Making the money last

Today I would like to talk about my finances on the road. My original plan of strictly making money online is not working as well as I would like. But is that halting my travel plans? No. And I am not worried about it. Let me tell you why.

Recently I have read three posts about this exact thought and I would like to say I will follow their example. These are just three people who are making this happen, I’m sure there are others and maybe I will meet them on the road.

1st Example:

Wandering Earl
Earl left for a 3 month trip with $1500 in 1999 and has yet to return. 11 years is a long time to be traveling especially only starting with $1500. One idea Earl had was to post ads around town that he would teach English to students. How to Fund your travels with creativity. He didn’t have a TELF or other certification, he just taught conversational English. Brilliant! He has other really good posts where he talks about how he has earned money over the 11 years.

Quote: When someone says they are unable to travel because of insufficient funds, they are actually stating, “I am unable to travel because I am not yet aware of all the opportunities out there that will allow me to accomplish my goals.”

2nd Example:

Phil in the Blank
Phil recently did a post I Haven’t had a “Job” in 8 Months and That’s OK. Phil took a 6 month trip when he left his job and has now bought a plane ticket to Africa. His original savings is gone, but yet he is doing what he loves anyways making money from different projects. That is awesome! The attitude Phil takes is if you are doing what you love it will all work out in the end.

Quote: Despite the fact that I’m making little money, I’m not worried. Buying a plane ticket when you’re broke is a great idea. No, really. When your only choice is to get your shit together, you will get your shit together. I don’t plan on losing the above income sources, but even if I do, I will figure something out in Bamako. You can create your own self-fulfilling prophecy. Attitude is everything.

3rd Example

Johnny Vagabond
Johnny left March of 2010 planning on traveling for a year or until his money ran out. A year later… he has no plans to return. Johnny has various projects he is working on and doing some freelancing to keep the funds going.

Quote: I’ve been fortunate enough to meet some amazing long-term travelers and each is making it happen in their own way — there is no single path. I don’t know exactly how I’ll do it, but I will. The worst-case scenario is that I have to return to the States for a few months and earn some quick cash before moving into Central America. It’s a leap of faith, I admit and I have no idea whether I’ll fly or fall. But whatever happens, you can bet I’ll be flapping like hell.

The lesson I’m taking from this:

I don’t need to have it all figured out right now. I know I am creative and ingenious when I need to be. I think out side of the box, I have no doubts I will find a way to make it work. I do know I will keep my mind open and not discount any (ethical) ways to earn income. If picking fruit for a week could earn me a month of travel, you can bet I will have fun working on my tan while picking that fruit.

Note: this post will be posted on my other blog Pursuing Serenity as well.