Are you holding yourself back from hitting the road because of budget constraints? Learn from Delhi-based travel blogger Afsaar Malik, who believes one doesn’t always have to shell out money to see what the world has to offer!
This YouTuber shares how he moved smoothly across state and country borders, thanks to the generosity of people who didn’t mind giving him a free ride. “I don’t need much in life. All that matters is a shelter at the end of the night some little pieces to get me through the day. The monks wala lifestyle shuru se hi appeal to karta raha hai,” shared the 29-year-old, who has become famous for his online channel, Travel Without Money.
The travel bug has been biting him for a long time, but this solo venture took shape due to the stress of the anxious times of the Covid era. “I used to work as an accountant at a company based in Delhi,” says Malik, who has now turned moneyless travel into a major passion project. “I have traveled more than 10,000 km since 2020. Lekin jitni bhi duniya dekh lo, kam hi lagti hai. Maine Manali se loop shuru karke Ladakh ka tour pichle do saalon mein do baar kiya hai — 2021 after 30 days and 2022 after 50 days. Pehli trip mein kareeb $180-200 kharch instead, dusri mein paise nahi lage.”
Traveling the length and breadth of the country, Malik says what keeps him going is his love of meeting new people. “People meet all kinds of people when hitchhiking. Ek din sant ke saath gyaan seekhne ko milta hai toh agle din gaon waalon ke saath unka culture. One day I will be with the truckers, toasting them by the fire,” Malik shared, adding, “Main bas saal ke 30-40 days ghar mein reh leta hun. Baki ke din khuli sadak aur nayi manzil hi meri life hai.”
The heart of the youngest child in a family of four children, associated with exciting travel. “All of my siblings are married, but I don’t feel the need to have my roots anywhere. There’s still a long way to go. The remote villages of Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh await with untold stories for every visitor… Itna remote hona chahiye taaki bheed se dur rahein, lekin duniya se cut off na ho. Achhi lights aur achhi kahaniyan, bas issi tarah mera banjarapan chalta hai.”
But, does he feel the same way while traveling abroad? “Hitchhiking is easier in India. The people here are very friendly and are always more benevolent when they see a familiar face. India ke bahar itna aasan nahi hota to travel without money. However, it is also true that each place has its own culture,” he added.
Always on the go, Malik is now ready to explore some more low-traffic terrain with a trusty backpack filled with clothing, safety kit, $500 emergency money, camera and Indian flag. He shared: “Mera Tiranga humesha mere saath rehta hai!”
Author’s Tweet @KritiKambiri
