Reading all the wonderful stories from around the globe gets one wanting to do the same thing. However, money is an all too real issue for most of us. My suggestion is to take stock in what you already have. I used to live in northern Arizona on the Navajo Indian reservation where I worked as a teacher. The pay was minimal, but I was able to take advantage of my geography. I lived within a few hours of places that literally millions of tourists flocked to each year. I lived near the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, and the various places located on the reservation itself.

I now live in Yuma, Arizona which is located on the border with Mexico. It is along the Colorado River which makes for a wonderful ride traveling north to Lake Havasu, and if I decide to get in the international mood, I can ride south into Mexico as far or as near as I would like to go. Its all a matter of one's perception.

I would bet that Australians could make an adventure out of visiting the territories and states of Australia, New Zealanders the same with NZ, Europeans with Europe. It might not be THE (exotic) trip of a lifetime, but at least you can get out and about, and visit an out of the way place, without having to make a dramatic life altering decision in the process, such as selling everything to finance the trip. You don't end up traveling as far, but you can still have fun. It is all in how you take advantage of your current geographic location.

The sites you appreciate the least are the ones on your own doorstep, I only appreciated the beauty of where I live when some friends from finland came to stay. Then when I was away on military service for 6 months, living in the same small complex the whole time and never allowed out, then I really appreciate where I lived!

Andy

Landy101 ambie/camper
TLC H60
1968 Morris minor travelle

"The sites you appreciate the least are the ones on your own doorstep, I only appreciated the beauty of where I live when some friends from finland came to stay"

On my father's side, all of my relatives live in England, with my closest relations in Faversham. My parents and sisters live in the Los Angeles area where I grew up. My relatives seemed to all want to move to L.A. when they visited, and I could not understand why. To me, the UK was such a nicer place overall, and the bonus was the rain and cool weather (yes, really, and no, I am not crazy!). My younger sister lived in London for a couple of years trying to settle in, but she ended up moving back to L.A. when things did not work out for her. I will have to stick with my "localized" plan for a while of long day trips/weekend rides due to my young children (18 mos and 6 years old)and non-riding wife. But I will make the best of those rides, as opposed to trying to work up to one long trip around the world. (I would still like to make a trip to the UK again, but go this time with my family to visit my relatives. I would also like to tour by motorcycle there, but I am not going to hold my breath, lol).



[This message has been edited by yuma simon (edited 27 January 2006).]

What a wonderful topic.
This subject has more insight and wisdom in three pages than a 10 ft. stack of books.

I'm guessing that the author of the original letter that started this is like me,
(younger than most of the people to reply)
So soak up as much of their wisdom as you can.
If I may give my two cents worth. the one thing that I got out of all this reading is that the author of the original question, much like myself has the (American syndrome.)

We americans tend to be raised in the sense that riches are measured in possessions. I too have a hard time giving up all that I have accumulated to go live what many consider to be a richer life. I envy and admire those that are able to do so.
I think we tend to forget that we enter and leave this world naked. One of the biggest lessons that I am learning from reading these posts is from the european posts. (If I may generalize) it seems that a great number of europeans tend to live much more minimalistic than what we americans do, living in this way leaves a lot more freedom for being adventureous and traveling. And in my view, opportunities in life as well. My wife and I are just beginning to realize that our great amount of baggage in life is a lot of what is holding us back from enjoying it more.

Perhaps if you cannot commit to leaving everything maybe you should start on a smaller scale and you may find this will pacify you. If it doesn't, than at least you will know that you are one of those who will not be satisfied with simply living the typical everyday grind type or lifestyle and that maybe it is time for a larger committment.
Now if I could only come up w/ a solution for myself as easily life would be grand.

The other great lesson in these posts is the time thing, take this from someone who nearly died just a year ago. There is nothing in life that will change both your view and outlook on life than almost dying. Especially when you discover that you don't have to be old to die.
The fact that you may be dead tommorrow never quite rings home until you experience it personaly.
So live life like there's no tommorrow and plan as though there is. And remember that riches are not measured in possessions and money alone. I truly believe that many of these people who live this lifestyle are going to go to their graves a lot richer than those who live the daily grind for money and possession type wealth. I only wish I had the (you know what's) to be like them!
The re-entering society was quite interesting as well.
Thank you all, for all of the wisdom and insights posted here.

I'm sorry, but I couldn't help but to post a second reply on this one.
And realize that this may be a little off subject.

For the last 5-yrs. of my life I have fallen in to the
(can't buy a thrill category.)

I used to ride when I was younger but then gave up having a bike for several yrs.
Because I thought I couldn't afford one.
Recently an older neighbor offered me an old bike he had in a garage under a blanket for 15-yrs. (Thanks,......Norm!)
Approx. 120-125 hrs. later it is fully restored and functional.

Not only did I get great pleasure out of restoring it, the very first ride I took on it made me feel more alive than I have felt in yrs.
As I once read somewhere - You don't see very many motorcycles parked outside of a psychiatrists office!

These days if someone were to ask me I would say, how can you afford not to have a bike.
One of the greatest pieces of advice in all of these columns is the beauty that you miss right in your own back yard.

For me a days ride on the bike makes me feel like I just had a glorious vacation.
One doesn't necessarily have to ride around the world to have their senses renewed.
Nor do you have to give up everything you own to enjoy touring on a motorcycle.

This yr. I'm planning on heeding some advice I read, and shipping my bike somewhere and then riding it back.
I think that this will allow for a much greater range in my destinations while cutting down on both time and budget to be able to do so, while still alowing me to retain my (American syndrome) lifestyle as well.

The way u save money for a trip is just set a buget and stick with it. i was only 18 right outta highschool and i was able to save enough money to travel for a year around aus and southeast asia. i am now planning a trip around the world on a motorcycle and i am planning to save $70,000 for all the expences including a bike. i am only 21 now and still in school but i will have enough money to do the trip because i can stick to a buget. yes i will be making good money but i know how great travelling is living like a bum to save the money is a small price to pay for 2 years of freedom. just suck it up and save and don't make excuses

Hello,

I just stumbled onto this site today and I am VERY HAPPY! I have a question though for most of you. How do you really do it or how easily can you find work while traveling?

You see, I have been in the military for 7 years now and I don't really have that much money. I don't have any great skills nor a college education. I have dreamed, longed, prayed, wished, and everything else about just leaving and seeing the world. I know that you can hit hostels, camp, and find jobs sometimes but is there any real way to find work along the way?

I guess what I am trying to say is that I am poor. I can save up roughly $6000-$8000 USD in one year but that is it. I am 25 years old now and of course I am not getting any younger. When I seperate from the military I can get a job or go back to school. Either choice will make it to where I can't travel much. I would like to travel while I still have a strong body and as many other's have said on here; the world could end tomorrow. Could anyone offer some advice?

BTW, thank you all for this site and your posts! I have been daydreaming about traveling for years now and eveyone looks at me like I am crazy! Some scold me, some get angry (thinking that I am lying to them), others laugh it off, but no one really believes that I just want to leave. I am so happy that thier are others that are like minded out there!

[This message has been edited by Lipton (edited 25 February 2006).]

hi people

good luck to those of you on this thread I 'm sure your work out how to travel or now been given the ideas,here's a saying I like

Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body,but rather to skid in sideways totally worn out shouting HELL WHAT A RIDE!!!!!!!!!

be lucky nobby

Lipton, send me your email address




[This message has been edited by kevinrbeech (edited 26 February 2006).]

Get yourself a job rather than a career, go into work that allows you to come and go, whether it be truck driver, teacher, nurse or whatever. This way you can leave your job for six months confident in the knowledge you will get one when you get back. wether you can stick it when you get back is a different issue of course! Your military experience amy give you a lead into various jobs such as security, depend on what you did.

Andy
Landy 101 ambie/camper
TLC H60 x2!
1968 morris minor traveller

My way takes a long time, so this might not work for you. I worked a government job for 30 years and retired on their pension. That takes care of normal day-to-day expenses like the mortgage. I need a place to return to, so I don't really want to sell my house. That also gives me a place to store my vintage bikes while I'm on the road on my "new" one ('97) Real estate is also a good investment, I think. During my working years I also funded various retirement plans which I still have available when government sponsored inflation starts cutting into what the pension covers. I don't live like a king, but I do manage to keep my bills paid, and I'm able to take a month or two long trip every year or so. Once my child support is paid off (only 2 more months!) I should be able to do better than that. And you should see people's faces when you tell them you're 55 and retired. I figure I've got 10 to 15 more good touring years in me before I have to start going on a scooter. http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/wink.gif

Pippin

I am 36 and am now getting the feeling to get out and go on some trips. However, I am married, with 2 children. Rather than go all out around the world, if you read my earlier post a few posts up from yours, use your local geography to your advantage. Buy a decent bike and ride up and down the East Coast when the weather permits. Work your way up to a long trip. My plans are to obtain a cheap Chinese Zongshen 200 and ride all through Arizona, and northern Mexico. I don't think the worldwide tour is within my near future, but I will use the weekends to my advantage. We'll see what the future holds as far as a longer run (and obtaining a much more worthy bike, although seeing how far I can go on a Chinese made 200 would be an adventure in itself), but I will enjoy what I can do now, rather than dwelling on the Greg Frazier million mile rides and wondering how (and really if) I can copy such a feat. Just a suggestion.

The book 'the perfect vehicle' is a classic biog of a female biker doing just what you have suggested, taking a bike (a Guzzie) and taking regular shorter (ish) runs around the states. It's a great read and looks at many of the emotional and psychological aspects of motorcycle riding as well.

Andy

Landcruiser H60 x2
Landy 101ambie
1968 morris minor traveller!



I am 36 and am now getting the feeling to get out and go on some trips. However, I am married, with 2 children. Rather than go all out around the world, if you read my earlier post a few posts up from yours, use your local geography to your advantage. Buy a decent bike and ride up and down the East Coast when the weather permits. Work your way up to a long trip. My plans are to obtain a cheap Chinese Zongshen 200 and ride all through Arizona, and northern Mexico. I don't think the worldwide tour is within my near future, but I will use the weekends to my advantage. We'll see what the future holds as far as a longer run (and obtaining a much more worthy bike, although seeing how far I can go on a Chinese made 200 would be an adventure in itself), but I will enjoy what I can do now, rather than dwelling on the Greg Frazier million mile rides and wondering how (and really if) I can copy such a feat. Just a suggestion.</font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well, after so long I'm slowly getting there. I've just about wipedout Ebay for bits for my DR800 and I've started growing some testicles. I've spent the last 23 years in the military trying to keep aircraft from flying into each other and I have reached the end of my tether. I've had a good time mind, spent 4 years in Gibraltar, 2 years in Germany and 2 years in Cyprus. I've served from Kent up to the Highlands of Scotland and all points between. Mostly with a bike however, I think it's time to go.
The DR's ready but I think it's just the size of my testicles that are holding me back. The money is good, I already get to travel, people have tried to shoot at me or blow me up, but what can you do? Rough with the smooth I guess.
I have a loving wife (with an SZR 660), an 18 year old son (TTR 250), Ginger (the cat) and no bricks and morter.
Sod it, time to sell up the detritus of the past 23 years and make some plans.........

Good luck and a long life to all the rest who never felt they never quite fitted in.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Lipton:
[B]Hello,

snip

I guess what I am trying to say is that I am poor. I can save up roughly $6000-$8000 USD in one year but that is it. I am 25 years old now and of course I am not getting any younger. When I seperate from the military I can get a job or go back to school. Either choice will make it to where I can't travel much. I would like to travel while I still have a strong body and as many other's have said on here; the world could end tomorrow. Could anyone offer some advice?

snip

Hey Lipton, I saw Rene Cormier's costs for travelling South America were on the order of $400 per month plus bike and other incidentals. You could travel for almost two years on your $8,000 saving. Have fun dreaming and planning!



------------------
Ekke Kok
Redwood Meadows, AB
'89 R100GS
'03 R1150GS Adventure

[QUOTE]Originally posted by moggy 1968:
[B]The book 'the perfect vehicle' is a classic biog of a female biker doing just what you have suggested, taking a bike (a Guzzie) and taking regular shorter (ish) runs around the states. It's a great read and looks at many of the emotional and psychological aspects of motorcycle riding as well.

Andy

QUOTE]


I should take a look at that book. Was it more from a female angle, or a general angle? With my situation, I will have to do my rides "locally" and look into the wider spectrum as my children grow. I still have at least 17 years or so for my youngest before I can leave her, although I suspect my wife won't want to let me go so easy anytime in the future!

Hello All,

Thank you so much for the advice! I have been looking into quite a few options and I really like what I have been finding. I am looking at either 2011 or 2030 to do a RTW.
It is a while still down the road but that is life. I figure if I do everything right I will just take smaller trips and then retire around 2030 or so with enough savings to travel for a couple of years.
Then I can come back and live off of my kids or something. All in all, bright prospects for the future and I hope to meet/see you all on the road in the coming years. http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif

My wife and I are just into our 50s. Our youngest and only child still at home is due to start university later this year (A-level results permitting!). We can't rely on our current reasonable health and fitness lasting forever so I reckon we have to plan on leaving in the next 2 or 3 years or we will never get round to it. I think we would probably rent out our main UK home to try cover the mortgage while we are gone. We are fortunate that we probably just have enough savings to fund such a trip although we would be wiped out by the time we came back.

Bikes were always my escape, got fixated on Bike travel at 16, with camping trips to Cornwall, after leaving school got into work to travel thing, various bike trips getting further and further from home.........Mainly financed from living very cheaply, in 75 went out to Aussi overland by public transport. information in those days was difficult to get. I had a copy of the BIT guide, a bunch of photocopied (?) pages and that was it, best advice in that guide was to go for it. arrived in Aussi, my wife and I worked like hell for 18 months lived very simply and on the proceeds bought a BMW bike, shipped it to SrI Lanka and rode home from there, we must have been amongst the last travellers to come through Afganisatan before it closed down. Got back to Europe. stayed 2 years worked and saved, added to the 5000US money we had left from Aussi and shipped a R80 off to New York, spent around 12 months in North and South America, sold the bike In Bolivia for twice I had paid for it and used the cash to fly across the pacific (always wanted to go to Easter Island) and arrived back in Aussi. Bought an old R90/6 and punted that round Aussi, making up for the travelling we did not do the first time. We had been on the road for near on 3 years on that trip, China was just opening up, could have done it, but did not have the energy so came back to Europe.
By this time I was 'done' travelling and now went to college and got some professional qualifications and went into the kids, house etc etc thing. Now I'm separated, waiting to sort out the divorce and sticking the odd toe into the bike travel thing, off to Romania this summer, but would find it very difficult to give it all up and go off full time again.

I suppose the question is.........Would i do the same now? I would hope so, but it feels to so much more difficult now, kids seem to have to go to university, they come out with debt and there does not seem to be the same support from the state if you did come unstuck. People such as Cynthia and Lorraine do set me a very good example, I have not been to Africa and there all the bits between Russia and China that are now open................

I thought it would be years before my wife and I could afford to do a big trip. As it turns out, we are doing one this summer. We're planning a trip across Canada. Until now our trips were 2-3 days, as we both had jobs and other obligations.

As it turned our, both of us were terminated from out jobs recently (redundancy). I received a generous severance package and began looking for another job.

WAIT!!! Why are we looking to get back on the treadmill so fast? We both agreed to take things a little less seriously and enjoy our 'paid' time off. We opened a bottle of champagne and began to plan our cross country trip. We figured the jobs we will eventually have to get will be waiting for us after our 3 month adventure - whatever and wherever those jobs are! We have given notice on our apartment, will store our junk, and spending as little as possible on superfluous stuff until we depart in May '06.
It's exciting and scary - but we will have an adventure that will leave us with far more memories and experiences than the money we would have earned had we looked for jobs.

So, just when you wonder how you can do it, something comes up to allow you to - one way or another, sooner than you think.

[This message has been edited by tor1150r (edited 05 March 2006).]

It has been asked here, what if you are young and don't have a house to sell? Consider traveling by bicycle. I was able to do this when I was only 18. This is much cheaper and simpler. You'll become super fit and experience places in more detail. After the first 2 or 3 weeks the pedaling part is nothing.

Since the cycling trip I've done some motorcycle trips that lasted a few weeks, and I always felt the pinch of time and money. I started seriously thinking about how I could travel for a longer period of time while I'm still young.

Like so many others on this thread, my answer is related to real estate investment. Do not assume that this strategy is not right for you even if you are young. I scraped every penny to buy a house at age 25, and I too had travel on my mind from the start. Now 3 years later somehow the value of the house doubled. Buying a house may make you feel tied down for a while but then it can set you free. You might as well pay a mortgage rather than rent.

And I don't think you have to be bored meanwhile. I've gotten into so many hobbies during the last three years of home ownership and I know I will miss some of that when it comes time for the big adventure.

The funniest part about this is that you may look like the quintessential normal person… house, car, debt, trips to home improvement store, mowing the lawn, normal job… then one day you've got major cash in the bank and are riding off into the sunset. :-)

When I was 26 and just out of the military my dream was to take an around the world bicycle trip. I was strong, good on a bike, spoke 5 languages. Marriage happened. Trip delayed while she learned how to ride, new ideas. Whoops, babies came. 12 years later divorce. raised kids. last one finshed school. back to bike trip. money saved, maps made. three more months, still not quite 50. boom. tree came. lost arm, broken back crushed ribs, many bad things. arm sewn back. worked. no bike. learned to walk again. back to bike trip. one short one through europe. okay. another short one through europe. hmmm. money gone. college. job. remarried. back to bike trip. teaching old woman how to pedal. stroke. hmmm. motorcycle!! old woman has bad time getting on. Motorscooter! saved money. job is job for trip money, not a career. work long hours. be stingy. plan ahaed invest in bio research, early computer companies. you don't need much to begin. 100 bucks will soon turn into 2 and left alone and rolled over and added to, in 5 years 70,000 is no problem. If you work for MacDonalds at minimum wage and only have 100 dollars a month left over after everything else--invest 50. then go get another job. there is no reason you cannot work 14 hours a day--none. Saved or invested, in 5 years 200 a month can easily sustain a bicyclist for 3 years. No gasoline, no carnet, no insurance, tent, youth hostel. I rode for 23 weeks total and never spent more than 8 bucks a day average. the only time i did was to get into some attraction. you don't have to have a lot of money. just a lot of self-reliance

My wife and I are in Santiago waiting to fly home after 1 year on the road and 27000 miles (Colorado to Ushuaia and back to Santiago).

The key to this is to save hard and rent your house to have something to go back to. We sold ours as we are moving from the UK to NZ but we did not use that money for this trip. For me one year was enough, now in desparate need of using the brain, plus I think you get a little complacent with all that you see and do not fully appreciate everything. See comments from Anne who we met on the road as she sums it up well I think. http://www.annamotodiva.com

We had a weekly budget that we stayed within of US$300 (most of the time) for both of us including fuel excluding bike parts and maintenance. In expensive counties like Chile we camped a lot to cut costs. We had budgeted US$400 for the trip but did not use that, I suspect that including all bike costs (except purchase), etc we will have stayed within that US$400 but we will know in a month after updating our site and checking the accounts properly.

In a month or so we will have our website updated with all costs, etc. It got a bit behind due to tech difficulties on the road with software.

Cheers Geoff

------------------
In South America and heading to Tierra Del Fuego ETA Feb 06

There are a few ways to finance trips as has been discussed. Personally, I am not going to sell the roof over my head to finance what is in essence a holiday. In the UK it costs a lot to sell and rebuy (solicitors, estate agents, stamp duty, removals etc). Before you know it you have spent more on moving than your planned travelling budget. If you want to downsize anyway then it makes sense but if you are happy then no way!

Obviously much depends on your personal circumstances. Disposable income is what is required and this varies massively regardless of income levels.

Working part time is an excellent way to do it. Don't touch your pay and put it in a high interest account.Fifty quid a week will equate to nearly three big ones a year, take your four weeks off from work, more if you can, put enough in the bank to cover debits and disappear with the balance.

I am fortunate in that as a taxi driver I can work as much or as little as I like and take as much hols as I want. If I work hard I can make very good money so ultimately it is down to me to get my arse in the car. I am in a habitual cycle of working, saving, then travelling.

Don't forget that camping costs very little and in Europe facilities are generally superb. It need not cost a fortune. Happy travels !

[QUOTE=davemacc]
I am fortunate in that as a taxi driver QUOTE]

My Grandad used to drive a London cab years ago. He retired in the early 80's, and passed on in the late 80's. You just brought back some fond memories...

Simon

Work on the way!
 

Regarding Matt's message i want to add:

I am on your team man, and let me tell you, it can be done without having all the money beforehand, just a bit fot the start and then just let it flow.
I did it for almost 5 years. You just need time to stop for work here and there, try to work in rich countries and spend your dough in the cheap ones.
There is always underthetable jobs for those willing to, hospitality industry is good, barman or chef for instance, as well as many other jobs that can be done pretty much anywhere. If you are unafraid and not picky about entry level jobs you can do it, and it is a lot of fun.
It takes time though, but... why hurry? and mostly, why worry?
cheers
juan

we scrimped and saved and borrowed to buy a house that more than doubled in 10 years.the house was to be sold - and still will - to fund the trip but then not a course of action I would reccomend, but if you get taken out by a myopic car driver and break enough bones or other parts and - yipee for the compensation culture.now we'll be able to do the rtw trip at an enjoyable time scale and sooner than anticipated.
so what if one legs shorter than the other - i'll just have to remember to put the long one down when i stop!

You could always do it with a sidecar!!!LOL

Jeeez. I originally posted on this thread in July 2005 with the intention to being in South America in Sept 06 :(

My goal was unrealistic being £7K in debt and in a £10K a year job with scaling bills. A pyschotic girlfriend then screwed me out of another 2K and I was totally screwed with my dream floating futher and further away into the distance.

Iv had to really bite down hard and give myself a goal and decided that I was going to do the whole Pan America and then hopefully Australia right after. I wasnt going to let this consumer driven pointless 9-5 world take away my soul.

Its been 18 months after my first post on this thread im now "practically" debt free from saving, selling everything and being a total hermit. Iv had a 50% payrise working in a job I despise and living at home with mother and sister (god help me). Its total hell but now now im well on track for an 08 departure. I could go earlier but im determined to take a wedge of cash with me as im hell bent on not owing money to demonoid credit card companies and interest grabbing loan companies.

Iv got myself a 2003 XT600E and fully prepped it ready to go. Iv got all my gear and kit sorted and im now saving £500 a month and halfway through my Spanish A-level. Im holding back till Summer 08 so ill have £7 grand just for travelling. 18 months ago, I would of laughed if i could see how far iv come and how much debt iv cleared from sheer determination.

My point is (yes there is one) , it can be really really tough to find a way to follow your dreams and at times it seems totally hopless. 18 months ago I was really low and felt that I was actually moving backwards with no chance to escape and live out my dreams. Its now happening and its getting easier and easier as I tear up another credit card and im living for the day that I tell my boss to go screw himself.

My intention is to leave the UK with no debts, no girlfriend, no house and no ties. My new life starts in Summer 2008 and by god its been a long time coming

For all those "umming" & "ahhhing" about not having the means or money.. JUST DO IT... If you really want something, you can and will have it.

Ok, thats my little rant over. Get back to your beers.

Ed

Lucky Me
 

I'm in the middle of my trip. Country 36, continent 6, 57,000 miles.

I was extremely lucky.

My father died having failed dismally to spend my inheritance. Two months mater my boyfriend dumped me (he's still my best friend). Six months after that I was made redundant. I have 'gerall pension to come back to, and who the hell will employ me? My big brother (retired bank manager) thinks I'm barking.

I was nearly 50. Never have the chance again. Rented out the house (the rent doesn't cover the mortgage), put everything in storage (except bikes and the Landy which are with friends) and went.

I'll be far broker when I return than when I went, but what the hell. Spent my 50th birthday in Bangkok, 51st in La Paz (Bolivia) and 52nd in Port Aransas, Texas. Cruised to Antarctica. Sailed a racing trimaran from Port Aransas to Cancun and was then stranded on a Caribbean island over Xmas and New Year without a passport (long story), spent three months living with a family in southern Patagonia while I and my beloved (a 1985 R80G/S) mended, can't tell you.

When I'm in that Old People's Home I'll be a complete bore. But I won't ever say "I wish I'd done that when I had the chance". And I did my dream.

Only one continent to go. Has to be done. Be rude not to.

Maybe it's my age.

Just do it, and sod the rest of them.

Ted,
my sincere congratulations for posting this thread and then doing a check on yourself and still keeping the dream. I guess it is not just the journey but the preparation too that can really count.
I earn far more than you, but have only a fraction of your determined zeal to stash away the $ for my dream trip. But i'll continue to strengthen myself. It felt great to zero out two of my credit cards in the past 2 months.

Thank you all for the inspiration.

I'm just making a note so this thread is visible again as there's some priceless info on it and very relevant to another current thread....
Lorraine

paying to travel
 

it's an old question but still relevant,most of my trips i've worked as much as possible spent as little as possible on day to day stuff.in expensive countries i've hitched camped in a tent in the trees etc lived on bread and jam and coffee from my own gas cooker for 5 pounds for a week.when i got more money again i used a pushbike and could afford tinned fish,then a roadbike,cheap real luxury staying in a campsite hot shower once every 2 weeks instead of a river.now trying to pay a house off so i can rent it and live off that,just get out there,ron.:thumbup1:

Find A New Trade
 

I had a bit of money to start with but nothing near enough to finish. I was worried about how to fund the rest of the journey. I ran out of cash in Senegal and discovered that people liked the films I had been editing of my journey and was offered a professional film contract. So now I make films. I used to make computer games and before that I was a Sculptor.

Seek and ye shall find a way.

Ted,

Hope it works out for you, you've obviously made a massive effort re: finances & deserve to reap the rewards. Good luck & keep us posted on the trip.

Steve

Hi,

Thought I would add my two pence worth.

Probably not the most sensible option for funding, but we have put our flat on the market, and recently accepted an offer, so the money we have made will fund our, trip.

The question/risk is getting back on they property ladder when we get back in late 2009/early 2010...

Dan

After travelling, you probably wont want to come back so maybe not as big a problem as you think. :scooter:

Lets hope so, :cool4:

I just read all the posts and want to say first THANK YOU ALL! I needed the inspiration today, and found it here!

I had the cajones to start...its keeping going that Im finding hard. I graduated from my university after 5 years of working full time, and saving like a mad mother. I managed to get three degrees and 10k saved up to start (I worked all summer too and sold what little I had before I left). Really the hardest part was leaving my girlfriend, but that scar is healing with time.

I did it before I knew that a lot of people did it (nieve, I know), and before I had found this website. Funny to think that actually I had just heard of Jim Rodgers and Ewen McGregor doing it. I wish I had known now what I knew then...would have definatly saved a lot of time and money, but now I know and am benifiting from the collective wisdom. Im seeking it again!

My plan was the no plan plan. I didnt know if I could do a RTW trip - or if I would just find a place to live...but I knew I needed to get out and see what I was made of. Though I still cant say I know, I certainly have a much better idea...and that is a great source of confidence.

I followed where the wind blew - even when it was off the road. I wrecked once in Morocco and had my lip sewn back on by doctors who speak no english. I came close again in Czech tring to get back to Poland. But in general it has been good to me and I have rode almost completly through western europe and into the east(my orrigional half plan was to find work in spain because I speak spanish). I am now in Hungary going south to keep warm.

Anyway a bit over 3 months on the road now and Im facing some huge decisions. How can I keep going? My 10 gs has shrank to around 2.5. Im in Greece. My parents with a friend working for AA bought me a ticket home for Christmas (Im 23). My plates (export plates from germany) will expire in december, and my ADAC insurance run out. I dont know how to get new ones but I think it can be done...though costly.

Ive already sold all I own. My university education would allow me to get great paying jobs in countries where I have a visa...and am willing to stay for a few years (currently just the US and I dont really want to settle there now). I have almost no expenses except for gas and a miniscule amount for food and bike repairs (I need to get a new chain now).

I want to go through turkey down through the western part of the middle east and into africa. Any suggestions on how I can get the money to do it? Can I work on the road? I dont mind staying places for a few months...but I dont speak any of the languages in the places I will be...and tourist season is done. Ill shovel shit if I can get enough petrol for another day on the road...I just need some advice on how to find the stalls to do it in. And maybe some real numbers on what I will need to do Africa.
Thanks again to you all, and I hope to see you on the road!

i will be selling my flat, and using some of my savings to fund my trip next year . i want to move anyway as my current flat is just too big for me now ,and even after anything from six months to a year on the road, i will still have enough to buy a smaller flat when/if i come back .
it took me many years of hard work, and saving to get to this position , but now the time has come to enjoy it . i can,t wait ... :-) .

I've been thinking about taking a short ride for a while. My plan is to sell everything I have (a house with a fair bit of equity), my truck, and some of my belongings. Really, even in the down housing market I should make an acceptable amount of money to fund a trip (I hope). I want to ride through Europe (Scandinavia is a big draw) and mostly I want (NEED?) to go to Iceland. It calls to me. I don't know why; but I will go. Same thing with riding to the James Bay in Canada, this summer. It's not the most exciting place to go, but I went.

Anyhow, I initially wanted to do a 6-9 month trip. I know Europe is expensive and the dollar is worth less and less each day. It hit me that I could still accomplish some of my goals in a shorter time frame; say 3-4 months. I figure 1 month just for the Iceland portion (Assuming my bike isn't crushed in a rough ferry ride over). From there we'll see how far my money gets me. I have a friend or two in Germany and a few friends in France... so if I get to those areas I have decent places to stop for at least a few days that won't cost more than food. I may have time to ride the Alps while I'm over there.

My problem arises with returning "home". I've considered moving for some time, so this seems like the perfect opportunity; sell the house, travel, come back and buy another house elsewhere. The trouble is GETTING the new house. I start out at square one, so to speak. By the time I'm done I may very well have no money for a down payment. Do I just not worry about that; hold back a certain amount of cash to get going again upon my return... or ? I want to go, but I also know it's not going to be a multi-year tour. I will be coming back and getting some type of job, unless I find a job on my travels. I want to "put it all behind me" and just go; but I have a problem with not planning for my future. I have to think about that, at least a little. I imagine getting a job could take a month or two; should I guess how much it would cost me to live in that time period and save that amount? Anyone want to host me upon my return, while I job search? :biggrin3:

I think my "problem" may be that I've been working full-time since I was 18. I did schooling for a while, and then got an I.T. job that flew me all over the country, paid well, and led into a career. I quickly purchased a house (at 21 years old) and have lived there since. I have no debt at this point (OK, car payment and mortgage, but nothing on credit cards), and am doing well. I think I've always made the "responsible" decisions. Now I'm bored and NEED a change... but I can't let go of the responsible side.. or apparently my rambing side. :rolleyes: Help?

Debt free house?
 

How about getting a mortgage for the amount you think you will need to travel, up to the amount that you could make renting the house, and come back to it?

Regards

Nigel in NZ

I was in the same situation, a few years ago, I got to the age of 40, working in the Corporate world earning a very good income, but spending loads on mortgages, credit card bills etc. Something had to change or else that would have been my life until I retired.

Step 1.

I decided i had to make a change..So I sold everything cleared all my debts and moved my wife and family to Spain with only what would fit into the back of the car. We now rent , have do debts and have no ties to any one place.

Step 2 is to create an income that isn't dependent on me working every day and that can be maintained by logging onto the internet for a few hours every week. Step 2 is 50% complete.

Step 3 will be to just travel and see what happens. We'll probably start off with a few 6 months trips around europe and the americas then go for a full RTW with no itinery just a map and a laptop.

Hey, old thread...but if you have skills that let you move from place to place...what about living in an RV? Escapees.com is a good place to start.
and not only "old"people live in rv's...
Mary aka Krashdragon

Wealth?
 

There are some insparational stories on this thread and I wanted to thank everyone for their posts. I love the Idea posted by Jef Imans about working for a Humanitarian NGO. Traveling and making a difference. If anyone has any personal experience with working for an NGO please contact me.
aglobetreker@gmail.com

Measure your wealth not by how big your bank account is, but by the quality of your life.

Andrew

Another way is by finding the right job. In the industry I work in, it is very possible to work a rotational schedule where you can do something like work a month, get a month off. What the company does is provide you with a plane ticket to anywhere in the world... and a plane ticket BACK to your job site.

Downside is that my biz is about as far from humanitarian as you get: Hydrocarbon exploration - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

But there is potential to get paid a bunch of money and live a lifestyle that provides lots of travel opportunities. Plus, alot of the exploration is done in interesting parts of the globe.

Too bad I live/work in Houston :funmeterno:

I know people have talked about the return to civilisation - and I know we were only in europe (so fairly comfy really) for 6 months but even so, coming back has been hard........in fact the only one who really enjoys being back is the dog!

We've both found work - both part-time, by choice - because after the time away, we thought going back to the 9 to 5 would really have a bad affect on us.

The silly thing that has been worst for me is separation from my other half - we were together literally 24/7 for 6 months - we had plans in place for the arguments - but there were none:clap:

But once we came back - along with all our normal responsibilities - suddenly we saw a lot less of each other.

Last time we funded the trip from three years of hard saving - I don't think we can wait three years for the next trip - so there could be some car boot sales to be done!

Im now on the last day of my 7 month South American venture. Im sitting in an apartment in Bogota waiting to book my cab to the airport...

I started in England with just my bike and ZERO money..

Now I owe £12,000 to the bank !!

I couldnt wait to save the cash so I borrowed it.... Do I regret it ???

Nope, not at all. Its been worth every single penny.

I now have 2 months of debt clearing ahead of me while I plan my next trip. If your sensible with borrowing money, then its not a bad idea. Learn about credit card shuffling and how to get cheap loans.. Just never borrow more than you can comfortably afford to pay back (even if its working in a bar at weekends)

The way I see it, you could be hit by a bus tomorrow or diagnosed with a terminal illness..

In the words of Bonjovi: "Ill live when im alive, Ill sleep when im dead" :innocent:

Dodgy Work,
 

Hey,
I'm funding my RTW with the skills I picked up in the Army and some say it's quite extreme but it's working...... so far!
I'm doing 'Private Security' in Iraq for various agencies and being paid a princley sum per month which will enable me to have the money required for the trip in no time. I'm finishing in Sept with a $100K in my account after 8 months. Not everyones cup of tea but I suppose it depends on how badly you want the trip of a lifetime. Keeping your life and bodyparts helps too but hey!... I could fall off the bike on the first day and 'Exit stage left..!'

Impressive, Geoffshing! If I had a security background I'd try Iraq as well.

For anybody: sell your car in West Africa with a profit. Bring back some Dogon masks or diamonds and sell back home. Trade anything that is small to take along, but produces big margins. Publish a press article. Get sponsorship from your local travel agent / expedition shop.

Most important: don't mix with backpackers or villagers. Stay in the lobbies of the best hotels and wait for the lucky contact.

A RTW-trip is the best university one can attend.

Hi Ted
 

Hi Ted

I’ve been following your trip from the first posting on your site. Glad you had a good time and I’m looking forward to your second mission :) I’ve got two years saving before I go, my situation now is very similar too yours before you started planning.

How the F:censored:ing hell are you going to clear 12k in that time? If you tell me that secret I won’t have two years saving!:eek3:

What’s it like being home after that long mate ?

Shaun

Oooops !! I meant 2 years :rofl:

Being home !! Ya know, its not as bad as I thought it would be but thats probably because im so busy catching up with friends and family and not back at work yet. I've thrown myself into a bike restoration and already trying to make plans for some other smaller trips this year (just to stay sane).

I never thought id say this, but i acutally missed England and iv learnt to appreciate what there is going here. As much as we all complain, its not a bad place to live and after seeing how some people live and suffer, i think we dont have any scope or right to complain whatsoever !!

Well, i really hope you stay strong and make it out there. I know you can and probably will :thumbup1:

Ted

thanks ted
 

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I’m sure I will make ‘go date’ which at the moment is March 2011. It’s still a long way off but, you know the story. In September 2007 it ALL seemed like an impossible dream but, I’ve moved back in with the folks and now I’m spending loads of money on prep.

I didn’t plan on moving home it just worked out that way, and since September I’ve been buying books and maps and researching every spare moment I’ve got. In February this year I sold my FZS 600 Fazer which paid for THE bike, a nice 2003 TT600RE – since then I’ve done the following...

Aluminium Panniers
Pannier locks
Rear Rack
Pannier Racks
Pannier Mounting Kit
Centre Stand
Crash Bars
handle bar risers
20L Long Range Tank (second hand)
CRD Sump Guard
Acerbis Rallye Handguards and Fitting Kit

Sheep Skin Cover
12v Outlet
Zumo GPS

2 man tent
Sleeping bag
Sleeping mat
Coleman 533 Stove
other camping bits

ALL the tools

Most of my new rider kit and a few more bits, including $1000 in cash…

I’ve still gotten 500 on one card and 1900 on the other but, now the preps almost done its head down and pay them off.

I recon by December I will have paid off both cards and one loan, leaving another loan to get sorted over the years 09 and 10 while saving the 8k for my dream trip. I’m 44 so living at home is HELL sometimes :rolleyes2: at least if I do move out in the next couple years I’ll have the bike and all the kit I need, with most of my bills paid off.

I’m still in Debt the same amount I was in September last year but, Christmas this year will be a happier story. Two cards and one loan at zero with an overlander parked outside and all the kit needed for my ride into Mongolia, then the ROB

It still seems a long way off but I’m making inroads, at least now when I look at all my stuff the dream is very real. Work now has a purpose and the bills don’t seem as bad because, I can pay off 350/400 a month with what I’m saving on rent. Thanks mum :clap: I still pay rent, just not as much.

Regards
Shaun

great thread to keep returning to...
 

This thread has always been an inspiration for me in the past 1-2 years. When i first checked in here, i was neck deep in credit card loans and other financial obligations besides earning a not-so-well paying job. I never once imagined i'd see the end of the financial tunnel.
But things changed for the better. I moved to california to a welll-paying contract. the credit cards are paid off completely, the car and one bike are paid off as well. Am still single ;-)
I took a trip down to mexico this past december and came away with not too much $ damages.
Now, i have $7k in the bank waiting for a trip to central america this year-end.

My point?
Just that it is important to keep the faith. And keep trying. We'll all eventually make the $ to do the lifetime trip.

shridhar

getting close !
 

well, after years of dreaming about my big trip , the house is up for sale !!! with the profits made from the sale of my place i will be able to spend six months or a year on my bike , going to all the places i have so far only dreamed about , and i will still have enough to buy a smaller place when or if i decide to come back . is it possible to be incredibly excited and maybe a little nervous at the same time ? . i have not felt like this since i was a little kid on christmas eve .....

im kind of in the same boat as Geoff...im working in Iraq till September 2009 then coming home and starting my travels with hopefully 100k in savings. of course i gotta spend lots of time with the family cuz ive been over here 2 years so far with one more to go.

that's how i hope to pay for it all...3 years in the desert saving money. i have no debt from credit cards, loans, or vehicles, they are all paid. i will have my house paid off next month. i dont plan on selling all that when i go just in case something happens and i have to come home early or anything. plus if i dont find a place id like to settle down more then i'll just go home.

obviously im not gonna spend anywhere close to my savings in a year or two but if i do feel like i am spending too much and want a job i dont think it will be too hard since i work with computers. im traveling to central/south america and will learn spanish before i go, ive already started. computers are universal so it wont be much of a change, just different language.

my only real advice to add, which has already said im sure since i didnt read everything, is that do what you can while you can. there will come that day when you get too old or limited physically where you cant do it anymore. the last thing you want on your mind as your growing old is what you should have done and how you missed out. plus you'll have plenty of stories to tell the kids and grand kids....

Done it!
 

Well I've managed to do it!
I've got the required money in the bank and my last salary being paid in soon and that's me out of Iraq in the morning!! :clap:Not quite the amount I was looking for but have $50K (and $20K back-up) and a month to do the final prep and visas before heading off into the sun with the bike!! Whey-Hey!
I know to some people it sounds bad of me saying I only have that much but as the thread initally asked 'How do you afford it?' IMHO it comes down to how much do you really want it? I really wanted it and even risked my life to pay for it.
Extreme..? Yes, I now hope it was all worth it. On the travels I'll be thinking of ways to pay for the next trip without having to go back to the desert! :palm:

(Afplayboy....... keep your head down, powder dry and run fast!)

I've had a change of heart about borrowing money....

DONT DO IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I borrowed £7,000 for my trip which I took out as a 5 year personal loan. I also managed to use £5,000 on my credit card (£2500 just for Antartica etc)..

I really really wish that I didnt have this debt hanging over me. The loan payments are not a financial issue to me as long as I have a job, but THAT'S WHAT I HATE !!!

I don't have the financial freedom to just leave on another trip or tell my boss to screw himself. Im now a total prisoner to my direct debits and will be for a few years.

I really really urge people to save, sell, skrimp and steal rather than borrow a large amount of money which can take years to pay back. There is nothing worse than coming back home with a huge sense of freedom and adventure and being even more trapped and than you were before you left.

I met many people on the road who borrowed money like me. Now we're all home, we all feel the same way.

i am in the process of selling my house , and going off on a trip lasting anything from six months to a year , i hated the thought of coming home to a huge credit card bill , so i looked into getting a prepaid card , it seem,s that all you do is pay the money up front , and then you can use it just like an ordinary credit card , so no monthly direct debits to deal with , and no ever increasing interest payments to deal with either , and you can keep track of what you are spending . more info here Compare prepaid credit card fees online. Which prepaid cards

I’d second the vote against borrowing cash if you can avoid it. I recently went away for 12 months backpacking – no biking though apart from the odd day’s Honda Baja hire in Thailand and Laos. Again it all comes down to your circumstances but I had been saving for quite a while and took voluntary redundancy a couple of years before I left (then I had another job).
While I was away I was fortunate to have the luxury of not working (except three months volunteering which cost some cash), and not having to budget in the slightest. I could have done the trip far cheaper, but I never went overboard on things like accommodation, used a lot of local transport but I did manage to do loads of diving, socialising, buying stuff, parachuting etc without having to worry about having to earn that money back at a later date, or work in some sh!tty job for 6 weeks to be able to afford it.

After I came back it took me a while to kick my @ss into the world of working again and then I blew a lot of previous savings I had (bad move in hindsight)…..

So – borrow money if you have to and are happy with this decision, but make sure you balance that off with not having to worry about paying off that beer you are about to buy, and not being able to do some things on your travels as you are worried about the debt you’ll build up. As pointed out, it also leaves you a lot more flexibility about what you can do in the future. And if you want to, you can still do that sh!tty job for 6 weeks if you get the opportunity, and keep your stash to extend your trip another 6 weeks!

Opposite end of the spectrum to Ted
 

So, I may have even posted ealier regarding this. We decided we were going to drive round the wrold about 2.5 years ago and have been saving hard since. Still got 8 months to go, but when we leave we will have enough money to be away from 3 years, and plans in place to extend our trip. the first thing we did was examine our finances, cancel all stupid spending and pay off our credit cards etc. Now, instead of paying 100s of pounds of interest each month on lioans and credit cards, we are receiving £100+ in interest!

I suppose what I am trying to say is that it is hard putting the money away, but if you change your lifestyle you can do it, and it soon brings it's own rewards. On top of that we are going to be set for a LONG time, and come back with no debt. There is even a chance that within ten years we will be able to continue non stop. I think if you do take the instant access route, this will never happen.

the other thing is, if you are saving, you can still enjoy this lifestyle, but jsut do it in your OWN country! Camping is pretty much free, and there is loads to discover on your own doorstep.

Anyhow, I'll update just before we leave with how the 3+ years has gone.

Good luck to all the dreamers!

What a very interesting thread. This is one of the first things that struck me when I first found this site. How the hell do people get the time and the money.

From reading through this all is now apparent.

I am realtively new to biking and to travel. Infact I had very little interest in travel other than the typical summer beach holiday until I got my bike licence. Just 2 months after passing my test I was heading off on a 2 week trip to Spain.

Now I am out in Iraq for 6 months I have quite a bit of time to think about my future. Career, House, Girlfriend, Travel etc. Not necessarily in that order. Oner thing for sure is out here I am saving more money in 6 months than I ever have manged in 2+ years before. SO the debts are paid and I am looking to get a new bike on my return to Blighty.

I will have a job to go to when I get back though and at the moment am concerned about taking a couple of months off as I would more than likely have to resign. With having the mortgage I would want the security of a job upon my return. Although I am renting a room so that is generating some extra income but is not enough to meet the mortgage payment.

Initially I am looking at possibly 2 - 3 week blocks off work and then just covering Europe in segments. In 3 - 4 years I should be able to see every country in Europe up to and including a visit to Moscow & St Petersburg. I just find my head constantly buried in a map looking at various routes. Being young at 27 I have no need to really make the jump for the big trip as there is plenty of time to save and plan. Which make me interested as to how old (young) :D you travellers are. :mchappy:

So the plan is various routes across europe.
Then UK - Aus
Alaska - South America
Africa

A sort of gradual world trip. As others have said I am sure it would be a lot cheaper than going to each country seperate for the annual summer holiday whilst also getting to experience a lot more of the cultures and also get to see a hell of a lot more.

Enough from me. Safe travel all :Beach:

I married "up"! :thumbup1: Works for me!!! :whistling:

My plan and a question...
 

I am taking the same route that a few others have mentioned on saving up money.

Working in Iraq. I just finished up one stint that allowed me to pay off all debt from college. My next stint will be my savings for the trip I am planning. I estimate to have about 100k US saved up after having my bike purchased and prepped for the trip and all the travel gear I need.

My question is about work. I really don't plan on limiting myself b/c of a lack of money. I want to enjoy myself while I'm young and have no obligations. I like to drink, I like to eat good food, and I like adventure. That's what the trip is about.

I am a licensed engineer back in the states and figure that I can do some consulting or technical work abroad if I need more money. Does anyone here have any suggestions on where to look for engineering jobs abroad?

It appears spending months/years of your life getting shot at is the best way to save money!

That is at least 6 of us who have spent varying amounts of time in Iraq. I spent 10 months there is two stints, and saved enough to facilitate the next couple of years travelling. No food costs, no boozing costs, no rent, and nothing to do, good recipe for saving money!

Get that one way flight to Baghdad booked!:scooter:

Joel

Yeah - the U.S. wanted to save money on the military, got rid of all but the "fighting man" (or woman), and the rest are contractors, paid for at way over-inflated prices by the U.S. taxpayer (me).

I want to scream whenever I read one of these - I'll be paying for your trip, and all the other contractors trips - for a long time.

No need for screaming.

I've also paid extortionate amounts of tax in my career, and feel I have earned the money. I've taken very little from my country, and think I have given quite a lot back.

The money is there for anyone who is willing to go and get it. I don't set the wages, besdes, anyone who would go out there for pennies needs their head examining (imo).

Should anyone who has been in the employment of any government be denied the right to spend their hard earned cash in the best way they see fit, just because of its origin? Where does that stop, can civil servants or regular soldiers spend it how they see fit? Can binmen and local councillers?

I also worked for the Brits, so no Yank tax dollars have directly funded my trips, if that is any consolation.

Joel

I do enjoy your little rants :) !!!

Hows the road treating you in deapest darkest Africa ??

bored,bored,bored ! i have spent years dreaming about going off on my big trip , worked hard just paid off the mortgage , with plan,s to sell up and ride off into the sunset with not a care in the world , and what happen,s ? the bloody credit crunch / recession , nobody is buying and i am stuck here until somebody buy,s my place ! AAARRRGGGHHH , i will say it again ..AAAARRRGGGHHH ! let me outta here !

Just do it
 

Hi up there in Glasgow. Why not just do a smaller trip? There's no need for it to be the biggest, but all trips can hit the spot. Mondo Enduro's moto is reputedly, " Time spent planning is time wasted". Linzi.

I'm not a big spender and never have been, with the result that I've never been in debt other than the occasional use of my overdraft when an invoice gets paid late. So now I have some savings, but also a relationship where, while I could just go and he'd still be here when I get back, I don't want to just go and do my thing leaving him to work and pay off his debts.

So... I'm investing in his career change: he also wants to be a private contractor, but in landmine clearance. He's been saving for the course, I'm making up the shortfall so it happens sooner rather than later (bit of a dent to his manly pride there!!). Then, if all goes well, he goes off and earns lots of money in stints of a few months at a time. I get to spend that money :innocent:

We're both very independent, so while he's off doing his thing I'll be doing mine, then when his contracts end we spend a few months together before starting all over again. (whilst both technically British, we both grew up abroad, so don't particularly feel we have to base ourselves here)

So kind of a mix of lots of the options mentioned: investment, danger money, keeping the other half happy while you go off and play, and marrying the money! :D After all, if he's going to make me worry about how many limbs he has left I figure I deserve some travelling money to take my mind off it!

Mind you, if it weren't for him I'd probably be gone by now, always been tempted by just upping and leaving and sorting things out as you go along...:mchappy:

Laura

Home prices here have dropped about 15% or more in the last year. But RENTS are UP. Could you rent your place out? This would provide steady income while you are on the road.

I would wait this thing out before selling. It will be AT LEAST a five year long
depression. (it's way beyond a recession now). Europe may be hit harder than the USA. Good time to leave.

Best,

Patrick :Beach:

Foot Loose!
 

Hi Luara, bad joke on land mine clearing. Sorry. Can you tell me anything about this as employment please? I am ex military but difinitely not after danger for the sake of it, only fishing for any ways of making money. Thanks, Linzi.

Since your partner will be going to "strange and exotic" places to ferret out mines, why not go along? Get hold of a bike, and explore the country your in while he's getting paid? Cambodia could use his help from my own experience there.
Maybe someone should train the locals in mine extraction
instead of hiring overpaid foreigners to do a job they could do better themselves? :confused1:

The so called "experts" we met (Brits, btw) there had "native" workers actually getting in up close and personal with the munitions, while they stood back the barked orders:innocent:

I was in Cambodia filming in the early 90's, at one point we were very near the Angor Wat ruin .... which was shut due to ..... MINES. Some Russians (technical Advisors) had been blown up a few days before around the ruin.

We used a lesser site for our stand up piece and went back to Phenom Phen
and drank beer with our minders.

What a great country to bike around! I was stuck in a UNICEF Landcruiser most of the time.

Patrick :scooter:
"No Sound Too Big"

That would make sense if only i had not spent my last penny paying off the mortgage ! i was counting on the sale of my house to cover the cost of the carnet . also you are quite right about this depression lasting for about five years . at 43 i feel that it,s now or never , especialy since a mate of mine who was only two years older than me ,recently dropped dead from a massive heart attack !!! . i am not going to wait another few year,s . I guess that i should not complain too much , when many people are struggling to keep a roof over them and their families head,s . oh well ! back to watching the horizons unlimited dvd ... the acheivable dream ... i have most of it memorised by now . back to dreaming ...

Also an option - I thought of setting myself a challenge, no matter where he's sent in the world I have to ride there before the contract runs out! Balkans, easy, Cambodia, hope it's a longer one! Kind of like a permanent treasure hunt... :D

Re use of foreigners vs locals, I think it depends where you go - the training he's off to do is in Kenya, and run by the Kenyan army, so that's a reverse situation. Problem is that training in disposal requires using explosives, so it's expensive, where training to find them doesn't, so isn't - hence why foreigners can pay their own money to train in disposal, which locals often can't afford, and charities feel they're helping out by getting locals trained to find the things. Far from ideal I agree. Although apparently now they use rats in some places, cos the rats can smell them!!

Linzi will send you a PM with the places the boyfriend found for info on it.

Laura

Rats? :eek3: WOW! Now that is ingenious. I thought I'd heard of this but would be fascinating to see in action! I may have found a new calling:

"Official Rat Wrangler" :rofl:

B A N G! Whoops, there goes Willard!

You two have a great time in your adventures!

Patrick :palm:

Apparently it's a particular breed of rat, can't remember which one. Although no-one seems quite sure how they let you know they've found a mine... :confused1: Maybe it's like bees, they run around for a bit then come back and do a dance!!!

Antarctic work makes great savings!
 

Hi everyone, I've spent all week reading this fantastic thread and have finally finished! Not that fussed about the 'how do you do it' side of things right now, as we are already 6 months into hard savings with 6 months to go to our big trip (Africa, South and Central America for at least 18 months starting July 2008). However, it's been really intersting to read how others are doing it, and see the similarities (or not) to our situation, as only a short time ago I was wondering 'how can we do it!!'

Really, a point comes in your life where you decide it's time to go and suddenly nothing else is as important anymore. You reassess what you're doing in your life and what you really need to spend money on (or really, not!), and start saving! For us, that turning point was the 2008 HUUK meet when we realised we had 12 months left working in the UK, that was plenty of time to save up and finish the bike travel preparation we'd already been doing to equip oursleves better for smaller trips, hubbie was ready for a career change, and we could celebrate 10 years since our 1999 world backpacking trip! We've been saving so well that our original thought of 6-12 months is now at least 18 months. If we didn't have a shed full of stuff stored in Oz, we wouldn't have a tie in the world and there wouldn't be an endpoint! Such is life (and yes, we're looking for ways to sort that out but it's looking unlikely...)

So my only addition was to suggest people look into Antarctic service. I know both Oz and UK employ tradespeople to work on their bases throughout the year (I'm sure USA and others do too). I've had personal experience working in the Oz Antarctic, and the tradies there got a great deal - zone tax break, no living expenses at all, usually 12 month contracts (sometimes longer). Guys I worked with were either single and making enormous pay-offs on their house loans, or had a family at home they supported and still raked it in. If you're single and wanting to save for a big world trip, it's definitely an option! It's not just tradies either (electricians, carpenters, plumbers, diesel mechanics) but also station leaders, communications officers, electronics engineers, physicists and meteorologists (they could never get enough people for this job right across Oz!). Us poor bum scientists usually go as volunteers or PhD students and make no money :thumbdown:

Good luck to everyone who reads this and makes the jump into the uncertainty of the travelling life!

Tam (sorry for the essay)

That's great info. I was lucky enough to do two tours at USA's Palmer Station, Antarctica on Anvers' Island back in the 70's. After my Winter over I came home to about $30,000 saved .... that was in 1978, a lot of money back then. I'm sure pay has gone way up by now. My two tours also allowed a lot of exploring in S. America after I cashed in my pricey full fare air ticket for cash and went over land.

Lots of Brits work in the middle east and some Americans too. One friend is doing some IT work in the UAE for a US company. He'll be there two years and will make about $200,000 a year!

Much better to go to the Antarctic as a trades person rather than a science person. As Tam mentions ... Scientist and their undergrads don't get paid squat.

I was the Field Party Coordinator at Palmer Station and ran a fleet of Zodiac boats and supported the scientists doing studies on various islands near the station. Studies included Bird and Penguin, Krill, Ice fish, Phyto- Plankton, insects, seals and Whales. Also worked on two movies and supported divers.
Great job.

Now days they have TWO guys doing this job (or so I've heard (Summer only), or so I've heard. Only problem, Raytheon :nono: hold the contract to run the US stations now under US govt.'s National Science Foundation. Raytheon make missiles and other very evil secret weapons, which should all be banished from this earth. Somehow with Raytheon in charge I just don't trust anything going on there now. I would bet much of the research is now weapons related.

My last year they were already doing secret Radar projects, Upper atmospherics laser tests, and a big VLF (Very Low Frequency) experiment used in Submarine tracking/detection. (now obsolete).
So even in 1979 they were dead set on destroying paradise
and had plenty of willing toadies .... who would do anything for money.

Patrick :scooter:

What a fantastic thread for a late afternoon in February, stuck in the office and dreaming of riding off over the horizon!

Over the years I bought into the 9 to 5 routine and of course it doesn't take long before you want the trappings to go with that routine. A new car, a better place to live, holidays etc. Before you know it instead of you owning your lifestyle, your lifestyle owns you. :thumbdown:

I've been invited onto a trip this spring and can only do the European section because my past record of instant gratification has meant I cant afford to do the whole thing. I'm not complaining though because I'm slowly but surely paying off my debts and will get to have a 3 week adventure with some great people in some of Europe's most amazing scenery and I've no doubt it will leave me with a hunger for more!

For the record I'm selling a lot of my unused possessions on ebay.

necessity is the mother of invention as they say :mchappy:

Scale Down
 

Another approach to travel is to go more cheaply. Fair enough if someone wants to use expensive gear and travel expensively and can afford it, but it can also be done on a much tighter budget. It would be a chance for a rich city type for instance to live a complete adventure if they used a second hand, small bike and camped rather than the obvious top shelf style. Or to throw off the years and make like a kid again. Just travel. Linzi.

Very true...

my first big trip I went totally overboard (although nowhere near to the levels of some people).. I was so obsessed with having the best kit and all the gear for every eventuality..

I guess we all get back from our travels regretting money spent on many totally useless and redundent items..

My current travel bike has cost me £2500 and thats prepped !! Bar petrol money, im ready to go ! :)

People, dont get obsessed thinking you need £10,000 and 3 aluminium panniers full of water purifiers and satalite phones etc !!

Iv seen more than a few people here say they would go if they could afford it and then talk about the £800 GPS and £1500 shiney pannier set they've just bought for "the weekend" ;)

Selling both cars and both sports bikes 25/30 K, already brought the travel bikes and 80% of kit so by August the house should be well and truely rented and we'll be off. When we get back if we need cars for work we'll buy a couple of old knackers until we have enough for something better and then the five year cycle will start all over again :D

Spent ages reading this thread and its really good to heard how all of you guys have done it. I feel I have some what of a different situation that i am in.

Im currently 23, just finished 4 years of uni a year ago and have been working for a year now as a Structural Engineer. My wage im on isnt much above minimum as i live in a small town and still have 2 years part time uni to complete before ive finished most my training to become professional, so that is priority in my life just now.

I also treated myself to a brand new bike on finance in april last year (before the credit crunch struck hard) and so im paying for that for the next year and a half. Ive reached a point in my life where i realise that if i want to do a big bike trip im gonna have to do it in the next 3 or 4 years as me and the better half will most likely want to start a family (no rushing ofcourse hehe) in 5 or so years.

So....With minimal money coming in...too much going out on student debt, rent, bills, keeping the gf happy and silly bike payments i simply dont have much cash to save. But....light at the end of the tunnel...once the bike is payed off i will have a decent machine for a trip, and if i dont want to use it i can sell it and get something cheaper and have some cash in the fund. I will save little and often just now and start saving more in a year and half when i have less going out.

So fingers crossed i can get the money together and do it, otherwise it may well be a long long while away. I can see myself in a couple years being fed up of the 9 to 5 as im an impatient bugger at the best of times so my determination will, hopefully, get this thing DONE!!!
:scooter:

6 weeks to go and we fly into Heathrow from Oz. Bike is already on it's way over by ship and our big reunion is on the 5th May in Felixstowe.

Life takes on a whole new dimension when you sell everything. What we own now has to fit in the two panniers, 1 top box and a tankbag on the Triumph Tiger. This includes a good set of clothes, a dagy set of clothes, wet weather gear, a few basic tools for bike, computer (acer aspire one netbook) canon dslr and lenses+ lumix compact, required power pack/chargers and a few other bits and peices.

If it dosn't fit in them then we don't need it. We travel, we stay with friends and family, I'm handy with repairs and building things, Di is a fantastic cook so while we are staying with people we pay our way, I build and repair and Di cooks and takes over the house work and people never want us to leave.

Life is now amazingly simple. If we need to we pick up some part time work, Di waitressing, me mowing lawns or doing some handyman stuff. We now live by the KISS principle, Keep It Simple Stupid.

It works for us and works wonderfully well.

Ace
 

Fascinating stuff!
I did something else. I sold all the crap, rented my house and.....moved to Asia!

Here, I can earn very good money, relatively!, live cheaply and save. I am immersing myself in a different culture, learning languages and making great friends. When my contract is over, I am free and SE Asia is on the doorstep.
Of course, every weekend there is somewhere new to explore.

I fell in love with the place back in 2003 and thought to myself, how can I finance this? I'm a bike mechanic by trade but so is every Tom, Dick and Hoang here so that's not an option. What can I do, I thought? I went to University, got a degree, did a CELTA and now I teach English.

It's not an impossible dream. I think flexibility is the key. I thought the landmine clearing idea was fantastic. An honest day's pay for a worthwhile job. The locals here in Vietnam do this for scrap money like the pikeys lifting scrap cars back home, but the return is much less and infinitely more risky. I think there is more UXO here than anywhere else on the planet.

What about the NGO's? Someone mentioned that too, my apologies for not remembering your name. A third world country is not a 'nanny state'. If you are blind, you starve, if you have learning difficulties, you starve. If you stepped on something that shouldn't be there, you starve. Working for an NGO, you won't be able to drink champagne or buy new games for your X box but you will make a difference and....you won't starve. Best of all you'll be there, where you want to be. You'll have plenty of time to prep your bike, pore over maps, get accustomed to the culture and climate....time is so precious I have found.

I suppose there are two 'camps' of thought, of which I subscribe to the latter, and both are remarkable:
There are those who wish to see as much as they can in the time afforded them and those who make the time to see as much as they can.
I suggest that savings and bank loans are handy but not a necessity to travel. I mentioned that I rented my house but I don't really call that an income, more of a retirement plan! Who knows what may be around the corner.

Everyone has skills and most don't appreciate them. If you can ride a bike, you can navigate your way through a toolbox or have computer literacy then you'll have a job. I quickly appreciated that in a third world country even the most basic of skills are highly valued. Hey, you're a native speaker, you can teach English!

I hope folks find this as written. It's not a lecture but an attempt at encouragement and an effort to fight procrastination!
There are always ways and means and if you want it badly enough, you'll find them.

how I ve done it
 

how I ve done it in the past. eat cheap food that is good. Rice, etc. bake your own bread with a bread maker. save 400.00 a year. Cook with a slow cooker and eat the same dinner for 3 or 4 days. Helps that I was a chief at one time. Stop buying things that I don't need to save. Make your own coffee. In two years that can be 2 or 3 grand. How you live. Can you handle a small cheap room with someone else?! save 3 grand or more there if you rent. My Job skills that can be use anywhere. Security, window cleaner , cook, janitor, truck driver, taxie driver, limo driver , computer tec. Yep I get bored every 3 or 4 years and change what I do. I ve camped out for up to 3 months to save money. Gone to the exstream at that time of washing up in lockable washrooms. If I couldn't afford a bike , I would hitch hike to go where I wanted. If you want a place to come back to consider building one of these rolling cabins. Gypsy Rose Many varations on it can be made with an old trailer trailer frame or flat deck trailer. 16 x 8 trailer or smaller. If you look on the site somewhere there is even one that uses shipping pallet as most of the framing. Build one and you can stay in a friends yards for cheap. How much lumber can be had for free? Trailer frame? Craglist maybe? Dream don't die just the dreamer. The greatest thing in the world that defeats all to many people is how they think. As long as you think you can and it's posible and worth it then you will do it.
davek:scooter::D:clap::blushing::palm::funmeteryes :

Does anybody could tell me if the budget I made for my next trip is realistic or not ?

The trip:
- France to Tunisia by boat
- Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, stopping in Cairo for a few weeks (I have relative there)
- then Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambic, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa.
- then flight from South Africa to India with the bike
- then from India to France throught Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, etc...

I'll ride two-up with my girlfriend on a KTM990adv. The trip will last from 10 to 12 months. We've already been in almost 30 countries with that bike (> 110.000km), I know how to maintain it, how to take care of it, in which condition it is, etc... so we *should* not have problems with that bike... I mean nothing impossible to fix...

We're gonna do it on the cheap, with a lot of camping, cooking ourselves, etc. Nothing but a 5 stars trip! We are 24 and 30 so we don't care a lot about comfort...

As we already spent quite sometime on the road we already have all the gear for us and the bike, nothing to buy.

The budget:
- boat from France to Tunisia: 700euros
- flight from South Africa to India (2 persons and a bike): 2500euros
- parts for the bike (tyres, oil, etc): 1500euros
- fuel: 6.5L/100km during 40.000km = 2600L with an average of 1.2euros per liter = 3120euros
- 40euros/day (without fuel) for 305 days (10 months) = 12200euros
- paperwork (visas, carnet, insurances at borders, etc): 1000euros
- additionals savings "in case of": 3000euros

Total: 24000euros

We hope to spend less but that's the money we would like to have on our bank account before we leave. I always like to leave with more money than we need so that we know we won't run out of money in the middle of India or be in trouble if we need to book an emergency flight back to home...

Does it sounds good to you ? Way too much ? Way not enough ? Almost correct ?

This is an interesting thread!

I'm 34, wife is 27. We are planning Trans Africa next year, taking 10 to 12 months and then she wants to do the career thing. I don't argue, cause I know she'll get over it within a few months of getting to the UK and then we can make plans for the next trip and how to finance it.

Finances: Well, we were lucky enough to buy a house in South Africa and get about 24% growth per year for two years before the recession. We were also lucky enough to have a huge deposit to put down so we have a minuscule mortgage to deal with. We have been traveling on short trips for a while, so we're pretty much geared up and ready apart from a few small things because of changing our vehicle.

I'm a photographer/videographer and write some travel articles for magazines. This does give me the advantage to work while we are travelling and hopefully get some money back after the trip.

I have to say though, if it was not for this house and our investment in it, we would not have been able to do this at all! We are planning on settling in the UK for a while, earning the pounds instead of South African Rands, so selling up and moving on is the plan right now.

I can do this route three times with this budget:scooter:

I just want to be sure my budget is over estimated, not under :thumbup1:

Flaw in the plan
 

Update: This plan only works if the bastard doesn't dump you once he's taken the money and done the training.

:nono:

Yeah OK maybe that was an obvious flaw. :stupid:

But hey, on the flip side, I've just done 14000 miles and 4 months in Europe for about £3500 excluding the bike (but I get to keep or sell that), I'm back for 6 weeks then off to Indonesia getting paid to work for Rough Guides, then back for 5 weeks before spending Xmas working for my little sister who's a zoologist in Botswana.

:clap:

Moral of the story: work with what you've got rather than focusing on what you think you should have, learn to stand on your own 2 feet and pick yourself up no matter what happens (that's literally as well as figuratively, 65kg me vs 250kg bike on its side...), and things will sort themselves out.

Laura :mchappy:

Wise words Laura ..

Please let us know how you got on in Indonesia .. as this country is on my 'optional' list.

Thanks




.

Patience
 

Hi all, Please forgive the length of this rambling but after reading every single entry in this topic over a good few days, I felt I had to throw my tuppence worth in.

Some years ago back in the early 70’s when I was 17 and I was scrubbing around on a BSA 175 Bantam, I decided I wanted to go around the world. I also wanted to go on a Triumph Daytona. I have no idea why a Daytona? It just sounded so glamorous and was a large bike at 500 cc. As some have said in other posts, not so long before those days a 500 was a real big bike ridden by men and anything bigger was for dragging a side car around. Incidentally I had no idea who Ted Simon was or that he was actually doing what I was dreaming about. Anyway the years rolled by and relationships, marriage, divorce, caring for elderly parents all got in the way.

In my late 30’s I had to wear glasses and I stopped biking. My dream was over and I sold my beloved Honda 400 four and everything I had to do with biking. It was only about three years ago, some ten years after I had sold my bike, when a close friend and fellow HUBBER told me about “decent” flip top helmets. I could wear one of those and still be able to put my glasses on. It was time to get another bike and start dreaming again.

With the extraordinary and generous help of some from here I have sourced a bike that would do all of the things I wanted it to do and go to the type of place I want to go. Equipped it with the best stuff I could afford which is a long way off and not necessarily the most expensive there is. From scratch with no helmet boots, gloves, tools or sod all I have a Transalp 650 and enough of the right gear to stay on the road almost indefinitely. The cost? around 8k. The bike and accessories such as a centre stand and crash bars etc came to about 3.5k£ the rest went on camping gear , luggage, security, clothes, tools and other bits and pieces. It all adds up. In trials some stuff worked and some didn’t. 200 quid’s worth of security chain keeps the bike safe at home but is far too big to carry around. Everything I have can be sourced for a lot less than what I paid. The truth is I have probably gone overboard and accumulated in 18 months what most have spent a lifetime gathering. I am very conscious of the ticking clock and age is not the only consideration, health is right up there.

Finally when most of the things stopping me had gone from my life a recession hit me. I was and still am of the opinion that I had to sell my house and not rent it out. I have seen and heard too many horror stories about people who ended up with undesirables in their property, rent unpaid and damage mounting to many 1000’s of pounds, dollars, euro’s etc etc. It is bad enough dealing with all of that if you live in the same town but halfway around the world? No thank you. For me this would be a one way trip, I would not be coming back. For a start it is hard enough to get a job in the UK right now but at the wrong side of 60 when I reckon I would be back I would be virtually unemployable. I cannot see me ending my days selling the big issue and sleeping in a hostel, No offence to those that do and have to. As a much younger man I have had to do similar things but I have no desire to re-visit old territory.

The only thing stopping me now is the money to go. Almost everything I have is tied up in the house and I do not believe I will be able to sell it for a “reasonable” price for at least another 18 months. When I look back there was always a reason why it could not be done and as far as I see it not everyone can travel at the drop of a hat regardless of who tells you that you can. I have since learnt it’s only when you do not know why you cannot do something that you try to do it at all. Will I ever manage it? Who knows but at almost 40 years after having the dream it has still not faded away and the urge to go is getting stronger every day. Just because you cannot do it today does not mean that you can never do it. Sometimes you just have to wait. In my case close to 40 years and still counting.

Then there's the personal health issues to contend with as one grows older .. eh greenman? There can be no guarantees in this department either.

At age 55, and still blessed with comparatively excellent health (no health issues for me whatsoever) .. is the single most important factor that drives me to get on with it while I still can .. AND without the need to take pills or potions with me.

-----------------------------

BTW - Just been for quick lookaround your site. Nice! Thanks for the tip about the Garmin Quest satnav; reckon I'll stick with my Stylophone too .. :yes:

Cheers

KEITH

PS - shame we didn't meet-up in Ripley .. maybe next time?



.

Does anyone know anything about google adsense. Roughly how many poeple would you need to be looking to be giving you a hundred dollars a month say? This isnt a request for people to go clicking on my blog links (though feel free if you want to). Its just we only started with this blogging business and we got $20 waiting for us. I wasnt expecting this and now I am wondering if I can get some more!! Would it be o.k to encourage people to click the advert links on the blog in order to give me money (a sort of donation) or do you think this would make google mad and I'd get cut off.

We are getting a bit low on money, thinking of teaching english in Cambodia or laos for a few months, but this idea excites me more.

Well - I just did a "clicky" on your blog !!!!!!

thank you!! yesterday i got 4 pounds, about $6.50, from 'clickings'! I only need ten pounds a day, so if i can just get another 6 pounds i can go forever...

this is great!

ps still need to know whether its ok to ask people to click on the blog links? any ideas? anyone make money from this?

Google AdSence
 

When you sign up for google adsence, you agree not to ask people to click on the adds. You know, the part that we always skip and just say "I agree" to get on with the setup process.
However, this is stupid. The whole idea of having adds is for people to click on the adds and hopefully buy something. This is how google makes money, selling add space on your blog.
So I don't see any problem with getting people to check out the adds on your blog.
If you tell people to click on the adds when you tell them about your blog, you should be ok (it's verbal).

BTW, I love your blog. And yes, I did check out some of the adds.

2 Wheel Herman