This is probably my most asked question throughout all the years I’ve been traveling. While there is no simple answer to this question, the best advice is to prioritize travel. Traveling the world full time is a dream for many people, and it’s definitely possible with some planning and flexibility. Full time travel requires sacrifice in almost every aspect of your life, but it is a life of freedom and is truly SO worth it. Here are some steps to help you get started on your journey to becoming a full-time traveler:
- To get started, save as much money as possible, create a budget, and pay off debt.
- Find a job you can do while traveling (more on that below) or ensure that you have passive income to supplement your savings during your travels.
- Create a rough itinerary and take into consideration your travel destinations, season, and your budget.
- Make sure you have all travel essentials prepared, from an up-to-date passport and visas to international SIM cards and debit/credit cards with no international fees.
- Research all health precautions and vaccinations for your trip ahead of time. Make an appointment at a travel clinic to get any required jabs or preventative medications.
How much money do you need to travel the world?
The amount of money you need to travel the world can vary widely depending on several factors – your travel style, the destinations you plan to visit, the duration of your trip, and your personal preferences. When I set off to travel the world for a year in 2019, I saved $30,000 to get me through the year. I was not planning to work while traveling during this period, so I needed enough to cover my travel costs + an emergency fund.
Here’s a rough estimate of daily cost of travel for each type of traveler:
*remember: these numbers can vary greatly depending on the region of the world and seasonality of your travel destinations*
Budget travelers: $20 to $50 per day
- Achieve this by backpacking, staying in hostels, eating street food, and using public transportation. These choices can make travel extremely affordable, allowing you to travel on a shoestring budget.
Mid-range travelers: $50 to $150 per day
- Opt for mid-range accommodations, dining at local restaurants, and use a mix of transportation methods.
Luxury travelers: $150+ per day
- While most of the full time travelers I’ve met on my journey have either been budget or mid-range travelers, it is possible to travel full time in luxury if you have the funds. Luxury travel would include staying in upscale hotels, dining in fine restaurants, and enjoying premium services and activities.
How can I travel the world for cheap?
Traveling the world on a tight budget is definitely possible, if you stick to the more affordable countries and travel during off-peak seasons. Consider overland travel instead of flying and book your flights with budget airlines whenever possible. There are certain regions of the world which are known to have many budget friendly countries. For example:
- Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, etc.)
- Parts of Central and South America (Guatemala, Colombia, Bolivia, Belize)
- Eastern Europe (Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, Alabnia, etc.)
What are some remote jobs to do while traveling?
Working remotely while traveling is my definition of freedom! After my $30,000 ran out I started working solely online while traveling and living abroad. Getting remote work is easier now than ever. Some remote jobs I’ve had in the last few years include: teaching English online, doing content creation for travel brands, and blogging. There are truly SO many ways to make money while traveling! Here are 10 ideas for remote work:
- Online teaching or tutoring – Teaching languages, subjects, or skills through online platforms.
- Digital Marketing: Managing social media, SEO, email marketing, and paid advertising campaigns. There are TONS of remote jobs in the digital marketing field and this field is only going to keep growing.
- Virtual Assistant: Providing administrative support, scheduling, email management, and data entry.
- Freelance Writing: Content creation, copywriting, blogging, and technical writing.
- Graphic Design: Designing logos, graphics, marketing materials, and illustrations.
- Data Entry Specialist: Entering and managing data for companies or organizations.
- Customer Service Representative: Providing customer support through email, chat, or phone.
- Web Development: Building websites, web apps, and providing technical support remotely.
- Remote Project Management: Managing projects and teams from a distance.
- Remote Health and Wellness: Offering telehealth services, fitness coaching, or mental health counseling online.
If you’re thinking that you don’t have any of those skills or you’re unable to find a remote job, look to work exchange programs in different countries! Companies like Worldpackers, Trusted Housesitters, and WorkAway give you opportunities for work exchange and sometimes pay as well.
What travel camera gear do you use?
When it comes to travel camera gear, I always travel with a DSLR, 2 lenses, a drone, a GoPro, and my iPhone 14 Pro. Here’s exactly what’s in my camera bag:
- Camera body: Canon 6D mark II
- Lenses: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II lens + Canon 70-200mm lens
- Drone: DJI Mini 3 Pro
- GoPro: GoPro Hero8
- iPhone: iPhone 14 Pro
*Note: It is not necessary to have a professional camera to take amazing photos (or even to shoot basic travel content) these days. I use my iPhone 14 Pro to make all videos and even some of the photos you see on our social media. We typically use the professional camera for jobs with hotels or tourism boards.*
