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 
Very interesting get your own domain name!
I worked over there while studying abroad. It helps that Australia’s minimum wage is close to $17. Leaves room to live and not just work, work, work. America needs to get on board! Good on ya girl for following your dreams :)
Awesome that you are following your dreams, but I am a realist…. What happens when you are old and you have no money pay your medical bills? Will you look toward the government to pay for everything? If so, that wouldn’t work if everyone did that because there would not be enough funding…. On another note, to experience culture a such the food and activities are a big part of that so if you have to only eat peanut butter and bread you are lacking major cultural adventures if you will. Not to mention that you don’t gain enough nutrition from peanut butter and bread in turn making your health decline and then what do you do? (Like I said earlier, you won’t have money to help pay for medical expenses.) I’m sure someone will respond to this saying that they have universal health care in other countries but you really think they will provide that so quickly to an American? On top of that it would take forever to see a physician and hopefully it would actually be a good one. I could never do it. Words of wisdom: be self critical and look at the bigger picture.
Ahh Kate! You are living life as it should be lived! We come from similar backgrounds (early twenties, NYC resi’s, PR by trade) so your story hits home. I recently traveled to Italy for the first time and I am in love. I’m back in the states now trying to muster up the courage to take the big leap like you did.
Reblogged this on Raw and Roaring Twenties and commented:
I received a no today. A no from a company I had been interviewing with since September. I cried. Cried hard. Called a friend and cried more. Then I stumbled upon Kate’s post. Ironically, I found the post on Facebook after a woman I recently traveled to Italy with shared it.
Thank you, Kate. Thank you for reminding me that I too am a bit of a wanderer and have dreams of traveling. Thanks for reminding that our generation is f*cked, monetarily. Thanks for reminding me that leaving my job a few months ago for my happiness was worth it. Thanks for reminding me to get back on track.
K.K. <3
You remind me of myself. I am also from a middle class family on Long Island and my dream is to travel/work abroad after I graduate this year. This is eactly what I needed to read. Thanks for the inspiration and I cannot wait to read about your time in Australia!
I cannot begin to explain how much I agree with everything you have done. I graduate college in May and already booked a trip to New Zealand to do conservation work. There needs to be more people with the mindset you have and not worried about materialistic things.
Will you ever go back to your career down the road…..? Will there be a time where you will stop and settle down?
I wish I could be your friend and you could teach me your ways. Next semester is my last semester of school because i can’t afford tuition. I want to travel so badly but I literally have no money. </3 it sucks feeling trapped.
Reblogged this on Yank in Australia and commented:
I really enjoyed reading this post, although I hope she was able to pay her credit card debt off… paying the minimum payment each month is not the best way to go!
I often struggle with the whole “playing it smart/safe” vs. doing what you want to do. Even though I know its smart to save (and I do, just not as much as I should), all of my disposable income continues to go to travel and life experiences. I guess it’s that whole “I could get hit by a bus tomorrow” train of thought that leads you to do that, it could also just be the way our brains are wired. But needless to say, I did give up a lot to move to Australia, but I am really happy I did. Because if I did get hit by a bus tomorrow, at least I will know that I took that chance and followed my heart. I would regret it if I hadn’t and “played it safe”. And yeah, the conservative in us all says “well, you’ll sure be regretting a lot when you want to retire” and while that may be true, I believe you have to focus on being happy now. If you are postponing or sacrificing happiness because it is the smart thing to do or the safe choice, then you may never be happy, because LIFE IS MESSY. All of your ducks are never going to be in a row and there is always going to be a way that you could be spending your time/money smarter or playing it safer. So I think the correct frame of mind is finding that balance. A balance in making yourself happy and making choices that have purpose and lead to a larger, sustainable goal.
Also, back to traveling on the cheap… here is a fun tip I just came across. How to use a fake location to get cheaper airline tickets – http://time.com/3626031/fake-location-cheaper-plane-tickets.
Pingback: How I Afford to Travel… And You May Not Like What I’m Going To Say | Yank in Australia
Hi Kate!
WOW. I dont think I’ve ever been able to relate to a cyber stranger as much as I relate to you and your story. I am so inspired by this excerpt and your whole attitude. I have the same exact dream as you… To travel the world and experience different cultures. Always have had that dream since I can remember. I live on my own in NYC so no need to explain to you how freaking hard that is. Also, I was unemployed for almost 2 years and racked up my credit cards because duh… How else was I going to survive in this money sucking hole of shit?! I had odd end jobs, three or four at a time…. Living a truly overworked existence, as you described being far too familiar with. I recently landed a full time job at a concierge company… Which basically only pays for my rent, bills, and my transportation. I recently had an epiphany as you did… I said to myself wht is this all for?! I was feeling like a dog chasing its tail and didnt really see the end of my debt in sight. I thought screw this! Im doing wtf I want to do! So…. I also had the brilliant balance transfer idea you talked about… I said hey, why not use the system in my favor?! So I now have one payment for all of my debt that im making each month. I also started a gofundme page to help me save some more before making my trek. I want to travel the world and study the Dominican diaspora… And I will. THANK YOU. You’ve inspired me to keep going with my plan and to believe in myself. I knew I wasnt crazy to go after my dreams. I wish you the absolute best and hope that youre still traveling when I take off on my adventure so we can meet somewhere along the way and share stories. I would really appreciate it if you could share my gofundme link with anyone you know to make this happen. I dont know you but I love you… You are a brave woman. Keep spreading your light around the world, girl.
Peace & love,
Janelby
Thanks for this, Kate. After having been back for almost 6 months from traveling around the world, I’ve almost started to forget the magic of it all. Thanks for reminding me :)
Reblogged this on iamsallyfox and commented:
Some great inspiration for the day!
How do you found a job so quickly? I’m in Australia now and nobody is hiring work and holiday travellers!
Reblogged this on iter97.com and commented:
A great post that shows “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” No excuses!
I can’t express how much I have always wanted to go live in Turin, Italy..It depresses me I’m 20 and haven’t even tried yet. But it’s inspiring to see someone live out my dream like you are and also know its possible to travel to far away places but also make some cash. You’re magnificent!
I’m nine months from 21 and haven’t had a birthday worth remembering.
It’s time for that to change! Thanks for blogging this.
Much Thanks,
-Jake
Sounds great.
What will you do when you reach that “30” though? Probably going to be tough to even get that 7 day a week gig back? That’s what I’m worried about. Still bet you’re having so much fun!
Jules
Such a good read. I started traveling the same way as you. Unfortunately I’m back in the states and have been working at a 9-5 job for a year. I’m looking to start traveling again. This stationary life style is not for me. Can’t wait to read more. Maybe we will cross paths one day. Best of luck!
That’s what I want to know! lol
Hi, I really enjoyed your post, and you are an inspiration! I would love to live your life! I think to myself all the time that I am just setting myself up to be like everyone else. It is people like you who make being “different” an adventure and something to take pride in! Thanks!
I like everything you have to say and would LOVE to have an email conversation about what companies you used for ESL and such- at work now but excited to read the blog later!! Great post!!
Love this!
I wrote something entitled “It’s Your Fault ThatbYou Don’t Travel The World: You Choose Not To.”
You might like it. I’ll link it below.
http://worldwidehuff.wordpress.com/2014/11/30/its-your-fault/
I enjoyed this. I also went to Korea and became a teacher. I’m now in Brazil. I may end up in Germany, next year.
I love to just go and working around the world makes that possible.
I kind of think that the answer is already all right there. How many people want to do what you’re doing? Tons. But they probably will never pull the proverbial trigger. They will buy a book you write about the “Top 5 Places in the world to eat a PB & J.” Or maybe go see a movie about “Moving to Australia on $800.” You have the guts to live the dreams they never will. People like Franz Wisner (Honeymoon With My Brother) turn their stories into products and careers. You can podcast, things like that. I think just learning to find ways through the unconventional (as you’ve proved you can do) is the way. Best of luck!
What did you do in Australia? How did you find a job so quick! I’m 24 and feel exactly how you described, it’d be so amazing to do something similar.
Hey, i would like to say thank you because you just changed my life and made me feel like i wasn’t the only one in the world who thought this way. I myself lived in Thailand 6 months and have the same dream as you. You have just confirmed in my head what I have been being indecisive about since i have been back in the USA from Thailand. I will travel again. Thank you.
My thinking is – If could do it when I was 23, I’ll be able to do it when I’m ready to settle down… Plus my experience is far more valuable now.. even worked at a PR firm in Australia. I have no idea what I’m doing.. but I’m doing :) Good luck to you. Thanks for reading my blog and taking the time to comment xx
This is absolutely amazing and inspiring! Pretty much the answer to my prayers and all unanswered questions about life. Thank you for making me ambitious to fulfill my dreams as well. You’re awesome
I’ll be in New Zealand next! Good luck with your travels:)
Yes – but the time is not now :)
Reblogged this on La casita de Doris.
I really want to live in Australia and pursue the lifestyle you did. Could you email me some more tips/ hints to help me out? I heard it’s generally hard finding work in aus. I’d just like I hear the story from someone that actually did it. Thanks!
I have one. It’s katefromthestates.com but it links to this blog! :)
Thanks for the comment – It’s negative posts like this that inspire me to write :)
I worked as waitress and have a blog post coming soon about that! :)
No twitter yet! I actually don’t own a cell phone phone lol. ps. if you’re thinking about teaching you definitely should!
Good luck to you too :)
I have a blog post coming about this! I actually walked around and handed out my resume :)
lol not at all. I only linked them to show people what I used. But they should be paying me right!? Hope you go for whatever it is that you want to do. Good luck :)
Reblogged this on Life is brilliantly made. and commented:
read this!
I worked as a waitress and did promotions for my hostel. Blog post to come soon :)
Aw this just melted my heart. I can only hope I meet the man of my dreams on my travels. Best of luck to the both of you :)
ok :)
Way to go girl! Thanks for writing and sharing this. My thoughts exactly. Xo
Reblogged this on THE CONCEPT OF STYLE .
I swear to you, 30 minutes before I read this post I was thinking about the fact I have barely any money and a trip to Amsterdam & Germany coming up. But you’re so right, the less you have, the easier it is to part with it. Am I going to be a broke college kid after the fact, probably. Will it be worth it? Definitely. Oh, and I’m totally studying PR and have an unnatural desire to see the world. All that to say, YOU’RE SO RIGHT about everything in this blog post. And it really just made my day.
hey thanks! I have a blog post to come about finding work!
Blog post about this to come :)
Hey now… this is just part of my story. My intro. Plus what works for me may not work for you. You have you’re own story that’s waiting to be made. I have a blog post about working in Australia coming soon. Here is what I did in Thailand..https://travelwithk8.wordpress.com/2013/02/22/faqs-teaching-english-in-thailand/ Hope it helps :)
lol. I waitressed making $20 an hour plus tips. More information on that in my next blog post.