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.
Awesome post! I can relate. I don’t have a ton of money and my biggest problem was paying down my debt. I’m aiming to leave mid-late October and with not a lot of money in my pocket.
I’m convinced that if you are open and willing to put yourself out there that business and opportunity will find you.
Ohh and to some, 11 years is a life time! Keep it up and maybe I’ll see you on the road soon!
Cheers!
Hey Adam – Seems like you’re on the right track! Once the debt is gone, hopefully it won’t take long to save up enough to get your adventure started. The opportunities will find you and I can’t wait to hear where your path leads…
I was just talking about how an open mind and good attitude is all you need to go anywhere. Now I’ve got confirmation from someone else who has been there. Long term travel can (and is) done on all budgets all it takes is wanting to. I only wish I’d discovered my traveling ways earlier. No worries, still plenty of time and places left to see.
Hey Brian – Just be thankful you did find your traveling ways eventually! And rarely do we have to look too far to discover another example of how an open mind allowed a traveler to live out their dreams, no matter what their budget may have been (the comments above are a great start). Enjoy the rest of your riding!
I can see that having limited resources would open you up to unexpected opportunities. This inspires me to quit being so preoccupied with how much money I need to save. I know from everyday life experience that certain challenges always seem to lead to open minded creative thinking.
Now I just have to figure out how to sell my house without having to fork out a lot of cash that I don’t exactly have.
Hey Nick – Money is important but with the amount of opportunities out there in world, there’s definitely no reason to get too worked up about it. Sometimes it’s far more beneficial to just start the adventure. Good luck with selling your house! That is one thing I know very little about
Hey Earl, why do I get the feeling that I may have inspired this post? What with me harassing you with this question and all haha
I certainly do have that itching feeling and endure the 59 minutes in an hour situation. I just can’t help but feel an extra few thousand savings, when I am in a position to do so is a good move. I’m not disagreeing with you though, I admire such spontaneity in yourself. Mind you, I don’t think I will lose my work ethic as I am looking to work online while away.
Anyway, I’m hogging this comments board. Good post, one I’m sure to come back to!
Anthony
Hey Anthony – Haha…yeah, I owe you a big thanks for the inspiration indeed! And as long as you stay true to yourself then there’s no problem with sticking around to save some more money. At some point, the urge to leave may simply become too much and that’s the time to re-think the plan. Thanks for the comment and looking forward to hearing about your own projects!
Great post, Earl. I think this is one of the main things that holds so many people back from travel – they fear they don’t have enough money, that they’ll “run out” and end up stranded in some foreign country. And sure, that could happen. But would it really be that bad? Those type of adventures can bring life-changing experiences, which is what travel is all about anyway, right?
Although, I can’t be one to talk, because I didn’t leave for full-time travel until my own on-line business had already taken off sufficiently to support my family while living abroad. I still feel like it took guts to make the move, but not nearly as much as if I had left before I had the income. But regardless, thank heaven for the 4-Hour Work Week! I’m living it and loving it!
Hey Brandon! I fully agree that being forced to use what little resources we have in order to achieve our goals, leads to some of the most life-changing adventures. And I think any time we decide to take a path that is considered unconventional it takes a huge amount of guts to move forward. You’re great proof of how incredibly these decisions can turn out in the end!
Definitely agree with you.. constraints lead to creativity. Being comfortable leads to mediocrity. When you have constraints you get desperate, and your mind is forced to go into overdrive.. you literally need to survive and you’re forced to do things out of your comfort zone. If you have too much money, the cash will gradually dwindle down w/o you knowing it.. sorta like a toad being boiled.
Hey Henway – Thanks so much for the comment! I get the feeling that you have some experience with this yourself
We tend to believe that we must decide to step out of our comfort zone, but sometimes we have no choice but to do so. I love how you put it – “Constraints lead to creativity”. I couldn’t agree more!
Hey Earl,
Great post, I really enjoyed reading this. It’s an inspiration for a lot of people!!
Next to the jobs and kind of work that you describe that people can do to pay for their travels, you can also get into blogging/affiliate marketing to make a passive income online.
It’s not easy to make massive money and it does take work, but if you spend 2-3 hours on your sites every single day, it’s very possible to make an extra $5000 or more per year which is very helpful!
All the best
Diggy
Hey Diggy – Thanks for sharing your thoughts and you’re right about the passive income. The amount of effort required is significant but even a few hundred dollars per month in earnings could easily cover one’s accommodation expenses while traveling. 2-3 hours of work per day is well worth the rewards and the number of ways to earn money online are literally endless!
We started our travels a bit on the opposite route. We had saved a chunk of money to travel, but then a freelance project kind of fell into our lap during our first weeks of our trip. So, we took time off from traveling in Thailand to work our butts off to get it completely before the end of the year (when the budget ran out). That was the “a-ha” moment – we realized we could continue to extend our journey if we can string together projects. Unfortunately, the economy and changing media environment mean that we won’t have projects like that anymore, but that’s where getting creative and finding other sources of income come into play.
That said, I’ve found that many people who have been on the road for a long period of time have started with very little monetary cushion and have relied on their own wit and creativity to find work to keep them going. The mindset changes to “there are opportunities everywhere – you just have to look for them.”
Hey Audrey – That’s quite an interesting start to your travels. I wonder how long it would have taken to have that “a-ha” moment had that project not happened so soon after you began? Often times all it seems to take is that first opportunity to appear for us realize that there aren’t a handful or even dozens of ways to keep on traveling, but an infinite number of possibilities!
Ok, now I need a glass of wine just from reading the title of your last post!
This is officially the most thought provoking post I have ever read haha. People at work have kept asking “are you alright?” Because I’m daydreaming as my mind is occupied by the words and message written on this post, I am atarting to cringe every time I use the word “but” to justify why I haven’t booked that ticket yet. Certainly food for thought.
On a total other note. My gravatar picture is black,does anyone know how to fix this?
Great point you make, Earl! And great to know, because I’m on your heels, but won’t be starting out with much either. Thanks for the killer post!
Thanks Mark! That’s exciting that you’re about to start your own adventure and that you understand that you don’t need a ton of money to begin. Do you knkow when you’ll be starting out?
Definitely much better to start off with very little! When your back is against the wall, the best of you always shines through.
Having too much money is definitely, ironically a negative motivational force. I try and pretend I literally have NOTHING every single month to keep moving forward.
It makes progress feel so much better!
That’s a great strategy Sam as the more we have, the easier it is to become complacent. Glad to hear that progress is being made!!
When I first started travelling I went to london with only $600 dlls… =) I statied there for 8 months hehehe.
Great post! I loved it!
Hey Liz – Starting with only $600 USD in London is quite impressive! But somehow you managed to stay there for 8 months, so it’s another example of how travel goals can be achieved even when it seems impossible! Thanks for sharing
Great post! I have actually done both the things you describe. When I first started travelling I left home with a retun ticket to Australia and the equivilant of 750 dollars in my pocket. Of course it helped that I knew that I was allowed to work my way around Australia, but still, it was a scarly thing to do.
After I had come back from Oz, I worked for 4 years to save up enough money to get me back there again. This time I knew I wasn’t allowed to work anymore, but once there I did a lot of volunteer jobs, which was a lot of fun. I wouldn’t have been able to do that without my stash of money in the bank.
That said, I totally agree with you that only setting out with 1500 dollars opens your eyes to being creative, and that is something everyone should learn.
Hey Maria – So you definitely are familiar with both sides. I think it also depends on a person’s travel goals. If a person wants to spend their time doing volunteer work, then they’ll need to have enough money saved up as they won’t be earning any income. But if a person’s goal is to travel extensively using any means available, then $1500 or as in your case, $750, is enough to get started. And if they want to keep the journey going, then they’ll have to get creative and find a way to make it happen!
Hopefully once your book is out you won’t have to worry about traveling with only $750!
When I first when to Japan I only had about $1000, no job and no visa. However, everything quickly fell into place. The opportunities that open up are amazing if you have no safety net or backup plans.
That’s quite incredible John, especially considering the life and business that you ultimately ended up creating out of that $1000! l doubt you would have had the same results had you not needed to find a way to earn income from the beginning.
With an open mind and focus on the positive, a lot can happen. If you sit and worry about all the possible scenarios… you’ll take away energy from getting the results you want.
You don’t need a lot of money to travel just the right attitude.
Hey Jenny – Agreed! Staying positive at all times is a must. Negativity will cloud our vision until we can no longer see any of the opportunities in front of us.
I was quite surprised to find that I spent significantly less money when I was having the time of my life traveling than I did while I was just sitting around at home. And that was mostly in New Zealand and Australia, two countries with significantly higher costs of living than my home country.
It made me realize how much superfluous junk I pay for in my normal at-home lifestyle that I absolutely do not need.
Thailand was far less expensive than those countries, and other countries are cheaper still. I used to think travel was quite exclusive because you have to come up with even more money than you’d be spending at home, but it just didn’t work out for me that way.
Hey David! I think you just perfectly summed up the great realization that many travelers make at some point during their journey. I’ve also had a similar experience in Australia, living in the center of Melbourne for a total cost of what most people associate with SE Asia! And you’re right, there’s always somewhere cheaper to go.
Also, when we’re traveling, not only do we cut out the overwhelming majority of our typical expenses, but being immersed in the overall experience of a new place often doesn’t require us to spend any money at all…
It’s great to hear from you and I hope all is well!
Wow, that’s really impressive!!! Traveling truly doesn’t take a lot of money and I wish more people realized that.
Hey Andi – I also wish more people realize that travel doesn’t have to be expensive! Hopefully this post can help a few people…
Okay, I have NOTHING on your 11 years of travel! But this post reminded me of my time in college studying in Germany. My education was paid-for through my (loans) college in the U.S., but I had next to nothing for travel. I was desperate and went to a cafe I had heard would hire foreigners with little hassle. I was not fluent in German! But I got hired, and I managed, and not only did it finance some trips to Eastern Europe (which had only previously been unveiled from behind the Iron Curtain)(I’m a bit older than you are)(*ahem*) but it was the best thing I could have done for learning the language! I never would have had the gumption to do it if I hadn’t needed the money so badly.
That’s such an excellent example Jolyn! That’s the thing, who would be motivated to enter into such a situation if they already had enough money to travel? And look at what you would have missed had that been the case…
If a person really wants to travel, as you’ve demonstrated, you just take a deep breath and find a way to make it happen. I might have to ask for the name of that cafe just in case I find myself in Germany while low on funds one day
I have lived and traveled with both money and so completely broke I wasn’t sure how I was gonna eat the next day. I must say that the better adventures come when you are broke and you travel by the seat of your pants. Backpacking and hitch hiking are always fun. You are never sure where or how you are going to end up. Great post, it acts as a great reminder to me that though money is needed it should never hold you back from doing what you love and that living on that broken edge can be a blast.
Ozzy
Hey Ozzy! That’s the thing, many people would actually CHOOSE to travel with less money because of the adventures that result. As long as you know there are ways to survive out there, then you’re in for one memorable and educational ride. Of course, if you aren’t aware of the opportunities, then the result would be much different.
I call it the willingness to do something stupid
Ozzy
Great post Earl! This really highlights the truth that money is never the thing stopping you from living your dreams. I, too, have spent many years traveling around the world on little money, but finding opportunities along the way which enabled me to get more of it. These opportunities are there for everyone to take, it’s just that some don’t allow fear to be the curtain that blinds them to it!
Hey Caz – I love how many people appear to have started their long journeys without much money! The proof is out there that such a lifestyle is possible without $50,000 in the bank. And I agree that anyone can take advantage of the endless opportunities, it’s just being open and determined enough to find them that makes the difference!
Very good post Earl. I think the key to many people perception of how much money they need to travel falls back to insecurity of the unknown.
The unknown of actually leaving that comfortable job. Knowing that there is no longer a wage there.
The insecurity of having the confidence in starting a new career without the 9-5. Which, today is more like the 8-10
Then, when they do make the break. Many people fall into the trap of party and celebration. Nothing wrong with that. But if you do want to be location independent, priorities need to be established.
Dave
Hey Dave – I think we can all admit that facing the unknown is a bit terrifying! And it just comes down to taking that leap and believing in your goals. Once I realized that I could always change direction and return to a 9-5 if needed, then I felt I had nothing to lose by attempting to be a permanent traveler. And that’s an interesting point about the partying travel mode. Many of us do fall into that when we begin (and there’s nothing wrong with that like you said), although it can be a very difficult mode to climb back out of if your goal is to turn travel into an actual long-term lifestyle.
And by 8-10 are you talking about 2 hours (hopefully) or 14 hour days??!
There’s nothing like jumping into the deep blue, and allowing your survival instincts to take over =)
Glad you had fun, and keep living life passionately!!
@JustJesz – Exactly! We’ll find ways to survive, but the hard part is actually taking the jump. Thanks so much for the comment!
This is so inspiring! It really gets me thinking about how little I would need while living my dream in the Philippines. Traveling from the Philippines is cheap.
Let’s see….must get rid of debt..
Hey Randall – The Philippines does seem to be a country where one could live quite well and for an extended period time on little money. It’s all about priorities (as Dave mentioned before) and doing what it takes to turn that dream into reality, knowing full well that it’s possible. Getting rid of the debt is the first step but once that’s done, you’ll be on your way…
I can see how not having enough money can be a big motivator. It’s wonderful to hear how you’ve been able to travel and use your creativity to continue exploring the world. I haven’t read many of your posts, but I’m curious about traveling extensively. Do you have to come back to the US every few months because of visa issues? It’s hard for me to comprehend since I rarely leave the US (my husband doesn’t like to fly very far.) Just curious!
@Little House – Thank you for the comment! I typically return to the US about once a year and that’s generally to visit with my family and friends for around a month. As for visas, I normally obtain my visas while overseas, which is quite easy to do. If I’m in a place like Thailand and plan to travel to India, I will get an Indian visa at the Indian Embassy in Thailand. And in many countries you can simply obtain a visa upon arrival at the border or at the airport.
With that said, I’m actually about to write a post regarding a visa issue that I’m having right now, and for the first time in the past 11 years, I’m forced to get a visa while in the US! So your questions could not have been any more perfectly-timed
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Earl, this is a great post. Thanks for sharing the lessons you learned. One thing that is clear – there will always be obstacles to test how much you want this. You realized what these were for you, especially finances, and found a way to overcome. It goes to show that when you really feel like you are supposed to do something, things will always come up and you will find a way through challenges. Great encouragement to people who want to try anything they are passionate about, not just travel.
Thanks Jeremy! Facing obstacles is an excellent way to determine how much we want something in life. It’s easy to say we want to live a certain way but when we discover that the path is not always so easy, we may be forced to rethink our goals. However, for those who know they are on the right path, they can proceed with confidence, knowing that they will find a way to make it all happen!
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After moving to Canada with no cash I as working for min wage which was ok but I started working online to get myself a mobile income…. It’s awesome having that now and gives a new level of freedom. However I do sometimes miss working in new places with new people.
I have known people turn up in countries with less than $100 and make their way through by jumping on jobs and getting into the system asap.
Hey Forest – Thanks for sharing your example! It’s all connected…you were forced to work for minimum wage but that little cushion then helped you get started with your online endeavors. One thing leads to another and you were able to turn ‘no cash’ into complete freedom.
On another note, I also miss working with people sometimes as working on my laptop just isn’t the same as being surrounded by people in an energetic environment. There are days I think of going back to work on cruise ships just to be a part of the working atmosphere!
What an inspiring tale you tell about your incredible experience and journey over the last 11 years. To desire a life like the one you envisioned way back when, only requires a dream and you nailed it! You found a way to overcome the obstacles and confronted every situation you found yourself in as a new opportunity to explore, to travel and to continue the momentum of your mission that is now thundering ahead at full throttle. I wish you all the success in the world and may your travels never cease nor your wonder wane!!
Thank you for sharing your story – a personal triumph that should renew everyone’s faith in having a dream and setting out to make it a reality.
Hey Jeff – Thank you so much for such a wonderful comment!
I’ve always felt that any obstacle can be overcome once a person knows exactly what they’re trying to achieve. And just reading all of the comments above, written by people who have also turned their dreams into reality, is all the proof one needs!
Wow, great post and great comments. I currently fall into the camp of travelling on my savings, mostly because I have them. However, having now travelled for a year, I am looking to acquire casual work as I go and enable myself to keep on travelling for as long as possible, the lifestyle just works for me. Also, by working and slowing down, I think I will get much more of a feel for a place and it’s local culture. New Zealand next, for a year, can’t wait
Hey Laurence! It’s great to hear from another long-term traveler out there
It seems as if you have a good understanding of what it will take to sustain a traveling lifestyle and as a result, there should be nothing stopping you from making it happen. Slowing down has been very rewarding for me over the past couple of years, so I’m sure you’ll enjoy a full year in New Zealand!! Who wouldn’t??
This is a question folks ask us all the time.. and my answer has always been ‘Imagine the worst possible scenario..and ask yourself.. just how bad is it?’. That’s what convinced me to jump on the road, is when the worst-case prospect of stopping somewhere and taking on an odd job to make ends meet sounded like fun!
It’s amazing the opportunities that happen when you’re out there, actively exploring who you are. If you trust in yourself, in your agility to make it work – then there’s no excuse when it comes to money to hold you back!
Hey Cherie – We should ask that question every time we have a major decision to make! And I agree…rarely (or perhaps never) is the answer something that really sounds terrible. Most of the time, as you’ve found out, the worst-case scenario actually seems somewhat appealing. So if money isn’t an issue and we discover that there’s nothing to lose, then that should give us the confidence we need to take the all-important first step towards our goals…
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!
Hey Earl, Great post!!! I am on the cusp of the great adventure and wanted to thank you for all your help with Mexico. I am going to a small town called Chacala to help build a school and to work on my business plans. Thanks Earl for your help.
Hey Taylor – I am actually quite familiar with Chacala! I spent a month living there last November. It’s a great place, absolutely stunning, peaceful and the beach is amazing. Although it is quite remote! If you have any specific questions about the place, don’t hesitate to send me an email…
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This is a solid post, and particularly timely for me seeing as how I’m six weeks from my last day at work and I’ve spent the last 10 months saving. My wife and I have had the luxury of saving a lot of money for my travels so I won’t be traveling as you did back in ’99, Earl.
However, I think an equally salient point is not the cost in money it takes to travel, but the cost in lifestyle changes it takes to travel. Many people coming straight out of college or skipping college can probably identify with your situation. For people neck-deep in professional careers, maybe with a spouse and kids, money might not be the lynchpin. Instead, if you want to travel more intensely than America’s three weeks/year, there will be a significant upheaval in your lifestyle.
I know I know, this post is about how much MONEY you need to start a life of travel, but there are other “currencies” that need to be considered depending on where your “life” of travel starts.
Hey Keith – You’re absolutely right, there are of course more factors to consider when deciding how to start a life of travel, although money always seems to be the biggest concern (and hence this post!). It seems that 90% of the people I’ve communicated with who are interested in extended travel, whether they are coming straight out of school or have been in a professional career for some time, all mention money as the major factor that is holding them back. It seems that even those who have had good jobs for a while aren’t necessarily able to save up a great deal of money. Some may be fortunate to have saved but I don’t think that’s the majority. Consider yourself lucky in that respect
My point was just that most people won’t even start thinking about how to overcome the other challenges (aka ‘significant upheaval in lifestyle’) until they have what they consider to be ‘enough money’ saved. Unfortunately, most people struggle to save that amount because they typically think it needs to be $30,000 or $50,000. Once they realize that such an amount of money is not needed, then they are free to concentrate on the necessary lifestyle changes!
And the ironic thing is that sometimes the lifestyle change is required first, before people can start saving money. I know that was true for my wife and me. Enjoyed this post, thanks Earl.
So glad I read this today. My wife and I have been so close to pulling the trigger for a couple months now but I keep on stalling, worried that I don’t have enough money saved up or a reliable source of income yet. (Been working hard on our blog though: Fooduciary.com and some affiliate ideas from Corbett.) This post pushed me over the edge. A few more things to sell and we’re out of here!
Hey Brad – Thank you for commenting! It can become quite easy to keep on stalling as every bit of extra money we can scrounge up seems well worth it. But before we know it, a year goes by, we still haven’t left and we’ve only saved a little more money. The ideas is that if extended travel is something that you are determined to pursue, you will be determined to sustain such a lifestyle once you begin. As a result, you’ll discover the opportunities that will help make that happen…
I certainly wish you a great journey and hopefully you sell your last remaining things quickly!
Hey Earl,
I think travel can be just like anything else in life. You can spend a whole lot of money on something just to make it easy on yourself. Or, you can be creative, resourceful, and patient and make something work and save your money. It all depends on your perspective about what you think your time is worth.
Larry
Hey Larry – Thank you for the comment! I think that for many people spending a whole lot of money simply isn’t an option and as a result they assume that traveling is therefore impossible. The idea of the post is to demonstrate how that should not be the case at all and that there is a second option that involves being creative and resourceful!
Thanks for the reminder that what I want to do IS possible. I’ve been “home” after spending 1.5 years away, and feeling bored and stagnated. My mind is constantly dreaming of new places to visit and ways I can make this become a reality. It’s nice to see that others are living the dream. =)
Hey Kelly – It’s definitely possible! I know that feeling of dreaming about travel and wishing you were out there right now exploring the world again. Sometimes, if you want it badly enough, you just need to confidently take the first step and see where it leads…
Hopefully you’ll be out there traveling again soon!
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I read this and I instantly think, “This is what I want to do with my life.”
I’ve never had that reaction to anything before.
This article just makes me finally believe that living life the way I want to is actually possible.
This hit very close to my situation presently. Though I’m not a long term traveler (not yet anyway), I hope I can soon make traveling an important part of my life, even though I’m still really young, I want to make this happen as soon as possible.
Right now, I’m planning to take a trip to Israel. I have a bit over $2000 to my name and I feel that I just cannot wait to make this trip any longer.I can’t wait a couple more years to wait for things to be a little more “convenient”. I’ve searched for tickets and it looks like that alone may take more than half of my money. But I’m trying not to make that a major problem. All I have to consider most is school. Reading this article gives me great inspiration and a feeling that I can truly make this happen.
I’ve also have great interest in teaching English in various parts of the world. I just read your “How To Fund Your Travels with Creativity” article and now I’m even more blown away. This is exactly what I wanted to do! I’m so excited now for I finally have a goal, a possible means and ideas to achieve it.
Thanks!
Hey Tee! I could feel your excitement come through your comment and I certainly hope that you do achieve your travel goals! There really are endless ways to turn just a small amount of money into long-term travel and there are literally hundreds and hundreds of people who have found their own unique ways to make it happen. There’s no shortage of inspiration out there!
Good luck with your decisions and if you ever have any questions at all, please feel free to send me an email as well…
It really does depend on the type of travel you’re willing to do. I left with a lot of money did the usual sight seeing and stuff and it ate into my budget slowly but surely.
3/4 of the way through my budget I was actually looking forward to running out as it would require me to get a job and be a bit more clever with where I was. There is little incentive to work hard when you already have the money and can fall back on it. I think those who have some money and look for work abroad arn’t so ‘get up and go’ about it (this includes myself) as the need isn’t there.
@AdventureRob – That’s very true. If we don’t have any money to fall back on, we’re going to do whatever it takes to keep the traveling going. I’m quite sure that had I begun with a lot of money, I would have kept traveling until it all ran out. And then I would have returned home due to a lack of motivation to find ways to earn money on the road. Looking forward to running out is actually a great motivational tool to keep on traveling!
I think it would help to have security to turn to once the travels are over – perhaps due to age, or just something in case of emergency so not relying on friends and family for bail out if something went terribly wrong…
It would be great to own and be renting out a house in my home country – that way the steady income is there (hopefully) and also the nest egg is waiting in case of return.
So far i have the house, and the itchy feet… but unfortunately a massive clash of scientific study – which i just love with my whole heart; i traveled a little with open university study in my first year of it – but to get the grades and amount of time invested in the study as i want – long term travel is not really viable.
So.. here’s to studying for another 5 years or so – and then hopefully *hopefully!* getting the career i crave which will allow for travel too.
I hope i am making the right decision.
Hey Frank – The good thing is that you can always change the path you’re on! So if one day you feel strongly about heading in another direction, you will always have that option. The idea of renting out a place in your home country is always a good one. Anything that can provide even a little steady income does certainly help. I also think that it depends on the goals one has for their travels. If someone plans to take 12 month or 18 month trip and then return home after that is over, then yes, having some extra money put away is a good idea. And I’ve also learned the importance of not waiting until you have $0 in your bank account before looking for ways to earn money. There should always be a little extra money tucked away in order to deal with any unexpected situations.
Thank you for the comment and good luck with the studying!
Hey Earl,
I have landed in Chacala and it is amazing…very quiet, and a fantastic beach. Working hard to get my spanish up to speed. Also I have used the power of google alert: and have found a sweet housesitting gig here in a 5 bedroom villa…for $350 per month.
I owe it to you Earl, thanks so much for your blog…and help.
I brought all of my film gear here so…
Now i just need to film my epic Spaghetti Western film here!!!! ala Sergio Leone http://www.fistful-of-leone.com/
Hey Taylor – That’s excellent that you’re in Chacala! And great deal with the 5 bedroom villa
If you ever eat at the cafe Chac Mool (as I’m sure you will as it’s the only cafe in the village), tell Amelie that Derek & Liz say hello. We never got a chance to say goodbye to her when we left, but her and her husband are good people and they offer the best food in the village.
Looking forward to hearing more about your time there. I already miss the fresh banana and coconut bread served by local vendors on the beach every weekend!
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Excellent blog entry – thank you for making my morning! I am not travelling at the moment, but have done my share in the past. I do so agree with everything that you say. I relate it a little to packing for travelling too – you do not need 2 x 23 kg suitcases to go for a week to Mallorca, when a pack is enough. You do not need $20 000 to set off around the world, as that will make you a travelling tourist, rather than a travelling nomad.I encourage my kids to set off and am happy to say that my son has already done his first 6 months with a small budget, finding work on the way, albeit in a ‘safe’ country, Canada, but then he again he was only 18 years old and first time solo.
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great post earl and one that should act as an inspiration for all of us!
i can relate a lot, i left ireland in 2006 with $1500 bucks and a one way ticket to asia and, just like you, i’m still on the road! the life we want to live is possible, if we just believe =)
Sweet Jesus I love stories like that! 1500, same as Earl. I’ve set a date next year and am saving up as much as humanly possible until then but I do have the odd financial panic in my head. Just gotta do it I suppose!
Hey Anthony – The panic will remain until you finally get out there and see for yourself what is really possible. Yes, you just gotta do it
Hey Johnny – Thank you for sharing your travel beginnings as well and it’s amazing that you began in almost the exact same way that I did ($1500 and SE Asia). Here’s to more rewarding years on the road!
I just saw this post thanks to your thank you letter to everyone
I hardly have any money while I travel. I usually don’t meet the minimum requirement for available funds when arriving in a new country, and I certainly don’t have any significant savings. I’m not proud of my lack of funds, nor am I ashamed; it just is what it is. I hope one day I can generate enough money from my website and another I’m developing and my other freelance work to save a little more and be able to visit more expensive countries. When I start to feel ungrateful or panic about my financial situation, I remind myself that the majority of the world lives on a lot less than me, and there’s always some way I can cut back.
Hey Jasmine – You’re another great example of how thousands upon thousands of dollars are not needed in order to travel, but even more importantly, you seem to really understand how fortunate you’ve been. We should all take the time to remind ourselves every day that much of the world is simply unable to do what we are doing. This fact alone helps us to keep everything in perspective.
I hope your websites do work out for you! Just don’t give up your determination not matter how challenging it gets.
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