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For those who long to see the world — but have a limited budget to do so — nomad influencer Ombeline Daragon has a few tips to travel to top destinations at an affordable clip.
The 27-year-old French seasoned traveler prides herself on having been “living out of a backpack” for the last five years, originally leaving home with just $2,000.
In half a decade, she has bounced around 32 countries, regularly exploring new places and cultures as cheaply as possible while working multiple jobs — such as toiling as an author, artist, mine supervisor, boat repairer, farm hand, chef and an au pair — to adequately afford her many adventures.
“After five years of living out of a backpack, I’ve learned that the first 24 hours in a new country can either be a dream or total disaster,” Daragon told CreatorZine.
“Whether you’re heading into a bustling city or a remote coastal town, these are my non-negotiable rules for landing on your feet without the unnecessary stress,” she added.
First up comes downloading offline Google Maps for the intended destination, which ensures travelers will always know where they are and, if applicable, where their driver is taking them.
“Never rely solely on airport Wi-Fi,” Daragon advised. “Before you even board your flight, download the offline Google Map for your destination.”
Next, Daragon emphasized the importance of a one day e-sim for one’s first day in an unfamiliar country, suggesting the brand Holafly.
“”It gets me through that crucial first day with immediate access to maps, translation apps, and ride-hailing services,” said Dragon. “It’s peace of mind in a digital packet.”
Third comes pre-booking a taxi once you’ve arrived at the airport, as the majority of drivers charge high prices in the terminal.
“It’s safer, the price is fixed, and you avoid the ‘tourist tax’ right out of the gate,” explained Daragon.
Her next tip centered around money directly, as she advised to always click ‘no’ on accepting the conversion when withdrawing money from an ATM.
“Let your own bank handle the conversion, you’ll get a much better rate and keep more money in your pocket for the fun stuff,” Daragon added.
For her final tip, Daragon reminded viewers that purchasing physical sim cards from a store in the city is the best chance to save money and find the best package.
“You’ll find way more plan options, better data packages, and significantly lower prices than the ‘tourist specials’ at the terminal,” Daragon concluded.
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