“Where do you get the money to travel?”

This is one of my most asked questions — that is when people dare ask it. We’ve been taught from a young age that money is a sensitive topic. You’re not supposed to ask someone about their financial situation. However, as human beings, we’re naturally curious. We want to know how someone has the ability to go on vacation, get a new car, or go to sporting events when we’re barely making ends meet. It’s only natural to wonder. 

In the last 5 years, I’ve traveled to upwards of 65 countries. If you average $1,000 per country, that’s $65,000. I would be surprised if I spent $1,000 in every single country, but it’s a good metric to demonstrate just how much I’ve probably spent on travel over the years. In some countries, I’ve spent more, and in others, I’ve spent decidedly less. 

For example, I know I spent roughly $300 during my weekend trip to Prague, including flights and accommodations. I remember this because I was on a shoestring student budget at the time, and I was penny-pinching. However, when I visited Bhutan, I spent a few thousand because I had to. There was no way around the fees required of tourists for even a 3-day stay.

I like to dedicate a great portion of my money to travel because I see it as an investment in myself as well as lifelong learning. It’s one of my favorite pastimes and helps me continue to learn about the world. Still, even if it’s worth the money, you have to get the money from somewhere. That’s what I’ll break down today — where I’ve gotten the money to travel. 

1. Student jobs 

Before I traveled full-time as an adult, I traveled on a small budget as a student. I always planned to study abroad in Europe during my junior year in college. My older brother had done it before me, and I was excited to take on the adventure when it was my turn. 

I also knew that I would want to do a lot of travel when I was in Europe, and thus, I planned to work and save significantly during my sophomore year. My goal amount of money to have dedicated to study abroad travel was $10,000. Serving as a New Student Orientation Coordinator at Georgetown helped significantly toward this goal. this was a bit of a “windfall” for me as a student because I worked so many hours so consistently. 

If you want to travel, start saving up a little nest egg so that you feel financially free to go to the places you want to go. I’m a saver by nature, but I knew that I had $10k dedicated to travel, which made it easy to book everywhere I wanted to go. 

2. Freelance writing

I fell in love with travel during study abroad (and no, not in the way that study abroad “changes you”). I just knew that I’d want to continue traveling well into the future, and if possible, I wanted to incorporate it into my daily life. When freelance writing all but fell into my lap during my senior fall, I began to see my future a little bit clearer. I wondered if I would be able to travel and write simultaneously as my clientele base grew. 

After a particularly lucrative month in April 2019, I decided to take the plunge. Throughout 2019 and 2020, my travel was exclusively funded by freelance writing. 

3. Absence of bills

While I’m financing independent, I do think it’s worth noting that the absence of bills has made it possible for me to travel more than the average 20-something. My parents have been incredible, and they entirely financed my college education, leaving me debt-free. 

I have kept myself debt-free by using credit cards responsibly and only when I can pay them off in full each month. If you can use them responsibly, I do believe credit cards are financially rewarding because they allow you to accumulate points that can be used for other purchases (like flights or hotels). I’ve primarily used the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve cards during my international travels, and they’ve been immensely helpful in funding my travel through rewards.

Because I often travel full-time, I have not had a lease for long periods, which means I’ve spent much of my adult life without paying rent. When I’m not traveling (ex: when COVID-19 broke out in March 2020), both my parents and boyfriend have generously allowed me to stay with them for long periods of time. 

4. Minimalism 

I strongly believe in minimalism. I own only what adds value and meaning to my life. I enjoy practical possessions, but if it’s between having two items I’ll use a few times a year and one thing I’ll use daily, then I’ll pick the one item every time. 

I’m selective about what I purchase, and I don’t purchase aimlessly. I’m always thinking about whether I’ll be using it in 6 months or 12 months from now. What purpose could it serve me? 

I’ve found that having fewer material possessions reduces anxiety and makes it easier to travel. Additionally, when you don’t spend money on material possessions it leaves you more money to travel with. 

Final Thoughts

Traveling can be expensive, but it isn’t impossible if you’re (like me) not a trust fund baby! I’ve had a privileged financial situation for a variety of reasons, but I’ve still personally paid out of pocket for nearly every single country I’ve ever been to. It’s possible to do without going into debt and while saving for retirement! You’ve got this.