What are some good strategies for traveling around the world on a small budget?

I want to travel around the world, or maybe just the United States, this summer and I was wondering what are some tips and tricks I should know to help me survive out there without spending a lot of money.
I should point out that I don't want to drive my car. I'm probably going to hitch-hike or walk or ride my bike.

just buy vitalities. also look for bargins. you must save save save. just minimize what you already use so that you don't have so much to haul around.

You could try signing up for a program such as Willing Workers on Organic Farms (WWOOF). You do a little farm work each day in exchange for room and board. You get the opportunity to meet various people and have experiences you wouldn't otherwise. Also, definitely stay at youth hostels or campgrounds to save money. Check out hostelworld for info about specific places. If you're traveling in a car I would also invest in a good ice chest and camp-stove so that you can grocery shop and cook for yourself instead of eating out all the time. If you don't have a car I suggest eating breakfast at the hotel/hostel you're staying at, buy picnic food for lunch (fruit, bread, cheese, etc.) and only eat out for dinner. Saves a lot of money! Bon Voyage!

Travel light with a heavy-duty backpack. Use garments that can dry quickly, water bottle that can be refilled at any stop, tough but comfortable walking boots, a cap rather than hat, a parka that can double as a raincoat and ground sheet.

If you are going somewhere cold, buy preloved winter clothes during summer (costs cheaper) and resell them once you leave cold country.

If you do shop, post them back home as soon as possible. If you are travelling overseas, better get innoculated and carry some simple medication.

Plan your route well. Hitch a ride whenever possible, go along highways which truckers use (as they also know the good and cheap stops). I found a great way to see some places travelling with salespeople, I keep them company or help them drive and when they do their work at a town, I get to visit the interesting places there!

For cost-savings, try South-East Asian countries where the cultures and sights are interesting, people friendly, English spoken, food abundant, prices reasonable. If you are flying, use budget airlines and buy early if you want cheaper prices (e.g. www.airasia.com).

Have a great holiday!

Ok - Aim high - - check out a round the world flight.. I have not priced them lately but depending on the number of stopovers, some of the fares used to be like as low as $1200, probably a little higher now.. and if you stop in third world countries, food and lodging will be cheap.. depending upon how little cash you have, you might want to investigate this option... just a thought..