I’m confused.
I’m simply confused as to how it’s possible that I have so far failed to properly explain how I’ve managed to travel/live/work abroad nonstop for 12 years straight (and counting).
The questions are still pouring in every single day: How do you do it? How is it possible to travel for so long? Where does the money come from?
And while I thoroughly enjoy communicating with readers (I’m being completely serious and encourage you all to continue sending your emails to me as often as you wish), the fact that these very questions are on the minds of so many of you out there has led me to believe that I need to do a better job at providing the answers.
While it’s true that I’ve already written plenty of posts on the matter, clearly all of these posts, even as one collective entity, still fall well short of proving that a life of travel is not some crazy fantasy but a perfectly reasonable and easily attainable lifestyle option instead.
I’ve even referred to other travelers who are out there living a similar nomadic lifestyle, but apparently, that hasn’t been enough either.
So what am I to do?
How do I prove, once and for all, that you do not need $500,000 or even $50,000 in your bank account, that if you are able to scrounge together $500 bucks, there’s little stopping you from becoming a full-time nomad. I’m not joking here. After all, this is exactly what I’ve done myself. Okay, I first left home with $1500 to my name but that’s not exactly a fortune either.
I’m not going to give up trying, so here’s another attempt to show you how I’ve managed to live a life of constant travel.
The following is a brief summary of the past 12 years of my life. It is a timeline of sorts that details where I’ve been, what I’ve been doing and where my money has come from at all times. Ultimately, it shows just how one ordinary person has so far managed to fund 4,195 days straight of traveling and living abroad.
THE TIMELINE
December 25, 1999:
- Left home and flew to Bangkok with $1500 in my bank account
- Planned to spend 3 months traveling around Southeast Asia
March 2000
- Decided to officially extend my trip despite having only $500 left to my name
- Taught English in Chiang Mai, Thailand, earning approximately $150 USD per week (more than enough to live well in this city at the time)
October 2000
- Returned to the US with $300 in my account (after paying for the flight home)
- Spent 2 months in Boston working as a high school substitute teacher
- Saved $2500 during this time
January 2001
- Returned to Asia and spent 12 months traveling through Thailand, Burma, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia
- While in India, volunteered as an English teacher for 3 months in exchange for room and board
- Stayed with friends for 3 months in Thailand and taught English once again in Chiang Mai
- Lived with friends for 2 months in Australia, which kept my expenses quite low
- Returned to the US with no money at all
February 2002
- Through a contact, I applied to work on board cruise ships
- Landed a job as a Tour Staff with Carnival Cruise Lines
- Worked on board two different ships during one 8-month contract
- Saved $8000 during this time and then decided not to return for another contract
November 2002
- Traveled to Australia for 4 months
February 2003
- With $4000 in the bank, I spent two months living with a friend in Los Angeles
- Found a short-term job at an advertising company through a temp agency
- Worked for two months and left LA with $5000 in the bank
April 2003
- Traveled to Thailand, Bangladesh and India
September 2003
- Landed a job as a Tour Manager for Norwegian Cruise Lines
- Worked two contracts on board ships located in Hawaii and the South Pacific
- Traveled to Europe during my 6-week vacation between contracts
- Saved $20,000 by the end of my second contract
July 2004
- Spent 7 months traveling to Europe, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Afghanistan
March 2005
- With $10,000 still in my account, decided to work two more contracts as a Tour Manager for Norwegian Cruise Lines
- Saved an additional $20,000 during these contracts
- Traveled to Europe during my 2-month vacation in between contracts
December 2005
- Traveled for 8 months to South America, Europe and India
September 2006
- Was offered a job with Cunard Line (cruise line based out of the UK)
- Worked as a Tour Manager on board the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth 2 ocean liners
- Spent 18 months with Cunard, saving over $3300 per month
- Traveled through Europe, Caribbean, Mexico, the Middle East and SE Asia during my vacations in between contracts
April 2008
- Traveled back to India for 3 months
July 2008
- Worked one final two-month contract for Cunard Line, saving an additional $6000
September 2008
- Left Cunard (with more than enough money saved up by now) and moved to Australia
- Spent five months in Melbourne working on creating online streams of income
December 2008
- Sold my first eBook online
- Continued working on promoting my eBook while creating a second eBook to sell
- Began earning some income through affiliate marketing
February 2009
- Spent six weeks in Thailand
- Volunteered and traveled in India for six weeks
- Visited Italy for a few weeks
June 2009
- Traveled through Central America and Mexico, finishing the trip by renting an apartment in Sayulita, Mexico
- Continued working on my online projects
- Income from my online projects reached $1000 per month for the first time
December 2009
- Moved to the Caribbean coast of Mexico and rented an apartment in Playa del Carmen, where I spent more time working on my online projects
- Officially launched WanderingEarl.com
September 2010
- Spent 6 months traveling around the Middle East, Australia and Southeast Asia
April 2011
- Returned to Playa del Carmen (where I am currently living) in order to catch up on work
- Reached $2500+ per month in online income through the sales of three eBooks I’ve authored and through my efforts with affiliate marketing
Right Now
- Planning some new adventures for later this year, including a most interesting 30 day train challenge for the month of September (more details to come in my next post)
- Life as a permanent nomad continues
And that’s all there is to it. The truth of the matter is…
$2500 per month, and even $1000 or $1500 per month, is more than sufficient to achieve a lifestyle that involves extensive travel. It really doesn’t take much. Some teaching English here, some cruise ship work there, some internet marketing in your spare time and VOILA!
And this is only a tiny fraction of the opportunities to earn money while traveling that exist out there. Once you realize this, you’ll also realize that luck, miracles and having an overflowing bank account play no role whatsoever in allowing you to achieve your travel goals.
All you need is the courage to take the first step and a mind that is open to trying new experiences!
***If you want to create your own life of travel, you may be interested in my new project – How to Live a Life of Travel.This one resource will teach you everything you need to know. Be sure to check it out!***
Back in 1999, I left home for a 3 month trip to Asia that has still yet to end.
Very interesting. Thanks for the breakdown.
Great list. Would like to see some updates for the last two years. Playa del Carmen has been growing so fast for the last couple years, are you still there?
Hey Robert – I actually did write a post called “How I Can Still Afford My Life of Travel” which gives some more updated info.
I was very impressed with your dedication and tenacity towards creating a pretty interesting life for yourself, but I must ask you what level of education do you have and what kind of training/experience to you have?
Hey Steve – Thanks for the comment! As for education, I just have a university degree in business and no other training apart from that.
Thank you for the breakdown. Its amazing at the same time inspiring. But in all your travels, u are missing a very good spot in the SEA. The Philippines.
More travels for you and everyone!
Julie
Hey mate, good on you for having the courage to do this! Well done! You’re not trapped in a fluorescent prison!
Thanks so much for breaking this down. I love how you provided concrete examples of how you supported yourself financially throughout your travels, and it’s making me believe traveling around the world is possible. Just working up the courage to leave my day job and just take the plunge. Thanks again, and glad I came across your blog!
Great summery. Traveling is just such a great way to enjoy the freedom of life.
This is very interesting and cool. Hopefully some day I can do this:)
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Hi Earl,
I’ve been traveling a few months a year for the past few years now, mainly SE Asia want to work towards a life of travel rather than just really long vacations. My first thoughts were to teach english but after reading this post again more and more I’m thinking cruise ships may be the best way to earn money to travel while traveling. Could your perhaps offer me any advice on getting work on cruise ships or perhaps help with a contact in the industry.
Thanks
( I sent an similar email through your contact me link but I wasn’t sure what was the best way to contact you (
Hey Craig – The best advice I can give is to check out my popular eGuide – How to Work on a Cruise Ship – as that will give you everything you need to apply and have the best chance of being hired for just about any ship with 18 major cruise lines. Once you have a read, let me know if you have any questions!
Great post Earl! I’ve done a lot of similar things to you over the years, great blog you’ve got here!! Jonny (Don’t Stop Living – a lifestyle of travel)
Wow. Your travel experience is incredible. As an avid cruiser, I would love to have worked as a tour director before I had kids. Exploring is one of my favorite things to do, as is cruising to new destinations.
Hey Earl,
Absolutely loved this post! I am a young, avid traveler in the making. My main reason for posting is to ask, how did you know what you were going to do or how did you figure out your plans before jumping into this life style? As you said in Dec. 1999 ‘Left home and flew to Bangkok with $1500 in my bank account. Planned to spend 3 months traveling around Southeast Asia.’ Did you pre-plan places you would stay in cheap hotels and ways to travel about or did you just spur of the moment go and figure out as you went on.
My biggest concern is that I would end up with little to no money left in a foreign place stuck. My other question is how did you come in contact with people that could help you enter the jobs of teaching english over seas?
Once again, great post!
-Andrew
Hey Andrew – Apart from booking my flight to Bangkok, that was all the preparation I did. I knew that I also wanted to visit other parts of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos but I did not plan things out in any detail and just went with the flow once I arrived. As for meeting people, you just need to talk to as many people as you can. That’s all I did and the result was that I learned about opportunities to earn money that I had never considered or heard about before. The more people you talk to, the more you will learn!
Hello Mr.Earl, My name is blake jackovitch.I am 20 years old and was born and raised in atlanta georgia. Just recently (last november 2012) i traveled Spain. I stayed in malga, the southern part of spain for a month and a half. Earl i can tell you with full sincerity that it was the best month of my life.while overseas i also traveled to Barcelona Torremolinos Rhonda Marbella and experienced the “culture shock”. I definatley plan on making this my life (traveling). what do you do to support yourself in your travels?? Please i hope you email me back man
. Safe travels.
Hey Blake – The details of how I support myself are all in this post and others like it. But basically I started by teaching English, then worked on and off on board cruise ships and now I earn my living working online, mostly through blogging and other projects.
Great article!! Thanks for sharing!!!
I am currently living in Phuket, Thailand. Being from Namibia, Africa. I constantly hear: ” I’m so jealous of your life”; “I wish I was you”, etc – all from people with a boring job, in a boring city, not knowing HOW to change their life, and make it better and more adventures!! But honestly, it’s not THAT difficult. Like you said, all you basically need is some start up cash, and the right mind set!!!!
Good luck with your travels, look me up if you ever head this way again!
Lourika
Being there and communicating are the two things you are doing that others consider crimes, which is why they don’t do them. Simple life and writing style — I like it. Thanks for sharing your ventures.
brilliant list. how much you didn’t spend much time travelling Europe ?
Hey Kay – I’ve spent a good amount of time in Europe and at this point have seen just about every European country except for about 4 or 5.
does the degree help in getting jobs or were you getting paid minimum wage at the beginning?
Hey Chris – It’s tough to say but the degree definitely helped me get the job on board cruise ships.
Great post and wish I had done similar when I was younger, now with family I guess it is pretty much imposible but we still travel as and when we can.
Regards
Paul
Hi Earl,
Sounds fantastic, I wish I had done something similar when I was young, however I did see quite a bit of the world while in the Navy and still travel with wife and family when I can.
Regards
Paul
I’ve stumbled across your web site and as I love travelling, I was totally curious of finding out what’s your lifestyle about, so I started to read this post and wow… your experience is so inspiring! I wish you the best, that’s something I’d totally like to try at least for a little period of time in my life.
Hi Earl,
Awesome list, im doing suming similar though i only started about 2 yrs ago. The biggest pain im finding atm is getting on the cruise ships, how did u score the first bit of cruise ship work, i don’t have a connection in it like you, so wat would u suggest i do?
Thanks.
Hey Mike – Have a look at my popular guide: http://www.wanderingearl.com/travel-resources/work-on-cruise-ships/ That should help you out!
I’m amazed at your amazing ability to save money. Very ccommendable, I would have blown the whole lot the moment I walked past a western shoe shop (luckily I was not able to do this in the Far East as I’m a european size 39, therefore my feet are too big)
That was amazing! I hope you can visit the Philippines too!
Hey Earl
I did something similar but on a way smaller scale when I left the states in 2009. I taught English in Seoul, and spent my cash in South East Asia for a few months, then scrapped my last pennies to get a TEFL in Barcelona, then worked there for a few month before getting my masters in Holland. I found work in Amsterdam about a week after I submitted my thesis, and that’s where I’ve planted my feet since. People often ask me how they should start their search for work abroad and I always tell them its about managing your expectations, and figuring out if you’re in it for money or the experience. I think once you figure that out, it really helps to shape the direction you want to move towards. All the other stuff falls into place! Thanks for your share!
sounds like you got the life!! And I flipped when I saw you went to Sayulita!! I love that place!!!
I go to San Miguel De Allende, Guanajuato every summer in Mexico, and its a really gorgeous town, you should visit it sometime.
Hey Emma – I should visit sometime…never been to San Miguel de Allende.
It’s absolutely gorgeous!
Not in a beach area though, but it’s in the safest state to travel in right now, Guanajuato. https://www.google.com/search?q=san+miguel+de+allende&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=545xUfXpEeGyiQKpr4GYDw&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=1196&bih=589
Hey there,
really like your story.
If you are ever in Mexico City shoot me a mail. We are doing a lot of cool experiences here in the city and the sourroundings plus we’ll for sure find you a coach to crash.
Cheers,
Ralf
Wow, this is very interesting. You are a proof that indeed, it is possible to live a nomadic life. Thanks a lot for sharing the details. You inspire me a lot.
Hi Earl !
I am 19 and currently majoring in Communication. Will employers on cruise ships be looking for some one with a specific degree or will any degree work just fine ? As long as you have a higher education ?
I ask because I also aspire to a life like yours and after reading your article, I agree with others that working on cruise ships seems to be the best way to earn money.
Thanks in advance !
Bree
Hey Bree – It really depends on the position and any other experiences/skills/knowledge you may have in life. But as an example, I had a degree in Sport Management and I ended up as a Tour Manager on cruise ships…little connection between those two
Hi Earl, thank you sooo much for sharing! It seriously cleared my mind after wondering, “How the hell this guy survive travelling for sooo long! Is he a millionaire??”
This post i super awesome. Really appreciate your effort for putting this up!
Thanks for reading Lia! And I’m definitely not a millionaire at all
Hey Earl Me and my 17 year old girl and 15 year old boy are wantimg to start roaming the world. Ive got a few ideas just wanting your input
Quite good money with the cruises. And with your website! I managed to receive 20€ of donations in almost 2 years, not that inspiring
Hi Earl,
Thank you for the info. It’s interesting that you have never been to Africa yet you have travelled for so many years.
I am African so i must admit that I am biased. We invite you to our beautiful continent.
Seems to me that the most important prerequisite for becoming a nomad is an innate desire to travel. If that flame is strong enough than nothing will stop you from doing it and the way will be made clear. If it’s not strong then nothing will get you off the couch. Quite simple.
Oh… God, you have a very beautiful life, Earl. I actually obsessed to travel just to one country nearest, once in my life time. But until now, being forty years old it is still be a dream. So now, I always travel on my own world, in front of my old PC everyday.
Paul,
I want to tell you that it is not impossible to have a life of travel once you have kids. I live in China and know several people who combine travel and working abroad with having small children. The kids are ‘worldly’, not into material possessions and generally have a very tolerant, open-minded attitude about life. It’s possible to change jobs and move to other areas of Asia. Travel is cheap and fairly easy. Don’t give up on it for your kids – you might be doing them a favour.
There is no need to give up because you have a family. Actually, we think the opposite is true. You should give your kids the world, let them see it and experience with your guidance. We made it happen and now live in Spain. You can do it too, if it is your priority.
Hey Earl,
I’ve been told by many of my elders that long-term travel is a highly unachievable feat for me, mainly because of the travel expenses. In reading this blog of yours, I’m starting to believe that maybe I can also travel for a long period of time.
When you taught English at Thailand, were you already fluent in speaking Thai?
And, did you also need a teaching degree/qualification, or any form of training, to teach at a foreign country?
Also, if teaching isn’t a favorable job, what other sorts of jobs are there in Asia?
I’m very eager to hear more from you, as you have a rewarding lifestyle that continually broadens your perspective of the world and its people.
Thank you for your time
Hey Nicole – I didn’t speak Thai at all because that’s not needed. The students already have a basic understanding of English and it is much faster for them to learn if you speak only in English and not in the their native language. For more about my teaching experience, have a read of this post:
http://www.wanderingearl.com/how-to-fund-your-travels-with-creativity/
Hi Earl,
Your post was inspiring and even I want to travel as many countries as possible. Will see when my journey going to start! By the way I see lot of India trip in your timeline. How many states your covered so far ? I am just Curious
Hey Shiva – I think I’ve been to all but 5 states in India so far
Truly amazing. That’s how I imagine my life…although I’m satisfied with imagining for now. Just for now
i just chanced upon your blog randomly after searching for ‘best travel blogs’ and goodness you are amazing! how do you do it! (rhetorical question)
Wow, you’re living the dream. This is amazing…congrats on making it all work. Inspires me to travel.
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So, when did you travel to Sri Lanka? There is no mentioned of it anywhere and would like to know…
Hey Kris – I traveled to Sri Lanka back in 2006 I believe which was before I had the blog. So I haven’t gone back that far and written about such destinations.
Hey Earl. Want to start off by saying I really enjoy reading your blog. It is both entertaining and informationally benefitial. I have considered living a life similar to what you describe and I just have several question:
1.) When you take up jobs as with the teaching and cruise lines, are you offered the job before you go to a foreign country or do you travel to the desired location before looking for a means of income?
2.) Similarly, as for housing, do you plan out where you will sleep days before online and such or do you wander around during the day and come across a suitable overnight place to stay? And when you are travelling, how can you gaurantee yourself a place to sleep, in other words how do you know if you will be able to access internet or a phone where you will be when you are in need of a place to sleep?
3.) Just out of curiosity, I understand you speak Spanish because you have lived out of Mexico, but were you always fluent in the native language before travelling to a foreign country? You mentioned mingling with citizen in Pakistan in a seperate article, what is your process for learning languages?
Sorry for all the questions, just very curious on the whole idea of travelling the world as I am highly considering it in the near future. Thanks for the help. Good luck on your travels.
Hey Zach – Here you go…
1. It depends. For a cruise ship job you definitely need to apply before hand as it can be a long application process. But for teaching English, I think it’s best to travel to the destination first and check out your options. You don’t want to enter into an employment contract in another country only to show up and find out that the school you’re teaching at is not what you expected at all.
2. Normally, I’ll book my first few nights accommodation these days and then I’ll figure it out when I’m there. But with sites such as hostelworld.com, it’s remarkably easy to find accommodation pretty much anywhere in the world. And these days, internet is absolutely everywhere. If you don’t have internet, then chances are you’re in a place where you wouldn’t be able to book a room in advance anyway and you’ll still find options just walking around or asking locals. In 13 years I’ve never been without a place to stay.
3. I only speak English and Spanish and these days enough English is spoken in every corner of the world to make it quite easy to communicate. It’s important to learn at least the basics of any local language but that doesn’t take long. Usually, such as happened in Pakistan, I end up finding someone who speaks English well and then that person can also help translate my conversations with others.
Thank you for replying so thoroughly and so soon! Great information. You can expect more support and sharing of your blog in the near future. Safe travels!
Hi Earl!
I really love your blog! You are a great inspiration. I finally had the courage to quit my office job here in Switzerland (after more than 12 years) to follow my dreams of traveling the world and learning new languages. I can not wait to pack my bags. I hope not to return anytime soon.
Thanks for this great blog with much useful information.
Take care,
Petra
Actually, I haven’t worked in the US for over 12 years, so I’m not sure where you go that information from. I’ve earned my money from teaching English in Asia, working on board cruise ships and working online.