// The Story Behind The Blog

Hey, I’m Alex Vance — Creator of Travel Tricks

I help solo backpackers and budget travelers explore the world on a strict $30/day budget without sacrificing unforgettable adventures.

40+
Countries Explored
7+
Years on the Road
$30
Average Daily Budget
100%
Independent Testing

Why I Started TravelTricks.blog

Back in 2019, I packed a single 40L backpack, quit my desk job, and booked a one-way ticket to Southeast Asia with less than $3,000 in my bank account.

Over 7 years across Europe, Latin America, and Asia, I discovered that traveling cheap actually connects you deeper to local cultures. You eat at street stalls with locals, take scenic sleeper trains, and stay in social backpacker hostels.

I started TravelTricks.blog to cut through the sponsored noise on social media and share the practical, field-tested reality of long-term budget travel.

Alex Vance budget backpacker and creator of Travel Tricks

Our Editorial Principles

What you can always expect from our guides and teardowns.

Field-Tested Gear

We only review backpacks, shoes, and tech we have personally carried for months on budget airlines and mountain trails.

Zero Sponsored BS

No tourism boards pay for positive reviews. If a hostel is dirty or a flight route is overpriced, we say it honestly.

Realistic Daily Budgets

Every itinerary comes with transparent cost spreadsheets: street food prices, hostel beds, bus tickets, and visa fees.