My colleague said she went on a budget trip to Yunnan, spending 1,500 yuan in 7 days.

I asked, "How did you manage that?"
She said, "Stay in hostels, eat instant noodles, hitchhike."
I asked, "Is hitchhiking safe?"
She said, "Not safe.
But if you don't have money, you can't choose safety."
I was silent.
She added, "Actually, budget traveling isn't a choice; it's what you have no other option for.
Those who say 'budget travel is a way of life' are all people with a backup plan."