Whether you’re a seasoned solo traveler looking to extend your next trip or planning your first solo travel adventure, traveling for more than a few weeks doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Exploring new places in a financially sustainable way can still be fun, even if it means fewer luxuries.
So let’s get started!
1. Work as an Au-Pair
Working as an au-pair can be an excellent solution to extend solo travel, particularly for first-timers. Being in a family setting can provide an enjoyable, safe base from which to launch your adventures, be that local to the area or further afield when given some time off. Au-pairing involves nanny-like responsibilities, so enjoying spending time with children is an absolute must.
It’s best to find an au-pairing job through an organization to protect you should anything go wrong. Like many companies, a background check is usually needed until deemed ‘eligible.’
What does eligible mean on a background check? Simply put, it means the hiring process can continue, though many factors go into determining that.
Au-pairing can last many months and usually involves free accommodation (with the family) and then “pocket money” rather than an actual wage for food and recreation.
2. Become a Digital Nomad
Not all au-pairing experiences are positive, and should you not want to take the risk, becoming a digital nomad is another excellent way to fund your adventures while abroad. Your job can be part-time to avoid missing out on the cultures you visit if you’re mainly abroad to explore (not to work).
However, the beauty of obtaining a digital nomad visa is that should you need to take on more hours of your job, you can! It’s a good idea to do some research before you book anything to check which countries are more accessible because not every remote working visa will be the same. For example, it’s easier for EU citizens to move around the EU than for non-EU citizens.
3. Pick Up A Part-Time Job
At times, solo traveling can be challenging, particularly if you’re traveling in a place that makes it difficult to meet new people or mix with others your age. If you have the legal ability, getting a part-time job while traveling can be a great way to meet new people while earning more money. If visa rules allow, this could be short-term or longer-term, depending on how much you need to save and how long you want to spend in one place.
4. Research to Travel Cheap
Being single can offer financial hardships, so if you’re solo traveling, it’s even more important to research and find cheaper methods of travel. Perhaps you take a coach from one destination to the next rather than a ferry or flight.
Final Thoughts
Solo traveling is an exciting endeavor and isn’t one that needs to cost you more than necessary. Make sure you plan and use these methods as tips for inspiration so you can explore more and for longer.
