You Don’t Need a Big Bank Account to Travel — You Just Need to Decide

People think travel requires a big bank account, but what it really requires is a decision.

Not long ago, I was living in my car, not because I gave up, but because I refused to give up. I made sacrifices, skipped luxuries, and chose to struggle over settling. Why? Because I knew one day, I’d be in a country where my money was worth my time and sacrifice.

In this blog, I’ll share the practical steps I took—from shifting my mindset to tracking every dollar—so you can start your own travel journey with confidence!

Step 1: Let Go of Excuses

Despite sounding like the easiest step, it’s the hardest of them all. The biggest obstacle isn’t money — it’s mindset.

In the United States, we are conditioned to believe that “travel = luxury.” Most people live a week-by-week routine: wake up, go to work, go to sleep, then repeat. On days off, they entertain themselves and spend all their money, repeating the cycle.

Cut unnecessary costs wherever you can. When you travel to a country that respects your time and money, your savings go much further. For example, a 5-star hotel in the United States can cost around $400 a night, but in Thailand, I spend around $30 for the same experience.

Step 2: Have a Goal

In mid-2024, my partner and I decided to make our dreams a reality and live abroad. Planning my work abroad with CIEE was challenging, and budgeting was even harder. Thankfully, CIEE had us covered with the Teach in Thailand program. We both loved Thailand for its landscapes, people, and most importantly, its food.

Budget based on CIEE’s information:

• CIEE commitment deposit: $500
• Monthly CIEE payments (with referral discount): $1,250 total
• One-way ticket to Thailand: $500
• Thai visa: $80
• Diploma verification: $180
• Background check: $50
• Extra expenses and emergency reserve: $1,000

Total expenses came to $3,560, so I set a goal of saving $4,000 US.

Step 3: Keep Track of Your Money

Before working abroad, I had a job that paid me around $1,500 a month. I made sure to skip all luxuries, cancel unnecessary subscriptions, and make necessary sacrifices. To reach my goal faster, I ended my lease in Los Angeles and started living in my car during the workweek. On days I didn’t need to be in the city, I stayed with my father in San Diego. It wasn’t easy, and I don’t recommend everyone take this approach, but it was the best option for me at the time.

That meant strictly:

• No eating out — only cooking at home
• Saying no to going out
• Keeping my cost of living low
• Most importantly: keeping track of my money

My Expenses and Savings Per Month:

• Food/groceries: $300 (no meal should cost more than ~$7.00)
• Gas: $300
• Unexpected expenses (car maintenance/ payments): $100
• $800 put into savings

After around a few months, I was set with my goal.

I used apps like Excel and Google Sheets, and I also used Call to Leap’s financial planning sheet, which I received by signing up for their email list. I used these tools to track my spending and my savings. I lived week by week, not through a routine of spending; like most do, instead a routine of budgeting and saving. 

If I were to do this again, I’d say the ideal amount to have, including CIEE expenses, would be $5,000 US.

A Final Word on Sacrifice

Living in my car was a sacrifice I had to do to make my dreams come true, despite that I do not advise to take this approach, but it was the best option for me at the time.

I share this not to say you have to struggle like I did, but to show that there’s always a way if you’re committed and resourceful. Your path might look different — and that’s okay. What matters is that you believe it’s possible and take the steps toward your goals. The sacrifices you make now can open doors you never imagined. 

For any questions or for my referral discount link follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn. 

If you want to know more about what inspired me to travel make sure to read my other blogs!