The way I afford it is fairly simple : priorities.

Travel for me is a passion. It is where I spend my money. I don't upgrade to the newest electronics when they come out. I drive a 10 year old car which is the only car I have ever owned. I don't go out on weekends and drop $100 at a bar. It is all about choices. Take a look at what you do vs. what you really want and make some decisions from there.

As far as HOW I am able to travel and then get back into the workforce....well, I contract. I work for months at a time and position myself so that I can always have the option of picking up a new contract. I work in financial analysis, so there is generally always work.

My next trip is going to be a UK to Cape Town trip for about 3 months. I have a contract that is ending June 24th and I plan on pushing off for this trip on July 15. I have a network of contacts and utilize that to grab work when I come back.

Plain and simple, that's how I do it.

I don't think that I have replied to this thread, but if I did it would read something like this, well put Jpyrek.

ps if you can run to 4 or 5 months for that UK to Cape Town trip it will more relaxed but you should make it in 3.

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Hard work never killed anyone but why take the chance?

I just thought I'd throw an idea at you as I know it's hard finding a job, quiting, saving money and going round and round.

For the last three years I have been driving a coach around Europe for 6 months of the year. I can save plenty as I've no expenses almost (no car, no rent, food and accommodation is paid, etc.)

If you don't want to drive but you'd love to be a tour guide, well it's in the same industry but I'll talk mainly about driving coaches here.

It's my choice when I go back to work and when I end. Basically, every tour I do is a contract. It's been guaranteed work and money saving and the job is interesting, I meet lots of people and drive all around Europe.
Driving a coach up and down the same road every day wouldn't be for me but it's quite interesting when you're on tour for from 2 to 7 weeks.
It's not practical if you are in a relationship as you'll be away all the time (although this depends on the company - there are many that do day tours).

What does it take? Get a driving license to drive a bus! I took about 13 hours of lessons and passed my test first time.

Some companies DO hire drivers with little or no experience driving coaches. How? They either start you off in a smaller vehicle - like a 16-seater or like where I work, Topdeck Travel, they train you to drive as they need you to drive - safely and knowledgably and train you on the routes.

There are many other companies you will find if you dig in the internet.
There's Topdeck, Contiki, Tucan and a plethora of oher companies. Topdeck and Contiki are for young passengers (18 to 30-something) so if that's not your bag you can look at any other company.

The company I'm with is based in London, however, as a driver, I stay on the mainland, in a quiet town in Holland between tours for a couple of days, which suits me fine.

Funnily, I'm posting on here because I am a biker and in fact, most of the other drivers also ride, so I think this may appeal to many of you.
If it sounds appealing, get your license. There are many companies, believe it or not, are regularly in need of drivers. For some you can work year round, usually with about 2/3 or less work over the winter but that's when you'll be on your bike anyway.

Driving is a professional job and no surprise, professionalism is part of it.
I enjoy my job, it can be hard work but I like it and it's interesting.
Tell me what you think and if you have questions message me or post your reply.

With who I work for, driving in Europe, you need to be an EU citizen and have the EU driving license.

Happy searching!

what an excellent topic!
very timely for me as I'm planning my RTW trip...

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R90S, R80G/S PD

Traveling can also make you save money as it is cheaper to travel with a tent as to rent a flat in Europa after you have finished your work