expect without the price tag of bigger stations.
You can check it out here if you’re curious. And if you’ve found a creative or surprising way to use your power station, we’d love to hear about it. Drop a comment or tag us, we’re always up for new ideas.
