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 
Waitressing! This is my next blog post :)
Next blog post :)
Yea you did it. Now in my 30s with a child, job, house, husband and ask everyday why I got responsible? Not horrible but make it happen girl and one day you can sit back and remember your accomplishments.
Next blog post :)
lol
Thank you – This comment means so much – You have no idea <3
Love this so much! I randomly bought a plane ticket and traveled to Ireland to backpack alone for a week last year, my senior year in high school and I can not wait to go back. You have given me much inspiration to look into doing it again. Thanks and TRUELY travel is so eye opening, recommend it to everyone!
yes, yes yes!
hahaha I’m sorry. Literally I am
How did you even get those jobs or a work visa for Australia if you didn’t already have a job already set up before you went, I have so many questions!!
15 months to pay it off :) 0% APR
This will answer some of your questions I hope :) https://travelwithk8.wordpress.com/2013/02/22/faqs-teaching-english-in-thailand/
Thanks, I’m thinking Hawaii may be an option soon!
GET IT GIRL!!! I actually am doing the same thing right now (week 3 in Australia and I start my job in 3 hours) and I have almost verbatim sentences in my travel journal as you do in your article! I give you mad props because this isn’t easy but is so incredibly worth it!! I’m happy my friend sent your article my way. It’s also nice knowing other people are doing this too and are successful at it!! I worked out a similar thing with the credit cards but I went with Chase Sapphire. Have you looked into them?
I’m 17 and honestly the only thing I want to do is travel, I’m currently working for a degree in marine biology hoping that will allow me to travel. I’ve graduated highschool a year early so I can go around the world as much as possible. This just gave me one foot out the door and I wanted to thank you SO much. Really <3
Kate, your path/thoughts/motivation is identical to mine a few years ago. I spent a year abroad, working for one month then traveling for two. I ended up in 26 countries, 5 continents on only the money I made while working abroad. I’d be happy to share my experiences and adventures.
Omg! I can relate to you. Thank you for sharing.
will you message me on my Facebook page please – the link is on the side of the page. let’s chat more :)
Reblogged this on just be..
Great read, tangible tips and what inspiration! Definitely interested in how you found work so quickly in Australia. How did you chose which city you to settle? Were you intending to stay in PR? – Thanks looking forward to your next post =)
No rich parents and no student loan debt? Not buying it…
Reblogged this on american girl in australia and commented:
Totally rad post, I recommend you read and follow her blog!
Jake,
Trust me, cruddy birthdays are NOT uncommon, and by birthday(s) I mean just about every single one. But hey, you’re 9mos from your 21st Bday. FYI… You’re young! You have time! I repeat… You. Have. Time. Take a deep breath.
Now while you may be envious of our blogger, pay attention to some details. She already had finished college from what I gathered but I could be mistaken. However, don’t stress right now about what you wish you were doing, but instead focus on what you ARE doing. If you’re persistent and optimistic, I guarantee in the long run you will be satisfied. What I’m trying to say is—be patient. Enjoy the simple things right now bc we have our entire lives to dwell on what we aren’t accomplishing at the time being. Just believe in yourself and I promise you will have a happy ending in whatever journey you take, even if you never leave the country. The small things in life are what are the most valuable. Namely, the moments you have the ability to create for others that are meaningful. Good luck and just BELIEVE sweetheart! Bc that’s where the real journey begins… the journey within your heart…
ENDNOTE—I am freshly 21 (Bday was on thanksgiving to be exact) and it’s not special and im in college trudging through finals week where there’s a possibility I may go into cardiac arrest at any moment. (No. But really..) I haven’t been outside of the U.S. although I’d love to. I have lived all over the country, however. And let me tell you… It’s not very pretty. Physically? Yes. Ethically? Hell no! I learned real quick that a kind heart is not common and this world is as ugly as it is complicated. Consequently, I try my best to remember that the kind heart I carry can and will make a difference no matter how big or small that dif may be. And no matter where I am, I take myself. (Waves to self*) So I must first be happy in my skin. Then, I will be happy anywhere. Why, you might ask. Or instead you may wonder, Do you not have dreams? Yes, Yess I do. In fact, very crazy ones, in which I will give my utmost effort to obtain. But to be honest, if all I have in the end is a family to come to every night and children to watch grow up… I’ll be the happiest person alive, bc there’s no greater gift than that of giving. If I can give my offspring a loving and enlightening upbringing then I’ll be just as satisfied as if I traveled the world.
Good luck again Jake,
& God Bless
…believe
Wow Kate, great experiences!
I went with 100 Euro to Australia
I didnt even know what will happen. I know it was stupid to go like that. But if I wouldnt I would never have been to this amazing experience.
So many people talking about how poor they are they cant even afford travelling in Europe. But no, it is about the comfort. They are scared to take a risk being in another country and try to fit in another culture!
I agree with you 100 percent. At the moment I am studying languages to have a job for travelling.
Cant wait to go on!
Thanks for your words!
Why absolutely no talk about the type of job you were doing? How much travel are you really doing if you’re still working 40 hours a week but just in another country?
A great read, thankyou. I have been doing exactly the same for the past 4-5years! A year in each country! Starting with: Madagascar, Egypt, Australia, Thailand, Cyprus and no currently in Jamaica. Nearly 21, with £200,000 saved up! Never thought to make a blog. Maybe I should write a book..?
Just two points
1. You assume that you should only travel while you’re young so that you can feel free and independant from your mothers nest? I’m in my thirties and I travel better and more frequently than I did in my 20’s.
2. Great credit card marketing!
You’re definitely doing the right thing by following your heart and determination. Breaking the mold is the hardest thing to do. Some of your thoughts about life mirror my own. My passion for traveling determines my spending habits and I don’t regret it. I mean.. What’s wrong with egg sandwiches or tuna for a couple of weeks when you know you’ll be in Brazil in a month or so. Love your will and determination. Keep living YOUR dream.
My Nana just asked me, “If you are in such emotional distress right now, why would you want to go to Europe alone?” Because, Nana, travel opens the mind and the soul, it brings in so many new things that it’s like taking a break from all the negatives for a short time. After several recent deaths including 2 close friends and 2 family members in the past 5 months, I realized I am 29 years old and have never left the country (I’ve traveled quite a bit and lived in many places including NYC and now LA) and I did the same thing. JUST BUY THE TICKET. Get a new credit card, and use it to help you. YEP. I fly to London on Sunday! Paris and Amsterdam are my future!
You made it happen captain!
Reblogged this on 100 Days of Sunshine.
Thanks Kate,
I really enjoyed reading this and you make some excellent points which I can relate too. The main one being; ‘where we are from’. I am English, working class and have to work my way around the world but I find this the most fortunate set up, after all travel is the one thing that you can buy that makes you richer :)
Monique
Hi Katie thanks for that I just read that which was advertised and shared on Facebook!
I’m Ellie and I find it really hard to save money I live in England I’m 19 and got a full time job which is atm 24 hours but still good at my age I suppose.
I really need to save money to buy a new car next year and to go on holidays as I haven’t been on my first girls or couples holiday yet!
I also want to move out in a couple of years but of course I need to save for that!
Only problem is I am the worst at saving it’s like its impossible for me any tips ?! Please ive tryed loads of things anything you can help or advise me with would be amazing thank you!
Good luck in the future by the way!
Best use of credit I’ve ever heard of! You go girl! If I were under 30 I’d take your advise and do this myself. Life is short. Live it! Don’t just survive it!
Except she said she set up a payment for her college loans…did you even read it?
You’ve taken my words out of my mouth, my frustrations out. I’ve been working my ass off for years now and it’s forward progress is barely visable! If I’m going to struggle financially it’s going to be doing it around the world in locations that are breath taking! Thank you greatly for this blog! I soon hope to be off on my journey.
Hey, how did you get into Australia on the Work and Travel visa with only $800 in your bank? I thought there was a clause in the visa acceptance to have enough funds for 3 months and a return flight home which is around $2500?
Reading this reminds me that we, as a society in North America, are killing ourselves over materialism!
I moved to Bali 4 weeks ago and quit a corporate job in pharmaceutical sales that I just didn’t love. The times are tough but WOW are the experiences worth it! Kudos to you Kate for following your dreams and the little voices in your head that convince you it all makes sense. BECAUSE IT FUCKING DOES!!!!!!! xo
(Read my account of why I quit my job and moved to Bali on my FB page and you’ll find that we’re very similar)
youre my mother loving hero. I just got back from a mission in India (Hyderabad) .. It was awesome! The people were great the children are the orphanages were fun and lively. I made new friends. The only proble was.. Wait for it… I had to come home. 😭 no but really , you are doing what I always wanted to do but never had the guts. I’m 27 years old and to be quite honest, I’m tired of chasing the American Dream. I dropped out of school at ninth grade and got my ged at 22. I hate the idea of school, I’d rather learn from experience not from sitting on my butt for 8 hours a day and spending a butt ton of money that I probably will never earn back. So, here’s to life lessons. Here’s to you and hopfully I finally finding what we want in this amazing world that we only live a fraction of a second on. Here’s to one day crossing paths!
To tuly living.
~Shae~
Hey kate, you have some jive style in your writing. Real good. You still in thailand? What jobs have you found? Im currently teaching english in vietnam. You ever plan on visiting here?
Cheers
How about Europe? Whats on ur list from Europe? Hopefully Prague! I also recommend you visit Valencia, Amsterdam, Thun and Munich ;)
btw. once ur in Aus, u should definitely go to Perth! i also enjoyed being on Sunshine Coast :)
Brilliant thinking, enjoy the world!!
Travelling is great experience and will help put the world into perspective.
I grew up in NJ, went to AZ for college, studied abroad in Italy, then rode my motorcycle back to NY after graduation.
All if this travel I did pretty cheaply with scholarships, part time jobs, and a minimalist budget (camping, making generous friends)
It is weird to talk with people who have never left their home town. However, I realize travel is not for everyone. The comforts of home can be hard it leave. It is stressful living in a place where you do not know anybody (or cannot speak the languiste) but that is what makes it an adventure. Whether you travel or not, remember that home is where you make it.
I’m 45 and started just this way as soon as I graduated college. So did my husband back in the day with a 1-year round-the-world trip after his Bachelor. You always catch up with the “little loans” you give yourself thanks to the credit cards (I always have anyway). And now I’m at 45 countries visited and counting and have lived abroad for 10 years (writing this from my apartment in Paris). Husband was inspired to do a PhD in Physics while on a beach in India. We both continue this travel mindset and have brought it underwater now with scuba diving around the world. For the doubters – there is no reason you can’t simply make this your lifestyle and your preferred way to go through life. And we just happen to live well now that we’re “middle aged” too. Life is wonderful. :) Happy travels to Kate. Maybe we’ll run into you on the Mekong this Christmas! ;)
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(I think I sent a message rather than a comment before.. apologies! This is what I said:)
Wow! This is really inspiring. All I’ve ever wanted to do is travel but my parents urged me to at least go to university and get education out of the way. I’m halfway through my degree now but I have the most restless feet. I just want to LEAVE already! I don’t have a job though or any sort of income.. My parents tell me it’s unrealistic to “travel the whole world” without being super rich but I’m determined. I swear, as soon as I graduate, I’m outta here. Thanks for sharing this, I’m going to save it and look back on it when I FINALLY get to leave!
Reblogged this on Shakespeare's Sugar Spun Sister and commented:
Wow! This is really inspiring. All I’ve ever wanted to do is travel but my parents urged me to at least go to university and get education out of the way. I’m halfway through my degree now but I have the most restless feet. I just want to LEAVE already! I don’t have a job though or any sort of income.. My parents tell me it’s unrealistic to “travel the whole world” without being super rich but I’m determined. I swear, as soon as I graduate, I’m outta here. Thanks for sharing this, I’m going to save it and look back on it when I FINALLY get to leave!
Hey Mark, I would really love to speak to you about your experiences here. I can’t being to describe how much of a compulsion I have to travel and enjoy a multitude of culture. My only worry is having no money, which I have had drilled into my head as a block for being able to do anything I like.
I don’t really know where to begin, if I am honest, and would love to have just a quick chat, if you don’t mind?
Cheers :)
Mark- I would love to hear more of your employment abroad as well as I am currently trying to make my way through the world but am a little lost with the job situation. I would love to hear more from you! Do you have a website or a way to chat more?
This was great. Both the idea, description of process, and your natural voice made this both enjoyable and informational and that’s what anyone looks for today (well at least I think they do, I know I do) A huge weight has been lifted of my chest. Thanks.