Living abroad is a dream for many, but how do you make it affordable? Here are some tips from my adventure, in hopes it can help aspiring solo expats with their decisions. Remember, everyone’s experience is unique, and while it wasn’t always easy, I wouldn’t change a thing. Each challenge helped me grow and become happier with my choices.

Embrace the Unknown

I started each expat experience by winging it because the fear of missing out on life’s possibilities was greater than the fear of leaving things behind. Staying put also held its share of uncertainties, so I chose the excitement of new places and people over the familiar. Living in Tampa, FL, during a study abroad ignited my travel bug, followed by stints in Makati, Philippines, Toronto, Canada, and London, UK. These experiences taught me that you don’t need a credit card to start your journey—a debit mastercard or debit visa can get you going!

10 Ways to Afford Living Abroad:

1. Sell What You Can:

Purging is cleansing for the soul! Anything you haven’t used in six months or have kept “in case,” can go. All you really need is a place to shower, cook, and sleep. This mindset shift helped me focus on experiences over possessions.

2. Working Holiday Visas:

For ages 18-30 (35 in some countries), these visas allow you to work and explore for up to two years. This was my ticket to immersing myself in local cultures and using each location as a base for further travel. If you’re looking for a gap year or want to do some soul searching, I’d highly recommend it! 

3. Re-evaluate Priorities:

Studying abroad taught me the value of investing in experiences over material goods. Funds for activities and meeting new people feed your soul in a lasting way that stuff doesn’t.

4. Avoid Unnecessary Purchases:

My younger self would’ve cringed at the thought of living without a wall of bags or racks of shoes. But when shiny “Sale” signs pop up, walk away or unsubscribe! I learned to ask, “Do I really need this? Or will it gather dust and be forgotten?” before buying.

5. Meal Prep:

Save money and time by preparing meals for the week, allowing funds for weekend adventures. This habit allowed me to enjoy dining out without guilt.

6. Choose Free Activities:

Walk instead of taking the tram, train or Uber where possible, and seek out free events to enjoy the local culture. I found joy in exploring new streets, surprises of pop ups, historic architecture and discovering hidden gems, while getting fitter and happier being outside.

7. Beauty on a Budget: 

I don’t need to see you, to know you’re beautiful as you are! Though I do understand that occasional pampering or a trim is nice to have. You can join Facebook groups to access affordable beauty services from students or stylists in training–think lashes, hair coloring, hair cuts and massages. You can feel fresh and look on point without breaking the bank.

8. Re-Style Your Clothes:

Mix and match to pack lighter and invest in quality pieces that last. A few staple tank tops can go a long way! If you need to replace another item, why not stroll to a thrift store and pay $5, $10 or $20 vs. $100.

9. No FOMO:

Nights with drinks on tab can leave you in regret the morning after, especially if you don’t quite remember them😆 Focus on meaningful experiences instead. True enjoyment comes from the company and experiences you share, not the price tag.

10. RAK and Hostels:

Networking and random acts of kindness opened up couch-surfing and house sitting opportunities. Choosing hostels made it easy to be central and affordable to get set up–interviews, phone, bank. You never know what discounts you can score or friendships you can gain by being in hostels—and there are nice ones out there!

While this post leans towards minimalist travel, I didn’t start that way. I remember being surrounded by things I thought I needed, only to realize that the true value lay in the investment of experiences, resulting memories, soul fam connections and life skills I was gaining, not accumulating possessions.

You don’t need 10 years of savings to begin a journey overseas or anyone else to green light the “right time.” The only certainty you’ve got, is now. Once you value your energy and existence this way, you ensure none of it will go to looking back and wondering, “What if I did…XYZ…?”

🏹If you want to discuss travel ideas or expat life without judgment, Boldly Abroad may be the space for you.