Managing Money While I Travel
November 11, 2015 by admin
#DoYouIndie
November 10, Bootsnall Indie Travel Challenge Question:
Managing Traveling Money & Tips on RTW Money Matters
Money management is really easy when one has a very fine Social Security income, few personal expenses and simple tastes. That formula works for everyone, everywhere. But, I make things even easier on myself by also carrying a credit card with a high credit limit. My largest expenses are the occasional air flights between countries and that doesn’t happen very often because I’m sometimes traveling overland, going slowly and savoring each country. Besides, life is much cheaper on the road!
Around the world trips would include not locking yourself into flights before leaving home. In other words, book travel as you go. Purchasing a long-term ticket requires thousands of dollars, up front, and freezes your options as to time and place of departure. There are always flights, anywhere. Design as you go! Pay as you go! That’s your very best money plan.
The not-so-surprising truth is that other countries offer so much more for your money than the U.S. does. Plus, for the moment, the dollar is strong against other currencies, so you get more of their pesos, meals and souvenirs now, than usual. It’s a good time to get out there and try this sort of life.
The next responsibility lies squarely upon your shoulders: Don’t act like a tourist! Sure, avail yourselves of everything, right alongside the short-term visitors, but stay out of their hotels, or even the airbnbs. Homestays, maybe, and couchsurfing, for sure, as temporary places to land. I’m hooked on hostels and I often stay for the full two-week limit. Then, I find an apartment in the Old Town, the historic portion, which puts me near restaurants, parks and plenty of sightseeing. Usually, the cost of a lovely, furnished apartment is below $500 per month, which only amounts to the same cost as a hostel dorm bed for the same period of time, though they can’t be had for long-term.
Food is the next item in your budget and the same low cost for high quality ratio will simply shock you…again and again! That’s the real reason that travelers tend to discuss costs on the road. They are either pinching themselves, or bragging!
I no longer have one foot in a house – “at home.” Why should I? I’ll only return to The States to visit family every now and then. When I left the last time, I told them it was their turn to come and visit me, wherever I might be in this beautiful world.
It’s not necessary to force myself to travel around the world just to live this lifestyle. I could settle down as a permanent expat any time I want. I can afford myself while leading a very luxurious life. For instance, I’m currently ensconced within a gated community for my $500 a month, no less. I lead such a rich life on my Social Security, alone and life overseas is broadening and, obviously, very affordable.
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