How Are You Still Travelling?
Walking to Verwall during my five months in Austria
100% the most common question I’ve been asked since I started travelling 1+ years ago is how have I afforded to continue travelling for so long. I’m not going to lie, it’s not easy, and it’s not for everyone. To maintain your travels for an extended period of time, and to give up your flights home like I did, you really have to push yourself out of your comfort zone, and say yes to jobs and accomodation that you would probably rather not! It’s definitely not a glamorous lifestyle, but if you love to travel and see the world, it is worth every moment.
I did initially have money when my journey began. I was very lucky and was well into my corporate career, and using that money, as well as selling my car and most of my belongings, to fund my travels and not have to work for the first nine months of my trip. Travelling is not cheap though, and I quickly realised that to sustain myself I would need to find ways to save on accomodation, and also find some forms of income along the way.
My next stop is to a hostel on the coast near Amsterdam, where I will be volunteering in exchange for food and accomodation! I’ll be living in a hostel room with other volunteers, and doing all sorts of work - cleaning, bartending, reception work etc. I think it will be a great way to experience a bit of the Netherlands without costing me a fortune! You can find these types of arrangements in Facebook groups and on sites such as workaway.
Below are some of the ways I’ve managed to save money and make my travels last!
The People.
Trip to Cyprus with my friend Rachel to visit her family
The best part of the travel I’ve done, and also the biggest money saver, comes from the people you meet. This was an unexpected bonus to the incredible friendships I have made so far. But once you start travelling, and meeting incredible people from all around the world, you suddenly have all these people to visit in different countries! The people I met last year led to the most magical trips to Paris, London, Cyprus, Vienna, Korcula and many other destinations. It has also allowed for friends I have met over here to go and stay with my relatives in Australia, and hopefully one day to come stay with me, when/if I end up back in Aus!
I have also managed to connect with relatives from all over the world since I started travelling, and have taken trip to go meet and stay with them. My favourite so far was a trip to meet my grandmas cousins daughter and her family in Zagreb, Croatia. The family were so lovely and welcoming, even taking me along to a traditional Croatian wedding with them, in which we were drinking and eating until 7am the next day! It was an absolutely hilarious experience, and one of the highlights of my time in Croatia.
The Work.
My short lived bartender/waitressing career at an amazing restaurant in St Anton, Austria
Any job is a good job when you’re trying to lengthen your time overseas. I could tell you some absolutely disgusting stories from some of the jobs I have done, including cleaning an apres ski venue, but I’m sure your imagination can picture how horrible that one could be… I have also been a bartender, waitress, nanny and a dog sitter so far.
The most important thing is being aware of the visas you need to be able to work in different countries, and which ones you can apply for while already travelling. Aussies can get a one-time, one year working holiday visa for Austria, which I found quite easy to apply for and did so from London. You can also get a working holiday visa for the Netherlands which you can apply for online and then complete the relevant paperwork and appointments from Amsterdam or basically any other city in the country. Appointments go fast though so make sure to book in advance!
The Transport.
When I don’t have a specific date I need to be anywhere, I will find the cheapest possible route to get to my next location - which is often taking numerous trains or buses, and travelling for a number of days to get from one place to the next. I actually find these parts of my travel quite relaxing now. A chance to just sit and listen to music and not think for a while. The longest trip I did was about 30+ hours, and included 3 train changes, then a Flix Bus which broke down, onto another bus, to a ferry that I missed, so then an overnight wait, and onto a 2 hour ferry the next day. It definitely teaches you to be patient and tolerant.
The Lifestyle.
The biggest change has been in my lifestyle and how I choose to spend my money. Back home, I loved buying gorgeous work outfits and fancy new technology, going out for overpriced meals and enjoying a cocktail or two. This all had to change when I started travelling and didn’t have an income. Currently I am doing over a month of travelling with about two pairs of pants, three t-shirts, and one pair of shoes (my runners). I have become accustomed to a very simplistic, functional wardrobe, and happily switch up my clothing at second hand stores and clothes swaps when the seasons change. No point lugging around jackets for the snow when I’m sitting on a beach in Cyprus!