I won Race Across the World – here are my money-saving travel tricks and the best destinations to holiday on the cheap

The Sun

3 days ago

IN 2024, Alfie Watts became the youngest winner of Race Across the World - and since then he's visited a whopping 65 countries.
Now, he's sharing his tips on how to holiday on a budget - and you can use lots of them too - from the Virgin Red loyalty scheme to making the most of laundry services at hotels.
8
Earlier this month, Alfie, 21, took on a challenge with Virgin Red to see how far he could travel using loyalty points.
Using the scheme, he booked a trip from Johannesburg to London, to New York.
While he says you have to pay taxes and charges on the flights, it still works out as being a lot cheaper.
When Alfie spoke to Sun Travel, he insisted anyone can take advantage of the scheme, he said: "You can accrue Virgin points by spending with every day retailers.
"Buying flights or train tickets can earn you points, or even if you sign up with Virgin Media for your WiFi."
To get points you need to spend through the Virgin Red app, and it's not necessarily big items either, they work with brands like Tesco, Just Eat, M&S and Boots.
Then use your points when you're ready to fly.
Of course, using loyalty schemes isn't the only way to save money.
As a frequent traveller, Alfie revealed there's something he won't spend his cash on - an extra suitcase.
The cost of an additional bag can vary based on the airline, route, and whether its bought online or at the airport - but it can cost up to £140.
'I tried out the Race Across the World Experience in London'
8
8
Taking more luggage also means you have to take it with you for the duration of your trip, in and out of the airport, so it can be hassle.
What Alfie suggested is to ditch the extra case and make the most of laundry services.
He told us: "I don't think people appreciate washing and laundrettes enough.
"Every hotel has a washing service, but also if you're in a town or city, they will have a laundrette, and it's so much cheaper.
"You can wash them yourself too, but they can get so wet and it's hard to dry them out, unless you're in a really hot country - then you can just lay them outside."
Another travel must-have for Alfie is an eSim. Rather than finding a phone shop to get a local sim, you can buy and download these onto your phone before you fly.
You can choose a data plan and they're easy enough to top up if you're out and about and running low.
Alfie said: "I think having an eSIM is an absolute essential.
"I always, always use one because there aren't many mobile network providers any more and EU roaming doesn't apply in certain places."
He continued: "When it comes to booking flights, I find there's a sweet spot at the six to eight week mark.
"There's so much conflicting information, a lot will say book when the flights first get released.
"But I've found that at around six weeks before the flight, then the prices will drop, given it's not the high season."
There is one thing that Alfie won't compromise on, no matter the price.
He revealed: "I'll never ever scrimp on safety. For example, I went to Venezuela and I did not care about spending £150 a night on a hotel in Caracas.
"Staying out of the city was not a risk I wanted to take. You've got to be mindful of your surroundings - especially to any young people going backpacking."
8
8
Now, as for where to visit, Alfie gives us the low-down on where the cheapest holiday destinations are - and his favourites.
He said: " Malaysia is number one, it's got so much variety, cultural diversity and it's so cheap."
"Some of the cities are so developed it's hard to believe that's where you are. And the food, it's so authentic and you can get great dishes at the market for not a lot of money.
"It's got all the bits of Southeast Asia that you love and it's completely safe, and the water's drinkable."
Another country that Alfie recommends to travellers is Jordan.
He revealed: "Jordan as a country is spectacular. People will go just for Petra, but the whole place is brilliant, you've got the desert and cities in the north.
"The people are so friendly, and they love that you're visiting as a Brit."
8
Sticking to Europe, Alfie's other tip is that the further east you go, the cheaper it becomes.
He added: " I went to Moldova, that was really cheap. And Uzbekistan had great value for money.
"When I went, we were on the tourist trail which made things a bit more expensive. But we got a half an hour taxi which cost 20,000 UZS which is is £1.16."
Alfie can't stop globetrotting and confessed the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean are on his bucket list, but there are places in the UK that are close to his heart too.
"I love Orkney in Scotland, it's really hidden away and out of the tourist trail.
"I went over Christmas and New Year so it was dark and cold but really beautiful.
"And there's always a special place in my heart for Cornwall, specifically at the bottom of St Ives.
"There are some islands that I need to see too, the Isles of Scilly - that's where I want to go next."
Alfie also revealed how to get two bucket list trips cheaper than a holiday to Majorca.
Here's what I thought when I tried the new Race Across the World The Experience – fans of the BBC TV show will love it.
8