A desire to explore the world is hard to ignore, and for many travelers, as soon as that desire became too strong to be ignored, they simply packed up their backpack or suitcase and took off into the unknown. However, along with that strong desire to travel, there is something else that is needed in order to actually make it all happen. The fact is, you’ll barely make it across your home town if you don’t have at least a few dollars, pounds, euros or yen in your bank account.
So, once again, the question is:
How much money do you really need to start a life of travel?
Is it $4000, $10,000, $35,000, $100,000?
THE SECNARIO…
Perhaps some of you are familiar with this…
One random day we find ourselves spending 59 minutes of every single hour daydreaming about wandering to far-away destinations, immersing ourselves in wildly exotic cultures, dining on new and splendid foods and being able to hop from country to country on a whim. We desperately want to be out there traveling and we start to realize that time is running out for us to begin our long-awaited adventure.
Suddenly, unable to contain our desire and excitement any longer, we make a promise to ourselves that this time, we’re really going to go for it. We search for airfares and we quickly find a flight to Costa Rica that leaves next Tuesday. “I’m going to Costa Rica!” we shout around the room for all to hear, as we imagine ourselves hiking through the rainforest with a toucan on our shoulder.
And then we have a glance at our bank account, discover that we only have $682 USD to our name and that’s the end of that. In an instant, we snap out of our daydream and we simply go back to doing whatever it was we were doing before this ‘crazy’ idea of being a world traveler had popped into our head.
MY STORY…
When I boarded my flight to Bangkok back in 1999, with the goal of traveling around SE Asia for 3 months, in terms of money, all I had was $1500 USD to my name. Yes, $1500. Before booking my flight, I had determined that this amount would be sufficient for me to backpack through Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand, as long as I traveled on a very tight budget.
Of course, the problem arrived when I quickly discovered (only a few days after landing in Asia) that one 3-month adventure was not going to be enough for me. I now had a new goal, one that involved living a life of constant travel. And I was fully aware that $1500 wasn’t about to get me very far at all.
I’ll admit, during the first month or so of my travels, there were more than a few moments when I questioned my decision to travel with so little money. I kept thinking that I should have spent a year working at home first, in order to have saved more before leaving for this trip.
Had I begun my travels with $20,000 USD in my bank account, I certainly wouldn’t have been so worried at the time. The pressure to start earning money would have simply been non-existent, as I could have easily traveled around the world for two straight years on those initial funds alone!
And while that thought may sound appealing at first, as I sit here today, I’m not quite sure that I would have preferred that path in the end.
Consider this for a moment…
If I began my nomadic lifestyle with $20,000, once those two years of freedom and travel were over, and the money began to dwindle, I probably would’ve found that I had lost a good deal of my work ethic and become quite lazy along the way. If I had lived with an “I don’t have to worry about money right now” mentality for so long, I just can’t imagine I would be too motivated to work hard and do whatever it takes to continue traveling. My guess is that if I was in that situation, I would have returned home, taken any job I could find and then proceeded to put the rest of my travel dreams back in the closet.
However, because I began with only $1500, the situation turned out much differently once I decided to become a permanent nomad.
Out of necessity, I was forced to open my mind wider than I’d ever opened it before, and to open my eyes even wider, in order to seek out any opportunity that could help keep me traveling. I began trying to make as many contacts as possible, talking to other long-term travelers and every local person that I encountered. I asked them endless questions and spent hours thinking about every piece of potentially useful advice that I had heard. I knew there had to be way to extend my travels and giving up was simply not an option.
Finally, while eating a plate of the worst green curry I’ve ever eaten in a small town in Thailand, all of the brainstorming and gathering of information paid off. That’s when a good friend of mine and I came up with the idea of teaching private English language classes (using some unique methods) in the city of Chiang Mai. And this endeavor worked out very well, earning me enough money to continue living overseas and in the end, easily becoming the highlight of my first visit to Asia.
A NEVER-ENDING WAVE OF OPPORTUNITIES…
From that point on, new and rewarding ideas and opportunities continued to appear before me. For example, while living in Chiang Mai, a local friend of mine offered me a chance to spend almost two months as an assistant tour guide, helping to lead groups on 3-day treks into the jungles of Thailand. Shortly after that finished, I met a fellow traveler who introduced me to the idea of working on board cruise ships. Then, while working on board cruise ships, one of the tour operators we were contracted with in the Caribbean asked me to enter into a business partnership. A couple of years later, a great friend of mine who I met while on board ships as well, demanded that I read “The 4-Hour Workweek”, a book that has helped make my current travels possible. While working on creating online income, I then met someone who opened my eyes to the world of blogging, something I knew almost nothing about until the middle of last year.
The list literally goes on and on and even this year, while living in Mexico, opportunities continued to present themselves, some of which have had an incredibly positive effect on both my bank account and the direction of my life.
And while this may all sound like too-goo-to-be-true nonsense, I’m certain that other long-term, and even short-term, travelers out there have very similar stories to share. I would be shocked if they didn’t!
THE CONCLUSION…
My point is this…had I left home way back when with $20,000 instead of $1500 in my bank account, I’m not so sure I would’ve been open to all of these life-changing experiences. As a result, I doubt that I would have achieved my goal of living a life of constant travel. (Ok, it hasn’t been a full life yet, but 11 years seems like a good start!)
On the other hand, I won’t deny that having a little extra money in the beginning doesn’t hurt. Everyone can use a bit of a cushion to fall back on if things get tough. And if a person is not fully ready to begin their travels, then by all means, continue saving some money!
But if you’re already at the point where you’re just itching to get out there and explore the world, you don’t necessarily need to wait around for another year in the hopes of turning $5,000 in savings into $10,000. I’d personally rather have that extra year of travel experiences, which will inevitably lead to the opportunities that will change and improve your life in ways you can’t yet imagine.
If my once shy, confused, young and naïve self can find a way to turn $1500 into a decade of travel, there’s nothing stopping anybody from doing the same. It doesn’t take long to discover that your open mind is far more valuable than an extra few thousand dollars in your bank account!
Do you agree or disagree that a person doesn’t need too much money to start a life of travel?
I’d be interested to hear some of your stories, whether you’ve been traveling for a while or if you’re in the planning stages for an upcoming adventure…
Back in 1999, I left home for a 3 month trip to Asia that has still yet to end.
Hey, Earl!
My name’s Amanda, I’m eighteen years old and I’m from a tiny town in Texas. I’ve had a yen to travel for YEARS now and am finally at an age where it seems like if I don’t start now, I don’t know when or if I ever will. My main question is, do/did you know any young women who have been able to travel by themselves, work and do a lot of the same type of thing that you have done and feel safe? If so, could you have them e-mail my mom? lol
Thanks! -Amanda
Hey Amanda – Haha! I know exactly what you’re talking about and I wish I had known some independent travelers back when I started as I would have loved to have them talk with my own mom
There are in fact many solo female travelers out there who are living this lifestyle…off the top of my head here are a couple:
http://www.cestchristine.com/
http://www.adventurouskate.com/
And here’s a good post to read: http://www.hostelworld.com/blog/solo-female-travel-nine-myths-and-one-truth/155970
I hope those help out!!
Hey Amanda, Have you gone on your trip yet or are you close? I’ve just recently had the urge to go to, partly thanks to this blog
Just curious on how you are preparing to go on a trip and where? It would be cool to talk! And good luck on your travels 
Hey Earl,
You’re exactly right, from my experience. I’ve been traveling continuously since 1998, living on $400-$500 (max) per month, inclusive. That’s budgeting my flights between countries, some occassional medical expenses, xmas and birthday shoppiing and all. $6000/year has been doing me fine for over 12 years. Most Americans/Canadians just don’t realize how inexpensive much of hte world it out here! Or, conversely, they just don’t realize how expensive the USA is! just lack of experience, really.
I couldn’t agree with you more about a comfortable non-ending nomadic traveling lifestyle. it’s superb! cheers, Lash
Hey Earl,
I’ve been eagerly devouring every piece you post on this site for last year or so, and after reading this particular entry for the third or fourth time I realized that I’ve never actually posted a comment.
I recently graduated from university, and I am actually working in order to save some money to start my own life of wandering. I’ve debated leaving much earlier and with little money like you did yourself but I’ve ultimately decided that a year’s worth of income would provide me with a slightly more stress-free beginning. I plan on starting by teaching English through a placement program in Korea, and hopefully place the majority of money in a place that will accrue interest but remain largely untouchable. My thinking is that I can force myself to learn to live on a budget while retaining a kind of safety net.
Anyway, I guess I don’t really have a question. I just want to say that you’ve helped inspire and motivate me to start this kind of life, so thank you.
Thanks for that comment Jon! And I think you have a good plan ahead of you. I agree that it having a little extra money at the start is a positive thing, so I think you’ve made a wise choice. The challenge is always about motivation as it is easy to work for one more year to save money and then turn that into another year and then another and so on….and eventually, those travel goals are forgotten. But if you believe that no matter what you’ll get out on the road at some point, having that extra cushion of fund will be well worth it!
I really think you hit it on the head with the concept of having too much money sucks the drive out of you. My wife and I were traveling on a tight budget and by no means luxurious, but still we had enough to last us our planned year abroad in 13 different countries. But I think now, had we used our heads like you and others we met to work creatively in places, we could easily have made our money last for years. It was a mix of not wanting it at the time and not being desperate enough. Good on ya for making it work and hope to see you abroad sometime soon!
Hey Jacob – I think most people would rather have that cushion to last them through their entire trip. I would have loved that as well, but I didn’t expect to travel for so long and when I decided to travel long-term, I just didn’t have much money left. However, I do feel lucky that it worked out this way in the end. And now I know that no matter what, I’m able to survive anywhere in the world and continue traveling. Hopefully others can see that as well so that they are not afraid to begin their trip even with little cash in the bank.
And do let me know if we’re ever in the same area. Always a good time when meeting up with other travelers in random places!
really interesting. if you’re a white American, you can make a lot of bucks as a language teacher in the developing countries… especially in Asia…even a high school diploma with an American accent would be more than enough…even if you’re not white but speak with a ‘western’ accent, you can pass off as a demi-god in this part of the world..however, as a person from one of the least developed country in Asia, i can only envy you…;)..
This blog is so inspiring Earl! I’m a 19 year old stuyding Tourism and Hotel Management in Barcelona and itching to explore the world. I’m half spanish half english and give english lessons to spanish children to earn a bit of money. The thought of living a life of constant travel and living off private English lessons like you do really excites me! It is a reality I hadn’t properly thought of. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences! I look forward to reading more!
Thanks for visiting Laura and I’m happy that the blog has given you some new ideas! Please let me know if you ever have any questions about anything on the site or about travel in general…
Earl,
I am so much in awe of you. I regularly lap up your content as that’s the next best thing to actually travel.
Now, I am from India and I did quite a bit of traveling myself. I just had to ask you something:
You say that you can live in Chiang Mai, for instance, indefinitely. What about Visa? I heard that recently the Thai government has clamped down on the freedom that we had earlier ( visa runs?).
If finding legitimate work in Thailand is almost a no entry zone for foreigners, and if tourist visa only allows you 14 – 90 days of travel, how do we figure out a way to stay at one place indefinitely?
Hey Ashwin – While the rules have changed for Thailand, there are still ways that you can stay for a long time. It does involved getting an initial 2 month visa, some trips to the immigration office for visa extensions and the occasional border run to Laos where you can apply for a new visa at the Thai consulate on the other side. So it’s still possible. As for other countries, generally, if you are able to find official work, the company or organization that hires you will be able to take care of the necessary paperwork to get you a proper long-term/work visa.
But if you just want to find informal work on your own, then you just need to figure out how to use the tourist visa system to your advantage!
I enjoy reading you. It is a source of inspiration. I am thinking of starting a life of travelling too and maybe settle for a while in a foreign country (I prefer to stay at a place for a while to really know it before moving on). However my situation is different from yours. Even though I am considered bilingual, my first language is French. With my French accent, I would not stand a chance teaching English and nobody is interested in French anymore
In addition to that, I am 52 years old… I am about to lose my job due to “restructuring” and I will have a small pension which will give me a disposable income of around 1800 US$ to 1900 US$ a month. It is a bit more than the 1000 US$ stated on your website but at my age I need a little comfort such as A/C. Are there jobs opportunity abroad for somebody my age? I am not looking for a full time job but I would like to make some money. Do you know older people doing what you are doing? I have a little money in the bank but not that much. My health is still good.
Thanks,
Richard
Hey Richard – Thanks so much for the comment and I can say that you definitely have options. First, for $1000 per month, I often have AC as well in the places I’ve stayed in and I’m quite certain that you’d find such places to be more than adequate. When I spend extended periods of time in one country, I too want a certain level of comfort as it helps me maintain my sanity and get more work done. So you’ll really have no problem at all with the amount of money you’ll have coming in.
As for teaching, there is definitely a market for French. I know people who have taught French in Chiang Mai as well as in places such as Mexico and several countries in the Middle East. You don’t need 1000 people to earn a living teaching. All you need is a handful of students to tutor and there is definitely a handful of people in almost every country that wants to learn French! Also, you’ll have far less competition and will often be the only person offering such lessons.
So I wouldn’t count teaching out at all and I think that could give you a nice supplement to your pension, allowing you to live quite well in many parts of the world.
Thanks Earl. I am glad to hear that there is still people interested in learning French. I love Chiang Mai, so I may give it a try. Do you need a work permit to teach in Thailand or is it only necessary for teaching in a school?
I am also considering creating two websites. One on cats and maybe dogs and another on creative writing and litterature. I am thinking of having blogs with some links to website such as Amazon to make money on the books I review or subjects I cover. I could put in some short stories of my own and give advices on creative writing. Is it costly to have such a website? Do you think I could make some money? My website would be in English to get a bigger audience but I may have a link for those who want some French content.
Thanks,
Richard
Hey Richard – Technically, you do need a work permit to teach. But if you apply to language schools, many of which do teach French, they will help get you the necessary paperwork and visa once they hire you. If you decide to teach independently, tutoring students on your own, then you could obviously do that with just a tourist visa. You just wouldn’t want to spread the word too much as any work on a tourist visa is not quite allowed.
As for your website ideas, you have the right idea. Just keep in mind that it takes much more time and effort than most people think, so as long as you’re in it for the long-haul and are willing to battle through the challenges that you’ll face, there are rewards to be had in the end. It’s not costly at all to have such a site as all you need to do is register a domain (about $10 US per year) and host the site, which costs around $12 – $15 US per year. Quite cheap actually
I agree completely! I have to, since I plan on doing just that very soon. haha.
Hi,
I’m an Aussie girl that got bitten by the travel many years ago and am on my second world trip. This time solo and with no plans to return home any time soon. I loved your post and just wanted to say that I too am traveling on a very tight budget and it is this that has driven some of my decisions and led to meeting new people and visiting some great places that I wouldn’t have gone had I had lots of cash. Ive found house sitting to be a great way to travel on a budget, usually its free accommodation in return for looking after pets. My one rule is always have enough put away for a flight home should something go horribly wrong.
Janis
Hey Janis – And that’s an excellent rule to have as it provides that security that makes life on the road much less worrisome. It’s great that you’re out there on your second world trip and it seems that you are experiencing the world just as you want to be doing…keep it up and safe travels!!
Hi Earl! I love your blog and have been pouring over nearly every post in it hoping to be able to do what you do; particularly how to fund my travels. Even though I’ve traveled quite a bit on my own, the tricky part now for me is that I no longer travel alone. I have 2 kids. I’ve been planning to take them around the world for a couple of years hoping to give them an unconventional education. I’ve looked into teaching English in several countries but was shot down once they found that I’m Asian. Even though my English is just as good as any other Caucasian, I’ve been told by several schools that they are specifically looking for Caucasian English speakers. My other attempt is doing online marketing/blogging but have not a clue where to start. Ironically, I’ve majored in Economics in college and worked in Finance for over 5 years and I have not a clue as to making a single cent on the internet. As traveling and writing is my passion, I now have a blog that no one reads (except for my husband). Anyway, I digress…negative thoughts aside, I would like to know how I can start generating income through websites/online marketing.
Hey Kim – I appreciate the comment and yes, that does seem to be a common issue with teaching English unfortunately. It’s still possible to find a job of course but will take a little more effort and research. As for earning money online, that’s a tough questions to answer. I would literally need to write a book as there thousands of ways to earn an online income. You could do freelance work through a website site us Elance.com or Odesk.com, you could earn money through blogging, you could write eBooks and sell them on various websites, you could earn money through affiliate marketing and on and on and on…
My recommendation is to spend a few days doing some research and then narrow it down to the one method that you would be most interested in trying to follow. Then, stick with this for a while (several months at least) and really try to make it happen. I’ve found that if you’re willing to put in the time and effort to constantly teach yourself how it works, you’ll succeed in the end. Those who don’t succeed are generally those who quit and give up once they realize earning an online income is not nearly as easy as they thought.
Hey Earl,
I’m 24 and I think it’s my time to explore! I’ve been chasing what it is I want to do with my life ever since I graduated high school, spending thousands of dollars on school and not never being ale to come to a conclusion. Just recently it dawned on me that even if I had found something I’d be stuck in the ” Rat Race” that so many people in Americans conceptually attach to. My goal is to save up around 5 to 10 thousand dollars and begin my travels next January, but like yourself I would like to be employed in whatever countries I decide to travel. So I would just like to ask, where do I start when planning this journey? Is it possible to set up employment before arriving? Could you suggest what country to start and what path from country to country?
Thanks,
Matt
Hey Matt – Those are tough questions to answer as every single person is different. When it comes to choosing a country/region to start in, you should choose the region of the world that you are most interested in exploring. You definitely want to make sure you are excited about wherever it is you are headed!
In terms of employment, unless you’re looking for official work with an NGO or with a multi-national company, chances are you won’t be able to line anything up before you arrive. However, that’s not a big deal because you certainly don’t want to sign a contract for a job before ever visiting the country. There is always the chance that you arrive and decide that you don’t like the place and want to move on. So it’s much better to start traveling and then look for work whenever you find a city or town that you want to stay in for a while.
But again, I would start off by concentrating on the part of the world that you really want to visit more than any other!
Hi Earl, these messages are such an inspiration! I am 33 and have been wanting to travel since I can remember! I am English and have been in educational since the age of five, I became a lecturer of Drama since leaving Uni! I wish I could go right now as I’m so desperate to explore our beautiful planet. I started a part time 2nd degree in Creative Writing 3 years ago and still have another 3 years to go
I love it but cannot wait to achieve my degree so I can leave rainy England, hopefully for a very long time. You have made me feel very assured that it is easy to teach English so thank you and thank you for being so inspirational 
Hey Vicky – You should have no problem at all finding jobs teaching English. Just go to a website such as EslCafe.com and you’ll see just how many opportunities are out there all over the world! And before you know it your degree will be finished and one of those opportunities will be yours
Just read your namchung (think that’s right) hotel blog and it made me cry, beautiful
I’m so inspired by your site and your life. Thank you once more!
awesome story! just what i am thinking of doing.. i am 22 and live at home with my family but would love to pack up and travel without a return date.. such a big scary move!!!
Hey Shauna – It is a scary move indeed but just think that almost nobody who makes the move ever regrets that decision! And there’s a reason for that…once you get out into the world, things start to fall into place and you realize that you do have opportunities to turn travel into a lifestyle.
Hey Earl
When I left the service I followed my dream. Fed my travel bug. I bought a motorcycle with the money I had from the service and hit the road in England. I Started with 3800 dollars in my pocket and never looked back. I worked in any job I could get from bartender to bouncer, carpenter, photographer, roofer, drafts person, the easiest to get were bouncer or bartender. Everyone wanted to hear stories from the states or green beret war stories. Sometimes it got dangerous but most times it was an awesome experience. I wish everyone did it. I hit Europe, Asia, Africa and south America. You are so right in adventures helping you make money. Keep inspiring others. You are very cool.
Thanks Michael! And that’s the thing, there are always jobs available for those who really want to make travel a reality. Glad to hear it worked out so well for you!
Hey Earl,
I am 18 and i graduated school in 2011 thinking that i was supposed to be leaving for the army but then got disqualified for stupid reasons, so not being enrolled in college…..i kept up with my cooking job at my local country club and lately i have been thinking about traveling the world like you did but i dont know where to start.. i only have $600 to my name other than my car (worth $6000)
I kind of need guidance on where to start with this kind of lifstyle before i sell all of my things, quit my job and start traveling
I guess what im trying to say is, Do you think i am to young to start traveling the world as a “nomad” or should i wait longer???
Hey Connor – I don’t think there’s anything such as being ‘too young’. It all depends on you. If you feel ready to get out there, then you’re ready. If you feel like you need some more time, then maybe you should wait. However, the key is to make sure you don’t end up waiting too long and eventually getting caught in a lifestyle that doesn’t allow you to achieve your travel goals. So if you really want to explore this world, you just need to head off as soon as the urge becomes so strong that you can’t think of doing anything else!
Also, I’m not sure if you’ve seen already but you might want to check out this new guide I wrote: How to Live a Life of Travel
It may help you out quite a bit!
Connor, my sister finished school at 17 and saved up for a few months working, she then went to Germany and ‘au paired’ for 8 months, travelling in between times (for example she had her 18th birthday in London, as she met up with a friend who was living with family over there) and then she proceeded to spend the next couple of months travelling about Europe. Last year when she was 19, she and 2 friends travelled Western Europe and Morocco for 3 months with about NZ$3000 – she says they lived off of people’s kindness and canned corn haha.
Well, my point is, I think you’re of a fine age to travel as long as you want it. You don’t necessarily need many dollars or years to your name, just a friendly attitude.
I hope you do see this, and I hope it helps/inspires in some way.
-Cindy (I’m 17)
Hi
Inspiring article, I would like to travel myself and explore the world. However, even that it may be easier to travel alone – I would like a companion. Anyone that would be interested?
Hi,
I am Ashwin,from India. A very inspiring blog. And I came across this just when I neede it . I have been in dilemma since the last few weeks whether to go for an international tour or not(India does have a lot of places to explore).
Finally I have decided to go for the cheaper countries(say Egypt, or the middle east or Turkey). And it seems one does need a LOT of money to travel,a few intelligent choices and you could do your trip in any kind of budget.
Ofcourse I cant afford to go to South America or to Mongolia as of now, but I could still get a good experience by choosing some other country.
And it’s even tougher for people from middle or lower income countries, we might be “rich” here, but we are at a currency disadvantage outside our country.
I’m 24 and I was bit by that darned travel bug when I studied abroad in Australia about 4 years ago. Ever since then all I’ve wanted to do is travel again. Well I graduated college and eventually found a job in the field that I dreamed of being in (I’m a sea lion trainer) and while I do love it, I know there’s more out there. The job will always be there. I’m part time there right now, and between that job and another PT gig, I make about 16-17,000 a year. Brutal right? But I’ve set a date of August 2014 (after I’m MOH in my best friend’s wedding) anyway and that means my only goal is to save up as much money as possible between now and then. I’m starting in Asia, so that will be cheaper anyway, but then I’ve worked in two working holidays into my RTW travels! After about 6 months or so in Asia, I plan to move to Australia for a year with a working visa, make some money (while of course traveling), and then moving to NZ for a year and doing the same! Working visas are a great way to live abroad, travel, and make money at the same time (so long as you’re 30 years old or younger). Plus, being a professional animal trainer, I figure maybe my animal husbandry and training skills may come in handy during my travels
.
Hey Emaily – Thanks for sharing your story and 2014 isn’t too far away! You’ll be on the road before you know it and enjoying all that the world has to offer
And working visas are excellent, especially those in Australia and NZ. Quite easy to obtain and plenty of opportunities to find employment once you arrive. Good luck with your planning and if you ever have any questions, just let me know!
im curious, why do you say “so long as you’re 30 years old or younger?” im 33 and planning to quit my job due to burn out and not sure what to do. will have a decent amount of $$ in the bank and am on vacation for the month of october and will be in mexico for 2 weeks. i really hope to find another job to come back to or possibly just keep on travelling. and i wonder why that comment was made.
im sorry, maybe you can answer that Earl? I assume Emily may not get back on here and see my question. thanks
Hey JD – The reason that comment was made is because the countries that offer ‘working holiday visas’ only offer them to foreigners who are 30 years old and younger. Once you’re over 30, these temporary work visas (ie for Australia or New Zealand) are not available any more, so you have to work a little harder to find an actual company overseas that will hire you and then sponsor your visa.
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Hi earl, im off on a 2 month trip to thailand in a month or so, im getting itchy about only being away for that amount of time, i figure why not stay longer and travel se asia. Seriously considering just stopping there and then going to australia on a 1 year working visa.. There are also 2 of my best friends doing the above, i am worried if idont go ill miss an oppertunerty of a lifetime… But if i do go ill be giving up a good job and comfortable lifestyle.. To go or not to go?!
Hey Alan – Just look at it this way. Which will you regret more – having traveled or having not traveled? And then, there’s your answer!
Hi Earl,
I’ve just come across your site and specifically this article. As a huge traveler, I’m surprised I haven’t come across it sooner. I am only 24, but I sort of feel as if I missed my chance to do a RTW trip due to my career in the fashion industry. At this point though, I find myself sort of unenthused about my career and would be okay with letting it go to the wayside for the sake of traveling. The only problem is, I have a dog. She is obviously a huge part of my life and I would not want to leave her. From your experience, do you know of anyone who has found a way to travel consistently with their pet? My only thoughts on the matter so far is that as opposed to backpacking, I would have to keep moving to places long term because of my dog. Any thoughts on the matter or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!
Hey Davita – I have met travelers who move around with their dogs, but the majority do tend to spend longer periods of time in each place. They go to one city for 6 months, then to another and so on. I’m sure it’s possible to travel more often with a pet but it will take more planning as you would need to find accommodation that accepts pets, as well as figure out transportation as well. Everything is possible but this would require a little more research!
You might find some useful information here: http://howtotravelwithpets.com/
Hey Earl I’m Dayna Im 19 years old living in Florida and I just happened to stumble upon this page. I’m not the typical girl I am very open minded and I would say I have a free spirit. It’s always been my dream to travel the world, to see new things, to experience new cultures, and meet new people and photograph everything I experience, and it may take me just a couple of years but I want to travel the world because there deffinately has to be more than the typical life of an American….. But what I want to ask you is how do you get started?? Not only financially but also when you get there. What was the first thing you did when you stepped foot in Asia?? As far as having a place to stay when you get there and exploring the new surroundings and getting involved in activities.
Also how did you deal with the language barriers??
Hey Dayna – These days, English is spoken in almost every corner of the world. That, combined with learning a little bit of the local language, is all you’ll need to survive in just about any country you visit.
Hey Dayna – When I arrived in Asia, I simply walked outside and let the adventure unfold. I did a little research ahead of time so I knew some of the things I wanted to see and that was it. That is still my favorite style of travel…to wake up, walk outside my hotel and just see what happens and who I meet
Reading your blog makes me itch…. itch for a life filled with adventure and travel! Haha. This post in particular is so encouraging and inspiring. I wonder though, how would you recommend budgeting in student loans and the sort?
Hey Alayna – The way I look at it is that there is no reason why you can’t earn money overseas and pay off your loans just as you would if you got a job back home. From working on board cruise ships to getting a working holiday visa for Australia or New Zealand to being an au pair or teaching English in Asia…there are opportunities that will allow you to do both. And while the salary might not be as much as if you got a job back home, the cost of living in many of these places will be far less (almost no expenses on a cruise ship / cheap living in Asia / etc.), allowing you to virtually pay off the same amount each month.
Hope that helps!
Hi I’m Craig, me and my best mate are looking to travel asia, but we are also going to look into finding work whilt we are there! I’m looking to save about £2000 to start me off. Is that enough as I’m going to look for work anyway? Plus I’m not sure how much flights will be and travelling from place to place. I’m looking to go Thailand – Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia etc. Me and my friend are both good with budgeting especially as we don’t smoke, drink and both not really into going out and getting wasted and partying all the time! Just want to site see! I’m hoping I can pay for visa and flights fairly soon then save for spending money after! What do you think? I worried that £2000 won’t be enough!
Hey Craig – It all depends on your travel style but 2000 GBP should last quite a while in that part of the world if you stick to budget hotels and cheaper restaurants. You should be able to manage a few months or more of traveling from with that amount!
I’m a college student looking to take some time off from school to travel but get discouraged when I read about how people save “x” amount of money and I think to myself, “there’s no way I can save that much right now.” Even if I tried it would take me forever! Reading this gave me hope that I can I start off my travels with very little money. I’m not afraid to work and to be honest, I think it’ll make my travels even more exciting. Thank you!
Hey Melissa – I’m very happy to hear that and if you ever have any questions, just send me an email and I’d be more than happy to assist!
Hey earl!
Loved what I’ve been reading so far. I’m a bartender in the US and was wondering what a bartender gets paid per month in parts of Asia?
Hey John – That’s hard to say, not only because I’ve never bartended in Asia but also because every country is different. Usually, though, as a foreigner, you would have to find cash in hand work so the pay would be on the low side, especially considering that most of Asia consists of developing countries where wages are obviously significantly lower overall.
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Hey, I am sorry if someone posted a similar post. Basically, I am a 21 year old college student. I should have my associates by the end of the fall semester. I am a photographer at heart and I am picking up writing as another passion. I was advised to travel for a semester before attending a university. This person is the career adviser at my college BTW. He said that I may not even find that a university is my thing and that I am probably destined to be an artist and travel.
Anyway, I would love to travel throughout Europe. I hardly ever leave Texas and when I do it is Oklahoma!!! I dream of traveling all around the world, not just Europe, all day. Heck, that is why I am slacking behind because I can’t stop thinking of traveling.
My question is how should I. I am on Financial Aid BTW so I have to be enrolled in school or in 6 months I would have to begin to pay. If I choose to travel what do you suggest I do too
A) Support Myself;
B) Pay off my loan.
I know I said I am a photographer and I beginning to write and I would love to take photos of things one moment and sell them at galleries then the next go to a remote location as a photojournalist and send my work into a national magazine like “Time” or “National Geographic”. But I have no idea how to get my foot in the door.
I would love to here your input!!
Hey Andrew – That’s great that you want to you travel! As for advice, the thing is, there are millions of ways to earn money and support your adventures and it’s not possible for me to know which ones would be best for you. So the best thing you can do is to look online, read other travel blogs and learn exactly how other people are doing it so that you can start getting some ideas in your head. For me, I’ve used a combination of teaching English, working on board cruise ship and now blogging in order to travel but again, everyone has a different skill set/experience.
The good news is that there are ways to earn good money – cruise ships, teaching English are just two of them – that allow you to save enough to pay off your loans as well. Another option is a working holiday visa to Australia or New Zealand, which allows you to spend 1 year working and living in those countries…not a bad option at all!
I so want to do what you do. I have dreams about it. Living by the beach, hiking up mountains, Waking up a 5am or sleeping all day. No 9 to 5 for me, Everyday is a totally different day…… I wish
This is so good to read. My husband and I are in the process of paying off our debt to be able to go travel for a few years. It’s so hard to have such a strong desire to leave not, but not have the funds to. I keep kicking around exactly how much we really need to save once the debt is paid off. After reading this, I’m thinking we may not need to save as much as I was first thing we would.
i have always dreamt of traveling across the world.but the major disadvantage is i am from Nepal and getting visas would be very difficult.i am studying in australia now and in a couple of years i would get an aussie passport.the day i get my aussie passport i will be off.i have saved around 50000 aussie dollars i hope to save another 25-30 grand in the next 2 years.how long do u think i can keep travelling with 70000 dollars.plus i will be cycling so tht should save my transportation costs.i am 23 now and believe me there is not a single night i dont think about travelling..u guys are so lucky to be born in a developed country.
@Gunmother – It all depends on where you go and what your travel style will be. But in general, you could travel for around $15,000 per year so $70,000 would give you almost 5 years!
Well said. Im so happy i have come across this post. I have been nail biting about this every single day for the past 2 years to just travel. I am miserable in SC and miserable with this boring daily routine. I moved here last year and a year later still no friends, still not happy and still wanting to travel. One day I say just have patience stick it through and another i just want to leave everything behind me and travel. Part of me wants to just risk leave one way ticket and let my imagination be my investment then the other part says chill out build a nice saving then go travel. Just last may ive gotten a stable 40h full time job and just this past Dec i got a second savings job for when i am ready to travel. I want to backpack Central and South America and spend some time in Brazil! I would surf couches and stay at hostels and I’ve begun to see that teaching English abroad is the best way to make money for necessities and use my chunk for emergency. Let me know your thoughts my friends. Happy Travels
Hello, My names Patrick. I have just turned 20 and with no direction in my life, I find it difficult to know who I really am. I graduated high school, and tried college but, in the end it just wasn’t for me. I have always dreamed of traveling to a far off place to find myself perhaps, or just to experience life to its fullest. I work two jobs, slowly, but surely saving up money to finally “escape.” I feel as if the United States is not all it’s cracked up to be, the whole freedom and what not. I want to explore the world, and share my adventures with others. But I feel like if I do leave, I’ll just end up screwing myself over and having nothing anyways. So I’m here to ask. Is it worth it? Is the world out there as beautiful as everyone says. Or am I just chasing a dream that I shouldn’t be?
Hey Patrick – All I can say is that travel isn’t for everyone but if you feel deeply inside that you want to get out there and experience all that this world does have to offer, then you certainly don’t want to miss out on achieving those goals. As for screwing yourself over by traveling….just think of it this way. What’s the worst that can happen? You travel to some amazing places, meet some amazing people and spend all your money. And then you have to go home (if you can’t find work overseas) and get a job. Nothing terrible about that option.
Wandering Earl,
I have recently hit the corporate glass ceiling at the age of 26. I thought I was meant to be in a business suit, tending to customers, answering my cell phone with “Hello. This is Teryn.”, only to wake up and realize how much I hate what I do. I have always had the travel bug, but given only 2 weeks of vacation time a year my trips have been limited. Lebanon one summer, Mexico another, Austria for the winter… most recently a trip to Turks & Caicos is coming up in May. I have set a date to quit my job, and start roaming the globe with all intentions of giving back to the community in where I lay my head at night. The problem with charitable work is that it is usually volunteer based and no $$ to help feed my stomach. You mentioned in your blog you taught English, but what would you recommend other than that? I plan on starting my adventures in the United States. Do you know of any websites that hire for the day/week/month? My goal is to work during the week and volunteer on the weekend while blogging and capturing all the beautiful moments. If you can’t think of any part time work, can you offer up some hidden gems in the states? I’d love to start my adventure soon! Your blog has been very inspirational. Thank you kindly!
Hey Teryn – You could look at websites such as Helpx.net and Workaway.info where you’ll find some interesting opportunities. Most are volunteer in exchange for room and board but some are paid as well. Apart from that, I don’t know many US-specific opportunities as I don’t spend much time here, usually overseas instead.
But in general, if you want to learn more about how to get started with this lifestyle, you might be interested in reading my popular guide – How to Live a Life of Travel.
Any long or short term traveller should listen to Earl.
Recently, I went on a three month backpacking journey across the States with $46, a bicycle, and basic camping equipment. The lack of money forced me to go out of my comfort zone and camp, sleep and find oddjobs to keep funding my journey.
Thank you for this post! this is truely inspiring and exactly what I was looking for! A bit of comfort from some seasoned nomads! I am 27 and saving for a world tour. I have friends that have gone to asia to teach and that sounds like an amazing idea to me!
Earl,
I would like to sincerely thank you for putting your adventures on here for all of us to see. I am 17 from Sydney, Australia currently not in school and I have been in awe of a life that involves waking up everyday not knowing what i’m going to do, who i’m going to meet or what i’m going to learn. I have always thought that a life like this is only achievable after I eventually got a full time job after my studies in a few years, moved out of my parents home and was comfortable financially well on my career path. You have helped me to realize that my priorities are not true to my heart and that a life that makes me happy every, single day is much more fulfilling than a life that is focused on working towards goals that I am only doing in the first place because ‘that’s just what you do’.
It’s because of you that I am well on my way to making my dreams a reality.
Hey Lauren – That’s so wonderful to hear and I certainly look forward to seeing where your adventure leads!
So I found out the place I want to travel well not exactly the place. But I want to travel to Ireland. For many personal reasons. But I am looking for a place that is very secluded, that has miles of vast open land. Earl…Can you recommend me to any places.
Hi Amanda! I started traveling internationally at 20 alone and about have since covered 20-some-odd countries. I just turned 30 last Sunday and its time for me to renew my passport. As a solo-traveler I’ve never had any problems with safety and actually have found that I feel safer outside of the US than inside. Feel free to email me if you want to chat about solo female stuff. jen.cordaro@gmail.com