The honest truth – I never have the money I need to travel, but I buy the ticket anyway. I’ve realized that money comes and goes, but the more I make, the harder it is to part with it and weirdly, the less I have, the easier it becomes to budget.
I don’t do that saving account, checking account, travel account thing either. I am not rational. I am extreme. I want to travel and so I do. There is no in between. While I was working my first career job in public relations, I realized early on that it was going to take me forever to save all the money I would need to see the world. I come from a middle class family, I’m the middle child of five and I live in one of the most expensive places in America – Long Island, New York. I don’t have rich family members or know people that know people and I certainly can’t rely on inheritance to someday boost my dreams. So I focused on what I did have – a roof over my head, and the attitude that I can and will do anything I want.
… And I want to live around the world.
REWIND TO THAT PLACE IN TIME
I’m working seven days a week and I can’t even afford my own place yet. Five days at the PR firm and Saturdays and Sundays bar tending. For what? So I can slave away my 20s. Work 7 days a week to buy clothes for work and a $400 monthly train pass to get to work. I was literally working to afford working. And don’t get me wrong. I absolutely loved my job. I loved my clients, I loved my boss and I loved my interns. I was proud of where I was and where I was going, yet I still had something inside of me telling me that if I wanted to go all out for my career, I needed to give up that living around the world dream… and if I wanted to live somewhere else, I was going to need to give up my career.
And so the google search began. I have no money. But I want to travel for long periods of time. How do I do that?!
I’m going to need to work abroad.
Working while you travel is literally the smartest thing a person can do.
But you can’t do it forever. It’s only for the young. Sorry people. Not my rule. There are countries who will give you a year working visa but you have to be under 30. (Australia and New Zealand)
So with this information. It was now or never.
I mean, lets face it – If I moved into New York City when I was 24 years old, I’d be working to pay for my apartment. Once you leave the nest – rent till you die. Travel for me would not be likely for a very long time.
And even if I stayed home and kept working like I was – I wasn’t saving what I needed to get ahead. I was getting ahead in my career but financially, I was just getting by and some.
It was only when I thought about the life I was setting myself up for that I realized I was just fitting the mold, and the scariest part was that I liked it because I was used to it – it was the only life I had ever known.
If you tell people you work 7 days a week, they don’t see anything wrong with it. I didn’t. I was a champion. I was going places. If you tell them you work two jobs in one day, well then, you are a hard worker, a hustler, a person who is determined to succeed.
I hate that mindset now. Unless you know exactly what it is you are working for.
What’s up with our society that people are so proud to work so much just to get by? No. You are an adult. Working 40 hours should be enough to provide for your family and your home and everything you need. Especially if you are not working for your dreams. Working more should be an option. (You know for that iPad or pocketbook.) Not a must-do or you cant afford the rent. Or at least that’s how it should be. Kate for President, just saying.
Okay, but really – I understand that there are instances where you work a lot because you have a goal. Mine (at the time) was to afford an apartment in New York City so I could be closer to my job and break out of the nest. It was really exciting to think about – until I starting becoming excited thinking about where I would work on the weekends to afford this new life. Fall back. YOUR GOALS SHOULD NOT BE MATERIALISTIC. They should be focused on personal growth and just because your bank account is growing, it doesn’t mean you are. My mindset was all about money. Money for this, money for that. Bills, bills, bills, throw some money in the savings every month, go for drinks with friends, look for a husband – hey, everyone’s doing it – It’s called being responsible and having your head on straight. I can almost hear my parents sigh of relief when they thought I had lined myself up a successful future… but then I quit my career and crushed their dreams and I didn’t care because where was the room for my dreams? I had to break that mold.
Someone really tell me WHAT THE FUCK life is about? My generations economy sucks. Yet for some reason, everyone has nice things. A lot of us have two jobs, or are working overtime at our one job or even have three gigs going on – And if you don’t fill those categories – get off my page. (Just kidding, but really.)
SO I looked into it. PEOPLE DON’T HAVE MONEY FOR THE LIVES THEY ARE LIVING.
We finance almost everything. Your car, your house, your new big screen TV. OMG I am going to be poor for the rest of my life. But I won’t look poor. Because I’ll have credit cards.
LIGHT BULB.
Have you heard of 0% APR? Of course you have. Well it’s literally the only reason I can travel.
No I don’t have a rich family who funds my travels. Sorry to ruin your day.
When I moved to Australia on a Work and Holiday Visa I had $800 in my bank account. Crazy I know. I literally told my parents, ‘Okay I’m going to Australia. I only have $800 so if I don’t get a job in the first week, I’ll see you next Sunday.”
BLANK STARES
I was taking a risk I know. But what did I have to lose? Money? My whopping $800. Which is why having less money makes it easier to take chances. I was prepared and willing to fail for a dream I wasn’t sure would work. But lets be honest, I was NOT going to lose. I was on a goddamn mission and I don’t understand the word “no”.
SO
UNITED MILEAGE PLUS EXPLORER CARD – They gave me 50,000 miles for signing up and 5000 for adding someone to the account (which I did) and miles after spending $1000 in the first month (which I did because I put my plane flight on the card.)
This means, I basically racked up enough points (and by basically I mean, I had enough points) for a free flight home. I’m A GENIUS — And yes, I planned that out.
[NOTE: They have slightly changed the card. Look for deals and offers.]
THEN
CITI THANK YOU PREFERRED CARD – Boom! 0% APR on balance transfers for the first 12 months and a fee of 3% of my transfer. (Which sucks but I needed to.)
ARE YOU FOLLOWING ME?
I transferred all of my credit card balances to the THANK YOU CARD and set up the minimum monthly payment to automatically come out of my checking account every month.
I also set up my student loan to automatically be deducted every month as well.
NO WORRIES MATE – remember, it’s just money. (And it’s for my dream – Not a sweater and shoes.)
FROM THERE… I put a weeks stay at World Square Hostel, in an 18 bed dorm room (the cheapest bed they had) on my credit card.
WHAT ABOUT FOOD?
PB and J my friends. Not even J, just PB and the cheapest loaf of bread I could find in Sydney (which was $1, SCORE).
AND REALLY THE REST IS HISTORY
I found a job within the first three days. Applied for a tax file number. Set up an Australian bank account and after my first Australian paycheck I never had to touch my American credit card ever again. I was making about $1000 a week in Australia and working 35 hours a week. My rent was $150 a week. Eventually I transferred some money over to my American account just to keep paying the minimum payment on my THANK YOU card. But that was the last I had to worry about my American bills. I ended up SAVING $10,000 in six months working in Australia. And I used that money to travel Australia with. Never having to touch an American dollar.
I used this same strategy when I moved to Thailand. Except I started with $2000 as my backup if I didn’t get a job. (But I did.)
I may just be a master budgeter but I’m pretty positive this tactic can work for anyone who is as ambitious and money savvy as me. Don’t just go get a credit card and put everything on there. And don’t spend more than you can make. The most I ever put on the card was $3000. The point is to use it as a little loan to help you pursue a dream you may not have the money for right now, while keeping some money in your bank account for emergencies.
Good luck and be smart. (but not too smart – leave some space for risks!)
OH! AND AS FOR MY DREAM – In case it’s unclear… I want to live and work around the world. I want to experience culture. I want to be a local. See what it’s like to be someone from somewhere else. It’s not just about money anymore. It’s about life and challenges and doing things I never thought were possible for me.
I don’t know why I was so lucky to have been born in America – to have all these opportunities – to not even be close to being the richest person in my town but to still have so frikken much. I don’t know why I got to be born here and not somewhere else, but I know I won’t take it for granted.
If you are in a country where you can read this – Please don’t take it for granted. xx
Next read: Australian Work and Holiday Visa: Do It Yourself Guide
Related: How to Make Over $18/hr Backpacking Australia
Kate from the States 
Most of these sorts of blog posts are kinda bullshit but this is a gem. I’m 43 countries into my designer lifestyle and have two properties that have been purchased while traveling. If you wait for the perfect timing – it’ll never happen…
Exelent read and everything you have said is spot on. I left the UK 3 years ago doing the same thing as you. Have had an amazing time traveling but wish I had also done it sooner. Tell my friends they should do the same but always seam to worried about failure. Take a risk :)
That’s excellent about Australia. I’m not saying it’s bad to go. Cultural exchange is great, too. You just made it seem like being incredibly frugal and not spending much money back in the country was part of the goal, and that’s what concerned me. I think traveling is great, and super important, and helps people learn about the world and themselves! But what about Thailand, and the other countries? They may want us, but that doesn’t mean that we aren’t taking jobs from locals. That happens here and in the EU, too, with educated immigrants getting work visas but still ending up taking a job that could’ve gone to an educated American. I’m not saying it’s always bad. Just something that should be considered, and that you didn’t mention much about putting money back into the local economies.
Very welcome. Your courage inspired me. I pray that God would continue as you continue to explore your dream. I hope that you are journaling. I am sure it would make for an amazing boom some day.
I’m with you girl. Have been traveling this past year on practically no money and have had the most rich and positiv experiences of my life. So grateful to feel empowered to create my dreams and my own reality. I wanted to experience different cultures, feel immersed in other ways of living/being, connect with other humans, learn and grow. And have and will continue to do so… Thanks for writing this. I agree on many levels and I’m sure we’d have some interesting info to share with each other! I’m always looking for creative ways to travel…and have been looking into Australia as my first stop for world travel based on the before 30 visa and I have family there. Thought I might be able to save and then go from there. Hmmm.
Trusting the universe and people in it (while still being safe/aware) is another magical part of travel (life) that makes for positive and unique experiences. have been practicing that trust and its gotten me to some crazy and wonderful places. Im into empowering people to do the same, if they are looking to travel creatively. Thanks again and good on ya, mate!
Peace and happy journey,
Kate
I’ve always wanted to do this and wish I did this while I was younger, and didn’t have family responsibilities. I’m 28 with a wife and an almost 2 year old daughter. My question is do you think this is a single person endeavor or can a family of three pull of seeing abit of the world together?
This is THE greatest thing I have ever read. You go girl!! Follow your dreams!!!!!
How have you dealt with practical things like health insurance? That’s one of the biggest things preventing me from doing what you are
How did you deal with practical things like health insurance? That’s one of the biggest things holding me back from what you’re doing
I read all your blogs tonight. You’re an inspiration keep it up. I think I love you
Hello Kate! Your experience inspires me. When my friend (Marissa) shows me your post, I immediately think of this picture:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10303379_10152495234712058_1955738694584840727_n.jpg?oh=dd5f0d808ac8ac71f7ff44f1ca00fe45&oe=5513CCB1&__gda__=1427235534_35a00b17bf59c6cd912913d04e2f7205
I am turning 26 in Jan 2015, so maybe I should start my own journey ASAP ?
Hi Kate!
I just want to say thank you for this blog! It was totally random that I found it. (One of my mates posted it on fb) it has really helped me understand a lot more about the money situation when traveling. I’m now 26 and it’s what I’ve wanted to do for a while but didn’t know how! Especially having bills and mortgage etc. My brother has been in Europe for over a year now doing all that and I thought he could only do it coz he doesn’t have bills like I do!
I’m doing contiki next year in Europe and really considering doing this and just staying there once it’s over.
You are awesome! Thanks again :)
Amazing article. I am currently in limbo deciding what I want to do but using the next 6 months to earn some money then I’m going to take off for a few years whilst I’m still young! Check out my blog http://www.avoidingtheratrace.wordpress.com
X
Inspiring story kate:) . I might be working in koh lanta thailand later next year i keep knocking the job back reading this has prob changed my mind lol .ive been backpacking/travelling on and off for 6 yrs now. Trying to see if I can get work at pak-up hostel in krabi. Btw that picture of you above sitting on the beach facing the boats. Tonsai beach next to rae lei. Love it there.
Reblogged this on Avoiding The Rat Race and commented:
Amazing and inspiring article. I will definitely be taking notes…
Beauitful :) Great outlook and perspective!
I read this post about a week ago and it really had an impact on me and gave me a lot to think about. So this morning when I read many of the exact same ideas on a different blog I immediately realized I had read them before. http://scubasiren.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/are-you-sitting-comfortably-dont-life.html this was posted this morning. Almost all of it is plagiarized word for word or has just a few personal details changed. I just think it’s really shitty that someone would try and pass your thoughts off as their own and thought you should know.
Sweet.. Prefect timing.. As I’m trying to figure out my next big Travel.. Love your thinking !
Very inspiring. I will remember it after my bachelor :)
So, who pays your minimums and student loans?
Cool! I would love to do this, but am still in college and 25 because I have supported myself since I was 18 and had to take time off here and there for work. I did work three jobs for a year or so and pay for a trip to Italy that was worth every penny, but not long enough : ). it is never easy and I feel like I am only ever working to just get by. Did you start with excellent credit to get approved for these cards? Did you live with your parents until you moved to Manhattan at 24? When did you get your first credit card to start building credit? I barely any credit history because I only have my student loans, so this does not seem realistic. What do you do in Australia that you make so much money to save that much? Not asking to be mean, just honestly curious. Thank you and best of luck to you!
Great article! This is something I have always thought about doing. Where did you work making $1000 a week and where did you live paying $150 a month?
Reblogged this on NewsforNicole.
Thank u so much for this! God bless you!
I am 44, but traveled and worked abroad in my 20s. Now, I still love to travel and will put it on credit cards because I also believe that experiencing another culture is one of the greatest gifts I can give myself. I travel with my kids and I travel at least one week a year without them. Thanks for an amazing blog post.
Fake, plagiarized and unrealistic.
If you keep some money in a US Schwab account they don’t charge ATM fees and they pay the ATM fees of other banks. There’s a helpful hint. I used them a lot when I traveled internationally.
Hello,
I read this and was truly inspired to do something similar within the next year. I’ve always wanted to do this but never quite understood what to do exactly until now – You broke it all down very well and it was easy to understand. My question to you is about your student loans… I am very in debt because of my degree and that is really my main concern. How do you go about paying it off in another country? You mentioned something about transferring your loan debt so that it automatically gets taken out of your account, what do you mean by that? Sorry for all of the questions, I’m just trying to fully grasp this idea because I am pretty certain this is my next big move in life. Thank you for your time!
Pingback: Why a strength based Coaching approach is powerful | Dunamis Coaching and Consulting
Nice, this is what I started when I was 23! Now 36 en traveling 2 weeks a month in the world, for al these years long :-))) Ooooh, I LOVE my job!! (paragliding trainer)
You are my hero. I can’t wait to get back on my feet and be able to do this!!
What kind of job did you have while working abroad?
No there isnt!
I thought they were going to say to get into prostitution to finance your holiday. May as well get laid and paid at the same time.
Good for you Kate! Very inspiring! May I ask what you had your degree in before leaving for Australia and what type of jobs you got on Australia and Thailand?
I just did a month travel in Europe, it was my first traveling experience and I’m now back home, all I can think about is how bad I want to leave again! I came across this blog and it truley inspired me even more!
True inspiration!
I did the same, I quit my job in France to work for 1 year in australia. Found a job in 2 days, never touched my french money again :)
And i decided to create a blog to talk about all these people who made the same decision and hope i will inspire others to take the leap and stop being stucked in a Life they dont really want…
Great read. I totally agree with the work pressure and materialism in society. I am also a travel blogger. I wrote an article just last week called ‘Do you work too hard? A reflection on life’s little decisions.’ Similar to yours with reflecting on how we work too much compared to other countries in the world, how we need to not be so materialistic and experience happiness on a daily basis. You should have a look 😉Love that you had the balls to move to Aus with $800 in your bank. You would have had the best experience. Good on you. All the best for your next adventure!
http://youtheworldwandering.com/2014/12/09/are-you-someone-who-works-too-hard-a-reflection-on-lifes-little-decisions/
So what will you do when you’re looking at your 30s? Are you going to stay in Thailand forever? Will you return the the grind in the US? I have done what you have done, in almost exactly the same way, but I must be a little older.
Very interesting post. Just a few comments. You don’t have to live in NYC. I get why you do, but let’s be honest. Most expensive city in America. Even Boston, where I used to live, is more affordable. – I’m a Spanish ex-pat. Been in the US for almost 7 years. Came with 0$ in my pocket. Have always paid my credit card on time etc, but I don’t have enough credit history so 0% APR card is a no-no from the bank. (btw, 0% APR tends to be a 1 year deal thing, after which it sky rockets). How many people in their 20s do you think are in that situation? You left home at 24, most young Americans leave home at 18 and start incurring debt from student loans. Moreover, not everyone can afford to take their career with them when they travel. Not everyone can put things on hold either. – Credit cards are fantastic, but debt does not disappear. So what happens when you’re 35 and owe the bank an unreasonable amount of money you will never be able to pay?
You’re so lucky. I am guilty of being stuck in the 9-5. You are brave!!!!!
Thank you, I think my family may finally realise why I’m travelling after reading this. I wish I was able to put my similar thoughts as yours into words! Currently in New Zealand and loving it, you should spend some time here!
Wow… This sounds like me right now. You’ve just inspired me more and gave me faith about not having all the money before I leave for New Zealand in May. Thanks and keep on traveling. Best wishes in your adventures too, Renea
AMAZING! Everything you’ve said is so true and everything you’ve done (so far) is so inspiring and makes sooo much sense!! (at least to me). Keep living your TRUE DREAMS and hopefully others will also be encouraged to do so:)
Its easy to get a job anywhere in the world if u are a pretty blonde girl in your twenties.
What an interesting credit card advertisement!
Thank you so much for your advice. You’re so right about the ‘sunk cost fallacy’ but I do enjoy university, I’m just very eager to leave there, too. I also think I’ll end up going back even after I’ve travelled because I hate leaving things half done and the anxiety of leaving it would follow me.
I hate this fear that controls us!
However, I am desperate to go and have been since I was 14 so I don’t think I’ll ever not go. I love what you said about risking being ordinary if you crave the extraordinary :) thank you!
I’m not mad at you for writing this. I’m mad that we live in a time where girls find this inspiring.
Great article…except for one thing you’re partially wrong about…working abroad is not just for the young. I’m in my early 30s teaching abroad and I have a friend in her 50s teaching English in Thailand right now. Yes, some programs have an age limit, but many don’t. I’m living proof and so is she. And I’m living my dream. You may be a bit young to understand the wisdom that comes along in this…someday you will..