Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more A woman who managed to travel the world on a teacher's salary has shared the money-saving hacks that made it possible. Ahmedina Bacevac, 27, from Asheville, North Carolina, said 'travel felt out of reach' for most of her life. Growing up with immigrant parents, she said it wasn't something they could afford, and that vacationing in this way seemed like a 'luxury' she'd never get to experience. But in 2018, she studied abroad in Chile and got her first taste of what it was like to experience a new country. After graduating from college, Bacevac landed a job as an educator, but yearned to go on more adventures. She said her salary wasn't much, but she mastered traveling on a budget and has been able to visit a whopping 20 countries around the globe. Bacevac exclusively spoke to the Daily Mail about the money-saving tips and tricks she's learned along the way to make jetting off on trips - even with her low salary - possible. 'Growing up, I saw my classmates travel and saw travel through movies, and I always thought, "Maybe one day,"' she explained. 'So now, every time I get to explore somewhere new, it's not just about the place - it's about the freedom and access I didn't have before, especially as an immigrant.' Bacevac's first piece of advice is to start a separate savings account - preferably a high-yield one - that's just for your travel funds. She explained that having something specific that you're saving for makes it much easier to want to contribute to it. 'Even if you can only contribute $10 a week, it adds up,' she said. Next, she suggested cutting out 'unnecessary purchases' like expensive coffees or silly shopping sprees. The travel buff recommends that the next time you're in line for Starbucks or you're going on a Target run, you should remind yourself that this money could be going toward a life changing trip. 'It's wild to me that people drop $200 on a whim at Target but don't realize that could pay for a flight to the Dominican Republic that could change your life,' she dished. 'I'm not saying never treat yourself, but setting a budget you can stick to is key.' She admitted that she has made a slew of 'sacrifices' to be able to travel the world, but insisted it's all been worth it. 'I've made sacrifices, such as working extra hours and moving back home after college (it was during COVID and I couldn't go anywhere anyway),' she shared. 'But there's no shame in living at home, especially in this economy.' Bacevac also suggested picking 'one accommodation booking platform and sticking to it' so you can start to build up points. 'Expedia and Booking.com will reward loyal customers with discounts. I save up to 30 percent on Booking.com with their Genius discount and save even more by checking the mobile only prices on the app.' Her last tip is to get a travel credit card - that is, only if you're prepared to be responsible and not let yourself rack up any debt. 'Using points and miles was honestly one of the main things that helped me afford travel,' Bacevac told the Mail. 'I paid for 30 nights of hotels in Europe and multiple flights with my credit card points.' When asked what her favorite destinations have been so far, Bacevac told the Daily Mail she loved Croatia, Bosnia and Montenegro. As for some hidden gems, she revealed, 'Guatemala is packed with vibrant culture, colorful markets, ancient ruins, volcanoes and breathtaking lakes - you need to put it on your bucket list if you haven't been! 'Chile is also perfect for outdoorsy [people] and adventure lovers because you can be hiking in Patagonia one weekend, then visiting the Atacama desert, beaches and biking vineyards the next.' But there's one popular destination she believes is a little overhyped: Amsterdam. She even called it, 'The city I wouldn't return to.' 'It's nice to walk around, go on a canal tour and eat some Dutch fries and Stroopwafels, but that is probably it,' she said. 'I'm not very into museums, which is the main thing to do there. Also, the red light district left me feeling sad.' In the end, she said she hopes that sharing her travel hacks can help others get out there and explore the world like she does. 'Now, I'm passionate about inspiring people to travel and showing that it is possible, even on a budget. That's why travel means so much to me.