Beach loving, sandal toting experts of all things Costa Rica, Samantha and Yeison is the amazing couple behind Mytanfeet.com. Don’t let their tan feet fool you though, this couple is anything but laid back! World adventurers and digital nomads, they’re not afraid to get rugged and swashbuckle their way down the road less traveled.  Their blog is a compendium of insightful and inspirational articles that can motivate anyone to get off their butts and live a life of travel.   They’ve done it, they’ve seen it, and they’re still doing it.

Tell us a little about My Tan Feet.  Who are you guys, what are you all about, and your first introduction to traveling?

Hi, we are Samantha and Yeison. I am American and Yeison is Costa Rican and we have been living at the beach in Costa Rica since 2012. Our blog talks about all our travels but we focus predominantly on Costa Rica, sharing everything about traveling and living in the country. I was first introduced to traveling on my first international trip when I was 18 to my family’s country, Taiwan. I didn’t travel again until I graduated college at 22 when I met Yeison and we started traveling to see each other since we were long distance.

What was your inspiration to throw caution to the wind, and embark on a digital nomadic lifestyle?

We had met a couple other guys in our town that worked online and when we learned that it was possible, we decided to go for it. At that time we had just finished working at a hotel and were given a great financial opportunity to take some time off to begin a new project.

You guys have quite the romantic love story!  How did your travels bring you both together, and more importantly help you stay together?

I went to Central America to volunteer with a non profit organization and Yeison was actually one of my group leaders! So travel is the core of our relationship and it’s the only reason why we met. I had to go back to the US to finish school and Yeison unfortunately at that time didn’t have a US visa which meant I flew down to Costa Rica every few months during breaks for the next two years. Seattle to Costa Rica is not always a easy flight so we also met in other countries.

What advice can you give for couples who are also planning on adventuring together?

Don’t go into it thinking it’s going to be like a honeymoon 24/7. Even if you aren’t backpackers, traveling is tough. Things don’t always go as planned and it’s up to you and your partner to figure things out together in a healthy, smart way. It definitely teaches you a lot about the other person and yourself so be prepared. But have fun, love every second of it and soak it all in.

How do you guys fund all your adventures?

We saved up a lot before I moved down and we were given a nice financial window for a little bit. But now we fund our travels entirely through our website and the internet.

What are your three steadfast rules that you abide by in order to stay on budget while traveling?

Don’t eat at the touristy places. Walk at least half a mile away and prices are much lower. We keep a spreadsheet of our expenses so we can keep track while we’re on the road. It’s always different when you “think” you spent so and so amount of money versus actually seeing it on paper. Then never go grocery shopping on an empty stomach. There have been several times when we just get off the bus or plane or wherever and we’re starving. Instead of going to eat, we go to the supermarket which is a bad idea. We buy way too much and then end up not eating it all and wasting it and money. Bad idea.

This is probably going to be the toughest question in the bunch!  But what is one thing about Costa Rica I need to add to my bucket list?

Hmm you are right that is tough! It really depends on what you want to do but if there’s anything about Costa Rica I always recommend to people is to explore beyond the touristic areas. If you go to a popular beach or area, try to go at a time when there’s not a lot of people like very early in the morning. It gives you a different perspective and Costa Rica is pretty touristy so you an get the place all to yourself. Go to a town that’s not exactly on the radar and ask the locals where the best spots are. There are so many hidden gems in the country that many tourists don’t visit.

What’s one of the craziest/dangerous situations you both have experienced and how did you get yourselves out of it?

Hmm luckily we have not run into anything very crazy or dangerous on our travels. Yeison however has, he was robbed at gunpoint once when he was traveling around Costa Rica. Luckily he had a friend who used to be in the Nicaraguan army with him and they were able to safely get away and call the police.

If you could offer only one survival/safety tip, what would it be?

Do not be naive. I’m not saying be a pessimist and think everyone is out to hurt you or that people are bad but don’t be naive. If you feel like something is not right or if someone is being sketchy, don’t take any chances. Trust your gut, trust yourself and don’t put yourself into a situation you could have prevented.

How have you both evolved as travelers from when you first started to how you are now?

We’re both pickier I think. Before 4, 5 years ago we would’ve been the happiest campers staying at a crappy hostel but now, we prefer our private rooms and are willing to pay a little bit extra for something cleaner and nicer. We’re not luxury travelers by any means but I think now we just know what we like and what our boundaries are.

Lets talk about gear.  What is one essential piece of travel gear you must have on your adventurers, and why?

Besides electronics, a waterproof backpack. At least where we have traveled to and the time of year, we’ve run into some pretty hefty rainstorms and we once lost a brand new camera because our backpack wasn’t waterproof when we got unexpectedly caught in a rainstorm. It wasn’t very fun.

Where are you both now, and where will your adventures take you next?

We’re in Costa Rica, specifically on the North Pacific beach and we actually don’t have much planned for the rest of the year. I’m planning on going back home in Washington to visit my family and go to a friend’s wedding. Other than that, we’re settled in Costa Rica

Do you have any final advice for those who wish to live a life of travel?

Honestly, just do it. There will be excuses for everything and anything and I made the biggest decision of my life to move to Costa Rica when I was 23. I didn’t really think about it, I just went because if I sat down and started coming up with pros and cons I probably would have psyched myself out. But it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I don’t think anyone could travel full time for the rest of your life but even if you want to go for a month, two, or 6, just start planning it out now. You can talk about it all your life but it won’t mean anything until you start putting your plan in motion. Adventure is out there and sometimes you gotta go find it.

About Samantha & Yeison

We’re Yeison and Samantha. We’re on a quest to take our tan feet around the world. Samantha shares her personal experiences as an expat in Costa Rica, Yeison shares what it’s like to travel from a Tico perspective. Together, we share what it’s like to explore the world as a multi-cultural couple seeking out the best travel experiences. Travel is the foundation of our relationship and holds us together. Without it, we wouldn’t be where we are now! We are not millionaires but we live a rich life full of adventures, fun and freedom.  Come join us:

Website: www.mytanfeet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mytanfeetcom

The post Adventure Series: My Tan Feet appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Entrepreneur, prolific writer, digital nomad, and founder of OpenWorld, Danny Flood is living his dream. Did I mention he’s also a committed adventurer? Recently I had the fortune to be introduced to Danny, and once we started chatting I immediately knew he was the real deal; I just had to pick his brain. Lucky for all you guys, Danny is also a super cool dude, and was ecstatic to share his tricks and experience!  A lifestyle creator and not one for conventions, he doesn’t just talk about it, he lives it.  Seriously, we can learn a lot of this guy.   Without further ado, I give you Mr. Danny Flood…

Tell us about OpenWorld Magazine. Who are you, what are you all about, you’re first introduction to traveling, and how long you’ve been on the road.

My name is Danny Flood; I’m the founder and editor of OpenWorld Magazine, host of the OpenWorld Podcast, and author of four books, including “Buy Your Own Island.”

I’ve been a traveling digital nomad since 2009. I became a freelancer after university, increased my skill set and my client base, and then began working remotely while traveling – first to Latin America, then on to South America and beyond. Over 30 countries later, I’m still going wherever I feel like and doing the things I want around the world (currently based in Thailand).

It must have been really tough leaving everything you knew behind.  Was there any hesitation?  If so, how did you overcome that, and what was your inspiration?

Yes, there was definitely a ton of hesitation. I had all kinds of irrational fears holding me back, keeping me in place.

But I knew what I wanted, and I would think about it constantly. I’d go to the park and daydream, my imagination flying away to distant worlds, racking my brain for ways on how I could get there. I had all my goals written down and posted on the wall in my room, all kinds of affirmations, and on and on. This dream of my future fantasy life was like a prayer.

The tipping point came when I realized I wasn’t getting any closer to my goal. I was working harder, but not moving in the direction I wanted. I decided I had to shake up my routine; I had to relocate.

How do you afford staying on the road as long as you have?  Any tricks/advice you can share with us?

When I decided to leave behind my life at home to become a nomad, I was very afraid of what I would do if the money were cut off. So I mitigated that risk by offering a trade with a lady who ran a small guesthouse in Mexico.

I had made a few small trips for a few days to Mexico for surfing, now I decided to turn that it into two months. I designed a WordPress website for her which took me 2 or 3 days to complete, and in exchange I could stay at the guesthouse for free. Saving money like that really helped me to “de-risk” the transition.

Tell me more about being a laptop entrepreneur and what is one lifestyle change we can make right now to set us on the road of being a nomad?

If you don’t have big dreams, then get some. Recently I interviewed an Irish guy, Tony Mangan, who for a long time dreamt of running around the entire world. Finally, at the age of 53, he did it. It took four years but he wanted it so badly that he found ways to make it happen.

That seems to be a common theme amongst the nomads I talk to – if you want something badly enough, you will find a way. I know it sounds a bit cliché but it’s true.

Be mindful of the self-talk you use. Keep a gratitude journal where you write what you are thankful for each day so your thoughts and inner dialogue remain positive.

If you want to implement, write things down. Write down your goals and then write a huge list of possible ways to reach them. This is called “mindstorming.”

Then, you have to have a strong and compelling vision if you’re going to make it happen and push through obstacles. Arnold Schwarzenegger, when he won the award for Mr. Universe, said: “My confidence came from my vision. I imagined myself standing on the podium, holding the trophy, with all of the other competitors looking up to me.”

Have the vision and commitment to see things through to the end. Too many of us go through a cycle where we defeat ourselves: first, we enter the stage of “uninformed optimism.” We are optimistic but we don’t realize what we’re in for. Then we see how hard it is and then we enter the stage of “informed pessimism.” Then our dreams enter the “valley of shadows” where they go to die.

Don’t let this happen to you. Whatever it is you want, want it so badly that you think of it every day. Then take small steps each day, and build off of them.

Making money is also about saving. What are three steadfast rules that you abide by in order to stay on budget while traveling?

“Making money is also about saving.” Great point Carey!

When I went to Southeast Asia for the time, I bought a one-way ticket and committed to traveling as long as I could. I had recurring income coming in from my clients back home, which was enough to travel and live forever, so long as I was smart.

It was at this point that I resolved to get my finances in order. I wanted to be smart and know what I could and couldn’t afford to do. I didn’t want to skimp and be a miser if I could afford to have fun.

The first thing I did was I started tracking my expenses. Every time I spent money on coffee, lunch, whatever – I took out a piece of paper from my pocket and recorded the expense. It was eye opening to see where my money was going and useful because I could set a daily average (or limit) for myself and make projects into the future on a monthly and long-term basis.

After I began doing this, I discovered an app called “Trail Wallet” which is an easier and more technological solution. You pull out the app and type in the expense, and the app records everything for you and shows you your monthly spend, and daily averages.

I don’t do this exercise any more because I’ve gotten better an instinctually calculating my expenses in my head. But it’s a great exercise to build the habit.

Now, I’ve shifted my mindset from saving more to earning more. I use a technique from a video I saw of Marie Forleo where she talks about the Law of Attraction. Every time you spend money on something, say: “There’s plenty more where that came from.”

This puts you in the mindset to set to work to create new streams of income and forms of wealth.

You’ve been on the road for over 4 years now, globetrotting and taking on adventures around the world, what’s the most memorable experience/trip you’ve had, and one that I should absolutely add to my own bucket list?

It’s been such an amazing journey, Carey. Three years ago I trained as a tango dancer in Buenos Aires, where I was living for a while. The romance, the passion, the excitement of dancing the night away in darkly lit milongas.

Rafting down the Amazon, exploring the jungles of Brazil, and partying on her beaches were some other highlights. Riding a motorcycle across Vietnam was a thrilling high where I felt completely free. And riding a bicycle across Baja California, Mexico was amazing – traversing empty open landscapes, being completely alone in such a desolate and majestic place.

Now tell us your craziest story and how you got yourself out of it.

When I quit my first business (working with clients) and began writing my first book, I booked a one-way ticket from North America to the Philippines, in the hope of cutting expenses. I had some savings but after a few months it was running dry, and I didn’t have the client base any more to support me.

I was in Sabah (Malaysia) and just began making friends with locals, and couchsurfing whenever I could. Someone referred me to a jungle camp in the middle of Borneo, and I went there for a few weeks. After that, I was in Kota Kinabalu where I had about $100 left and was living on $5 a day and sleeping what was basically an ironing board, tucked away to the side of a hallway separated by a thin fabric curtain. It was awful, but my manuscript was finished.

To get out of it, I simply hustled, taking work as I went. I got a horrible job at a resort, which at least covered rent and food, then volunteered to help build a global village in central Taiwan. I got hired by a startup while in Ho Chi Minh City but then fired a month later. However, with the book off my chest I managed to pick up a few more freelance clients, publish and promote the book, and open up other income streams.

How have you evolved as a traveler from when you first started to how you are now?

I’m more confident, but also more self-aware. Now that I’ve seen the world it’s much easier to explore my place in it.

I’ve learnt that the differences between humans are rather arbitrary and on a basic level, we’re all the same whether we’re white or black, Christian or Muslim, capitalist or communist. As a result of this I feel that I am never truly alone, even if I travel alone – all the men of the world are my brothers.

I’ve learnt how to dance like an Argentinean, fight like a Thai boxer, drink like the Vietnamese, love like a Brazilian, appreciate food like an Italian, slow down like a Mexican, and so much more. I could go on.

Ok, this is for all the gear lovers out there.  What is the one essential piece of travel gear you must have on your travels?

My laptop! It’s what makes all of this possible; it’s my lifeline.

Where are you in the world at the moment, and where will the road take you next?

I’m in Bangkok, Thailand, heading to Krabi next week for some rock climbing. Then I’ll pass through Malaysia to visit some friends and head to Indonesia for some surfing. No plans yet for after that, but I’d like to spend some time in India this year.

Do you have any final advice for those who wish to live a life of travel?

Take small steps outside of your comfort zone. The more you challenge yourself to take risks (even small ones), the more your sphere of what’s possible expands.

 About Danny Flood

At 28, Danny has traveled to over 30 countries on four continents and done and seen many of the things that he wanted to. He has crossed half of Southeast Asia on a motorcycle. He’s rafted down the Amazon and climbed the tallest mountains of South America. He’s rappelled off waterfalls in the jungle and sailed across the South China Sea. He’s tangoed in the darkly-lit halls of San Telmo, Buenos Aires and fought in Thai boxing matches in Bangkok. Through his many adventures around the world, he has been robbed, fallen from bridges and motorbikes, hugged exotic animals, and nearly died several times in pursuit of his dreams.

Website: www.openworldmag.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openworldmagazine

The post Adventure Series: OpenWorld appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

There is traveling, and then there is adventure! And if the latter is what you’re seeking, Antonio and Amanda of the Adventure Junkies might just have your ticket.   They are on a quest to, not only cycle the globe, but to inspire others to turn dream into reality; and to live life to the fullest. For them, adventure is both a mindset and a lifestyle, and they believe, with the right dedication, anyone can do it. Even before starting my own blog, I followed their budget tips religiously. The Adventure Junkies are the real deal, and they do it big! I’m a fan…and you should be too…

Tell me about the Adventure Junkies. Who are you, what you’re all about, how long you’ve been on the road, and your first introduction to traveling.

We are Amanda and Antonio, a couple who decided to turn their travels into a life of adventure. Amanda is 26 and from Vacaville, California. Her first proper introduction to travel came from a month long study abroad program in the Netherlands. Antonio is 31 and from Cádiz, Spain. His first travel was a University Convention in Antibes, in the south of France. After sharing a week with other students from 10 different countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, he knew he had to get out there and explore the world.

We’ve been traveling full time for over two years now but have worked and lived out of our home countries for many years. We believe that traveling is the perfect way to make your life more adventurous. At the moment we are traveling South America by bicycle.

What inspired you to leave the “Normal” life, and cycle the world on an infinite adventure?

Before we even met each other we had been scheming of ways to travel the world long term. We always said having both time and money would be the ultimate freedom. Having a full time job gives you money but doesn’t leave much time to enjoy life to the fullest.

You guys have been on the road for 2 years, how do you afford long-term travel?

Before we started traveling we both had full time jobs. We lived as simply and cut all unnecessary expenses. As traveling for at least a few years was always our goal, it was easy to set savings goals. 

Once we decided to make our travels indefinite we started for looking for ways to support ourselves on the road. In the first year of traveling we became and worked as scuba diving instructors. We would stop off at popular dive destinations like Roatan in Honduras; work for a few months to save up then hit the road again. While it’s a job we love, you are limited to working in locations close to the water.

In the last few months we have put all of our spare time into growing our blog, The Adventure Junkies. After a lot of work we are finally seeing the rewards and the profit that we make from it is currently assisting us in supporting our travels.

You started your adventure with a plan, and have since discarded that itinerary. How has traveling without a plan enriched your travels?

Great question! Throwing the plans out the window gave us a tremendous amount of freedom. We were no longer tied to a calendar or a location. This allows us to stay in a place longer if we enjoy it or keep on moving if we don’t.

You offer some amazingly detailed trip budgets on your blog. What are three steadfast rules that you abide by in order to stay on budget while traveling?

1. Pick a number: For us it’s 10 USD a day/ per person for daily expenses (food & accommodation). I should note that traveling by bicycle is a big reason why we are able to maintain this budget (we don’t pay for buses, stay in small towns, camp often and cook our own meals). This doesn’t mean that you can’t meet this budget as a backpacker but you will have to get creative and carry a tent/ hammock as well as a camping stove (or eat a lot of sandwiches).
2. Avoid those little daily splurges: Beers and coffees fall into this category. They are nice every now and then but can kill your budget if you make it a daily habit.
3. Relax from time to time: If there’s an activity you’ve been dying to do or just need a break from counting dollars, splurge a bit.

There is no guide or book that could recreate your travel experiences. What tips can you give for others who want to get off the beaten path, and find that once in a lifetime experience?

Another great question. Don’t always go along with what the guidebook or other travelers are doing, follow your interests. For us, we love hiking, kayaking and diving so we are always on the look out for places where we can do these activities. Sometimes we take guided tours if we can’t rent the gear we need but we really love going off on our own. 

For example we knew that the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula was supposed to be beautiful but we didn’t want to go on the popular Jeep tour. Instead we packed our backpacks with plenty of food, water and our tent and walked on the beach for 4 days exploring the area. It cost us less than 10 bucks a person and was a memorable experience.

With all the adventures you’ve been on what is one of your most memorable experience/trip?

We can’t pick just one..sorry. Here are a few… Staying a week on a remote island off the coast of Belize, diving with hammerhead sharks, visiting the Amazon Rainforest, petting Grey Whales in Baja California, hiking to the Lost City in Colombia and kayaking around Espiritu Santo Island.

If you could offer one survival/safety tip, what would it be?

If you are going somewhere remote bring more food and water than you plan on consuming. You never know when a storm will hit or you might become injured…both situations will slow you down, maybe making you stay an extra day on the trail.

How have you guys evolved as travelers from when you first started to how you are now?

In the beginning we wanted to do and see as much as possible. Now we’ve slowed down a lot, taking the time to enjoy life in the countries that we are traveling through.

Your one essential piece of travel gear you can’t live without?

Tough one! Amanda says her camera and Antonio says his notebook. One piece of gear that we both find super useful is our SteriPEN, it’s a UV light water purifier.

Your motto is “don’t dream it, live it”. Do you have any advice for those who wish to get out there and live their dreams of endless adventure?

Take small steps. We didn’t just wake up one day and say hell let’s travel the world forever. We’ve both gone through many tiny steps to lead us to where we are today. Plan short trips, study abroad, learn a new language, try something new for the first time…all these things will build your confidence to take the step out the door. 

One other tip: If you decide traveling isn’t for you the worst thing that could happen is you go back to your old life. Lots of people get caught up in worrying about what will happen to their jobs and personal lives if they leave. Why sit at home worrying your whole life when you can at least give your dreams a go and see how it turns out?

Where are you guys now, and where will the road take you both next?

At the moment we are in a small town called Baeza, in the cloudforest of Ecuador. We took a day off from cycling to rest our legs before climbing a 4000 meter mountain pass. This route will take us to Quito. From there we will spend sometime relaxing and exploring Ecuador’s highest volcanoes while we make our way south to Peru.

We are Antonio Cala and Amanda Zeisset (pronounced Z-ice-et). We travel the world and write about it. Over the past 2 years we have been exploring The Americas by bicycle. What started as a well planned bicycle tour turned into a life changing journey that has led us to pursue an infinite travel adventure lifestyle. We are on a mission to help you live a life of adventure. Our pursuit of adventure has transformed our lives and taken us to incredible places around the world. We live the lives of our dreams and we want to help you do the same.

Website: www.theadventurejunkies.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CyclingElMundo

Twitter: https://twitter.com/The_AdvJunkies

The post Adventure Series: The Adventure Junkies appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Have you ever imagined being able to whittle your days away while laying on a beach sipping coconuts, with only monkeys for neighbors? Starting from modest roots, much like ourselves, Ryan Biddulph of Blogging From Paradise has upheaved everything conventional and created for himself a personal paradise.  A published author and public speaker, Ryan is the champion for the digital nomad. With an incredible talent for living a life of island hopping and leisure, Ryan shares the “How tos” through his frank and incredibly fun blog.  Personally he has been a huge help for my own blogging strategies. If being free – however you may define it -is your goal, take a moment and connect with Ryan…

Tell us about Blogging From Paradise.  Who are you, what are you all about, you’re first introduction to traveling, and how long you’ve been on the road

My name is Ryan Biddulph and I am a guy who loves freeing me and my audience through traveling. I created Blogging from Paradise to inspire folks to retire to a life of island hopping through smart blogging, as I have done. I was introduced to traveling by flying 23 hours from NYC to Bali. First flight. First international trip. First vacation in 20 years. I do dive into things. I have been traveling the world for 4 years in a row as of now. I just want to free folks. I was a bored, depressed broke ass security guard and now I have created a full time income earning blog, and I created BFP to help struggling travel bloggers to boost their cash flow, so they need not return home to make that paper, if they don’t want to.

It must have been really tough leaving everything you knew behind.  Was there any hesitation?  If so, how did you overcome that, and what was your inspiration?

Nope honestly Carey, it wasn’t, because I outgrew NJ. I was broke. I was depressed. I hated my life there, not because of NJ – not a bad state – but because I wanted to see more of the world, and being bound to the USA didn’t allow me to do that. No hesitation, my wife Kelli booked tickets to Bali, I hopped onto my first flight, on my first trip abroad, halfway across the world, and never looked back. I was inspired to be free, so I did the uncomfortable things to make that freeing life a dream reality.

How do you afford staying on the road as long as you have?  Any tricks/advice you can share with us?

Build a blog that makes some paper Seriously, I’d say, create value and connect with inspired, authority bloggers, to boost your passive and active cash flow. Then, you can visit countries where the exchange rate rocks: Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, India, Nepal, etc, etc. We’re in Bali now. My wife and I eat lunch for 2, for about $5, and it’s a HUGE plate of veggies and proteins, and rice, at a local spot called Warung Warung in Jimbaran, Bali. It does not suck to have 1 USD = 13,000 Ruppiah, just about, as when our flight lands in Bali, and in Thailand, our USD earning net worth jumps like five fold or more, if we’re staying in incredibly cheap places like Chian Mai, Thailand. Generate that full time income through blogging and visit countries with a low cost of living to capitalize on the internet lifestyle.

Tell me more about being a smart blogger and what is one lifestyle change we can make right now to set me on the road of retiring on an island?

Smart blogging is effective blogging. Like, I could publish a run of the mill, 400 word post, which is OK, or I could publish a 5,000 word, in-depth post, targeted to one audience, through keyword selection. Then I can promote the heck out of other inspired bloggers, to grow my network, and said bloggers, more than a few, will promote me, boosting my readership, growing my email list and boosting my book sales on Amazon.

As for that 1 change I’d say, make your love of being free greater than your fear of doing uncomfortable stuff. Right now I publish 1 book weekly along with a 5,000 word post and a podcast. I also run freelance writing and blog coaching businesses and I engage in an aggressive blog commenting campaign. I do the creating and connecting that needs be done to be free, because I love being free more than doing uncomfortable things. I’ll do the legwork to write the kick butt post or to publish an eBook weekly or to make the intimate, strong bond, because it helps me live this awesome, blessed life, on the road, as a full time, pro blogger.

Making money is also about saving.  What are three steadfast rules that you abide by in order to stay on budget while island hopping?

1: Eat local much of the time. Eating local keeps you from busting your budget.

2: Eat at home at least one meal daily. Kelli my wife and I eat tempe with rice, bought from the local store, once daily. With veggies this meal runs us like 3 to 4 bucks, if that.

3: Enjoy what you can for free. Our most stunning experiences on the road were free experiences. Hanging at the beach when the sun goes down, in Koh Lanta, or in Quepos. Or hiking in a national park. Or just strolling around town in Kathmandu. All free, all priceless, and all kept us within our budget.

You’ve been on the road for over 3 years now, globe-trotting and island hopping, what’s the most memorable experience/trip you’ve had, and one that I should absolutely add to my own bucket list?

Wow, this is a tough one. Most memorable trip is probably Savusavu, Fiji, for I’ve never seen a more pristine, pollution-free, drop dead gorgeous land, in my life!

Bucket list add: an African Safari or Patagonia. Tied.

Now tell us your craziest story and how you got yourself out of it

Wow, so many to choose from. 3 weeks ago I fought a spitting cobra in the backyard on the villa grounds in Jimbaran, Bali. I almost checked out after a wicked motorbike accident in Jimbaran 3 years ago, and I was attacked by a wild man in Nepal who bit my arm, and I saw a lizard walk on water in Costa Rica. I also got coked out in Peru, and was in Thailand during the coup.

#1 though, is my illness in India. I fell ill with giardia. I lost 20 pounds in about 10 days. I was rushed to the emergency room, dangerously dehydrated, and I genuinely felt I was dying. It was terrifying but oh so freeing because I saw life as being a zillion times more precious after the event. I am an athletic work out nut, so when I couldn’t walk 30 seconds without losing my breath, ONE MONTH after I first fell ill with the disease, I was humbled too.

Imagine feeling like you were going to puke, at the end of every day, for 10 days. Imagine not being able to hold onto anything because you’re letting go water, on the back end. It was hideous, horrifying, and the sickest I’ve ever been in my whole life. Oh yes, I didn’t eat anything for those 10 days either, other than a half an orange on the first day of my sickness.

I got out of it with a hospital trip for a few days and antibiotics.

If you could offer only one survival/safety tip, what would it be?

Be alert. Look around. Pay attention. Life is kinda crazy on the road sometimes and people who get in trouble are oblivious.

How have you evolved as a traveler from when you first started to how you are now?

I judge less. I love more. I accept more. I am less biased, and more fascinated by different cultures, and I am much more patient these days than I ever, ever was, because you can’t travel and stay sane, by being impatient.

Ok, this is for all the gear lovers out there.  What is the one essential piece of travel gear you must have on your travels?

For me, my laptop. Because gear-wise, I am t shirts and shorts, and flip flops, so simple. But I gotta bring my home office with me.

Where are you in the world at the moment, and where will the road take you next?

Jimbaran, Bali now, and we’ll had back to the US for a month before traveling through Mexico, in about 3 months.

Do you have any final advice for those who wish to live a life of travel?

Go for it! My first time on a plane was 23 hours, and my first trip, Bali. I dove in fully and never looked back. No excuses. Book the flight. Get going!

 About Blogging From Paradise

Hi, I’m Ryan Biddulph. I can help you retire to a life of island hopping through smart blogging. Grab yourself some coconut juice, sit back, relax and take a look around Blogging from Paradise. We do things island style here, so take your time!

Website: www.bloggingfromparadise.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloggingfromparadise

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ryanbiddulph

The post Adventure Series: Blogging From Paradise appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

I love these guys! Sustainable long-term travel is a tough business. But Jon and Kach of Two Monkeys Travel have devised a formula that makes its seem so darn easy to work and live a life of global travel.  On the road since 2013, the Two Monkeys really put their money where their mouth is. With incredibly detailed, and actionable advice, Jon and Kach inspire others, such as myself, to just get out there and do it. If working abroad and putting some miles on your shoes is your goal, they are the ones to follow. Also, check out their new project #backpackerteacher that promotes travel and volunteer opportunities. These guys are awesome!

Tell me about the Two Monkeys Travel Group.  Who are you, what you’re all about, how long you’ve been on the road, and your first introduction to traveling.

We are Jon and Kach, the long-term travelers behind Two Monkeys Travel. We met on the road and have been travelling for just over two years now. Our aim is to find new and exciting ways to create a sustainable and successful life of travel, while helping and inspiring others who want to do the same. I (Jon) first travelled at a young age in Africa, as my father worked in Kenya and Malawi, so I had a very lucky start. Kach started her first overseas traveling when she finished university and moved to the Middle East to start work, from there she was able to travel to places like Jordan, Kurdistan,

What inspired you to give up a “normal” life and commit to traveling and working abroad as a lifestyle?

I don’t like to think of myself as a ‘classic case of’ anything, but having spent 6 years at university on two different courses and tried two different careers, it was clear that I wasn’t going to find a life that suited me behind a desk, in an office or in any situation that fixed me in one place, despite having a great job in an architects’ practice with amazing employers. In autumn 2011, I went to visit my sister in Barcelona; my first time outside of the UK in four years and it re-lit something in me that had gone dormant for a while – I suddenly remembered how much I loved new places and people, I even missed my flight and stayed for a few more days! It was another 18 months until I made a complete break and flew to Bangkok, but that was the beginning.

You guys have been traveling since 2013, and have become some serious experts on working abroad to fund your travels.  What are some of the jobs you’ve done, and which is your favorite?

We’ve done a lot of different jobs along the way, from hostel work, waiting tables, massage therapy and Yoga classes, not to mention the obvious – TEFL teaching. My personal favourite is teaching Yoga. Every yoga class is like a meditation session for me, which combined with guiding a group of students into a completely meditative state and seeing the benefits they feel as they sink into relaxation, gives me a huge sense of calm.

What job or skill would you recommend for someone just starting out on their own long-term travel adventure?

This really depends on the individual, as I would never recommend forcing yourself into something you don’t enjoy. The one-size-fits-all solution is usually TEFL teaching; getting a certificate is quick, painless and relatively cheap, plus it’s useful in most non-English speaking countries. If it doesn’t feel like a passion for you though, I strongly advise taking a good look at everything you enjoy most in your life and trying to find a product or service that can come out of that, otherwise, you’ll forever be bouncing from one job or money making scheme to the next, just like I did back home!

You guys have visited and worked in a crazy number of countries.  Which destination do you suggest is best for someone just starting out, and who wants to work abroad?

Asia is most people’s starting point, particularly for teaching English; living costs are low, demand is high and so are the salaries. We taught in Vietnam and to be honest, life was easy and you could make good money on minimal working hours. TEFL gives you that first step into working abroad. If you want to do the same in somewhere like South America, then it can be a little more challenging, as demand is lower and therefore salaries too. We found that we had to focus more on our massage skills to earn good money in Peru.

What are three steadfast rules that you abide by in order to stay on budget while traveling the globe?

1. We write everything down, every last cent that we spend. That way it’s easy to see where the wastage is.
2. We separate our money into different envelopes and categories, so we know how much we have for each expense.
3. We think long term. Day to day thinking burns money. It’s great to be spontaneous but if you want to sustain your travels, or even better earn and save, then you need some kind of plan.

You recently started a project called the #BackpackerTeacher, tell us a bit about it.

It’s a new project that Kach started, with the goal of promoting backpacking and volunteer English teaching around the Philippines. By creating networks of schools and volunteer teachers, we hope to encourage more people to travel, whilst giving back to communities at the same time. We also follow a very strict policy – No one should have to pay to volunteer their time and skills!

How can we get involved?

You can check out our Facebook page and website – http://backpackerteacher.twomonkeystravelgroup.com/ to keep an eye out for projects in your area or an area where you would like to volunteer. We’re still in the final stages of organization, but we hope to announce our first volunteer opportunity very soon!

How have you guys evolved as travelers from when you started to how you guys are now?

The simplest but most important change has been that now we are traveling with goals and ambitions, unlike when we first left and were simply looking for excitement and new experiences in whatever form they came!

Your one essential piece of travel gear you guys can’t live without?

I’m one of those guys who isn’t completely happy without a knife; just a little one, for cutting pieces of fruit, string, using as a screwdriver or any number of other things. I just like knowing I have some kind of useful tool with me for any situation. I had a great pocket multi tool that my brother gave me, but it was ‘lost’ in customs in Riyadh!

So what’s next for the Two Monkeys? Where will the road take you next?

We’ll be heading north from Costa Rica to Nicaragua in about a month or so, then we’re meeting Kach’s mother in Colombia for her first backpacking trip, before traveling south to Brazil, Argentina and finally, Antarctica!

Do you have any final advice for those who wish to get out and live a life of travel?

Do what you enjoy and don’t fall into the same traps and patterns that you might be trying to leave behind. A job you don’t enjoy is still a job you don’t enjoy when you’re in another country. Aside from that, for a life of travel you need skills that can be used all over the world to provide any type of income

About the Two Monkeys

Kach Medina and Jonathan Howe are working-on-the-road couple from the Philippines and UK. Having each decided to quit their jobs and set off around South East Asia to start their new lives, neither imagined they would end up traveling the world with someone they met in a backpackers’ bar in Laos.  But that’s what happened!  They are both certified Tantra Yoga Teachers, Ayurveda Massage Therapists and TEFL Certified Teachers. Working wherever and whenever they want! Travelling since April 2013 and currently exploring South America. their next major travel goal- Antartica via Argentina

Visit their blog twomonkeystravelgroup.com and get to know them on Facebook and Twitter!

The post Adventure Series: The Two Monkeys Travel Group appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Every now and then you’ll come across someone whom you know there just isn’t enough road on this earth for them to travel. A full-time adventurer, photographer, travel writer, and all around ass kicker, Will Hatton over at The Broke Backpacker is one of those people where Mother Nature herself seeks him out to see what he’s made of. Will is the Chuck Norris of adventure travel, the very embodiment of the adventuring spirit, blazing trails where there are none, and going where danger is a stark reality.   When not risking his life scaling peaks, slogging through uncharted jungles, or practicing his round house kicks, you’ll find him over at his blog regaling us with incredibly captivating stories along with actionable advice on how you can also live a life of travel. If you’re not already following him, you probably should…

Tell us a little about the Broke Backpacker.  Who are you, what are you all about, you’re first introduction to traveling, and how long have you been kicking ass and taking names on the road?

Hi! My name’s Will and I’ve wanted to be an explorer ever since I first watched Indiana Jones as a kid! I’ve been on the road for about seven years, I first started when I was eighteen and I climbed Kilimanjaro, summiting on my birthday. Since then, I’ve taken every chance I get to explore this amazing world. I first started, very casually, writing about my travels a couple of years ago. 9 short months ago I decided ‘screw it, I want to be a professional travel writer’ – something which is going extremely well at the moment. I’ve been able to make money out of my site for the last three months, enough to fund my lifestyle, and I’ve even been published by news.com.au!

We all dream about dropping everything and traveling. What was your inspiration to leave the 9 to 5, get into backpacking and commit to traveling as a lifestyle?

For me, it wasn’t a hard decision. I never really had a 9-5. Sure, I had jobs, but they were temporary, manual labor, grunt work – I enjoyed some of it but I was never there for long, the aim of the game was to save money up so I could hit the road again. I did have a brief stint working as a travel agent and itinerary designer; this was the closest thing I had to a proper job. I lasted about a year before my itchy-feet forced me to move on!

I know you’ve recently come into some wealth in Venezuela, but when not paying in Bolivars, how do you afford long-term travel?

Wow, yeah – Venezuela is the cheapest country I have ever been; about a third of dirt-cheap India! In general, I try to pick cheap places, such as India, Venezuela, Nepal, The Philippines, Cambodia and Nicaragua to travel; I can last longer and see more but I do tend to just go wherever I want. I hitch, couchsurf and grab random jobs on the road to help keep myself going. Now that my writing is going so well, I’m hoping to fund my travels indefinitely through my website and freelance work.

What are three steadfast rules that you abide by in order to stay on budget while backpacking?

Don’t drink too much! Seriously, the amount of money that some backpackers spend on partying is just insane. Don’t get me wrong; I LOVE to party, but have a few pre-drinks rather than exclusively buying expensive cocktails in bars. I also try to hitch wherever possible and I very rarely pay for accommodation; I couchsurf, camp or, more recently, score freebies in exchange for a shout-out online.

You have some seriously awesome adventures stories that certainly can’t be found in any guidebook, what is your trick to really dig into a culture and destination?

Time. On my most recent travels, I met people who were attempting to see ‘All of South America’ in six weeks – that’s impossible. You’re better off sticking to one country and really getting to grips with it rather than going on an international-airport tour. Sure, some people are really addicted to ‘bucket-list’ travel in which they try to tick off every ‘life-changing’ experience and see every world wonder in one fell swoop – I get the attraction, many people don’t have the kind of time I have and want to cram in as much as possible but, seriously, there is so much to do in Colombia, for example, that trying to see an entire continent just comes across as a bit insane, you will lose so much time and money on the crazy distances.

You’ve had some close calls and lived to tell the tale.  What is one of the most intense situations you’ve ever gotten yourself into and how did you get yourself out of it?

Oh wow! Well, there are a few for sure. I seem to have a gift for walking away from disasters in one piece. I’ve been stripped naked at gun-point, crashed several motorbikes, had a knife pulled on me, found myself dangling over a 1000 meter drop, been evacuated from tropical jungle and survived a year of Indian food! Probably one of the more intense situations was in Costa Rica; I got badly injured in the jungle and then spent two weeks in hospital, I thought I was going to die; it was a truly bad time, I did get out of it – unfortunately with a life-changing injury – and it made me a bit more aware of my mortality… I still kind of think of myself as indestructible though.

If you could offer only one survival tip, what would it be?

Note the exits; always know the fastest way out of a situation and get away from brewing trouble before it explodes.

I know you’ve got a lot more adventures in that tank of yours, but up until now, what is the most memorable experience/trip?

I very recently climbed Mount Roraima, in Venezuela, the highest table-top mountain in the world and the inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘Lost World’ … the climb was tough but the stunning views at the top were well worth it.

Aside from visiting amazing places, being on the road is about making meaningful connections with others.  And if your blog is any indication, I know you’ve met some really amazing people. How do you go about breaking the ice?

I’m a pretty friendly guy, I’ve met life-long friends, lovers and brothers (from another mother) on the road; I normally just keep an eye out for other solo travelers and invite them for a drink or a game of cards.

How have you evolved as a traveler from when you first started to how you are now?

When I first started I was one of the shyest kids in the world, travelling allowed me to get away from a not-particularly brilliant childhood (I never had many mates in school) and to re-invent myself. The guy who I am today is a far cry from who I was seven years ago, I feel more confident, I like myself; travelling has given me pretty much everything I could ever want; new experiences, faith in my self and a huge network of wonderful friends.

Ok, this is for all the gear lovers out there. What is the one essential piece of travel gear you must have on your adventurers?

Only one? Hmmm… a knife. I also always have a head-torch handy… I like to crawl around in caves.

What kind of trouble are you getting yourself into at the moment, and where will the road take you next?

Haha, right now? I’m preparing to head off to the Philippines for a month of island hopping, mountain climbing, and cave-traversing madness…

Do you have any final advice for those who wish to live a life of travel?

Just do it. If you spend your whole life waiting for the perfect time, the perfect companion or the perfect place to go travelling, you may never go. Book that ticket, shoulder your bag and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.

About Will Hatton

Writer and photographer. Adventurer and vagabond. Master of the handstand pushup. Conqueror of mountains, survivor of deserts and crusader for cheap escapades. Will is an avid hitch-hiker, couch-surfer and bargain-seeker. He is a devout follower of the High Temple of Backpackistan and the proud inventor of the man-hug. Will blogs over at www.thebrokebackpacker.com about his adventures around the world, you can follow him on Facebook  and on twitter  or, if your really friendly, hunt him down on the road for a cheeky pint.

The post Adventure Series: The Broke Backpacker appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Sustainable travel is a tough business. But Kach and Jon of Two Monkeys Travel have devised a formula that makes its seem so darn easy to work and sustain a life of global travel.  On the road since 2013, the Two Monkeys really put their money where their mouth is. With incredibly detailed, and actionable advice, Kach and Jon inspire others, such as myself, to just get out there and do it. Lucky for us, they’ve allowed us to share some of their best kept secrets…This is Part 2 of their Funding and Sustaining a Life of Travel Series.  You can find Part 1 here -How to Fund and Sustain a Life of Travel Part 1

Fund and Sustain a Life of Travel Part 2

Planning to buy this Combi– Arequipa, Peru

Option 1 – Work THEN Travel – The road most traveled

This is what Jon and I were doing before we met each other and it seems to be the way most travelers start.  He spent 6 months preparing and saving for his big move to South East Asia.  It’s a lot to ask yourself to stay in a job and a life that you already know you want to leave behind, but booking your flight makes it all the more bearable!  Because of this, he was able to fulfill his dream of traveling around SE Asia (Cambodia-Thailand-Laos-Vietnam) by motorbike with one of his best friends from home, Seb.

Jon with Seb on their South East Asia motorbike adventure

I lived and worked in the Middle East for 4 years and although I had been traveling short-term from time to time, I knew the time was approaching when I would finally quit for good.  So after four years of full time corporate work in Kuwait and Kurdistan, Iraq I had enough savings to travel for three months in South East Asia and live in Vietnam for another 3 months before finally getting a job!

Kach with Lory in Kuwait – after a Musical show

Option 2 – Overseas working – Become an Expat!

Moving around a lot is great, but if you really want to get to know a place and its’ people, nothing beats living there and there is always work if you know where to look.  After 3 months of traveling around South East Asia, Jon and Seb’s travel funds were diminishing and the motorbikes were suffering some serious issues; the main one being that they were shit!  So they set off on the three day ride from Laos to Hanoi, Vietnam in hope of finding work.  Luckily they had already prepared for this situation before leaving the UK.  Both had completed a 150 hour TEFL teacher training course so that they could have some kind of income almost anywhere in the world.  As things turned out, Hanoi is actually heaven for native English speakers looking to make good money.  Teaching jobs there pay $20-30 per hour and living costs are some of the cheapest in the world.   Jon landed a job teaching kids for 20 hours a week and rented a huge house with 3 guys; Seb, the half-French Cumbrian; a mysterious yet disturbing Swede named Martin; and Eachan, a 19 year old Geordie who realized Vietnam was loads better than the army…It was interesting…..

No, don’t become a sex-pat!

I, on the other hand, didn’t have any teaching certificates and wasn’t considered a native speaker in Vietnam, so it took me a few months to find teaching work, but once I landed my first job the flood gates just opened for me.  Also, since I have a good deal of marketing and administrative experience, I was also able to find freelance work.

Although we both had full time jobs as well as other part time jobs to help us save for our next big backpacking adventure through India, we still found time to take short trips away.  In seven months we rode a motorbike around North Vietnam for a week; spent a week in Laos; had a luxury cruise in Halong Bay and even treated ourselves to 4 and 5 Star hotel breaks in Hanoi and Ninh Binh!

By the time we left Hanoi, we had enough savings to travel to Singapore, India, The Maldives, UK and South America over 6 months.  And we were hardly sticking to a tight budget – the odd 5 star hotel managed to sneak itself into our India trip!

Our 5 star hotel in New Delhi, India

Option 3 – Work WHILE Traveling – Truly Mobile Travelers!

While living the expat life in Vietnam was an amazing (and quite profitable!) we both knew that in order to achieve that next level of financial freedom and mobility we needed to invest in some new skills that allowed us to work on the move.

Of course this would have to be something we enjoyed as well as providing a solid source of income to top up our pockets now and then.

Jon at Shri Kali Ashram, Goa, India

I had practiced Yoga in the Middle East and later completed a month long intensive Tantra Yoga course in Thailand, whilst Jon had practiced Tai Chi in the UK and Yoga in Hanoi.  Our decision to become qualified Yoga teachers was the main motivation to travel to India, where we studied traditional Tantra Yoga with Shri Kali Ashram in South Goa.

Jon’s yoga class in Ollantaytambo, Peru

Towards the end of our India trip, we also visited Rishikesh in the North West, where we found Dr Vinod Kumar, qualified Doctor (MD), Ayurvedic Doctor and founder of the Ayuskama centre, where we studied to become Ayurveda Massage Therapists.  Between us we specialize in Marma Point therapy, Pre and Post Natal and Childcare massage therapy

Business card in Arequipa, Peru

With these new skills we could now be truly mobile, practicing our interests and passions whilst funding our travels around the world.

Option 4 – Volunteering and Work Exchange – Stretch your budget…and your travels.

You won’t be able to save money or even earn it through this route, but you can definitely extend your budget, and consequently your travels, by working a few hours a day in exchange for your bed and at least one meal a day.  This is most often in hostels but you can also find more interesting jobs with eco-projects or charitable organizations.

Bowl of Compassion, Bodh Gaya, India

We have both volunteered teaching English in Cambodia and Laos and I worked in a Hostel on Koh Pah Ngan, Thailand.  We also worked 4 hours a night in a beach restaurant in India for two meals a day and worked in a Hostal in Ollantaytambo, Peru for a month so we could learn Spanish and visit Machu Picchu.  We also used this as an opportunity to meet massage clients and host Yoga classes!

Waiters at Duck n Chill – for FREE yummy food!

Duck n Chill. Agonda Beach where we worked at the bar at night!

However, BEWARE of anyone asking you to pay any kind of fee in order to volunteer.  We don’t believe in paying to donate our time, effort and skills to a good cause, but volunteer work has become so popular and accessible (thanks internet!) that many have taken advantage by charging extortionate fees for a ‘rewarding experience’.  Unfortunately it’s quite common for very little of this money to go to the people who actually need it.

One of Jon’s yoga class in Ollantaytambo, Peru

 About the Authors

Kach Medina and Jonathan Howe are working-on-the-road couple from the Philippines and UK. Having each decided to quit their jobs and set off around South East Asia to start their new lives, neither imagined they would end up traveling the world with someone they met in a backpackers’ bar in Laos.  But that’s what happened!  They are both certified Tantra Yoga Teachers, Ayurveda Massage Therapists and TEFL Certified Teachers. Working wherever and whenever they want! Travelling since April 2013 and currently exploring South America. their next major travel goal- Antartica via Argentina

 

Visit them at www.twomonkeystravelgroup.com

Drop by their Facebook page and get to know them!

Follow them on Twitter

Join the Twomonkeys Facebook Group

 

The post Fund and Sustain a Life of Global Travel Part 2 appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Are you excited to travel yet fear breaking the bank? I know where you’re coming from. Being a regular traveler and former slave to the machine, I learned quickly that doing the long-term traveling requires you to get serious about your finances.

As long as you’re comfortable with crunching numbers, sacrificing some luxuries and listening to experts who have circled the globe on a budget you can enjoy living a fulfilling life of travel while boosting your savings.

View Traveling as a Lifestyle

Too many well-meaning travelers view vacations as 1 or 2 week excursions. Money is subsequently blown on convenience after convenience. Although it’d be nice to take taxis everywhere, traveling on a budget requires some foot travel or at least, learning how to drive a motorbike in certain countries.

I prefer to view traveling as a lifestyle choice. I chose to leave the suit behind because I enjoy the freeing and inspiring nature of backpacking. Nothing beats strapping on your pack, and hitting the road towards a new destination just because you can.

Being on the go demands that you watch your spending carefully to have peace of mind while on the road.

The Biggest Issue with Long Term Travel

Understanding how to budget in order to stretch out your Rupiah, Dollar or Baht can be both confusing and intimidating. From travel costs, to accommodations, to budgeting your daily food allowance, your head is likely to spin, and keep on spinning. Factor in varying exchange rates and you may just be ready to throw in the towel on doing long-term travel.

It’s no wonder that most give up their plans during the budgeting stage.

Fear not. Seasoned long-term travelers can help you conquer your budgeting anxieties. The easiest way to experience the lifestyle of a permanent traveler is to study how the travel experts do it!

Things to Keep in Mind

Listen to the Pros

These traveling pros know how to hop from country to country on a budget. Each individual or couple has mastered the art of long-term travel. I suggest following these inspired adventurers because they offer a detailed analysis of daily travel costs as well as travel budgets based on their personal experiences.

I myself find it so much easier to follow practical, proven budgeting tips shared through the experiences of fellow travelers. Doing so gives me both a framework and benchmark numbers to work with as I plan my budget.

Visit their blogs. Get to know them better to travel indefinitely without worrying about your finances.

Note; although the posts are geared towards travel in particular countries, many of the same budget travel principles apply to wherever you happen to be visiting.

The Adventure Junkies

The Adventure Junkies Antonio Cala and Amanda Zeisset have been cycling through the Americas for 2 years. They are dreamers who help you live a life of adventure and enjoy sharing budgeting and planning tips for long term travelers.  They believe that money is no obstacle to traveling the world, and that you’re able to do more with less.  The take away: focus less on spending money to acquire things, and more on having rich, inspired experiences to remember.

Dive into Antonio and Amanda’s tremendous resource and in-depth “travel costs” archives. Travel Costs Archives

The Broke Backpacker

The Broke Backpacker Will Hatton knows how to help backpackers travel on a tight budget. This colorful character left his desk job behind to circle the globe. Will spent $12 a day on travel costs – including flight costs – during a 2-year trip through Asia! He’s also huge on couch surfing for both saving money and meeting interesting people on the road. You may want to consider traveling with friends because as Will says, traveling with a buddy doubles your buying power instantly. Other budget-friendly gems to mine include traveling like a local (ask ‘em where to eat, stay, etc), eating local food, researching destinations beforehand and networking like a boss.

He created a masterpiece of a post for backpackers traveling on a shoestring right here: Budget Backpacking 101

Few more of my favorite Long-Term Travel Bloggers

The following list of travel bloggers offer incredibly actionable and succinct advice. With their proven experiences these travel bloggers will show you how to penny-pinch and achieve your goal of living a life of travel:

Two Monkeys

Kach and Jonathan are digital nomads who’ve been working on the road since 2013. The dynamic duo offers travel advice and some smart tips for saving money while doing the long-term travel bit. They are big into sustainable travel so if you’re not the volunteering type, follow these folks.

Two Monkeys Travel

Goats on the Road

Nick and Dariece are the lovable and inspiring Goats on the Road. These freelance dynamos can inspire you to become a full time travel blogger through their entertaining stories and practical tips. Keep an eye out for their colorful and fun travel videos as well as their jaw-dropping sunset photos.

Goats on the Road

Blogging from Paradise

Ryan Biddulph is the creative mind behind Blogging from Paradise. He can help you retire to a life of island hopping through smart blogging. He places an emphasis on linking his colorful travel stories to smart blogging tips so you too can become a professional, full time income earning blogger who makes the world your office.

Check out their house sitting strategies

Our Open Road

Adam, Emily and their two daughters Colette and Sierra, have been slow traveling the world since 2012. This family became accustomed to scrimping and saving to fuel their long term travel dreams and can inspire you to do the same.

Our Open Road

Don’t Forget to Move

Julian and Christine specialize in making your adventures less expensive, easier and more fun too. Note; this couple helps nudge budgeting travelers to splurge every now and then to fully embrace your experience.

Don’t Forget To Move

Finding the Freedom

Alex decided to make being free his number 1 priority. At Finding the Freedom he helps his readers hit the road indefinitely. If you’re looking for tips on how to travel frugally he’s your guy.

Finding The Freedom

Summary

Get to know these bloggers. Each offers an authentic, real-world approach to traveling long term. Getting through the “I can’t afford to travel for more than a few months” mental block can be a bear to conquer but learning from the pros gives you the confidence and clarity to craft a freeing, inspired lifestyle.

What travel budgeting tips can you share?

Do you know any of these travel bloggers?

The post Smart Tips for Long-term Traveling (with Advice from Experts) appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Sustainable travel is a tough business. But Kach and Jon of Two Monkeys Travel have devised a formula that makes its seem so darn easy to work and travel.  On the road since 2013, the Two Monkeys really put their money where their mouth is. With incredibly detailed, and actionable advice, Kach and Jon inspire others, such as myself, to just get out there and do it. Lucky for us, they’ve allowed us to share some of their best kept secrets…

How to Fund and Sustain a Life of Travel

For most of us nowadays, the world is a fairly accessible place. Cheap deals on flights and accommodation, thanks largely to online competition, as well as the massive growth in information available to anyone with an internet connection, means more of us are seeing more of the world than ever before.  As long as you have a job and can save a little money each month, you can fund that once-in-a-lifetime backpacking experience to SE Asia, India, South America, Africa…the list goes on!

Unfortunately though, all good things must come to an end.  You’ve had your fun, escaped the ‘real world’ for a year or two and now it’s time to get back to reality; build a career; buy a car; get married; buy a house; put babies in the house…Your own preferably.  Don’t steal babies! So that’s it – work and invest and raise miniature versions of yourself and do all of the things that you’re supposed to do up until retirement age.  If you’ve looked after your health then you can get straight back to having fun again.  Go wild!  Grow your own vegetables; play golf; join some kind of committee; maybe go on nudist holidays when nobody you know is looking.  It’s gonna be crazy!

But what if you don’t want to wait until the age of 65 to enjoy all these wonders that life has to offer?  What if you want to join the naked-vegetable-golf-committee right now?!  Well, you know what, you can!

There are many ways that you can fund a life of continuous travel and if you’re prepared to stay somewhere longer, actually build up savings as well!

Firstly, here’s everything we’ve done to earn money since leaving our jobs and up until leaving Vietnam.

Beatles Ashram, Rishikesh, India

Here’s our story: Jon is from the United Kingdom and I’m from the Philippines.  We both have completely different cultural, work and financial backgrounds.

Jon had already been saving for 6 months before he quit his job in the UK and flew to South East Asia.  His savings only lasted for 3 months though as he did a motorbike trip through Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam; which used up most of his traveling funds.

In my case, my traveling funds came from my last 3 paychecks I received while working in Kurdistan, Iraq. I quit from my job and initially planned to travel for 3 to 6 months, one month of which was with my younger siblings.  I paid for everything, which put quite a dent in my finances as well!

When I decided to follow Jon to Hanoi, Vietnam, he had already found a job, a house and had 2 motorbikes but his bank savings were suffering.  By that time I had been traveling for 3 months and still had enough savings, from working in Kuwait and Iraq, to survive for a month or two, however I didn’t intend to touch them as it was invested in my mutual funds in the Philippines.

Now for the important stuff – How we managed to save and sustain our finances in Hanoi, Vietnam upon choosing this long-term traveling lifestyle.

1. Teaching English

Vietnamese New Year Celebration with May School where Jon taught English for 6 months

As posted in Memories of Hanoi, by teaching English we earned from $19 to $25. Jon, having a TEFL Certificate (from the UK) and being a Native English speaker, though without teaching experience, was able to get a 6-month contract with a private language school.  This paid a monthly salary of $1600 to $1800, depending on his working hours, with an extra of contract bonus.  He also took on some extra classes and private students to earn extra cash.  While now here in South America, you can also add yourself to websites which are specifically designed to help students and teachers to connect to each other, like this one, linking travelling teachers to students all over South America – www.englishclassforlatino.com

In my case, a non-native speaker without experience, nor TEFL certificate, it took 3 months to find my first teaching gig.  My first job paid me $17/ class (1 hour and 30 minutes) but I had a sure 30 class course over almost 2 months which paid me at the end of the course. After that, I was able to get a job through a private agency that sends teachers to rural areas in Hanoi, getting paid $20/hour for 10 hours every weekend and $25/hour for 5 hours on Tuesday and Thursday. This teaching job paid me weekly, so we used this money for our monthly bills while Jon’s monthly salary went straight to our 2014 Travel fund!

My students in the public school

Also, there were times that some centres needed a teacher to cover a class which they advertised in TNH or Hanoi Massive.  I once covered a short class for a week, paying $200! They wanted me to work longer but I couldn’t commit knowing that we planned go travelling.

2. Freelancing (Admin Job)

Since we had a high savings target, we had to work more hours to earn more money.  But teaching can be exhausting at times. Luckily though, through an advert on Facebook, Jon was able to get an editing job in an office where his job was to back-check and proofread emails.  At $20/hr and 10hrs/week it was exactly the boost we needed!

Teaching baby yoga!

I was able to get a job at this western-franchised company for children, which I was very sad to leave but I had to.  I developed marketing plans, organized open house events, pricing strategies and taught baby yoga to kids.  This job only paid me $10/hour but I had a fixed 80 hours per month (or $800/ month salary.)  I sometimes worked at night, weekdays or bulk hours on the weekend!  My sister even spent Valentine’s Day with me in the office since I had to work from 9am to 9pm!

3. Private Classes

Private class

This is my favorite, our private classes. Jon was able to get a private class teaching 5 cute Vietnamese kids in their house where he was paid $20/hour and was teaching them twice a week (1hr and 30 minutes per session).  I had two adult private classes.  I was tutoring my first student three times a week on how to pass her Canadian Immigration interview and she paid me $25/class while my other lovely student was working for the government and just wanted me to practice with her and improve her business English.  She also paid me $25/class, 3 times a week!

Crazy schedule on our last 3 months!

In our last 3 months in Hanoi Jon and I weren’t able to see each other as much as before, because our schedule was fully jam-packed with work.  I also had to learn how to drive a motorbike in Hanoi traffic for work, but it was all worth it, we left Hanoi with enough money by just living there and enjoying life for 7 months (9 months for Jon!) but saving for only the last 6 months!

TIPS for Couples

1. Compromise

As a couple, you will both know and learn each other’s spending habits by living together.  In our first month of living together, Jon and I were paying for our own food, drinks and etc. (completely different from the Filipino culture!)  This changed once we started making longer term plans together and we began to share all of our income and expenses; from food, to bills and partying.

2. Save Together

This is how I organize our budget while traveling!

3. Set a Goal and Target

We had a monthly target of travel fund to achieve.  I wrote on the wall and we can clearly see upon waking up in the morning. We tried to live smartly and sometimes frugally.  Whilst saving and with both of us working, we were able to travel to North Vietnam, a week in Laos, holiday trip in Ha Long Bay and a Christmas stay-cation in a 5-star hotel but we were able to leave Hanoi with travel fund to sustain our trip to South America!

Weekend trip in Ninh Binh, Vietnam!

Part 2 coming soon!

 About the Authors

Kach Medina and Jonathan Howe are working-on-the-road couple from the Philippines and UK. Having each decided to quit their jobs and set off around South East Asia to start their new lives, neither imagined they would end up traveling the world with someone they met in a backpackers’ bar in Laos.  But that’s what happened!  They are both certified Tantra Yoga Teachers, Ayurveda Massage Therapists and TEFL Certified Teachers. Working wherever and whenever they want! Travelling since April 2013 and currently exploring South America. their next major travel goal- Antartica via Argentina

Visit them at www.twomonkeystravelgroup.com

Drop by their Facebook page and get to know them!

Follow them on Twitter

Join the Twomonkeys Facebook Group

The post Work and Travel – The Two Monkeys way! appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.