Maybe I was born this way or maybe I grew up watching too much Indiana Jones. Whatever the case, I tend to spend way too much time looking up and fantasizing about cheap adventure ideas.

Being the broke runaway that I am, the adventures that always catch my eye are those that are cheap. They are adventures that can be done no matter what the budget. They are also adventures that are relatively long-term, epic and span across the entire world.

Although I have done a few of the adventures listed below, most of them I hope to embark on in the future. If you want any advice on any of the ideas here or need help planning an awesome adventure of your own, you can connect with me on Facebook at The Runaway Guide. Get inspired, get informed, and go for it!

Awesome Adventures by Foot

 

If you don’t have any bunions or corns and you’ve got good pair of sneakers, walking the world is the way to go. Countless travelers from Jesus to Ibn Battutah have taken to the road with nothing but  thin leather tongs strapped to their feet. The slow pace and chance for random encounters makes walking one of best mediums for epic adventures. Below are 5 popular walking, hiking, and hitching ideas for an adventure on the cheap.

Walk El Camino De Santiago

El Camino De Santiago, the way of Santiago or Saint James, has been one of the most popular Christian pilgrimages since Medieval times. The journey begins in the French Pyrenees and ends in western Spain at the city of Santiago De Compostela. The trail is well marked and there are many lodges along the way. On top of that, friendly locals will often invite weary travelers to their homes for a meal and a glass of wine. El Camino De Santiago is not just an epic hike through the palatial Pyrenees but also a spiritual journey for Christians and non-Christians alike. Check out this film for insight into the walk, The Way.

Walk & Hitchhike Around Europe

Europe is without a doubt the safest and easiest region to hitchhike around. It is an adventure that will allow you to get to know the locals and truly experience the countryside. However some countries are harder to hitch in than others. While France, Spain, and much of Eastern Europe are hitchhiker friendly, in Italy, England, and Germany, you may spend most of your time walking. For more information, be sure to check out A Guide To Hitchhiking.

Walk The Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail spans from the state of Maine to Georgia. At 2,200 miles, it is one of the largest unbroken treks in the USA. During the summer months, hundreds of North and South Bounders attempt to walk the entire distance. It is an ultimate hiking adventure and one that will surely test your endurance and wilderness survival skills. Bill Bryson has a great memoir about the trail called A Walk in the Woods.

Walk & Hitchhike Around Africa

If you truly want to experience Africa, as a traveler and not a tourist, the best way to do it is on foot. There is no adventure more dangerous but also more exciting and enlightening. For a first hand account, check out The Perils of Hitchhiking Ethiopia. Or How To Survive Hitchhiking In Africa.

Hike To The Top Of Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji is the volcano of volcanoes. At over 12,000 feet, the Japanese have revered Fuji-san for millennia as a gateway between heaven and earth. While it takes 10 hours to the top, the view of the rising sun is totally worth it. It is an adventure that will give you great insight into Japan and it’s people. The best part is, it’s not as expensive as you might think. You can buy tours that include round trip bus tickets from Tokyo and even hot spring passes for around 75$. That’s cheaper than just buying buss tickets. For cheap travel info on Japan, check out Run Away To Japan.

 Adventures

By Foot  >> By Car >> By Motorcycle  >> By Train >> By Boat >> By Any Means