My Biggest Financial Mistakes as a Backpacker

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[@shebreatheslove1]

I tell you what, not liking coffee or alcohol saves me tons on a trip and in life in general. Thats what I allocate towards accommodations and I find it more fulfilling for a trip, personally.

[@BackpackingBananas]

That's your financial superpower 😅

[@sarahvestergaard7174]

That is so truuue! The biggest save ever

[@shebreatheslove1]

Me + water for life

[@sarahvestergaard7174]

Same. People rarely understand that water is the best

[@Ken-tv3ir]

@@BackpackingBananas of course when you stay in a place like Tulum you're paying more exorbitant prices. There's so many places nearby where restaurants, coffees, alcohol are borderline a steal (i.e. more inland, like san de cristobal)

[@amanda133]

I'd love to see a video on the process of how you started your clothing line and bum bag! The costs associated, choosing a manufacturer, designers, etc.

[@purpleskies4553]

Anyone notice the doorway at 9:53?😂

[@victoriaivy5953]

Yeah what was that? Creepy!

[@terran008]

@@victoriaivy5953 I think it was just a hand holding something but I could be wrong...

[@johnnymaldonadoparedes3502]

Exactly. What was that?

[@joekr9424]

@@johnnymaldonadoparedes3502 looks like her BF waving his hat, he walked in 10 secs later but it was cut right as he walked in.

[@emilianomarquez1629]

WT

[@RoamwithRach]

Watching your videos inspire me to do a solo backpacking trip! I also struggle with deciding what camera gear to bring. I have brought a full stabilizing crane with me on one trip and I didn't even end up using it haha, smaller is usually better for my kind of travel as well. Great tips!!🙂

[@StokedForTravel]

I feel your pain - especially on the hanging out with people on crazy budgets front! Best find I had was the Trailwallet app - absolute game changer and really helped me stick to my budget! 🤙

[@innerlight6430]

im liking your honesty. and lack of bullshit. ive often seem travel vlogs, where one guy or gal has just completley contradicted the last. and leaves you somewhat in limbo with making decisions. anyway, keep it up. enjoying your vids. and have a mighty 2021

[@ImogenWhite]

Claro sounds like such a fantastic idea! I always find finance so baffling but also super super important so this sounds like it's about to simplify the WHOLEEE process - can't wait!! 🎉

[@BackpackingBananas]

Me too! 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@swicheroo1]

I traveled for 3 years as a backpacker. Longer term travelers pretty much can't hang out with short term travelers, or else we will have to do zip lines and other pricey activities that our not only expensive but super-touristy. So, one of the pluses of living in a hostel is also a minus: the automatic friendships subject you to peer pressure to go out to bars, to behave in flashy ways.

[@OperationsAndSmoothProductions]

You got half way through that Claro speech before i realized it was a plug.....Well done !

[@BlondeInTheAir]

10:47 - Totally agree, it can really move the needle of the budget! 😩 The way I try to save on food/drinks is by getting free buffet breakfast (usually with my Hilton gold status), skipping lunch because I’m full from breakfast 😋, so then I’m only really paying for dinner (which won’t be fancy).

[@RebeDrawsStuff]

I also have the same issue with my DSLR. I have it since 2013 but what I noticed is that, when you try to record you become super self-conscious that everybody is watching you because of the huge camera. So right now, I only use the DSLR when I take videos of my family or when I'm inside my house. Right now I'm recording most of my video intros with my GoPro. Is super discrete and lightweight. Sometimes I use the small GorillaPod I got to use as a tripod and sometimes I just use the little stand piece that comes with the tripod and the GoPro. I've recorded with my camera for almost 2 years and I have only been caught once a couple of weeks ago. Usually, I avoid recording in places with a lot of people because I try to respect their privacy but also I want to keep small fragments of my life here and there, so I was surprised when the security guard who was yelling at me found out I was taking a few videos on an empty arcade at my city.

[@bySumi]

I can definitely relate to the food part from my first solo trip back in 2018. In my head, everything was cheap but I forgot about the fact that I had to buy every meal of the day for 2 whole months and suddenly it runs up LMAOOO. Luckily, I didn't spend much on other aspects so I still had enough to cover the cost

[@Amelia-vk4jt]

I'm not a huge foody so when I'm traveling, except for buying a local dish ill just buy from the shop or market

[@KarynMannion]

This advise will definitely come in handy when I go on my year of travelling next year hopefully 🤞🏻

[@BackpackingBananas]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@harmonygrace5833]

i really like the way you worded your tip about reducing your food and drink expenses! by saying to think of going to bars and restaurants as a ‘treat’ and not do it everyday, instead of tagging along guilt and other unhealthy emotions to spending money on those types of things... not sure if that came out how i meant it to lol but anyways- great video!

[@viktoriav.2320]

Haha loved the video! I actually love exploring cheap restaurants/ food stalls/ trucks etc whilst on the road, it is way better than paying unnecessary overpriced amounts for places mainly designed for tourists! It is totally fine to treat yourself every now and then, but as you´re saying it is not a viable option when travelling long term lol

[@JadeBrice]

I can relate to a few of these. i went on my first solo trip jan 2020, safe to say i was home 24 March for lockdown in the UK. I filmed all my travels and found it annoying even carrying my mac around. i was paranoid about getting anything stolen so i took it everywhere lol

[@maddiemurphy9252]

I’m so excited to see how you jump into the new year with travel and living in Mexico 🤗

[@BackpackingBananas]

Me too! There's been a lot of changes recently 😊

[@blackabz]

I feel so attacked with the “Thinking with your stomach”

[@cat_pb]

haha 😂

[@ryanbahr6304]

I appreciate this input and info. Thanks!

[@Aj23427]

Great video! Thank you for sharing!

[@brittanythompson9079]

Ahh I have missed you!! Great tips, thank you so much x

[@BackpackingBananas]

Pleasure as always ❤️❤️

[@GurnamSingh-108]

First time, I’ve had the pleasure of watching your KZbin’s thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you. I’m hiking to Puerto Rico never been there. Can’t speak Spanish and I’m gonna be there for four weeks. Can you advise. Love Light & Peace to all 🌹

[@apoorvagoel3359]

Omg, I thought it was just me with the food! I did a backpacking trip through Georgia earlier this year, and spent I think an additional 400 euros than planned because of food and taxis! It was my first backpacking trip and instead of eating locally, I ate in popular/recommended restaurants and taxis were just so much cheaper than back in Europe so I got lazy and started using them more and more! Important learning for next time!

[@fiestero182]

You make so much great content Christianne! seriously, don't you ever stop going it girl! Big mexican hug from France! ^^

[@annahenkenius]

Love love your videos! So many great tips:) happy holidays!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks 😊 Happy Holidays ❤️

[@jennifercancinos187]

One of my biggest mitakes is transportation. In my coutry we dont use the public transportation (buses) and we dont have metro and train so its hard to know how to use it for my and I have bought the SAME ticket more than once. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@PocketTrailblazer]

Great tips, I’ve definitely fallen for the ‘too many GoPro accessories’ trap! 😂

[@Nikki-oj7ck]

absolutely love vids like these

[@BackpackingBananas]

Yay 🥰🥰🥰

[@pharmacistv]

Subscriptions are a huge financial drain especially when you forget about them! Great tip to cancel before you go!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Agreed!

[@Sam-mn4vl]

Great video, the only thing I would say you missed is currency conversion. Using apps like Monzo or getting your money exchanged in different places can save quite a bit. Looking forward to 2021 travel videos!

[@annem1164]

Be careful when using a VPN to book flights! It once happened to me and at least 4 or 5 times to friends coming with me that the ticket was invalid when trying to check in. I never fully understood why but if I remember correctly it had something to do with the country where you live or where you depart from (not sure why exactly, blurred memory). It was so annoying at the airport to rebook the flight... I live in Germany so I don't know if it's true for everywhere, but I personally don't book via VPN anymore.

[@BackpackingBananas]

Oohh interesting! Thanks for the warning!

[@alexiabackler4087]

oh my god I NEEEEEDED this video! amazing thanks brilliant content

[@sharley530]

Great video, thank you!! ❤

[@wietskejanse5951]

This was such a good video, thanks Christianne! 🤗

[@breathtakingly_african]

I love how informative your vlogs are.You're a superstar

[@lonnekeboons]

Thanks for the tips in this video. I sometimes have to hold myself back too. "Not a cinematic youtuber." Got to remember that one! Question what do you do with lighting for your videos? Especially with glasses. Thanks!

[@karenwilson2894]

I really liked this video. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!

[@SoyDell]

great vid, thanks for the info; i’m looking forward to traveling the world soon

[@Hannas_hiatus]

Solo female travelers whatsgoooood!

[@BackpackingBananas]

🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@JadeBrice]

yes!!!!

[@PrincessZoes]

Would love to join a group with other solo female travellers!

[@jessupp20]

@@PrincessZoes me too!

[@greysonG10]

Yasss girl!

[@aktashuseyin]

1-clothes that you wont use 2-unnecessary big camera and unnecessary technologıcal devices 3-unnecessary go pro mounts 4-not canceling the subscription while you are on travel 5- overspending on food and drinks :)

[@McKennas.adventures]

Hi! I. Love your colorful hair strand you got, what’s it called and where can I get one in Thailand? Thanks!

[@woolypuffin392]

New flat 🤩? You look great hope your safe 😊 Greetings from Switzerland. Love the Eagle Creek Global Companion 40l after testing like 5 different other 😄

[@BackpackingBananas]

Ahh I wish! This was a cute hostel private room in a town I just stopped off in

[@leonieh5985]

Thank you for this amazing video❤️!!! I'm really grateful for the tips, especially since it probably wasn't "nice" for you to list up all the mistakes you made in the past and to have to "face them" again, at least I wouldn't be so excited about that hahaha.

[@BackpackingBananas]

Haha definitely wasn't nice to re-live that drone regret 😅😅

[@luciegascoigne]

Great video! Can I ask where you got your jacket from? Its lovely xx

[@beverlyb6391]

I like to have a lite/healthy meal or snack before dining if I'm worried about the bill and I drink a liter of water. I order less impulsively that way.

[@LetsMakeADayOfIt]

Hey :) Great video :) Thanks for sharing!

[@seandesmond5560]

Great tips lovely and wonderful Christie!!! ❤ Merry Christmas!!! 🎄

[@BackpackingBananas]

Merry Christmas Sean! ❤️

[@seandesmond5560]

@@BackpackingBananas Thanks Christie!!! ❤

[@billmccaleb7481]

The drone...I remember that debacle. Can we laugh about now? Sucks that it was totaled! I guessed drink. I got it half right lol. Merry Christmas CR!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Haha I think we can laugh about it now 😅 so painful at the time lol! Merry Christmas Bill! 😊

[@lydiaannwells5919]

Desperate for the eagle creek backpack!! Any ideas of similar ones as I think they’ve stopped selling it

[@sumeiyaaden8190]

this has been so insightful thank you

[@BackpackingBananas]

Pleasure ❤️

[@TheMattJames]

I absolutely love your vlogs, also, you REALLY suit those glasses 😍

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks so much 🤓

[@mr90s48]

Does the cookies trick on skyscanner actually work I am not convinced and I would class myself pretty good at getting cheap flights

[@myalaprincesse]

how do you fund your trips?

[@RishalPatel]

incognito is the way to go, I swear by it now haha & the VPN too!! as always loved the video, it's made me want to look back through all my unnecessary purchases over the years 😅 (also what was that at 9:54 it scared me hahaha)

[@BackpackingBananas]

So many hacks we can do to save our money! 🤑

[@dinomirasola3169]

Lol fr did we ever figure this out

[@dinomirasola3169]

Looks like a hat

[@MyLifeThai371]

I can definitely relate to not feel obligated to go to the most popular tourist sites, if they are out of your budget. Angkor Wat in Cambodia they want a minimum of $47 just for the ticket. I can not imagine paying that much for fun. In the Philippines we pay $13 for their version of sea world. In Thailand everything fun is $20 (parasailing, i-max movie theatre, Ripley's believe it or not).

[@marianap.7485]

These videos are so useful!!! Love it ❤️

[@BackpackingBananas]

❤️❤️❤️

[@dreadpirateroberts6337]

Ur content and quality of vlog videography has gone from strengthen strength 🙏❤️ ps really happy for you and bf ❤️👍

[@valc9289]

This is really helpful thank you

[@WalkoutMatt]

another great video thanks for the tips. I can't wait to be able to travel properly again. Hopefully by the end of 2021

[@BackpackingBananas]

Hope so too! 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@WalkoutMatt]

@@BackpackingBananas 🤞🤞🤞

[@adeelraiz8172]

Thanks for great information

[@BackpackingBananas]

Pleasure 😊

[@livingdeadcakes6454]

I NEED to travel soon, im going more insane! Covid go away :(

[@BackpackingBananas]

☹️☹️☹️ hoping for this too 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@woolypuffin392]

My flight in March Switzerland to London got cancelled a week ago 😭

[@livingdeadcakes6454]

@@woolypuffin392 oh no, im sorry, my trip in march hasnt been canceled yet, but I think it will be after Christmas :( xx

[@woolypuffin392]

@@livingdeadcakes6454 I hope you will be able to fly 🤞 xx

[@livingdeadcakes6454]

@@woolypuffin392 Me too, but I dont think it will be :( I hope you get your trip soon. xx

[@user-dy6if5fl5h]

9:53

[@morayluke]

I noticed this too what is it

[@deniserichter4425]

what is that?? scared the life out of me

[@Abbie534]

Someone waving a cap in the air 😶

[@MillaExplores]

Someone photo bombing 😂😂

[@jooooooo2]

Can relate about the DSLR, gamble, and drone 🙈 I enjoy my DSLR for none travel days or if I have room for it on a trip, it would only come out on more chill days where I don’t mind the size and weight as much. The drone is fun but I just like flying it. I don’t care too much for the content. Should have just gotten a toy heli 😆

[@GayAstray]

Omg. This is so true. Like... when I look at my payslips from aus and NZ, I could have about 50,000 dollars saved if I didn’t party and buy random crap. But then again, living your best life don’t come if you don’t spend! I just had a GoPro stolen as well. More money down the drain!

[@BackpackingBananas]

True, you gotta remember to live your best life 😅 within ya means 🙈 oh no! Can you claim some money back on insurance??

[@richardc6269]

First i have to say that ur eyes r a stunning shade of blue, nice!! I will never learn to budget when food is the topic🤓🇺🇸✌ the rest is very sound advice..thx much.

[@valeriedevries9186]

Great video! I will search with vpn on bulgaria next time, thanks!

[@berryjodi6547]

Great advice!

[@BackpackingBananas]

😊❤️

[@mab3900]

This was so relatable!

[@alialb8644]

Something appears in the background 9:53 ?

[@gabii8369]

Thanks for the tip with the Hopper App and VPN in Bulgaria :) Didn't know about those. Other tips are I would say common sense (sorry not trying to be mean :D but constructive criticism)

[@madelinefenwick7876]

9:52 look at the door to her left you see a arm thing 😰

[@clarkeysam]

My biggest financial regret was being robbed on a night bus in Mexico from Palenque to Bacalar. As soon as I got on the bus the guy in front of me stuck out as being different to everyone else on board (a scruffy looking local on a relatively high end coach between tourist places, he was also asleep at 6pm which indicated he didn't sleep much at night). By the time I got to Bacalar 3 Dutch guys said they'd been robbed and when I checked I'd had more than £500 taken from my bag and swapped with paper towels!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Oh dang! I'm sorry to hear that ☹️ it sounds like it was out of your control though! Other than keeping all valuables attached to your body when on night buses 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@clarkeysam]

@@BackpackingBananas Yeah it kind of was out of my control. I'd recommend putting your day bag by your feet rather than on the shelf above you if you're carrying valuables, but I'm 6 foot 2 so that's not possible. I also used an eye mask to help me sleep as I usually really struggle to when travelling, but this indicated to their thief that I couldn't see him. Finally I'd recommend everyone checks their travel insurance for it's coverage. I don't go for cheap insurance, I bought 5 star rated cover for that trip due to the reputation that Mexico (incorrectly) has. This said it covered £500 of money being stolen, but in the small print it said only £150 of that is cash, which seems unfair.

[@clarkeysam]

@@BackpackingBananas it was also probably for the best that I didn't catch him. If I did I would have probably got aggressive but the robber would have probably been armed, so it could have ended up much worse.

[@unknownmovement]

Random dutch guy here, If this makes you feel any better. Beginning of the year I crashed the rental car in bacalar cost me 580 eu. Got pressured into paying a 130 eu fine by 3 armed cops in playa del carmen for kissing a girl on the beach at night. And booked a wrong flight to guatemala 180 eu, this all within 2 weeks time. Gotta say I'd recommend guatemala over Mexico any day 👌🏽

[@daniellezelezniakb3400]

Can you make a video of “day in my life in Mexico “

[@Julia-kj7qy]

the glasses fit you so well!!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks 🤓

[@lara_xy]

Before you said food I thought you were going to say all the different backpacks you have :DDD But *no joke*, my bf and me spent 1000€ in 12 days on food and drinks (stayed in a hotel but no food and no kitchen - so every meal was from restaurants) - that hurt my wallet after counting all the expenses when we came back home

[@BackpackingBananas]

Haha yep everytime 😅😭 it can add up so quickly

[@danrgn5078]

When I was travelling South America, I splashed so much 💰 without realising I was going down 😂 I was like “yeah it’s cheap, yeah that’s ok, yeah that’s alright” but it does add up and you foot the bill when you pluck up the courage to check your bank account 😂 and be 💀

[@hollyherald7324]

Where is your jacket from??? I'm in love

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks 😊 I just bought it from a Forever 21 here in Mexico

[@wherestheparty_]

omg, the foood!!! you think in Colombia "oh ot`s so cheap!" but actually if you do it every day it really adds up :///

[@meganadams7758]

You may never see this bc this video is from two years ago, but i'm binging all your videos now and have a big question!!! I want to check my backpack when I travel to save money, but what about the items that can't go on carry on (ie. razors or tweezers?)? Help!!!

[@BackpackingBananas]

I always carry razors and tweezers in my carry-on 😅 never had them taken off me

[@nadi737]

Thanks for your tips! (One thing, so sorry.. But just tip from me; Too much visual effects, makes me dizzy :") especially that zoomen).

[@verybadminimalist8446]

I muuuust know where your sage green jacket is from please

[@BackpackingBananas]

Bershka 😊

[@Bigblob2013]

Food and drink are always my biggest expense too! Even in cheaper destinations like East Asia. "Oh, the food is so cheap, lets get four entrees to try" lol

[@BackpackingBananas]

Haha right?! The cheaper destinations are almost worse because you just order more 😂

[@saratrejo6658]

Do you mean SEA? East Asia is not actually that cheap for dining, Japan is pretty expensive.

[@RachRawhhh]

This just stopped me dropping 2k on a fancy camera! 📸😂🙈

[@BackpackingBananas]

Haha well done, proud of you!

[@paulette1658]

The camara mistake! I thought it was only me, I love taking pictures but my dslr is so heavy so I sometimes end up not taking it. Great advice, def will do the switch! Gracias 💜

[@BackpackingBananas]

Haha right? I think the idea of a DSLR is much more attractive than owning one itself 😅

[@sophiagraham5853]

I love this like really good content

[@elsa6075]

What’s going on at 9:54 in the background...?? Hahaha

[@emilianomarquez1629]

After travelling 13 countries i just realized i coul have just brought carry on, quite often I never needed the cooking gear. Money goneee.

[@lancelotxavier9084]

BIG waste of money, space and weight ? Trekking poles. Rarely ever did I use them and just a wooden stick would have been fine.

[@malufreedom]

Omg I just bought a drone hahah gosh help me Great tips, thanks!

[@hollyherald7324]

@9:53 DUDE WHAT IS THAT THING THAT FLEW BEHIND YOU TO THE LEFT

[@chloecaddamy3668]

9:54 what the hell was that peaking out the door 😂😂

[@liahatz]

Absolutely fantastic content my friend

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thank you my friend ❤️❤️

[@elizabethcarter9146]

love the guy who waved their hat in the background haha

[@BackpackingBananas]

😅😅

[@dcgallin]

While travelling always carry a little bag with nuts and raisins to avoid getting overly hungry...

[@XolaRose]

what was that on the left at 9:54?? horse hoove??? XD

[@snackoncierge1]

I feel personally attacked 😂 the drone wasn't my thing but I've wasted plenty on stuff i don't have. I am always planning great trips then packing snacks that will keep me from impulse buys

[@chug-a-lugdoug4638]

How can I donate?

[@BackpackingBananas]

Https://buymeacoff.ee/christianne ❤️❤️❤️

[@leahbesser7109]

What’s up with 9:54 ?

[@BackpackingBananas]

Ghost or something 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@bork572]

Off topic but I love your voice

[@Monica-jq4gy]

Love ur channel