Going for broke:a matter of luck or resourcefulness?

Hi,
I’m 23 from Hungary, also planning the big adventure and got stuck a bit in a ‘where do I get money for that?’ step. In my opinion it’s all about planning.
I’m gonna plan all the places I’d like to visit (firstly Asia, considering the price standard), the duration of my travelling (1 year?) etc. –> how much money I will need approximately (don’t wanna know). Income, outcome, cut off the useless spendings, calculations blablabla so I know how much money I can save to my dream journey per month.
I do not have rich parents being impassioned to support my crazy dreams (Hungary remains a ‘you’d be better to get a job asap my dear’ country).

Well, I do not know you, so just some personal stuff.
I’ve been to a lot of European countries, where the price standard is quite high (like every country compare to Hungary – sucks). The Scandinavian countries are super-expensive and also the Western part of Europe. (I take the opportunity to recommend Hungary if you have not been – very cheap and beautiful.)
In terms of job-opportunity, if you plan to stay more in one city (2-3 weeks) of course it is a piece of cake (as an english speaker) to find something. I was working as house-keeper, waitress etc during my longer stays, but I never experienced 2-3 days jobs (yeah, OK, that is not true I quitted a cleaner job after 4 days, but it is also needed a longer stay with all of the administration). I have a friend who did this farm job in Australia and my sister distributed leaflets in Malta for two nights. But I suppose the Asian countries do not offer high salary, I don’t think 2-3 days of work means a big financial help, but these are just my thoughts.

Cost-cutting things: Hostels, couch-surfing, hitch-hiking, I guess you already know all of these things. 🙂 To be honest as a solo female traveller, I had creepy moments, but my life philosophy is to risk and go. If I fear I would stay in my cosy bed and read Jane Austen my whole life. So, consider all of the possible danger, then go anyway. My big plan for 2015 is to hitchhike a boat or ferry (probably between Malta and Sicilia). Also a cost cutting thing -if you tough enough- to make out 1-2 nights per week without any accomodation. Well I am not saying it is fun as hell to sleep in your sleeping bag in a park/beach (after months, it is), but accomodation is the biggest expense… Btw. I don’t know if you prefer travelling alone, but it is said that things like hitchhiking, couchsurfing etc. are easier with a woman. I don’t know, but I am sure, the sleep in the park thing definitely better to share with somebody, otherwise you’re just the strange homeless guy. Travel-buddies are cool, aren’t they? Pick them for 2-3 days then everyone follow their own paths.

Oh and one more things, if you play any musical instrument, I think you can use it. I’ve not really worked out the details, but I met a Spanish guy in a hostel in England who earned money as a street musician. Genious idea, too bad people would pay me only for stop singing (I can work on this, nothing can stop me.) Or if you make money with things what do not need your personal participation (blogger, journalist, photographer) you can work during travelling (if don’t, see above the nothingcanstopme part).

So much bullshit sorry for that, you got me in travel-daydreaming. 🙂 Also sorry for the misspellings and other linguistic errors, hope you get the point.

Csilla

Wow Csilla, sounds like you have had quite some adventures! And I completely agree with you about Hungary, it is a wonderful place to go and I love it. Nice idea about the music playing too. I tried hitchhiking alone, with a boy, and with a girl (and with more than two people several times). I find it hard to say which is best because generally, I always got lifts, no matter how many or how few of us there were. Just smile and look mildly eccentric, rather than all out crazy!

Tyler, you really don’t need a lot and you will learn to survive on what you have. You need to:
MOVE – hitchhiking, cycling, and walking are free.
SLEEP – free camping (I love sleeping under the stars in a hammock – just don’t get caught and wash in rivers when you get the chance), Couch Surfing, and volunteering.
WATER – most places should refill your water bottles for free if you ask nicely.
FOOD – in more affluent countries, skipping offers food for free. However, you can shop carefully to sustain your travels if you need to.

As for Asia, I backpacked there when I was 19 which is very different from what I do know. I was sleeping in hostels and using buses. Generally hostels cost between £1 and £5 a night back then, but I don’t know about now. They aren’t as fun as sleeping in the bushes though!

I volunteered in Norway through Work Away – it is a wonderful volunteer site and a two year subscription allows you to contact people across the world. I can’t recommend it enough.

As for affording my own travels, I work when I get the opportunity (often online) and have learnt to survive on very little money. If I want to, I can survive on almost no money although I prefer to spend a couple of pounds each day for pleasure. Right now I am working in Australia for a few months to save some cash before hitting the road again. I can’t wait. I look forward to hearing about your adventures.