BootsnAll Travel Community

I don't post very often, mostly because I can find the information I need by doing a search of the boards. But, I'm looking for some advice, and everyone here is always so helpful and knowledgeable that I know you guys will help me see things more clearly so I can make a decision.

Most people seem to take a year, two years, or even longer, in order to save for a RTW or extended trip, which makes sense, because the more money you have, the longer you can stay on the road, and the more money you have for fun things while you're out there. But, my question is, has anyone decided to do long-term travel on a whim and saved up all the money they needed to go in a short amount of time? If so, where did you end up going? How much money did you end up taking with you? Were you glad you took off when you wanted to, or do you look back now and wish you waited longer so you could've saved more and therefore have done more on your trip?

I guess I'm asking this because right now, I have about $2500 saved, with a goal of about $15K for a six month trip, with the hope of spending between $10-12K and having at least $3K to return home to until I find another job. Nearly a year ago or so, I started seriously planning to take off on either a RTW or possibly some sort of trip around Australia/Asia in January 2009. As I researched things further and worked out sample budgets, I realized that going to Australia was going to be even more expensive than I originally thought, and a lot of things I've read recently make me believe that SE Asia takes more money than I previously thought as well. So, I figured I'd push my trip back to September 2009.

But lately, it seems like the stars are aligning to make me want to leave as soon as possible. I'm bored with my job and can't see myself staying until September of 2009, I'm going to have to leave my current apartment and live somewhere else, which could mean locking myself into a dreaded lease, and I found a cheap one way ticket to Australia in January (which is a miracle). I'd like to leave in September of this year if I could, but that only gives me four more months to save, which is probably pushing it. So, I'm thinking January could be doable, though leaving then means I'll miss out on a sizable bonus at work.

Also, has anyone ever bought a plane ticket for a trip you had yet to save any money, sort of as a motivator? I'm wondering if I should jump on that cheap one-way to Australia, or if that would be foolish in case my plans change, or I end up not saving enough money by that time.

That got a little long-winded, sorry. But, mostly I wanted to see if anyone around here only saved for a short amount of time before going on a RTW or some other sort of extended trip. I need the inspiration, because I don't think I can handle staying put in my current situation for another year or more.

Second job is the answer. Right now I finish my F/T job at 4:30pm, start my 2nd job at 5pm and work until usually around 9:30pm. It makes for long days, but the change in jobs doens't make it seem like such a long day. In the end I'm doing 8:00am -4:30 / 5:00-9:30 five days a week. Saturay about 7 hours. The toughest part I've found is getting proper meals in and avoid take-out on my walk over, but I'm getting better.

Cheers,
Chris

I second the second job idea (heh). I have a wonderful job until Sept of 09, but it's only about 25hrs a week. Starting next fall, I'm going to get a job at Starbucks and hopefully work four morning shifts a week. It won't be the greatest thing ever, but it will be social, I'll get benefits (so there is $200 a month right there that I won't have to pay, like I do now) and all the money I make from that job will go towards savings. That, plus the money from selling my car, will give me in the $15K range which I plan to travel for at least a year with.

A second job can kill you, but if you have a good goal like this in mind, it's worth it.

Good luck!! I'm a big fan of following your gut and if it feels like the right time, I say go with it.

I agree, definately the second job!!

I started saving in the January and by August I had paid for my travel (return flight & a couple of internal ones, visa, backpack etc, etc), also I'd paid off my debts (about £1500/$3000) and had £2000/$4000 left for the trip. Admittedly I did go to Australia on a working holiday visa so knew I didn't have to save that much as I could work while away.

Bar work or waitressing is great, I was doing a full time job plus a bit of overtime when I could, and had a second job waitressing (2 nights a week and all day sunday), it meant I could live off my tips and save my whole wages. I had a bit of a social life where I was waitressing but getting paid to do it!! (plus free meals when I was working)

Agree that it will kill you but also agree the change in job won't feel like you are just working all the time. Plus you will be so tired when you do get time off you won't spend any money so can save it all!!

Good luck and happy travels! xx

i am just saving $6k and packing my bag and going. you can always work (psh, work?) on the road and if you get the right ticket, you can always fly home.

Oh I think you can really do it if you are really focused. In reality i did the bulk of my savings in about 5 months. It def. took a toll and now i can't leave the same time i thought i could but it made me realize that you can seriously save a big chunk of change if you need to. I had a 2nd job that was on/off and i just saved every bit of my regular salary that i could. Get a 2nd job now, having it for only 6 months will def. help keep you motivated to go. The worst is getting a 2nd job w/ no "exit strategy"