More Money ⤑ More Travels

First of all, I want to apologize for the lack of posts on here. I’ve barely been getting my two weekly posts up, but I’ve been working really hard and in the process of making some changes to enable this travel addiction of mine. 

Secondly, I want to clear up the statement “more money” part of this title. I am an advocate for budget travel. So, I want to be sure that I emphasize the fact that I’m still traveling on a budget and I plan on sticking to that budget! However, it’s no secret that the more money I have, the longer I can travel. So this post isn’t about getting rich, it’s about doing what it takes to travel as often, as far and as long as I can.

Let me tell ya all about it… 

I have been a slave to retail. There. I said it. I’ve been working between 40-60 hours per week trying to make as much money as possible between two retail jobs while I’m here in Asheville. That has definitely put a damper on my writing time, but I won’t be too upset about not having as much time now, when I’m riding an elephant in Thailand or exploring Angkor Wat. Plus, there have been a couple of other perks to these jobs. I get discounts at both places which I have used to purchase things I need for my upcoming trip, and for Christmas presents! And one of the jobs provides food for us quite often, so I have been taking full advantage of that when I can to cut down on food costs- it’s all about pinching pennies.

Getting up super-early after being at work until midnight, just to do it all over again the next day. I just tell myself I will be so happy in Asia! (Notice I made my own chai tea for the day)

I have been selling things I don’t need. I have been taking things to used stores, I’m making lists of items I have to sell and I’m so excited to be downsizing, living a bit more of a minimalistic lifestyle and getting rid of things is liberating! It makes me reevaluate the things that I actually need in my life – which isn’t much, to be honest.

I’ve been eating at home even more than usual. I love going out in Asheville. Restaurants here are so good! However, I’ve been limiting my going out budget to $15/week max. So, instead of eating out, I’ve been eating in and then going out for a beer or something. It’s been keeping me coming in under budget for the past few weeks which automatically goes into my travel fund! Plus, like I said earlier, I’ve been eating the food that my job supplies when I’m there to cut down on a meal each day, which also saves me money!

 

Just a peek at my frugal, but still incredibly delicious meals that I’ve been having in place of going out! Not too shabby!

I’m going back to Springfield. This is something that I’ve been avoiding posting about because I’m having mixed feelings about it. The moving date was originally going to be the end of February, and has moved up about a dozen times to the now, set date of Christmas Eve. I knew I was going to take my things back home, so I wouldn’t have to pay rent while I’m Asia. Then I wanted to spend time with my family and save as much money as possible! So, I already have two jobs lined up in Springfield, and I will be living three months rent-free. I’m going to miss my friends, the mountains, the bohemian vibe, the beer and so many other aspects of my life in Asheville, but I’m also excited to get to spend time with my family before leaving the country for 101 days.

Getting packed up for the big move. My friend, Sherwin, was here visiting and took a huge load of my things back home so I can do it all in one trip! Thanks, Sherwin!

So many people have asked me how I afford the trips I take and the experiences I’m able to have, and I wanted to update you guys on what I’m currently doing to make this trip to Asia happen. Of course, if you’re curious about the things I already have done on a daily basis, check out my post FAQ- How Do You Travel So Much?