AngelaSome of the common reasons you would hear from people who don’t get to travel often are “I’ve got no time” or “my friends don’t want to tag along”. Yet among many other underlying reasons, the most prominent issue is money. Here’s how you can travel in a financially-sustainable manner.
1. Save money
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It all boils down to adopting the old school way. You may, however, not be able to make as many carefree purchases as you would like, but if you’re already considering turning into a full-time nomad, why not embark on your shopping adventures when you’re out exploring the world? Besides, what is a fulfilling trip without some sacrifices?
2. Work for accommodation
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Accommodation doesn’t always come with a price. There are people who are more than happy to receive your helping hand as long as you’re comfortable with a bit of a rough work. These arrangements are known as “trade for accommodation”.
Image credits: Around the world in 80 jobsIn exchange for the accommodation fee, you’ll be helping out the host with their daily jobs such as farming. Trade for accommodation usually happens in remote areas away from the bustling cities. This is a rare experience for you to get off the beaten path and is definitely a great opportunity to interact with the locals and learn about the country.
Experienced full-time travellers would know that this is one of the key preparations that can help you save thousands of dollars when looking for places to sleep.
3. Be part of the community in a foreign land
Images credits: http://bit.ly/1mOeQqhIf you’re someone who loves to poke your nose into other people’s business, this is one opportunity to get you on closer terms with the locals. The quickest way to fit into a foreign community is to give a helping hand at every opportunity that comes to you. Volunteering a disaster relief project is one good way to quickly immerse into a foreign land.
You don’t have to restrict yourself to monumental projects. Help can come from all directions. All you need to do is to open your eyes and be alert of your surrounding. How about helping old ladies across the streets and see where that leads you?
Other ways to immerse into the community is to frequent the libraries. Some libraries are more than just books; they are also excellent gathering venues for interest groups such as chess lovers, book devotees and astronomical clubs. Find one that suits you and mingle with them.
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If the silence of the library hurts your ears, stop by a pub and strike a conversation with the bartender. You’ll know the latest word on the street!
4. Work while travelling
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The most important thing while you’re on your full-time excursion is to make sure that money continues to flow in. The best way to start is to take up freelance writing on the web. You’ll be surprised how easily money flows in with a couple of travel experiences you’ve written. If you have knowledge about SEO, you’re already on your way to receiving $3000 a month – a more than adequate long-term travelling income.
5. Just do it
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Now that you’ve understood how you can enjoy a financially-sustainable travelling, the next question is: How do you drop everything and travel?
Simply, the answer is to just do it.
Taking from Nick Vujicic, you only live once. Don’t wait for the day when you have the time and the money to travel. It rarely happens. Do it whenever you feel like. It may not be when you are ready, and could just be a spur of the moment decision. The beauty of full-time travelling lies in its ability to take you to somewhere you least expect, when you least expect it.
