Is it cheaper to book everything in advance?

No. Booking everything in advance limits your flexibility and usually costs more because you'll miss out on local deals. Book only your first two nights in a city.

Should I use a travel card or cash?

Use a travel-friendly debit card (like Wise or Schwab) to withdraw local currency from ATMs. Avoid airport currency exchanges at all costs—the rates are predatory.

How to budget for a month of backpacking in Southeast Asia

Budget between $1,200 and $1,800 USD for a comfortable month of backpacking across Southeast Asia. This covers social hostel dorms, street food, local transport, and a moderate amount of activities like island hopping or temple tours.

Calculate your daily burn rate. Set a daily limit of $40 to $60 USD. $40 is for 'shoestring' travel (buses, dorms, street food), while $60 allows for the occasional private room, longer-distance flights, and more paid excursions.
Prioritize your big-ticket transport. Book regional flights (AirAsia, VietJet) at least 3 weeks in advance to keep costs under $60 per leg. For shorter distances, use local bus apps like 12Go Asia to avoid being overcharged by tourist agencies.
Manage your accommodation costs. Book your first night in a new city via Hostelworld, but negotiate directly with local guesthouses if you plan to stay more than 3 days. Always aim for dorm beds under $12 or private guesthouses under $25.
Set aside a 'fun' buffer. Allocate an extra $200 USD for one-off costs that don't fit into daily spending, such as a PADI scuba course in Thailand, an Angkor Wat pass, or a multi-day Ha Long Bay cruise.

Is it cheaper to book everything in advance?: No. Booking everything in advance limits your flexibility and usually costs more because you'll miss out on local deals. Book only your first two nights in a city.
Should I use a travel card or cash?: Use a travel-friendly debit card (like Wise or Schwab) to withdraw local currency from ATMs. Avoid airport currency exchanges at all costs—the rates are predatory.