Hello there Mari. Another awesome video by the way... Just wanted to add a couple of tid-bits to help prior to the trip back to NZ... (actually this might also be helpful to anyone) 1. Exchange rate - the NZ dollar is quite high against the US at the moment - so this will mean that it will cost more to exchange USD to NZD (its around 1NZD to 0.76USD - for a long while it was around the 0.64USD (Thats an extra 10% costs right there) 2 .If you know a local, ask where do they shop cheaply. In NZ, I recommend Pak n save (not sure what the comparison in the US would be). Actually, ask uni students if you can, as they are always on a budget. 3 . Accomodation - I'd look at farmstays (work in a rural farm for a couple of days - including rounding up flocks of sheep - you couldn't get more kiwi than this..!) 4. Work - check out skillshortages.immigration.govt.nz/. Its a government website to find out what the most in demand skill shortages are here ( the economy is booming here at the moment, because everyone wants to come here.. Damn you Peter Jackson! ) 5. Tipping - no one does that here. Mainly because the minimum wage here is about $19 NZD per hour (around $15 USD - double the US) 6. GST refunds. GST in NZ and australia is essentially a sales tax. (Similiar to VAT in the UK). Its around 10%. If you buy something in a retail store you can get the GST back as a refund at the airport (Its basically duty free - but there is no duty across goods here, only GST, and it applies to any retail item you buy. Only catch - item has to be bought within 30 days of departure) Also - in Australia - superannuation is compulsory (around 9% of your income). You should check out whether you paid any super while you worked there, cause when you leave the country, you can get a superannuation refund (There will be some conditions though - not sure what they are - might be good to check out though).... Phew..! Sorry about the "war and peace" novel size of the comment... Hope this helps... Happy Travels..!!
Mari, another informative and helpful video, like always. For anyone reading this, I'd like to make a suggestion about your local library and how it saves money before you go on your trip. Public libraries are a great way to save money; you can rent books, movies, video games, and music. Plus, you can read the daily newspaper, magazines, and use their desktop computers -- if you really want to save money and not have the costly Internet at home.
That was dead on, Mari. I agree with absolutely everything you said. When we did 3.5 months around Asia, we got out of our lease, sold all our stuff, and lived on a budget of $35/day (sometimes we spent more, like in Hong Kong and Tokyo, but other places we spent far less, like Thailand and Cambodia). Your dieting analogy with sacrificing and goals is perfect. Seriously, this is probably the most accurate and complete video of how to afford to travel that I've ever seen. Great job!
So true! Travel is all about sacrifice and making it a priority. If its really what you want to do you can always make it happen! I'm currently saving for a long term trip to South East Asia then to Canada for a working holiday - ramen, rice and pasta is my diet at the moment!
Having the mindset to do everything that can be done to make as much as fast as possible and setting a realistic date of achieving goal really helps. Also, try to get a better paying job and side jobs that pay well even ones you don't necessarily like doing or have experience in. I never worked in construction but recently got an opportunity to start as a side job on the weekend. It's a hard job but it's extra $300 a week that puts me that much closer and it probably will be a good skill to have to make more money on the road. Watching travelers regurarly really helps me focus and being motivated in the long run. 6 more months and I'm outta here! haha
Props to you, Rafal. I tried construction but only lasted a day. It was $100/day, and I really wanted that, but I am just not cut out for hard labor. Keep up the great work and have fun on your travels! It'll be here before you know it!!
+Perfect Little Planet Yup, it's definitely not like office work 😊 and I'm not really advocating it as an only option. There's plenty of other ways. I'm just saying get out of your comfort zone and work extra hard if you want to save up money fast. Thank you! I'm sure I'll get there! I already see myself on top of Machu Pichu and Mount Everest Base Camp haha. Can't wait!
+Perfect Little Planet Haha construction is great for upper body so it will help me with crawling like a baby through steep passes with my fear of heights. However I started walking and running to get ready already as I'm not in my 20s anymore and it won't be easy from what I see 😊
I HATE travel. I am TERRIFIED to spend money, that I don't have, and I am forced to constantly deep into savings. And I am TERRIFIED of flying. And I am TERRIFIED of being arrested/held hostage in ANY country, including here in the USA, my native country. I visited the Soviet Union for 7.5 weeks summer 1985: Moscow & Leningrad, because I minored in Russian in college. But, sorry - I am too terrified to go broke & die in a plane crash & get sent to prison for life in a foreign nation just for the sake of dragging my ass around on this planet.
This was such a great quality talk, and keeping these tips in mind while I've been trying to figure things out with life and all that jazz. It really is a diet! Loved this, heyo from the east coast xo
Hi Mari, thanks for another great video. Very informative. My family and I travel once a year and we usually put our money away all year to save up for it. Your advice on this video is excellent. Thanks for sharing. Take care. Robert.
Thanks so much for these honest tips! I'm leaving for NZ in October (my second time there as well) with a working holiday visa and I've also been asked how I can afford such a trip. As you said, hard work and sacrifices were my 'secrets'. I've actually moved back in with my parents over a year ago just to save money for the trip. Long-term travel is possible, but there is no secret magic pot of gold you just have to find. Hard work and saving money is the trick. Can't wait to see your upcoming NZ adventures! Maybe we'll stumble upon each other =).
thanks for the tips! One day I'll hopefully be able to travel alone like you. I recently uploaded a video on howI learned to save money for people who love beauty/fashion. I recently learned this year and it's given me so much freedom. I'm visiting the Philippines twice in the next 4 months and I wouldn't have been able to do it if I didn't learn to save.
My brother travels a lot. A big part of it is travelling as smartly as possible. Rewards credit cards can pay for your flights. He puts all his monthly bills on the maximum reward % card. Pays it off every month(if you're going to carry balances avoid credit cards). Even signs up for credit card offers that have large sign up bonus offers. Then maximizes those points with whenever the best deals for flights are. When you check often there are sometimes outrageous deals. He once saw tickets to abu dhabi from nyc for only $178. He had no plan on going, but couldn't say no for that price.
These are great tips even if you aren't traveling! I'm living on a strict budget as a MA student, and this made me feel better and gave me more ideas to keep up with my extremely cheap/frugal lifestyle!
Mari Hello my first time I watch a trip of yours it was you moving to St Thomas VI I to will be there this year and cant Waite why did you leave thank care travel on
Hey Mari i look forward to your trip to Japan in the future !! Keep up the great videos your inspiring other travelers to get out there and enjoy what the world has to offer !!
Would you do a video of what your go to things to do when you got to a new destination? Like were there certain things you normally got at a grocery store or a certain way you went about getting a place to stay. Also your going back to new Zealand?? thats so exciting!
Great tips...thanks! I think I do spend far more in Manhattan on eating out or delivery than I should. Sometimes not even enjoying it. I was thinking about it while I was travelling - probably will try to cut this expenditure to 1-2 days a week
i want to travel the world with my best friend, however she wants to stay in the states and work for disney, yet she knows she's happier and feels safer when around me..but she doesn't change her mind easily.
thank you so much for answering this, it helps out alot, idea if you made a website or blog where you put down how you are traveling where you stayed after you left I think alot of people would be interested to follow in your foot steps so to speak, not to mention some places would probably hook you up for "advertising" for them. I had no idea about the work/vacation visa thing. one day I will be able to do this
Thanks for your input! I've been thinking about doing something like this, though haven't quite figured out the logistics yet. Hope I can get it together one day!
Great tips! We have a month to sell all our stuff and I listed a bunch of things on ebay but I've only sold 1 dress lol. I think we're going to do a stoop sale next weekend. I have a feeling we'll be giving stuff away too =/
Would love to see your ideas for cheap/free activities to think about when travelling. I'm going to NZ at the end of the year and don't really know where to start on planning things to day. It would be great to see how you research for trips before leaving.
I traveled in Italy and spent about $20 euros per day and I did all I wanted to do. staying at airbnb allows you to cook breakfast and lunches and you can splurge on dinner and drinks. it's all about budgeting and it's totally doable! Great video as per usual 😆
I love your videos and just discovered you today. You’re very charming and think wisely. Love your travel tips and took notes :) Hoping to see more of your travels etc xx
Great video, ive found a really good way to save for things before a trip is to use cash instead of cards and actually go into the bank to withdraw money instead of using an ATM. Its more of a hassle which is sort of the point and means you only have access to the money in your wallet instead of your entire account which forces you to be more careful with what you spend. Might not work for everyone but like you said its best to simplify things and eventually it becomes second nature. GO MARI !!!
Listing only your needs help such as: bills(includes insurance), groceries, gas. Everything else should go into savings, just an example, obviously there might be more expenses. I don't even remember the last time I went shopping for something such as clothes or the last restaurant I ate out at. Cooking at home and focusing on what you need will help. However, this doesn't mean you always have to stay at home, every other weekend, I go hiking in a nearby city as a reward in a new place.
Hi Mari, great tips. I really like the travel credit card option. I recently started using cc for all my purchases and it has allowed to travel more. What are your feelings on Airbnb, do you use them?
Hi there! Love your vids and content! I know this is an older video...but I'd love to know more about the travel insurance you have and the banks you recommend to use w/ the least amount of fees and more beneficial for full-time travelers. Thanks in advance!
thank you so much. i love your channel ❤ very informative 😍 i love traveling now and you help me with your suggestions and somewat help me realize much 😊 hope to meet you in the Philippines
I haven't technically started my long term travel yet. But to save money, I've sold almost all my possessions and moved into my SUV while I prepare my pack and save up additional funds. This cut my cost of living from $50 a day (which was already pretty cheap at $1,500/month), down to around $20 a day or $600/month ($7,200/year). It's also a good transition to a nomadic, backpacking lifestyle. I like that I can start my travels around the U.S. while I finish funding the rest of my international travels. Any income I have goes toward capital used in stock and option trading/investing, which can be done from anywhere with an internet connection. It's a good, location independent way to make money. Obviously this won't work for everyone, and learning to trade without losing all your money takes some time. But, as a single guy with no kids, a paid off vehicle and a willingness to go with the flow, it works for me.
I was thinking of getting a part time job on the weekends and the days I am off college. I am also 17 nearly 18 and planning to stop at home and work hard that way I have little to payout. Then I can save and travel in my early twenties hopefully.
but what do you do for a living in order to save money. u cant work at a cafe and expect to pay rent and food and also save money to travel round the world...
Did you keep your Health Insurance in the US while traveling or did you cancel it and re enroll when you came back to the US? I assumed you get out of your Apartment Lease, how do you store all your belonging while traveling?
I am from South Africa. I am going to a hostel in Lisbon for the first time in my life this August for a short break. It just occurred to me that because I have a house and two empty rooms at home (South Africa) that is not in use, surely there are other people around the world who find themselves in this situation too. Cheapest way to travel is to find people that will offer fee accommodation in there extra rooms that are not being used in there house. What do you think?
What are you gonna do job vice when your traveling time in your life is over??? What's your education? What are your chances of getting a proper job that pays you enough? Or do you want to work whole life getting jobs at McDonald's and travel?
Hi Mari! Thanks for all the tips. I have a question. which bank do you recommend for Debit Card? I only have 1 Debit Card and that is all haha I have it with BOA ,but I know thats not a good bank haha
In the U.S., Charles Schwab has a checking account/debit card with no international transaction fees and no ATM fees. Biggest problem with the account is making cash deposits. So you might need another account with a bank you can make easy deposits to and then transfer funds to the Schwab account.
I also use Charles Schwab! I'm so happy with it. It is a bit complicated to set up initially, but I have no problem transferring money to/from it online. It's actually much easier than cash deposits when traveling anyway!
hello Mari, I have a question: did you rented your flat while travling to save money or did you find a new appartment after your came back? ps love your vlogs!
Hey! I'm not a medical expert, so I really can't say, as I would imagine it varies from person to person. Why don't you try a short weekend trip somewhere within driving distance from where you live? Feel it out. I love solo traveling, but I know it's not for everyone.
Hi Mari-Thanks again for the awesome videos! Any advice for those that are still paying off student loans? if that pertains to you-How were you able to manage paying off your student loans while traveling?
Love your videos! I'm doing what I can to get back in the road again. You mentioned cancelling your phone. Did you mean cell phone? I know you can buy local SIM cards in most places these days, but am wondering if it's really worth it, or if you really need a phone for extended travel. What are your thoughts on this? Thanks!!
Yep, I meant cell phone. I think it's really worth it to have a smart phone with you, though you can just use wifi if you don't want to get a sim card. That's what I usually do, unless I'll be in a country for a long time, then I'll get a sim card. I also recently got Tmobile now that I'm in the US and they have free international data! It's so good.
this really helped me a lot thank you so much I love you :) and quick question for that holiday visa.. that only works in Australia and new Zealand??? and why is it called holiday visa does it only work on holidays?????(:
The New Zealand and Australia visas are separate since they're 2 different countries. A working holiday.... let's see. It's like a summer job concept but it's good any time of the year.
I finished the video before asking this. So. Ive never traveled before EVER! I just sit here and play video games daily. I'm really interested in traveling long term.. aka..couple of years. I wish to travel to Thailand but I hear that Thailand doesnt pay well at all and visas are..hard to get? .. So i thought about traveling to south korea to teach english but i dont have a degree. I only have my highschool education. So that takes teaching out of the options. Would you recommend I travel to Australia to work? Would I need any for of degree to work there?
Someone suggested on here that you set up a website which I think is a great idea. You have almost 24,000 followers which advertisers would/sponsors would love. You showed your backpack, what about that company sponsoring your travels or the company that you bought those little travel bags or the towels from, or the company who made your really good hiking socks? Affiliate links on your website generating money for you while you are travelling. Think about it 😊
Those are some good ideas! Yeah, I'm trying to work on being better at stuff like that. I'm trying to redo my website now, but it's not quite my forte - taking a lot of work! I'm trying to be careful though, because I never want to come off as spamy. Thank you for your input though, makes me feel better about it!
I majored in political science at university and I've had a bunch of different jobs! Here's a video if you want to know more about me th-cam.com/video/XsE1bYNo5ks/w-d-xo.html
Maybe only about 1k or so was from selling my stuff because I kind of left it too late. Sorry, don't remember about the rest! But I was working 3 jobs for a while and not spending much 😊
I pay more tax, that way ,i get it all back, thousands, and use it for my holidays every year,plus putting extra away into another account all helps,and I live in Perth Australia,one of the most expensive places in Aus.
Everybody wants the goods without the hard work. But you said it all. Preparation is key
Hello there Mari. Another awesome video by the way...
Just wanted to add a couple of tid-bits to help prior to the trip back to NZ...
(actually this might also be helpful to anyone)
1. Exchange rate - the NZ dollar is quite high against the US at the moment - so this will mean that it will cost more to exchange USD to NZD (its around 1NZD to 0.76USD - for a long while it was around the 0.64USD (Thats an extra 10% costs right there)
2 .If you know a local, ask where do they shop cheaply. In NZ, I recommend Pak n save (not sure what the comparison in the US would be). Actually, ask uni students if you can, as they are always on a budget.
3 . Accomodation - I'd look at farmstays (work in a rural farm for a couple of days - including rounding up flocks of sheep - you couldn't get more kiwi than this..!)
4. Work - check out skillshortages.immigration.govt.nz/. Its a government website to find out what the most in demand skill shortages are here ( the economy is booming here at the moment, because everyone wants to come here.. Damn you Peter Jackson! )
5. Tipping - no one does that here. Mainly because the minimum wage here is about $19 NZD per hour (around $15 USD - double the US)
6. GST refunds. GST in NZ and australia is essentially a sales tax. (Similiar to VAT in the UK). Its around 10%. If you buy something in a retail store you can get the GST back as a refund at the airport (Its basically duty free - but there is no duty across goods here, only GST, and it applies to any retail item you buy. Only catch - item has to be bought within 30 days of departure)
Also - in Australia - superannuation is compulsory (around 9% of your income). You should check out whether you paid any super while you worked there, cause when you leave the country, you can get a superannuation refund (There will be some conditions though - not sure what they are - might be good to check out though)....
Phew..!
Sorry about the "war and peace" novel size of the comment...
Hope this helps...
Happy Travels..!!
People overlook the value of saving and hard work.
I just love your positivity and honesty.
I wish I was as good at dieting as I was saving for travel hahaha. Priorities!
Hahaha. So true. I just watched your channel trailer. Subscribed. You seem awesome!
Haha me too!! Especially with you being in Queenstown - so much good food there!
Mari, another informative and helpful video, like always. For anyone reading this, I'd like to make a suggestion about your local library and how it saves money before you go on your trip. Public libraries are a great way to save money; you can rent books, movies, video games, and music. Plus, you can read the daily newspaper, magazines, and use their desktop computers -- if you really want to save money and not have the costly Internet at home.
If you watch some of my older videos, you'll see that I love libraries!! I've been known to travel 2 hours by bus to get to them. Completely agree!
That was dead on, Mari. I agree with absolutely everything you said. When we did 3.5 months around Asia, we got out of our lease, sold all our stuff, and lived on a budget of $35/day (sometimes we spent more, like in Hong Kong and Tokyo, but other places we spent far less, like Thailand and Cambodia). Your dieting analogy with sacrificing and goals is perfect. Seriously, this is probably the most accurate and complete video of how to afford to travel that I've ever seen. Great job!
Glad to hear a fellow traveler agrees! :)
So true! Travel is all about sacrifice and making it a priority. If its really what you want to do you can always make it happen! I'm currently saving for a long term trip to South East Asia then to Canada for a working holiday - ramen, rice and pasta is my diet at the moment!
Good luck to you and happy travels!
Having the mindset to do everything that can be done to make as much as fast as possible and setting a realistic date of achieving goal really helps. Also, try to get a better paying job and side jobs that pay well even ones you don't necessarily like doing or have experience in. I never worked in construction but recently got an opportunity to start as a side job on the weekend. It's a hard job but it's extra $300 a week that puts me that much closer and it probably will be a good skill to have to make more money on the road. Watching travelers regurarly really helps me focus and being motivated in the long run. 6 more months and I'm outta here! haha
Props to you, Rafal. I tried construction but only lasted a day. It was $100/day, and I really wanted that, but I am just not cut out for hard labor. Keep up the great work and have fun on your travels! It'll be here before you know it!!
+Perfect Little Planet Yup, it's definitely not like office work 😊 and I'm not really advocating it as an only option. There's plenty of other ways. I'm just saying get out of your comfort zone and work extra hard if you want to save up money fast. Thank you! I'm sure I'll get there! I already see myself on top of Machu Pichu and Mount Everest Base Camp haha. Can't wait!
YES! And I suppose if Machu Picchu and Everest are your goals, some good hard labor in construction is a great start!
+Perfect Little Planet Haha construction is great for upper body so it will help me with crawling like a baby through steep passes with my fear of heights. However I started walking and running to get ready already as I'm not in my 20s anymore and it won't be easy from what I see 😊
I HATE travel. I am TERRIFIED to spend money, that I don't have, and I am forced to constantly deep into savings.
And I am TERRIFIED of flying. And I am TERRIFIED of being arrested/held hostage in ANY country, including here in the USA, my native country. I visited the Soviet Union for 7.5 weeks summer 1985: Moscow & Leningrad, because I minored in Russian in college. But, sorry - I am too terrified to go broke & die in a plane crash & get sent to prison for life in a foreign nation just for the sake of dragging my ass around on this planet.
I love your message, dedication and sacrifice. It's simple but somehow sometimes it feels so hard to obtain! Must have the willpower to do so!!!!
good advice, I'll take your word for it.thanks
Great video! Love all the tips! And agreed, it's all about the mind set. Once you make your mind up your gonna do it you just have to jump right in.
Great video as always - and I agree, most important as to how long your money lasts you is where you go travelling
I love to travel and im working on my next trip , im tryin soo hard to save save save. Thanks for all the cool tips.
Yay I'm excited for you!
Thanks Mari for the Great tips and advice for saving.
This was such a great quality talk, and keeping these tips in mind while I've been trying to figure things out with life and all that jazz. It really is a diet! Loved this, heyo from the east coast xo
haha it is! all the best to you! :)
really great tips, and its so true about the dieting metaphor
Hi Mari, thanks for another great video. Very informative. My family and I travel once a year and we usually put our money away all year to save up for it. Your advice on this video is excellent. Thanks for sharing. Take care. Robert.
I love your tips ! simple and stright to the point. I want to travel around Europe and I think I will . Thanks for the video
You should!! You won't regret it. :)
Thanks so much for these honest tips! I'm leaving for NZ in October (my second time there as well) with a working holiday visa and I've also been asked how I can afford such a trip. As you said, hard work and sacrifices were my 'secrets'. I've actually moved back in with my parents over a year ago just to save money for the trip. Long-term travel is possible, but there is no secret magic pot of gold you just have to find. Hard work and saving money is the trick.
Can't wait to see your upcoming NZ adventures! Maybe we'll stumble upon each other =).
So true! Yeah, maybe see you there!!
thanks for the tips! One day I'll hopefully be able to travel alone like you. I recently uploaded a video on howI learned to save money for people who love beauty/fashion. I recently learned this year and it's given me so much freedom. I'm visiting the Philippines twice in the next 4 months and I wouldn't have been able to do it if I didn't learn to save.
My brother travels a lot. A big part of it is travelling as smartly as possible. Rewards credit cards can pay for your flights. He puts all his monthly bills on the maximum reward % card. Pays it off every month(if you're going to carry balances avoid credit cards). Even signs up for credit card offers that have large sign up bonus offers.
Then maximizes those points with whenever the best deals for flights are. When you check often there are sometimes outrageous deals. He once saw tickets to abu dhabi from nyc for only $178. He had no plan on going, but couldn't say no for that price.
Great video , many thanks. Warm greetings from the garden island of Kauai one of the most beautiful island on the planet
This is a question that I have asked myself many times. Thanks for the reveal.
These are great tips even if you aren't traveling! I'm living on a strict budget as a MA student, and this made me feel better and gave me more ideas to keep up with my extremely cheap/frugal lifestyle!
Happy to help! :)
Mari Hello my first time I watch a trip of yours it was you moving to St Thomas VI I to will be there this year and cant Waite why did you leave thank care travel on
Hey Mari i look forward to your trip to Japan in the future !! Keep up the great videos your inspiring other travelers to get out there and enjoy what the world has to offer !!
Would you do a video of what your go to things to do when you got to a new destination? Like were there certain things you normally got at a grocery store or a certain way you went about getting a place to stay. Also your going back to new Zealand?? thats so exciting!
you are a very inspirational woman Mari...super charismatic !
Great tips...thanks! I think I do spend far more in Manhattan on eating out or delivery than I should. Sometimes not even enjoying it. I was thinking about it while I was travelling - probably will try to cut this expenditure to 1-2 days a week
Everyone in New York does that! Seriously so much money wasted haha.
i want to travel the world with my best friend, however she wants to stay in the states and work for disney, yet she knows she's happier and feels safer when around me..but she doesn't change her mind easily.
thank you so much for answering this, it helps out alot, idea if you made a website or blog where you put down how you are traveling where you stayed after you left I think alot of people would be interested to follow in your foot steps so to speak, not to mention some places would probably hook you up for "advertising" for them. I had no idea about the work/vacation visa thing. one day I will be able to do this
Thanks for your input! I've been thinking about doing something like this, though haven't quite figured out the logistics yet. Hope I can get it together one day!
Great tips! We have a month to sell all our stuff and I listed a bunch of things on ebay but I've only sold 1 dress lol. I think we're going to do a stoop sale next weekend. I have a feeling we'll be giving stuff away too =/
I leave in 2 weeks and have gotten to a point where I'm giving things away.
Sky Pelham Mari's video motivated us! We've spent the past 2 hours going through our junk and posting ads on Craigslist! Where are you traveling?
+The NYC Couple I'm off to New Zealand this time. My mom is my inspiration, she raised me to be a traveler.
That's awesome, we'll be there in Dec and we're super excited. Wish you the best of luck on your travels!
Good luck, guys!! I'm sooo excited for you!!
Would love to see your ideas for cheap/free activities to think about when travelling. I'm going to NZ at the end of the year and don't really know where to start on planning things to day. It would be great to see how you research for trips before leaving.
I talked about what I research before a trip in one of my q&as! Otherwise I just ask other people and use google!
I traveled in Italy and spent about $20 euros per day and I did all I wanted to do. staying at airbnb allows you to cook breakfast and lunches and you can splurge on dinner and drinks. it's all about budgeting and it's totally doable! Great video as per usual 😆
Wow, nice budget! I totally agree about cooking for yourself! Makes all the difference! :)
I love your videos and just discovered you today. You’re very charming and think wisely. Love your travel tips and took notes :)
Hoping to see more of your travels etc xx
Cheers Sam! It actually makes me so happy that you took notes! Here's to happy travels ahead of you!
Thank you so much Mari! Inspire a lot!
Great video, ive found a really good way to save for things before a trip is to use cash instead of cards and actually go into the bank to withdraw money instead of using an ATM. Its more of a hassle which is sort of the point and means you only have access to the money in your wallet instead of your entire account which forces you to be more careful with what you spend. Might not work for everyone but like you said its best to simplify things and eventually it becomes second nature.
GO MARI !!!
Yeah that's a good tip!! Though I love my credit card points :) Much harder to budget though!
true they go a long way as well.
I can't wait to start my travel adventures
Thank you for the video, Mari.. Great tips... Really wanted to know this..😃
Listing only your needs help such as: bills(includes insurance), groceries, gas. Everything else should go into savings, just an example, obviously there might be more expenses. I don't even remember the last time I went shopping for something such as clothes or the last restaurant I ate out at. Cooking at home and focusing on what you need will help. However, this doesn't mean you always have to stay at home, every other weekend, I go hiking in a nearby city as a reward in a new place.
thanks for ur honesty and sharing
Hi Mari, great tips. I really like the travel credit card option. I recently started using cc for all my purchases and it has allowed to travel more. What are your feelings on Airbnb, do you use them?
Hey David! Good work! I've used them before and like my experiences! I really enjoy having a kitchen :)
Very cool video, and great tips Mari 📹🎥💯🎯
Thanks!
Hi there! Love your vids and content! I know this is an older video...but I'd love to know more about the travel insurance you have and the banks you recommend to use w/ the least amount of fees and more beneficial for full-time travelers. Thanks in advance!
Love ya girl. love you videos. keep making new ones and rocking!!!
Thank you!
Saying Hi from Brazil and Chile! Love your videos! 😀
Hi!! :)
thank you so much. i love your channel ❤ very informative 😍 i love traveling now and you help me with your suggestions and somewat help me realize much 😊 hope to meet you in the Philippines
I haven't technically started my long term travel yet. But to save money, I've sold almost all my possessions and moved into my SUV while I prepare my pack and save up additional funds. This cut my cost of living from $50 a day (which was already pretty cheap at $1,500/month), down to around $20 a day or $600/month ($7,200/year). It's also a good transition to a nomadic, backpacking lifestyle. I like that I can start my travels around the U.S. while I finish funding the rest of my international travels. Any income I have goes toward capital used in stock and option trading/investing, which can be done from anywhere with an internet connection. It's a good, location independent way to make money. Obviously this won't work for everyone, and learning to trade without losing all your money takes some time. But, as a single guy with no kids, a paid off vehicle and a willingness to go with the flow, it works for me.
That's so awesome!! You're a perfect example of sacrificing and making it work! Excited for you to travel!
I was thinking of getting a part time job on the weekends and the days I am off college. I am also 17 nearly 18 and planning to stop at home and work hard that way I have little to payout. Then I can save and travel in my early twenties hopefully.
Good plan! I wish I started saving for travel when I was younger!
Great tips ! Amazing how much a dollar can go in other countries ha? Particularly Asia ....
yeah so true!
Mari knows what she's talking about; big time. Rockette science next?
but what do you do for a living in order to save money. u cant work at a cafe and expect to pay rent and food and also save money to travel round the world...
Did you keep your Health Insurance in the US while traveling or did you cancel it and re enroll when you came back to the US? I assumed you get out of your Apartment Lease, how do you store all your belonging while traveling?
I am from South Africa. I am going to a hostel in Lisbon for the first time in my life this August for a short break. It just occurred to me that because I have a house and two empty rooms at home (South Africa) that is not in use, surely there are other people around the world who find themselves in this situation too. Cheapest way to travel is to find people that will offer fee accommodation in there extra rooms that are not being used in there house. What do you think?
Yep, definitely! Take a look at couchsurfing if you haven't, also housesitting! :)
What are you gonna do job vice when your traveling time in your life is over??? What's your education? What are your chances of getting a proper job that pays you enough? Or do you want to work whole life getting jobs at McDonald's and travel?
Hi Mari! Thanks for all the tips. I have a question. which bank do you recommend for Debit Card? I only have 1 Debit Card and that is all haha I have it with BOA ,but I know thats not a good bank haha
In the U.S., Charles Schwab has a checking account/debit card with no international transaction fees and no ATM fees. Biggest problem with the account is making cash deposits. So you might need another account with a bank you can make easy deposits to and then transfer funds to the Schwab account.
awesome! thank you!
I also use Charles Schwab! I'm so happy with it. It is a bit complicated to set up initially, but I have no problem transferring money to/from it online. It's actually much easier than cash deposits when traveling anyway!
really?? Awesome ! There is one close to me so i am gonna stop by and see what thy tell me..
Very inspiring! thx for helpful tips
Hi , I have only one shot for working holiday visa and cant decide what would be better choice,whaat would you recommend Australia or nz?
First time I've heard of Don Det. I had to repeat that part of the video several times.hehe. thanka for the tip!
Thank you so much for making this video! It is really helpful :)
Happy to help!
Hey! Love your videos! What camera do you use on your hikes?
Usually a Canon G7X th-cam.com/video/OZkwodK2_G8/w-d-xo.html (amzn.to/1nzhjIv), sometimes a gopro.
hello Mari, I have a question: did you rented your flat while travling to save money or did you find a new appartment after your came back? ps love your vlogs!
Hey again Mari! I was wondering, do you think travelling alone would break a severe case of anxiety? Thank's Mari.
Hey! I'm not a medical expert, so I really can't say, as I would imagine it varies from person to person. Why don't you try a short weekend trip somewhere within driving distance from where you live? Feel it out. I love solo traveling, but I know it's not for everyone.
Mari are you thinking of coming back to Queenstown?
I'm sure I'll make a stop there at some point!
yep dedication and sacrifice are our only friends nowdays, haha... Great video, cheers!
Hi Mari-Thanks again for the awesome videos! Any advice for those that are still paying off student loans? if that pertains to you-How were you able to manage paying off your student loans while traveling?
Love your videos! I'm doing what I can to get back in the road again. You mentioned cancelling your phone. Did you mean cell phone? I know you can buy local SIM cards in most places these days, but am wondering if it's really worth it, or if you really need a phone for extended travel. What are your thoughts on this? Thanks!!
Yep, I meant cell phone. I think it's really worth it to have a smart phone with you, though you can just use wifi if you don't want to get a sim card. That's what I usually do, unless I'll be in a country for a long time, then I'll get a sim card. I also recently got Tmobile now that I'm in the US and they have free international data! It's so good.
Nice, thank you!!
Thanks for the great tips!
Do you have any hostel recommendations for New Zealand? :)
There were some YHAs I really liked and I also like Haka because they have curtains. There's a lot of good ones there though!
I'll look it up, thank you! :)
where was it where bungalows were 5 dollars a night.
Love ur channel.amazing information. So beautiful.
this really helped me a lot thank you so much I love you :) and quick question for that holiday visa.. that only works in Australia and new Zealand??? and why is it called holiday visa does it only work on holidays?????(:
The New Zealand and Australia visas are separate since they're 2 different countries.
A working holiday.... let's see. It's like a summer job concept but it's good any time of the year.
I love your video, but I do have one question, which airlines do you use?
Whichever is cheapest or has the best deals! :)
Omg thanks for the really great tips!!
how old are you? i'm thinking about a New Zealand....how is New Zealand in June and July?
4u2cme cold and raining
Are batteries, like AA and AAA the same around the world?
they sure are
Great tips!
How can one get a summer job in Australia?
I finished the video before asking this. So. Ive never traveled before EVER! I just sit here and play video games daily. I'm really interested in traveling long term.. aka..couple of years. I wish to travel to Thailand but I hear that Thailand doesnt pay well at all and visas are..hard to get? .. So i thought about traveling to south korea to teach english but i dont have a degree. I only have my highschool education. So that takes teaching out of the options. Would you recommend I travel to Australia to work? Would I need any for of degree to work there?
Tim Smith I mean. I've been a gamer since I was 3. but id say the last 8 years hahaha
You're disgusting.
obviously I meant Tim
Why is it that every time a young woman does well on the internet, a man turns up to tell everyone she's fake. Change the record, bro.
Great video. I'm terrible at saving.
What do you do for a living?
as of now do you still have any of that ten grand? or are you working a little now?
Someone suggested on here that you set up a website which I think is a great idea. You have almost 24,000 followers which advertisers would/sponsors would love. You showed your backpack, what about that company sponsoring your travels or the company that you bought those little travel bags or the towels from, or the company who made your really good hiking socks? Affiliate links on your website generating money for you while you are travelling. Think about it 😊
Those are some good ideas! Yeah, I'm trying to work on being better at stuff like that. I'm trying to redo my website now, but it's not quite my forte - taking a lot of work! I'm trying to be careful though, because I never want to come off as spamy. Thank you for your input though, makes me feel better about it!
Thank you, this helped a lot!
how many months did that 10,000$ last for?
What do you do for work exactly?
I quit so many things, I sold so many things, I worked 2 years in two int'l airports and now I'm going to NYC and then Paris.
Awesome! Happy travels!
Mari,what is your education background? What was your career before all this traveling?
Youre very interesting and this sounds cool...
I majored in political science at university and I've had a bunch of different jobs! Here's a video if you want to know more about me th-cam.com/video/XsE1bYNo5ks/w-d-xo.html
hie how you lite travel ?????
Great video as always very helpful :)
What kind of jobs did you do in NZ??? Love your channel!
I was a bartender and now I'm an office administrator 😊
+Jessica E. Rohr thank you btw!
I can't wait to pay off my car and get rid of all my stuff and do this one day! 😂👍🏼 but like dieting, this is tough!
It is! You can do it though!!
Expected video, good advices. Hope this chanel helps you afford travel as well.
How long did it take to save 10k? How much of that was from selling your stuff?
Maybe only about 1k or so was from selling my stuff because I kind of left it too late. Sorry, don't remember about the rest! But I was working 3 jobs for a while and not spending much 😊
@@mari.johnson Thanks :)
I love this video! Amazing!
I pay more tax, that way ,i get it all back, thousands, and use it for my holidays every year,plus putting extra away into another account all helps,and I live in Perth Australia,one of the most expensive places in Aus.
Thanks for the tips beautiful 💕
When are you going to NZ I would love to meet you! I would love to see you in the airport or something!
I live in Nz!
Justin Felderhof I
your awesome Mari
which work needs much travel
I wish I with... you smart saver...and traveling life..