The Answer to Your Biggest Question

It’s not uncommon for me to get a DM, soon after posting a picture or video on Instagram or Facebook, asking, “HOW do you get to travel like this?? Is it your job? How can you afford this??”

Well it’s not a simple answer… but it’s time to reveal some of my biggest secrets to traveling the world on a budget!

First of all…make your dream a priority

If it’s truly your dream to travel, you can and will make it happen. I was a college drop-out working at a restaurant when I saved for my first big trips. The first was Thailand and the second was Australia. Saying that traveling is too expensive only means that you haven’t been able to find the resources you need to travel on a budget, and I am SO here for that. Time is also one of the biggest challenges in taking a dream trip and America is the worst for PTO so I get it. My advice…quit the job.

I once met a pharmacist from South Korea in Australia who was married and in her mid 30’s. She told me that once a year her and her husband take separate solo trips every year for 2-3 months! When I asked how she could take so much time off, she said she quits her job every year! I died laughing at first because what a boss bitch move that is, but then she told me that her dream is to travel and that there will always be another employer but she could never get back the time in her life to do what she truly desired. Truth Bomb

Second, start SAVING

I honestly couldn’t save $100 if I wanted to when I was in my early 20’s. If i had it and my bills were paid, I spent it. BUT when I realized it was my only way to start traveling I made some serious life changes. I stopped spending $100+ on ‘Sunday Fundays,’ stopped buying unnecessary Amazon purchases (yes, I’m talking to you) and really started to take a look at what I was spending my $$$ on. I got my car insurance lowered, I stopped monthly subscriptions to services I didn’t use, and I started cooking at home more often.

Just by making small adjustments in your life, you can start saving a huge chunk pretty quickly. While it may seem like you’re having to give up all the fun in your life for this big trip, you’re not.

Here’s an example.

If i was going out with friends to drink downtown I would buy a bottle of vodka for $15, have a drink before I left, and then fill a flask before I went downtown. I would then bring a bottle of Mio (water flavor enhancer), order a water at the bar (tip $1 for each glass) and mix the vodka, water, and Mio. Was I being a cheap bitch, YES. Did my friends laugh at how cheap I was being, YES. Did I care? NO. That bottle would last 2 trips downtown. So with an Uber and a drunken slice of $4 pizza at Sweet Melissa’s I would spend about $20 for a night out with friends and have just as much fun as them.

It’s hard being the cheap friend sometimes, and I’ve felt a few pains in my chest when I have to be that way. But just because I’m being cheap doesn’t mean I’m broke. I’ve usually got a solid chunk stashed away in my savings and I prefer to spend it on plane tickets, hostels, and $2 beers on a beach somewhere.

Third…start lowering your standards

If you want to leave home for a few months to a year, you’re going to have to make that hard earned savings account stretch. Unless you’re heading to Bali, you can forget the luxury lifestyle on a dime.

I’m talking economy flights that last 20+ hours with 2 layovers, staying at hostels in a bunk room with 5 strangers you’ve never met, and eating rice and pasta on the reg.

The plus side to these, besides saving $$$, is that in those hostels you’re going to meet some of the most incredible and interesting people you’ll ever encounter.

On those long layovers, take advantage and explore! I once got a 27 hour layover in Fiji!! It was the cheapest flight to get home from Australia, so I booked a hostel for $15 on the beach and had a night hanging out with locals and other backpackers on the beach, listening to a guitar, sitting around a fire, drinking homemade Fijian Rum, and sharing stories until 5AM.

The upside to eating pasta and rice all the time…well there really isn’t one. Except when you don’t have a meal filled with starches you’re a little more grateful. 😉

Fourth…start digging a little deeper

When you start researching your dream destination, you’re likely to find luxury resorts, all-inclusive packages, and group tours that promise you a 5 star experience.

While all of that can be nice, it’s unnecessary. Traveling without any experience can be intimidating, and you will 100% make some rookie mistakes on your first trip but that’s the beauty of doing it on your own.

Check out my post on finding the best accommodation on your budget and then look into some key activities you want to do while you’re there. When I take a big trip, I plan to do 90% free activities. That means hiking, exploring waterfalls, walking around the area, or visiting museums. Then I save my money for the big stuff which has included snorkeling and skydiving over the Great Barrier Reef, bungee jumping in New Zealand, and a 3-day 4×4 excursion on Fraser Island.

Asking locals in the area is also a great way to learn about where you are.

Scratch that…talking to locals is a NECESSITY in any situation. Locals give you a one of a kind experience and to get the most out of traveling and to truly understand the people of this world, you must talk to locals wherever you go. Get off your phone and just ask someone, because everyone has a story, and there are some truly incredible people out there. 🙂

In the end

There are TONS of ways to make your dream a reality, and it’s not always easy but man oh MAN does it pay off when you finally get on that plane.

The amount of info is also overwhelming and it has taken me years to somewhat figure it all out. So if you’re ready to make the step, follow Against the Grain Travel blog, insta, email newsletter or whatever you fancy to keep up with my latest travel hacks. And PLEASE comment or message about any questions you have or specific content you want to see. I’m here for YOU and if I can help even 1 person to make the step, it’s all worth it 🙂

Be Kind. Spread Love. Share Smiles.

Safe Travels 🙂