The idea of long term travel came in May 2015. My soul felt as if it was rotting from the everyday grind, and I just didn't want to live like this anymore. I knew I had to take a risk, and do something big. I knew I had to do something that would make me happy, engaged, and most importantly alive. Since I was obsessed with travel, I knew that had to be the answer.
However, paying $1000 each month on rent, while trying to eliminate my $3500 debt from my failed marketing campaign, I was barely making ends meet.
If I wanted to make this round the world trip a reality, I would need to figure out how much it will cost. More importantly, I would need to figure out how to generate enough income to make it happen.
At that moment, I knew I had to come up with a game plan.
Based on my research, I needed at least $16,000 to make this trip happen; this meant I would have to make some sacrifices.
Giving Up Freedom to Save for Travel
I moved out three years ago, and have enjoyed every bit of my freedom. Moving back home was a cringe worthy decision, especially since I don't have a good relationship with my mother. But traveling is my top priority, so either I had to find a cheaper place to rent, which probably won't happen since I live in one of the most expensive cities in the world, or I had to give up my freedom and head home.
Reluctantly, I did just that.Since my return home, my relationship with my mother remains rocky. You can't change people, me or my mother. All I can do is keep my eyes on the prize; direct all of my energy towards making this trip of a lifetime happen.
Increased Workload to Save for Travel
Despite having lost most of my passion for the fitness industry, I still picked up extra shifts at the gym. I knew I had to tough it out, and eat dirt until I acquired enough funds to make this trip happen. To be honest, it's not all bad. I do enjoy training some of my clients; I just don't enjoy supervising the gym simply because I'm not the type of person who likes to enforce the rules.
At this point, I am averaging about $2000 - $2800 each month, with roughly $800 spent on necessities. (Food, gas...etc)
Limit Unnecessary Expenses to Save for Travel
While saving is my number one goal, I am just not the type of person who would overly restrict myself. For example, I wouldn't cut out a $3 latte in an attempt to save more. I actually don't drink coffee, but I do enjoy eating out, and have been doing so since I moving back home. Living with a pack rat mother and two sisters has made meal prepping virtually impossible. Our fridge is so full, every time I attempt to put something inside I feel as if I'm playing a game of Tetris. Unfortunately I have not found a solution for this, other than choosing the most budget friendly food options without compromising my health!
Besides eating out, I don't drink alcohol, party or go shopping. The most I spend on entertainment is on a $10 movie ticket roughly once a week.
To generate even more travel funds, I have also been selling used items I no longer need (including my bed- and yes, I now sleep on the floor). The money earned has been spent on my living expenses.
Financial Update
While my goal is to set aside at least $16,000 before my departure, ideally, I would like to have $18,000 to $20,000 in my bank account to give me some financial cushion. The extra funds would also give me the freedom to do exciting activities such as hiking Mount Roraima, or even visit the Galapagos Islands, which can be quite expensive!
A big chunk of my expenses comes from pre-trip expenses, including shots, travel insurance, and gear. Otherwise, I consider myself to be fairly low maintenance, and should be able to get by with $1250 a month while I'm on the road.
As I am writing this article, I am $4500 away from hitting my goal.
If I continue to set aside at least $2000 a month, I should be able to meet my minimum savings of $16,000. Since I plan on selling my car, I should have $18,000 set aside for this trip from the sales. I also expect to get some money back after I file my 2017 tax return that will also help my financial situation.
They say planning and saving for your trip is half the fun. Perhaps that is true. It is fun to create a plan of action, and then watch the magic happen as you execute it. However, it's not all fun and games, as I am often stressed out, sleep deprived and burnt out from working so much. However, I have a purpose, and it makes the process of saving up not as painful knowing my hard work is moving me towards a brighter, happier future.
