You Don’t Need Money To Travel

I know some of you might not believe me, but I promise you—it’s true. You don’t need a lot of money to travel.

For those of you who have been following my journey, you know that in my past life, I spent 20 years as a Promotion Manager at Sony Music. I had the full-time job, the steady paycheck, and yes, I saved a lot. Having a bit of savings definitely helps and allows for longer trips if you budget wisely. But here’s the thing—it’s not necessary. Would it be nice? Absolutely. Do I wish I had more? Of course. But trust me when I say that traveling on a shoestring budget is 100% doable.

Here’s the reality that many people—especially those in the U.S.—just don’t seem to grasp: The rest of the world is not that expensive. Americans have been conditioned to believe that travel equates to luxury—that you’re not really “on vacation” unless you’re staying in high-end hotels, eating at the finest restaurants, indulging in spa treatments, and splurging daily.

Sure, that kind of travel is fun—I’ve done it—but it’s absolutely not necessary. And honestly, it’s not even the kind of travel I prefer anymore. These days, I embrace a much more laid-back, budget-conscious approach, one that allows me to experience the true culture and traditions of the places I visit.

To be completely honest, I’m shocked that I’m out here, 26 months later, still traveling the world. Yes, I’ve launched a new business, I teach yoga along the way, and I find creative ways to earn some income. But the reality is, more money is going out than coming in. The key? I’ve learned how to travel smarter and stretch every dollar.

Here are some game-changing tips I’ve picked up along the way that will help ease your money fears and make travel more accessible:

1. Flights: Your Biggest Expense—But Not Always

Flights are often the most expensive part of a trip, especially that first long-haul flight out of your home country. For example, flying from Minneapolis to Bangkok? Pricey. But once you’re in Asia, flights between countries are ridiculously affordable. And the best part? You can use frequent flyer miles and travel rewards to get flights for FREE.

Get yourself a travel rewards credit card and start earning points on everyday purchases—groceries, gas, bills. I can’t even count how many free flights I’ve scored just by doing this. It’s not a secret, and it’s not a scam. It’s just smart. You have to buy these things anyway—why not get rewarded for it?

2. Lodging: Luxury Isn’t What You Think

If flights aren’t my biggest expense, lodging is. But I’ve gotten so much better at making my money stretch here. When I first started traveling, I stayed at incredibly nice places that, while cheap by U.S. standards, were still unnecessary. In Asia, you can stay at a five-star resort for $200 a night—an insane luxury compared to what you’d get for the same price in the U.S. (hello, sad roadside motel).

Early hotel lodging when I was a baller…😜

But as I traveled more, I realized that I didn’t need private rooftop pools or massive suites. A comfy bed, a bathroom, and maybe a shared pool? That’s all I really need. And guess what? I’ve found stunning rooms with air conditioning, outdoor baths, private balconies, and breakfast included for as little as $30 per night. No joke. Once I figured that out, my budget stretched dramatically.

Lodging at $30-$40/night

3. Food & Drink: Eat Like a Local, Spend Like a Pro

Food is probably my third biggest expense, and as a foodie, I still indulge in the occasional nice meal. But here’s the thing: outside of the U.S., food is SO much cheaper. I can get an incredible plate of food in Bali for $12-$15, while the same meal in the U.S. would be $50. And if you take it a step further and eat like the locals? Game changer.

Street food is where it’s at. Not only is it delicious and authentic, but it’s also ridiculously cheap. A giant bowl of pho, a sizzling plate of basil fried rice, or a fresh carne asada taco? $1, maybe $2. Add a local beer, and you’ve got a meal for $3-$5. It still blows my mind every time.

Mmmmm….Street Food. So delicious!

Honestly, it’s hard for me to go back home and spend money on food. When I see people dropping $25 on a beer and wings, I can’t help but think about the incredible meals I could be having abroad for a fraction of the price.

4. Transportation: Cheap, Easy, and Sometimes Free

Flights aside, getting around is shockingly cheap in most places.

In Vietnam, I took an Uber Motorbike to work every day—15 minutes each way—and it cost me 50 cents. Buses between cities in Thailand? About $5. Ferries to hop between Thai islands? Maybe $10-$15. And the best way to explore? Walking. Not only is it free, but it’s the best way to soak in a new city, discover hidden gems, and get some exercise. I miss this every time I come home and have to rely on a car.

It’s not always glamorous, but it works just fine! And it’s fun! This is how the locals travel…

Final Thoughts: Travel Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

I promise you—travel is more affordable than you think. Your biggest expense will be that first flight, and if you use points, you can cut that cost significantly. Beyond that, lodging, food, and transportation are incredibly manageable if you know how to navigate them.

And I haven’t even touched on work-trade, volunteering (like I’m doing now in Costa Rica, teaching yoga and writing in exchange for food and lodging), house-sitting, or pet-sitting. There are SO many creative ways to make travel work on a budget.

If you’re interested, I can help you plan your own version of what I call Boutique Budget Luxury Travel—where you’re still comfortable, but not breaking the bank. No Sheratons or all-inclusive resorts here. But if you want a beachfront palapa, fresh street food, and a true cultural experience? I’m your gal.

So let go of the money fear. Open your heart, open your mind, and trust that the universe will guide you. Everything will fall into place, and you’ll see the world in a way you never imagined—without spending a fortune.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments or the community forum. My entire goal—my passion—is to help people travel. No one should feel like they can’t. Travel is too valuable, too transformative, and too accessible to miss out on.

Happy wandering, my friends. ✨

#wanderingtowardthelightforever


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