Some people do hitch-hike in Asia and South America, but transportation is reasonably cheap and frequent. Again if you don't have enough of it, you'll be forced to take the tours. I n countries like India and China you will need to book the long-distance trains at least a day in advance, sometimes three days or more. M any a traveller has come unstuck by looking around Beijing for three or five days, and then being forced to stay another three or five because they can't get a ticket out. O n the popular routes, you sometimes need to book your tickets out, before you settle in.
Unwanted tickets are easier to sell than trying to buy one for a train that leaves in half an hour.
While other countries have bus stations with many companies competing to get you on theirs that is leaving right away . Don't forget that some countries require you to pay for a visa, and when your budgeted time is out you may well have to pay a departure tax. Our featured sites can help you further. Frank Fulton puts out monthly specials for people who can't afford to pay five star prices , and has a list of travel agents who might be able to find you the deal that you're looking for. Lots of links on the site, although the layout is a little disorganized and you might have to copy and paste the link you're interested in.