Nothing sparks my enthusiasm quite like the prospect of exploring an uncharted corner of the world. My passport bears the stamps of 45 different nations, I’ve lived in nine, and visited all continents with Antarctica being the sole exception.

I was under the impression that my jet-setting days were behind me, and I was ready to embrace a more stationary lifestyle. However, the introduction of Bitcoin into my life drastically altered this course. Not only has it changed my perspective, but it has also renewed my zest for exploration and introduced me to a community of people who have experienced the same transformation.

Leveraging my affinity for travel and the financial revolution brought about by Bitcoin, I have shifted my focus to exploring Bitcoin-enabled economies around the globe. Using Bitcoin while traveling has transformed my experiences in ways I couldn’t have imagined, offering increased security, time efficiency, and financial savings.

This article outlines how Bitcoin has helped me tackle common financial hurdles experienced by travelers, and how it has enriched my adventures in numerous ways.

Improving Travel Efficiency with Bitcoin

A Bitcoin satoshi would be credited to me for every instance I’ve encountered payment-related issues while abroad, I would have amassed a fortune large enough to pique Michael Saylor’s interest. Whether it was struggling to find a currency exchange with fair rates, a retailer that would accept my card, or resolving credit card issues with my bank, the amount of time wasted on these issues can be quite frustrating.

I’ve had travel plans disrupted and experienced unnecessary stress due to these issues, such as during a visit to a secluded island in the Philippines in 2015. I had a fantastic time until I was running low on cash with no access to an ATM or a currency exchange office. The situation was eventually resolved with the help of the only Western Union office in town, which opened two days into my cash crisis.

If Bitcoin had been known to me and the locals at that time, my journey would have been smooth sailing, and my stress levels would have been kept at bay.

Fast forward eight years, and my return to the Philippines was far smoother in terms of financial dealings. The reason? I chose Boracay, fondly referred to as “Bitcoin Island”, as my destination.

Merchants there readily accept Philippine pesos via the Bitcoin Lightning Network rail, allowing for easy digital payments. This eliminated the need for dealing with physical cash, ATMs, and currency exchange offices, enabling me to spend more time enjoying the island.

Bitcoin has significantly improved my time efficiency while traveling.

Travel Savings through Bitcoin

As a budget-conscious backpacker, unexpected and unavoidable expenses were always a source of stress. Consider credit card fees that can go up to 10% in Guatemala, or ATM fees in Thailand that can be as much as $6 per withdrawal for foreign bank cards, in addition to your own bank’s charges. Currency exchange rates can also be quite steep, with services usually charging around 10% for their services. These costs, while seemingly small, can quickly add up and significantly affect a budget traveler.

However, traveling through Bitcoin communities, this has never been an issue. With Bitcoin, the only costs are transaction fees, which are typically negligible or non-existent. Many businesses also offer discounts for payments made in Bitcoin. This has led to substantial savings.

Bitcoin has significantly cut down my travel expenses.

Enhanced Safety with Bitcoin

Every time I recount my solo travel experiences, the issue of safety inevitably crops up. While being streetwise and making smart decisions have kept me out of harm’s way, I’ve had multiple encounters with fraudulent activities.

I’ve experienced scams involving fake Vietnamese dong notes in Vietnam, and had my travel card cloned in Bali. These experiences, along with the constant worry while using an ATM in a suspicious area or late at night and walking away with large amounts of cash, were stressful.

Switching to Bitcoin has effectively eliminated these concerns. It’s a logical conclusion — with no cash, ATMs or credit cards involved, the risk is significantly reduced, and peace of mind is much higher.

My focus is now on securing my phone. However, even if it gets lost, I can still access my funds by restoring my wallet on a new device, provided I have backed up my seed phrase.

Bitcoin has enhanced my safety during my travels.

Adding Value to Travel Experiences with Bitcoin

Developing countries face challenges like poverty, depreciating currencies, and a large number of unbanked individuals. Perhaps it may seem self-centered or overstated, but paying locals for their goods and services in Bitcoin feels much more fulfilling than using fiat currency that is sure to depreciate over time.

For example, during my trip to Bitcoin Lake in Guatemala, it was heartening to see numerous market vendors accepting Bitcoin. It not only brought in more customers and boosted sales, but also facilitated discussions about the significant changes that using Bitcoin as currency had brought to their lives.

The act of paying hard-working individuals in Bitcoin felt more genuine and led to more memorable interactions and connections. It gave tourism a deeper purpose, making the time and effort invested in planning these trips worthwhile.

Bitcoin has added value to my travel experiences.

To sum it up, discovering Bitcoin has profoundly changed my travel experiences. Understanding the influence of money on every aspect of our lives has reshaped my worldview and influenced how I navigate through life wherever I am.

As an ardent traveler, I look forward to seeing more communities embrace Bitcoin. It will empower these communities, stimulate their economies, and attract Bitcoin enthusiasts like myself, eager to offer encouragement and support in any possible way.