Ask yourself this question: Is there anything more exciting than packing a bag, grabbing your passport and heading to the nearest airport to start your adventure? If the answer in your gut is ‘no’, then it might just be your time to leave a mundane life behind in and swap it for the life you’ve always wanted. While many people like to travel in groups or pairs, there are plenty of individuals who love the excitement that comes with solo travel – even if it does seem daunting at first. However, now it’s time to consider the funding, something that requires careful planning, financial management and street smarts. Let’s take a closer look at small changes you can make in your life to get you to your dream destination(s).
The Budget Matters
If you are planning a trip abroad, be it for a month or a year, the first step in financing your solo travels is to create a realistic budget, meaning that you should definitely stay within your means. Traveling—real traveling that is—is about finding parts of your self and your personality that you didn’t think you had within you, it’s about making friends from all over the world and getting up super early to see the sunset in the summer months. It’s about meditating, journaling, experiencing and living. It’s really not about renting a villa and staying there for one month. Make a list of places you’d like to see and then research the average price of accommodation, which is usually your biggest expense. This is just a general outline that will allow you to get a rough idea of what you can and can’t afford.
Of course, some savings and preferably a little passive or active income while you travel do help. Many believe that the dream is not to work at all, but that gets very old very fast. A good balance when traveling is about working enough to cover your costs and see the sights that fascinate you. There’s no need to worry that you won’t be able to experience places like the Eiffel Tower or the catacombs in Paris because you can buy catacomb tickets online at reduced prices depending on the season and without having to wait in line. Don’t let the fear of not being able to afford absolute luxury scare you enough not to go. Start by estimating the total cost of your trip, including transportation, accommodation, food, activities and emergencies. Having a detailed budget helps you track your spending and will also calm your nerves by reducing your stress – try to be as mindful as you can during the whole process.
How to Make Extra Income While You Travel
So you’ve worked out your budget, maybe have some savings on the side, and you’re now thinking about making extra income while on the go. It’s a great idea to think about this ahead of time because you don’t want to be in the middle of your trip and then only realize that your funds are running low. Luckily, there are several ways to make a good living online these days. One of them is called freelancing, you’ve surely already heard about it. Use your skills like writing, graphic design or programming to take on freelance projects and work on them for 2-3 hours every weekday while you travel. Set aside a time that suits you best; you’ll be surprised at how lovely it is to work while you travel. Also be sure to choose places that have good infrastructure when you need to work online and save those off-the-beaten-track spots for when you escape and switch off from the world.
Another way to make money is through the gig economy, which includes things like driving for rideshare services, delivering food, renting out a room on Airbnb or making investments on crypto and the like. If this type of work interests you, then be sure to get all the info you need beforehand, like getting the right driving qualifications or getting a room ready for guests. The third option is getting an in-person part-time job while you travel. There are programs and platforms that allow you to work and teach in the town or city for room and board, which is quite exciting because you’ll meet locals and really get a proper feeling for the place. If you are blessed enough to call English your mother tongue, then you are in luck because so many countries welcome English teachers to give locals English lessons. Some positions also provide accommodation and a salary, just make sure to enquire beforehand and get the necessary documentation.
Little Hacks
With anything in life, you’ll do much better if you’re flexible with your travel plans and resourceful with your spending money. See this adventure as a chance to strengthen what you’re already good at and develop what you may not be able to in daily, everyday life in your home country. A good hack is to book all your flights with an agent in advance because travel agents can change things around for you at much less than if you try to do it yourself. Another great hack is to travel in shoulder season, meaning spring and autumn, because you can get incredible deals while still having some tourists out and about; it’s no fun when a place is dead. While you’re traveling, also look out for free activities like group walking tours or visit free parks and museums.
