It’s one of the most eye-catching Instagram profiles out there, with photos from some of the world’s most exotic locations.
But the person behind it has often paid far less for the trips than you might think.
Meet savvy solo traveller Rachel Smith from Surrey, England. She uploads pictures and footage of adventures to far-off places with breathtaking places to stay, turquoise waters and golden sands to her @rachelsmith___ Instagram feed, but here reveals that she often pays seeing-is-believing bargain prices for her travels. As little as £12 per night for accommodation and £1 for ‘fresh meals’.
Rachel also pinpoints common mistakes solo travellers make that cost them dear and picks out a famous postcard destination she recommends avoiding altogether.
Read on for more…
Meet savvy solo traveller Rachel Smith from Surrey, England. She uploads pictures and footage of adventures to far-off places with breathtaking places to stay, turquoise waters and golden sands to her Instagram feed. In this image, she takes to the water in Indonesia
Rachel reveals that she often pays seeing-is-believing bargain prices for her travels. On the left, she takes a boat through Panwaburi beach resort in Thailand, while on the right she’s pictured onboard a Virgin Voyages cruise ship
Travelling on a budget
Rachel, who has visited 21 countries so far, pays for her journeys by juggling multiple jobs.
Speaking to MailOnline Travel, the 24-year-old says: ‘I balance four jobs – content creation, team leader in a Gail’s bakery, part-time social media management, and I occasionally work in a pub. It’s a lot of juggling, and it can be very draining, but it allows me the flexibility to travel while earning enough to fund my adventures.
‘Depending on how much I work, I can make anywhere from £2,000-£2,500 per month, which goes a long way when you know how to travel smart.’
And how often does she get to travel?
Rachel comments: ‘In the past two years, I’ve spent about five to six months of the year travelling. I love exploring a new country for several weeks at a time. It’s not just about ticking off countries for me, but truly experiencing them.
‘I love learning the language, meeting locals, and finding hidden gems. I often base myself somewhere affordable like Southeast Asia or Eastern Europe, and then take smaller trips to nearby destinations.’
Choosing countries with a lower cost of living helps Rachel travel for longer within her budget.
Which locations does she recommend for those keen to make their money go further?
The influencer says: ‘Southeast Asia is where my money stretches the furthest. In countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos, you can find beautiful accommodation, delicious food, and even activities like hot air balloon rides or snorkelling trips for a fraction of the price you’d pay in Western countries.
‘I’ve been able to stay in places like Vietnam for weeks at a time because the cost of living is so low. You can rent a scooter for next to nothing and eat fresh meals for less than £1! In Vietnam, I got luxurious 12-hour sleeper buses for less than £5. They included charging stations, blankets, LED lights and even a TV.
‘When I was in Kuala Lumpur, I got myself a studio apartment with a rooftop pool that overlooked the city and was less than £12 per night.
‘And in Thailand, I did a boat trip which included four snorkel stops, all the equipment, lunch, a slide, rock climbing wall and jump platform for just £15!’
With this in mind, where is her favourite cheap long-haul destination?
The 24-year-old fell in love with travel during a backpacking trip two years ago and now travels for months at a time. Rachel adds: ‘Southeast Asia is where my money stretches the furthest’. In this image, she gazes at Kelingking Beach in Bali
Rachel is pictured left at the ‘incredible’ Platinum Suites in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which she notes costs just £35-£50 ($45-$65) per night, depending on when you stay. She’s pictured right in the Philippines, a ‘favourite for long-haul travel’ as it’s ‘relatively inexpensive’
Rachel, who fell in love with travel during a backpacking trip two years ago, says: ‘The Philippines is a favourite of mine for long-haul travel. It’s relatively inexpensive compared to many other destinations, and the beaches are out of this world. There is so much to see, and you can do it all without breaking the bank. Plus, the locals are incredibly friendly and so welcoming.’
What about closer to home – where is her favourite pocket-friendly European country?
The jet-setter comments: ‘Montenegro is definitely my favourite budget-friendly spot in Europe. It might not be as popular as the countries around it, but it’s just as beautiful.
‘From the moment I arrived, I was blown away by the amazing scenery. The best part is how affordable everything is! Whether it’s food, places to stay, or getting around, it’s so much cheaper than Western Europe. It really feels like a hidden gem where you can experience beauty and magic without spending a fortune.’
But, a top-notch trip doesn’t just rely on finding low-cost food and board. Rachel’s striking photos show her taking part in all kinds of Instagram-bait activities.
Any favourites that didn’t break the bank?
‘One of the best low-cost experiences I’ve had was riding the “world’s cheapest hot air balloon” in Laos,’ comments the young traveller. ‘It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience!’
Rachel’s striking photos show her taking part in all kinds of Instagram-bait activities. She says: ‘One of the best low-cost experiences I’ve had was riding the “world’s cheapest hot air balloon” in Laos (above).’ The trip cost $120 (£92)
On the left, Rachel is pictured motor gliding in Vang Vieng, Laos, while on the right she rides a scooter through the Ha Giang Loop, Vietnam
She adds: ‘I also got to go motor gliding in the mountains, and the views were unreal. Both activities together only cost me $220 (£169), and that even included video footage! If you’re into adventure and adrenaline, Laos is a must-visit and such an underrated country!’
It’s not always easy to stay within budget, though. Are there any mistakes that can cost travellers dearly?
Yes, she says.
Rachel explains: ‘A common mistake I see travellers make is withdrawing small amounts of cash from ATMs frequently. Each time, they’re hit with a three per cent fee or more. Over time, that really adds up. You’re essentially throwing money away.
‘Another thing I’ve noticed is people spending too much on Western food because they’re worried about getting “Bali belly”. While it’s important to be cautious, I believe part of the adventure is embracing local cuisine. Just do a little research, read reviews, go where it looks clean, and trust your gut. Avoid dishes that seem off, but don’t miss out on the chance to experience the real flavours of a country.’
The benefits of solo travel
Rachel isn’t afraid of a little risk to make the most of her adventures and pins herself as a ‘solo traveller’. Here, she watches the sunset in Mykonos, Greece
Lava-ly view: Rachel is pictured above on an early morning trek up a volcano in Bali called Mount Batur. She says the sunrise was ‘the most breathtaking I’ve ever seen’
Rachel isn’t afraid of a little risk to make the most of her adventures and pins herself as a ‘solo traveller’ who jets off alone more often than not.
But, what are the benefits of travelling without a friend or partner?
Rachel explains: ‘Solo travel gives me the freedom to explore at my own pace. I love waking up and deciding where to go without having to discuss it with anyone. It also pushes me out of my comfort zone and makes me more open to new experiences.’
Among those experiences, what has been her most magical moment so far?
Rachel says: ‘I’ve had so many, but one that stands out is when I spontaneously booked a sunrise trek up an active volcano in Bali, Indonesia. It was a last-minute decision as I booked it just four hours before the 2am pick-up!
‘The weather had been terrible for days, and everyone I spoke to who’d attempted it that week came back disappointed, having seen nothing but clouds and rain. But when I reached the top, the sky opened, and I witnessed the most breathtaking sunrise I’ve ever seen.
‘The colours, the stillness, the feeling of being so high up, it was like the universe gave me this incredible moment just for me. It’s a memory I’ll hold onto forever.’
Rachel does admit that some parts of a holiday are best enjoyed as a group. So how does she make friends when travelling solo?
She explains: ‘Hostels are great for that, especially in places like Thailand and Indonesia where so many travellers pass through. My advice is to be open and friendly. Join group tours, take part in hostel activities or even strike up a conversation at a local café.’
Places to avoid (and one that feels extra safe)
Traveller Rachel notes: ‘I recommend avoiding Santorini (pictured) in Greece, as beautiful as it is. The scenery is stunning, but it’s become overcrowded and overpriced. It feels like a tourist trap now’
Thailand, above, is where Rachel ‘felt most comfortable travelling solo’. She says: ‘The locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming’
Rachel is photographed here at Chai Lai Orchid, Thailand. She says the Thai locals are ‘used to tourists and genuinely want to make sure you’re enjoying your time there’
While solo travel has many benefits, it also requires tourists to take extra care of their safety – in some nations more than others.
Where did Rachel feel the most comfortable travelling alone?
The young influencer comments: ‘I felt most comfortable travelling solo in southern Thailand. The locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming. They’re used to tourists and genuinely want to make sure you’re enjoying your time there.
‘It’s easy to wander the streets without worry, knowing that people are there to help if needed. The strong backpacking culture also makes it super easy to meet other travellers. Whether you’re relaxing on a beach or exploring a night market, the atmosphere is laid back and inviting, which makes it one of the most stress-free places for me to travel alone.’
Was there anywhere she felt uncomfortable travelling alone?
Rachel says: ‘Honestly, I felt a bit more uncomfortable travelling in Egypt. It’s such a beautiful and fascinating country, but I did notice that, as a female traveller, I attracted more attention than I was used to. It’s still an incredible place to visit, but I’d recommend going with a guide or group, especially for first-timers.’
And, is there anywhere she would recommend tourists avoid outright?
The globe trotter notes: ‘I recommend avoiding Santorini in Greece, as beautiful as it is. The scenery is stunning, but it’s become overcrowded and overpriced. It feels like a tourist trap now. I found it really frustrating, especially with how difficult it was to get a taxi. And when I did, they charged crazy amounts for even short rides. I’m glad I got to see it, but I wouldn’t go back.’