Ever looked at those postcard perfect pictures and dreamed of being there? So do I. The traveling lifestyle can be extremely appealing. It also is more accessible than you think if you are ready to make a choice.
In the end it’s all about priorities. What do you value most? Experiences or materials? Something as simple as making a DYI curtain which gets the job done even though it might not look like a magazine picture will save you enough money for a full day in Asia; bungalow, 3 meals, surfboard, scooter and even a beer.
Many people ask us how do we live and afford our traveling lifestyle. We’ve lived and traveled in Newfoundland for years, backpacked across Central America, Spent a winter snowboarding in British Columbia, road tripped across Canada, traveled the world for almost a year and take the time to live an adventure every weekend while working. It’s all about choices and compromises. Here’s how we’ve been doing it for years.
Traveling Lifestyle Tips
Priority #1
You can’t have it all unless you have tons of money. Ask yourself a simple question: “What do I want most?” If it’s not “Travel” then re-assess if this type of traveling lifestyle is for you. Cory and I traded the bigger is better mentality for traveling for extended periods of time. This also allows us to work less, leaving us more time for weekend and evening adventures.
Destination: Where on Earth?
Turquoise waters and kilometer long strands of white sandy beaches are really appealing. But have you visited your own country? A cheap ways to get started is by exploring your own country which will save you money on plane tickets. This is also a great way to find out if the traveling lifestyle is for you. Alternatively choose cheap destinations such as Asia or Central and South America. On the other hand if you want to visit Europe or North America try couch surfing.
But what about $$$?
Tight with money? Try working abroad or trading your help for room and board. On the other hand you can work hard when at home while saving money to then travel. There is also an ever growing community of people working online thus bringing the office abroad is a great option as well. Cut your expenses at home and you will save faster for your next journey.
Planning
It’s all about planning your trip while leaving space for the unexpected. Read our post about Travel planning; Around the World . This will help you save money. Pick off-season travel for cheaper accommodations.
Compromises
A traveling lifestyle is indeed very rewarding. With it you experience so many cultures and adventures. And the connections you build are unique. But in order to live this lifestyle you might have to make some compromises. The beauty of living out of a backpack or car is that it forces you to own fewer things. Avoid buying the newer and fancier things. Try sleeping in a tent or on someone’s couch instead of doing the all-inclusive 5 star Resort. Cook a meal instead of going out. Read our shoestring traveler tips. You will have to make choices. But living a simpler life has many rewards.
In the end only you choose your life and if it’s the traveling lifestyle that truly appeals to you take the steps to make it happen. Although not hard to reach, you still have to really want it. I fell in love with traveling from the day I was born and let me tell you: “The more you see, the more you want to travel and the more you realize how big our world is.”
Live Wildly Intrepid and Aspire!
Alex
