Stress Test A big-travel, small-budget blueprint for 2026
Dec 3, 2025
Zahra Khozema, a freelance journalist who embraces travel as a lifestyle, shares her tips on budgeting for trips and using creative means like multiple layovers to save money. Travel photographer Mandy Sham discusses her favorite affordable destinations, highlighting trends among younger Canadians. She emphasizes cost-saving strategies like group camping and choosing less-touristed spots for unique experiences. Both guests reveal how mindful planning can lead to enriching travels without breaking the bank.
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Working From The Road
- Zahra regularly works remotely while traveling and treats trips as a lifestyle rather than a vacation.
- She says working from a destination helps justify the spend and reduces guilt about travel costs.
Save By Staying With Locals
- Stay with friends or family when possible to cut accommodation costs dramatically.
- Zahra chooses solo-trip destinations based on a strict budget and banks money for them in advance.
Trade Comfort For Cheaper Flights
- Book longer, multi-layover flights and accept discomfort to save hundreds on airfare.
- Use overnight buses or airport nights to avoid accommodation costs when feasible.