Traveling RTW, or even in just one country, remains a dream to a huge number of people simply because traveling entails money. The post Travel the World Without Money… of Great Web Stuff baffles you. How is this possible?
Good title there; credit to the blogger, whoever it is, or the site because even if you have already tossed your dream of seeing another country (apart from where you were born or raised) a long time ago, the title makes you toy with the idea of traveling without money.
How is that possible?
You’ll ask the question the author knew you would ask… IS THIS FOR REAL!?
And you’re right. You can’t travel without money in a strict sense. What you can do is to save enough money to be able to go to one destination, preferably a place that looks kindly on travelers like you…. meaning some place you can make some earnings. No, you can’t beg (that’s ludicrous!). You must work to pay your way through travel.
The post enumerated three major expense categories: TRANSPORT; LODGING; and FOOD.
The author shared an excessively bold move; think hard before disposing everything you got just to raise that money: MAKE YOURSELF HOMELESS.
Though he/she guarantees:
“This may sound extreme, but once you have embraced the “freedom” of having no commitments to a base, the whole world becomes your home and the practical problems of travelling it fall away.”
Ways to Earn Your Keep
If this makes you cringe, that doesn’t mean you have to take traveling to this extreme. But if you are ready to do it, here are some ways to make an income down the road: Busking, Delivering Goods, Voluntary Work, Repping Tourist Services, Teaching English.
You have lots of options actually; these are just a few ways to make some dough while having a great time traveling. Busking is definitely something easy to do. Talent is not a requirement, but it is a plus so as to please passersby. The author gave a very helpful tip, “move to another location after a set or two.” You wouldn’t want to irk people, but if you have the talent stay for as long as you like.
What’s Busking?
Van Dog Traveller in its post Making money whilst travelling – my first time busking says, it “is such a convenient and accessible way to make money whilst travelling, and anyone can do it!”
While there is truth in that statement, know that the meaning of the word and the act continue to evolve.
Van Dog Traveller offers 7 tips for successful (meaning, to earn more) busking:
- Find a nice spot with many people walking through – tourists usually better than commuter.
- Make friends with the other buskers
- Smile and make people smile
- Not so serious. It doesn’t matter about messing up!
- Make noise. It’s what makes people turn their heads
- Get everyone to join in. Give someone a drum or instrument
- Say thank you when people give money or do a good trick
Get Serious!
If you are a musically inclined or talented, you can give “busking” a serious thought. If you feel guilty that busking is a like ripping off someone when you don’t have anything worthy to give back, here’s how Mara pattison-Sowden views busking (from Make Money Busking posted in MoneyMagpie):
“Busking is a worldwide cultural experience and loads of people do it to make a little extra money on the side. From the London Underground to the canals of Venice there are always potential audiences who need entertaining …”
If you are a natural, busking is a great way to practice, share and show off your passion for music. You can also call it “street performing.” Two buskers who made it to the top include River Phoenix and Bob Dylan. Think of it as a profession that pays.
Just make sure that if you have to do busking or street performance you are not violating any local law and that you’re in good company. Don’t get into the act immediately. Instead, watch and enjoy others perform. Make friends. Have fun… it is always party out where these street performers do their acts. This will also give you time to observe, meet potential performers who can help you get started.
While busking is all about guts and having fun, you don’t want to be among those being rounded up by the police for violating a law. Busk if you must whatever is your talent, but make sure your purpose is not defeated. Know the rules first and make friends.
