Blog Post 6 – How I Afford Long-Term Travel (Without a Strict Budget)
“Kimberly, how do you actually afford to travel so much?”
It’s a question I get all the time. From the outside - especially on social media - it might look like I just show up in places, living out of a backpack and flowing with the wind. And in a way, that’s true. I love following my intuition when I travel. However, behind that freedom are choices I make every day that allow me to keep going, even without a super strict budget.
I don’t come from a millionaire’s family. I don’t have a trust fund. I didn’t win the lottery. And no, I’m not famous - at least not yet. I do have a student loan that I’m paying off monthly. I’ve also been fortunate: my dad paid my tuition fees when I was studying, which gave me a head start financially. Ever since I finished my studies, I’ve never had to ask my family to help me out - though it has come close once. I’ve also had moments where my bank account only showed 200 Australian dollars - about 100 euros…
Early Savings & South Africa
A think I’m super grateful for is that my dad taught me how to save - and how to always keep a jar of emergency money on the side, money you don’t touch. When I decided to go to South Africa, I about €5,000 saved from childhood jobs and waitressing. I spent it all on my experiences - as I valued those more than anything else.
After some time back in the Netherlands again, I managed go back to South Africa to do my internship - a 10-month management internship without any salary because that wasn’t allowed for my visa. Full time labour, often 10 to 12 hour days, for no pay. They did provide accommodation and an allowance for food and fuel though. Later, I worked for another company that underpaid me, and I soon realised I wouldn’t be able to sustain myself that way.
Returning to the Netherlands & Saving Up Again
I got a great opportunity in the form of a job offer in the Netherlands and decided to return. I was lucky my dad welcomed me home without asking me to pay rent. That was the first time in my life I could really save what felt like “a lot of money” to me - spoiler alert: it was really not that much, but it was enough. After a year of saving, I left for Australia.
Australia: Work, Travel, Repeat
In Australia I did all sorts of things. I combined travel with work. I’d spend all my money traveling, then settle down in the next town to find a job and save up again for about three months. I worked as a jillaroo, mustering cattle on horseback, I planted trees… I worked seven-day weeks for minimum wages, and saved up most of the money as I simply had no free time to spend it.
Later, I started Vino & Van Gogh - initially as a hobby on the side to not go nuts from planting macadamia trees all day, every day. It ended up funding two laps around Australia without me having to touch my savings. I lived in a tent, free-camped, and hosted my painting workshops on the weekends to pay for my expenses. When I lived in Margaret River, I picked up two more jobs on the side, ended up working some seven-day weeks again, but it enabled me to reach saving goals. Towards the end, I worked even harder because I knew I’d eventually have to leave Australia.
Long-Term Travel on a Budget: The Financial Choices I Make
Smart shopping & Research
Big purchases get a lot of thought. At some point - and I knew it was coming - my phone broke, my laptop died, and my camera started having issues. All expensive things, that had served their purpose for years. My laptop and camera where both newly purchased in 2018, and my phone had lasted nearly four years. I had set money aside for these because I saw them as investments in my creative journey and the brand I’m building now.
I spent weeks researching which camera would suit my future projects, which lenses I’d actually need, and which laptop would last me the longest. I compared prices in different countries, knowing I’d be in Australia for a wedding. I waited for the best deals, found shops that price-matched and added extra discounts on top of the matched price. That alone already saved me hundreds of dollars. On top of this, the day before my flight to Europe, a friend told me how you could get a 10% tax return on your bought products in Australia before leaving the country. I definitely got value for money there.
A Minimalist Lifestyle.
I rarely shop for clothing. When I do, it’s something I actually need, and I choose quality over quantity - pieces that will last me longer and I won’t get tired of quickly. I’m strict with myself: I have to think about the purchase for a couple of days before I actually buy it.
Avoiding High-Cost habits.
I don’t smoke, and I barely drink alcohol. As I don’t have an income I don’t go to expensive festivals, and skip nights out that drain savings. I’m more interested in experiences that don’t drain my savings - free hiking trails in nature, painting, walking through town, connecting with friends and locals.
Eating Local.
Many travellers avoid local market food for fear of food poisoning. I eat where I see locals eat. It’s authentic, delicious and a fraction of the price. My stomach has learned how to handle it - and honestly it is one of the best ways to experience a country’s local culture.
Choosing Lower-Cost Destinations.
Living in Peru right now means I can get more out of my money than if I’d stay in Australia or Europe. The cost of living here is lower, and that allows me to live comfortably while I am looking to build an income again through Colors of Kimberly. Choosing where you stay makes a difference.
Cost Snapshot: My Life in Peru
Rent: 1200 soles per month (€370) for a beautiful place near town with a mountain view. Cheaper options exist (600 soles for a room in a shared house - generally further out of town though).
Breakfast sandwich: 4 soles (€0.98).
Local lunch or dinner (soup, main + drink): 9 soles (€2.21).
Coffee: 8 soles (€1.97).
At the end of the day it isn’t about being rich, its about valuing experiences over possessions, and freedom over luxury. I am able to live my life like this because of making conscious choices and being willing to trade certain comforts for the open road.
Like saving the cost of a night in a hostel by booking a night bus. It’s all a choice. I’d rather spend my money on a bus ride to a mountain village than on a new pair of shoes I don’t need. I am perfectly fine owning just two pair of shoes: hiking boots and my cowgirl boots.
Right now, I’m also looking for ways to create new income streams as I see my savings go down. So, no, I don’t have the perfect system. But I do know this: long-term travel becomes possible when you prioritise it.
And if you’re planning your next trip and want help, I can assist with itineraries and bookings - it’s a thing I’ve got experience in and one of the ways I hope to keep my lifestyle sustainable. Visit Travel With Me for more information!
With warmth,
Kimberly 🌻