First-Time Travel Tips (and How I’m Traveling)

I’ve received a few messages from people who are curious as to how I’m funding my adventures, so I’d like to share some of my not-so-secret travel tips with anyone who might be thinking of going abroad. Here are a few Q & A’s to some of my most frequent questions:

How much money did you save?

This will probably make some of you uneasy, but I only saved up $2000 for my endless trip abroad. That being said, as a freelance writer I also have a source of income, so I’m able to occasionally replenish my funds. If you can work remotely – do it! The bulk of my cash goes to buying plane tickets, so if you’re planning on staying in one spot for a longer amount of time, that’s also a great way to save money.

What if I can’t work remotely?

That’s fine! While it would be great to have a steady cash flow, it’s not completely necessary. I recommend using Workaway – it’s a work exchange website that provides you with free food and lodging in exchange for 5 hours of work a day, 5 days a week (normally). You can search anywhere in the world, and you can stay for as long as you like. If you pick the right job it can be fun, relaxing and easy, and you’ll have plenty of time for yourself. If you pick the wrong one, you can end up overworked and exhausted (ahem)… but at least you’re doing it on an island at a surf camp near a beach, right?

On average, I am currently spending about $15 per week because I’m using Workaway. Insane, right? Don’t be silly. Look at this website.

How much planning did you do?

I had two months between deciding to leave Chicago and boarding my plane to Europe. I’ve never been one for planning. I did, however, need to learn to let go of the idea that I would always know where I’m headed next. If you try to meticulously map your life abroad, you’ll end up driving yourself crazy! From meeting new friends to getting new travel ideas, your plans will change without notice. After June 1^st, I have no idea where I’ll be. And I love it.

What are some of the easiest ways to save money when you’re abroad?

Give up all the shit you think you need.

And I mean ALL of it. You can wear the same outfit 3x a week. Forget about pedicures, hair appointments and age-defying wrinkle cream. Pillow-top mattresses and blow-driers are a thing of the past. I thought I was relatively low-maintenance until I started traveling and I realized how little I could actually survive on.

Choose your destination wisely.

If you don’t have a lot of money, then you’ll want to avoid expensive places like Switzerland, Denmark and Norway. Check out the conversion rates before you book a flight!

Cook for yourself.

If you’re staying in hostels, buy groceries and use their kitchen. Pack lunches when you’re going out for the day, and if you’re in Spain go for tapas.

Drink whatever’s cheapest.

My favorite drinks include whiskey and everything that’s expensive. Know what I order now? Beer. Just beer. That’s it.

Find the free stuff.

Every city has loads of activities that you can do for free. Spend a little time with Google. Better yet, talk to other travelers or locals – they’ll be able to give you some of the best-kept secrets that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Try Skyscanner to find cheap plane tickets.

I love this website. You can actually set your destination to “Everywhere” to find the cheapest flights from your current location.

Don’t take a cab. Ever.

Public transportation is your new best friend. You’ll learn to be comfortable with reading train maps and bus schedules, even if they’re in a different language. Why spend $20 when you can spend $2?

Pack light.

I never need to pay to check a bag because I only carry a backpack. It’s also a lot easier to wander around lost when you’re not dragging a 50lb behemoth of a bag.

Treat yourself for good behavior.

If you’re being super frugal, then it’s okay to buy a little ice cream now and then.

What’s the first step to traveling abroad?

Making the decision to do it. This is the one thing that most people can never get past – actually deciding that they’re going travel rather than just tossing the idea around. Everyone I’ve met that has rejected a “traditional” lifestyle can actually pinpoint the moment that changed their life – when will you have yours?

Want more Madison? Send her a message to talk shop about marketing, mobility and beyond.