8 Countries in 8 Months- It is a lot Cheaper Than You Think
I wasn’t making a lot of money before I decided to travel indefinitely. And in the past 8 months, I have only curated income solidly for 3 of them.
This is my story and it will only benefit those who really want this lifestyle.
I was like a lot of other thirty-somethings- a steady job that barely paid the bills, long-term relationship, and shared apartment, dreaming of something different but not knowing how to make it happen.
I needed a catalyst.
Be careful what you wish for because I got one. My partner had been sober for many years and he, unfortunately, relapsed on opioids in late 2020, as did many struggling addicts at the onset of the pandemic. I stayed and helped him for as long as I could but time and effort do not undo the damage done if it is a one-way street. However, this is not a story about that chapter of my life, but moreover, the one following.
I could not afford the apartment on my own. I was working two jobs- one as a pet sitter and one as a veterinary technician and it just wasn't enough to keep me afloat in West Palm Beach.
I made a radical decision. My lease was up in four months. I was going to work as much as I could in that time, save everything possible and buy a one-way ticket to Europe.
DISCLAIMER: This was amidst the pandemic last year and at that time, Airbnbs were insanely cheap for longer-term rentals, as were flights internationally and domestically. This is still the case in some places but overall, the prices are back to normal
By the time my lease was up in September 2021, I had a one-way ticket to Dublin, another flight to Rome, six weeks of accommodation booked, and five thousand dollars in my bank account.
Oh, and a lot of blind faith that I could make this work. My plan was to do exactly what I am doing now- become a freelance writer. Let's just say that it did not pan out that way at first.
I ended up having the time of my life in Italy for five weeks and then, realizing my money was dwindling and no source of income has been generated, I took a 22-hour bus ride to Frankfurt, Germany. I had a really amazing friend there who let me crash in her apartment for over a month.
While I was there, I struggled to figure out my next move. I did not want to tuck tail and go back to Florida, where I would ultimately have to move back in with my parents (not at all glamorous at 32 years old). So I did what I always do and I googled solutions.
I found Workaway. If you don't know what it is, you really should look into it if you want to travel on a budget. It is a volunteer program where you essentially work 3–5 days a week in exchange for room and (most of the time) board. Sometimes, they even compensate you. This was not exactly what I pictured for myself, but it would buy me time and it meant I didn't have to go back to Florida right away. I had another option.
So, I worked for a month in Sevilla, Spain at a hostel, taking people out for tapas and sangria, watching flamenco shows, and making lifelong friends, all while spending very little. In exchange for my time, I was able to stay at the hostel for free.
I then flew to London before Christmas to visit some friends- a beautiful time of year in the UK! While there I was able to secure a Workway in Scotland where I helped run an Airbnb business for the most beautiful family. They fed me and let me stay in their beautiful 12th-century estate. We would work during the day and then spend the evenings drinking wine, cooking, laughing, and sharing unforgettable memories. I created a bond that will last forever.
Without being strapped for cash, I would never have had to think outside the box. This allowed me to have some of the most unique experiences of my life.
But despite the incredible memories, I still didn't have enough money to sustain myself for much longer. I needed more cash coming in and less going out. As if the universe had heard my last plea, I got an email from a company I used to work for pre-pandemic- Lindblad Expeditions. I was a steward on their small-scale cruise ships and although the money was relatively skimpy for the amount of work I did (10–14 hour days with two days off a month), the upside to the limited time off meant I never had opportunities to spend what i was making. They also provide room and board so the amount of money being spent is next to nothing. This meant I could work for 2 months and then take two off, in theory.
I said yes without hesitation knowing it was my only true avenue. They flew me from Scotland a few weeks later. I worked the Costa Rica and Panama seasons for 2 months.
Now, 5 months later, I am living in Costa Rica with my partner who I met while working on the boat and life is as crazy as ever. I haven’t truly worked (outside of writing) since March!
That is eight countries- Ireland, Scotland, England, Spain, Germany, Italy, Costa Rica, and Panama- from September to May. My budget was tight and I live my life based on a certain amount of risk at all times.
I hope you can find something in my story that inspires you to take the dive into the unknown- you never know where you will end up! Feel free to follow me for more crazy travel stories!
