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…








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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'




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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