We live in one of the most expensive cities in the world - Vancouver, BC, Canada,
so, how do we afford to travel so much?
so, how do we afford to travel so much?
WE SAVED
Given our high rent, high truck payments, insurance, the most expensive gas in all of North America, and everything else in between, we spent about 1.5 years saving for our one year backpacking trip around Southeast Asia.
Other than saving for 1.5 years, we also sold everything we owned, from clothes, to dishes, to electronics, to furniture, to our vehicle, and then some! We sold the majority of our belongings on Craigslist and had a few yard sales, which is where a big chunk of our savings came from. In the end, they're just materialistic items that can always be replaced.
After our one year backpacking trip in Southeast Asia, we went back to Vancouver for 5 months. Once back in Vancouver we renovated Justin's parents basement, where we were fortunate enough to live rent free. We saved everything we earned for those 5 months, and went to South America for 3 months.
After that, we continue to return to Vancouver in the summer months to work seasonal jobs, then take off during the winter months to travel.
While home in Vancouver, and working full-time, we also make a lot of sacrifices, and have earned the skill of self-discipline. We don't buy unnecessary products, or spend our money on going out. We also don't pay for any subscriptions, or memberships while home. We simply work, save, and do free activities - which there is a ton of right in our own backyard!
If you want something bad enough, you'll work your butt off for it, which is exactly what we do!
Other than saving for 1.5 years, we also sold everything we owned, from clothes, to dishes, to electronics, to furniture, to our vehicle, and then some! We sold the majority of our belongings on Craigslist and had a few yard sales, which is where a big chunk of our savings came from. In the end, they're just materialistic items that can always be replaced.
After our one year backpacking trip in Southeast Asia, we went back to Vancouver for 5 months. Once back in Vancouver we renovated Justin's parents basement, where we were fortunate enough to live rent free. We saved everything we earned for those 5 months, and went to South America for 3 months.
After that, we continue to return to Vancouver in the summer months to work seasonal jobs, then take off during the winter months to travel.
While home in Vancouver, and working full-time, we also make a lot of sacrifices, and have earned the skill of self-discipline. We don't buy unnecessary products, or spend our money on going out. We also don't pay for any subscriptions, or memberships while home. We simply work, save, and do free activities - which there is a ton of right in our own backyard!
If you want something bad enough, you'll work your butt off for it, which is exactly what we do!
We travel on a budget
From day one we've traveled on a budget. And by budget, we mean $75CAD/$55USD/day. However, that doesn't mean we skimped out on wonders of the world, or UNESCO sites. We definitely did not hold back from once-in-a-lifetime experiences and activities. But, it's all about balance. When we had days where we spent more on expensive excursions, we'd also have to have days where we spent very little, to balance it out. By traveling on a budget, it allowed us to travel longer and further.
we live simply
Traveling has taught us to appreciate the little things, and that less is more. Therefore, we only purchase items that we truly need - we live a pretty minimalistic life and it honestly doesn't take that much to make us happy.
Also, we've come to the conclusion that traveling abroad on a budget, is cheaper than living at home. The bills back home, the monthly rent, groceries, car payments, gas, cable, internet, and everything in between costs so much more than our style of traveling, and/or living abroad. We are happier abroad, where we can spend less on our daily necessities, and still see the world at the same time.
Also, we've come to the conclusion that traveling abroad on a budget, is cheaper than living at home. The bills back home, the monthly rent, groceries, car payments, gas, cable, internet, and everything in between costs so much more than our style of traveling, and/or living abroad. We are happier abroad, where we can spend less on our daily necessities, and still see the world at the same time.
we are determined
We are so focused on this nomadic snowbird lifestyle, that we make it a priority. Determination is everything when it comes down to it. No matter what you're saving for, whatever your goal is, so long as you're passionate about it, you will be determined to make it happen and reach your goal.
WANT TO PLAN YOUR OWN TRIP?
If you're interested or curious about planning your own backpacking trip, be sure to check out the following:
How to Plan a Backpacking Trip
If you're about to embark on your first backpacking trip, let us give you a helping hand with the planning process.
How to Save Money for Travel
Now that you've started the planning process, here's how you can save for that trip.
Backpacking Essentials
Everything you need to pack for your trip.
How to Save Money While Traveling
To save even more money and stretch your budget even farther, try these tips, your wallet can thank us later!
If you're about to embark on your first backpacking trip, let us give you a helping hand with the planning process.
How to Save Money for Travel
Now that you've started the planning process, here's how you can save for that trip.
Backpacking Essentials
Everything you need to pack for your trip.
How to Save Money While Traveling
To save even more money and stretch your budget even farther, try these tips, your wallet can thank us later!