Start Planning Your Escape Here

I’m Leif (layf) aka The Runaway Guide. I’ve been ‘on the run’ since 2004. Since then I’ve come to believe in travel as a medium for change, growth and happiness. I’ve also learned how to make travel possible on extreme budgets without sacrificing comfort.

On this site I hope to inspire, empower and prepare everyone to embark on their own journeys, no matter the budget. If you’re completely broke, that’s not a problem. If you’re your a bit apprehensive about hitting the road, you’ll see there’s nothing to worry about.

If you have no idea where to begin, you’re in the right place.

Get Inspired, Get Prepared, Run Away!

Step 1: Get Inspired

Everyone Thinks I'm Running Away
Everyone thinks I’m running away from life. They tell me I need to go back to school, find a real [...]

How To Run Away As An Adult
A lot of you older folks are probably thinking, what is this guide, what is this madness? I want to [...]

The Runaway Book Store
Books By The Runaway Guide Chasing Life From the damp streets of Paris to the chaos of Cairo, from quaint Scottish shires [...]

READ ALL INSPIRATION GUIDES

Step 2: Explore Possibilities

How To Start A Travel Blog & Make Real Money
Can you actually make money with a sports, fashion, food, travel or any kind of blog? Most people either don’t believe it’s [...]

How To Work On A Luxury Yacht
There are few jobs as ideal for the long-term budget backpacker or runaway than working aboard a private luxury yacht. [...]

How To Teach English Abroad
You’re stuck, in need of change, and looking for any way out. You don’t want to go back to school [...]

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Step 3: Choose A Country

Best Countries For Budget Travel Map
1) View the world based on the best countries for budget travelers. 2) Hover over countries to view stats in safety, cheapness, [...]

Run Away To Thailand
Thailand is one of the world’s best countries for budget backpackers. Whether you want to become a Buddhist, see a [...]

Run Away To Egypt
Egypt is an ideal travel destination for the intense budget backpacker or runaway. It is remarkably cheap, it is full [...]

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Step 4: Choose An Adventure

Let's Run Away Together!
Run Away To Central America Tour Leader: Leif (The Runaway Guide) Approximate Duration: 8 Days/ 9 Nights Start: Dec 8th, 2017 Antigua, Guatemala Finish: Dec 17th, 2017 [...]

Sail The San Blas Islands On An 85ft Yacht
Although most backpackers embark on this trip in order to safely traverse the drug cartel filled jungle known as the [...]

30 Awesome Adventures On The Cheap
Maybe I was born this way or maybe I grew up watching too much Indiana Jones. Whatever the case, I [...]

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Step 5: Choose A Hideout

El Salvadorian Surf Retreat for 300$/month
Among Central America’s right breaks, it has one of the longest and most consistant. The warmth of the water is [...]

A Relaxing Retreat In The Sicilian Countryside (26$/night!)
The last time I was in Italy, my bag was ransacked on a train while I went to the bathroom, I [...]

Ultimate Guide To Renting Apartments On Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
In 1934, Aldous Huxley deemed Lake Atitlan the most beautiful lake in the world. He wasn’t exaggerating. Lago De Atitlan is more [...]

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Step 6: Get Prepared

Visa Costs & Requirements World Map
This map hopes to illuminate the unknowns and make entering new countries and crossing borders as easy as it should [...]

Do You Really Need Travel Insurance?
I’m an optimist. I hardly ever think of buying travel insurance before an adventure. It’s expensive and chances are I won’t [...]

Runaway Travel Gear
Original Products In Partnership With Backpack Buddha Mayan Protection Face Masks Designed by The Runaway Guide in Guatemala for comfort on long [...]

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Step 7: Stay Safe & Happy

How To Travel Without A Plan
I love arriving in a completely foreign country without preparation or a plan. The uncertainty is exhilarating and the sense [...]

How To Avoid Traveler's Diarrhea: Lessons Learned
Diarrhea, the squirts, the runs, geri, splitskas, layseh mogen, or anal leakage; what ever you call it, it rarely makes [...]

How To Avoid Being Robbed On The Road
When I ran away and lived on the streets of Europe and the Middle East, I acquired certain survival skills. [...]

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Step 8: Become A Budget Travel Expert

How To Haggle Like a Pro
Few feelings are worse as a budget backpacker than knowing that you’ve just been ripped off. You feel cheated, outwitted, [...]

How To Eat Cheap Around The World
If you want to learn how to eat cheap or even free while traveling or even at home, you must [...]

The Best Resources For Budget Travel
When I was 16, I ran away from home. Over 10 years later and I’m still on the run. These are my favorite travel resources, websites, [...]

READ ALL BUDGET GUIDES

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Possibilities, Travel Deals & News From The Road twice a month.

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