Prepping for Long Term Travel : Month Six
Prepping for Long Term Travel
Six months down. Eight more to go. This was a great month for me – in several different ways. I feel like a lot of hardwork is finally paying off and I can actually see that things are coming together.
1. Savings.
My savings was at $7500 at the end of Month Five. By the end of Month Six, it was at $11,430. About $2300 of this was a surprise bonus from work. Savings out of my paycheck was another $1000. However, I paid off my plane ticket & backpack I bought in Month Five and took that out of my savings since it was travel related. Also, when I sold my 4runner, I had to pay $2100 of it to pay it off compared to what I sold it for and how much I still owed on it. That doesn’t really worry me since I will just put what I had been paying in car payments and insurance straight into savings. I’ll have that $2100 back in 5 months which is way better than continuing to make a payment for the next seven months. So, after all the additional savins and subtracting what I took out, I’m now at $8500.
2. Guest Posts and Interviews.
It was a great month for me in terms of interviews and guest posts. I was able to do an interview for both Roamin Around and Divergent Travelers. I also did a guest post for Chasing the Donkey on What to do While on Holidays in Dubrovnik for one Day.
3. Sold vehicle.
This was the biggest thing to happen to me this month in terms of preparing for my new life. I wanted to sell my vehicle early on because I have another one to drive right now and the sooner I sold it, the more I would be able to save. I knew I would most likely have to sell it for less than what I owed which was fine, but I was beginning to get discouraged when I wasn’t getting any serious inquiries. Then all of a sudden, I had a very eager buyer. Things work out like they are supposed to eventually. This was probably the #1 thing in my way. If I didn’t sell it before leaving, a car payment and insurance payment was going to be coming out of my monthly travel budget which would have sucked.
4. Got a 2nd job.
I applied and got offered a 2nd job. Nothing special and it’s 3rd shift so I’m going to need to drink a whole lot of coffee, but every cent I earn here will go straight to savings.
5. Purchased my ticket for TBEX Europe in Athens.
I’m excited to say I purchased my first conference ticket and will be going to TBEX in October. I’ve never been to Athens (or Greece) either so I’m doubly excited. Instead of flying from LA to Bangkok, I’ll most likely fly to Athens at the end of October and then straight to Bangkok from there. Excited to finally meet some of my travel blogging friends there too!
6. Found a Freelance Job writing articles about Nashville life.
I was happy to find an opportunity to do more writing (with an income!) on Nashville related topics. This is new so not much to report yet, but still exciting. On a somewhat related note, let me know if there’s something about Nashville you would love to learn more about.
Month Six was great in terms of saving money, getting some big things taken care of (i.e. selling my vehicle) and having some new opportunities present themselves. I’m really excited to see how the next eight months will play out.
What do you think of the progress I’ve made so far? Any suggestions for me on prepping for long term travel? Or questions?
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The Dessert Engineer
March 8, 2014 at 6:18 PM
Ashley, all I can say is Wow! You are so focused and you’ve worked so hard to accomplish your goals. I hope you’ll write about your experience at TBEX Europe, because I’m interested in attending one in the future.
Nancie Lee
March 8, 2014 at 6:38 PM
Awesome plan and goals! I went to Brazil for a few months, but didn’t have to sell anything. Watching how you are working toward your goals is encouraging to me! I’m also planning to go to TBEX in Athens. It will be great to meet you there!
Constance - Foreign Sanctuary
March 8, 2014 at 10:03 PM
Awesome! Congrats on all you have accomplished this month! I enjoy reading how your plans are coming together. Your posts like this one make me remember how I juggled two jobs and full-time studies at university so I could fulfill my dream of moving to Taiwan.
Raphael Alexander Zoren
March 8, 2014 at 10:29 PM
What a great financial preparation you have! I hope to be in Athens for the convention so here’s hoping we could have a big bloggers reunion! 😀
Ace CB @ Life in Dutch
March 9, 2014 at 1:52 AM
It sounds like you’re right on track! Congrats on your hard work and the great payoff!
Dave Cole
March 9, 2014 at 2:37 AM
Looks like you made some big strides this month, congrats! I found that saving is one of the toughest, but most rewarding, aspects of travel planning. It sounds like you are on track and pushing hard to meet your goals.
Stacey Veikalas Baskets Life
March 9, 2014 at 3:09 AM
This are great ideas, espeically the free lance writing for income! That is something I am really interested in doing as well. Great post thank you for sharing!
Emma
March 9, 2014 at 3:30 AM
Brilliant! It’s all coming together! Before you know it you will be on your first plane of the trip! 🙂
Ashley Hubbard
March 10, 2014 at 7:23 AM
Thanks Emma! It’s going to feel so surreal when I’m on that plane, I’m sure haha
Phoebe @ Lou Messugo
March 9, 2014 at 4:03 AM
It sounds like you are very focused and organised. You’ll love Athens, such a great start to your adventure.
Ashley Hubbard
March 10, 2014 at 7:23 AM
Thanks Phoebe! 🙂
Molly S
March 9, 2014 at 5:39 AM
Wow – congrats on all you’ve achieved! Long term travel can seem like such a far off dream sometimes, but posts like this make you realise that actually, it’s totally possible with a bit (ok, a lot!) of hard work.
Ashley Hubbard
March 10, 2014 at 7:23 AM
Thanks Molly! It does seem far off, but I know it’s really not. It’s gonna fly by if I’m not careful 🙂
Marysia @ My Travel Affairs
March 9, 2014 at 9:07 AM
I really love how well organized you are Girl. I mean I’m super organized when it comes to my life to but when it comes to travel I’m just always always going with the flow…so I’m really impressed with all that!
Ashley Hubbard
March 10, 2014 at 7:21 AM
Thanks Marysia! I’m sure I’ll be more go with the flow once I leave, but I think it’s worth all the organization right now 🙂
Michele {Malaysian Meanders}
March 9, 2014 at 9:18 AM
I like how committed you are about saving up money by taking that extra job plus the freelance work. You’re doing great!
Ashley Hubbard
March 10, 2014 at 7:21 AM
Thanks Michele!
Samantha @mytanfeet
March 9, 2014 at 9:57 AM
Congratulations! You really are quite a busy little bee! It’ll be fun to look back on your prepping posts when you’re finally over there and realize it was all worth it 🙂
Ashley Hubbard
March 10, 2014 at 7:19 AM
Thanks Samantha! I’m really glad I did these prepping posts…it definitely will be exciting to see the before and after 🙂
SJ @ Chasing the Donkey
March 9, 2014 at 12:04 PM
What a month! Thanks again for guesting with me, and I am already looking forward to reading your freelance stuff on Nashville.
Ashley Hubbard
March 10, 2014 at 7:18 AM
Thanks SJ! And, thanks for having me 🙂
Lauren | JustinPlusLauren
March 9, 2014 at 1:39 PM
You are so determined and I’m happy to hear that you are reaching your goals! You are doing such a great job and I’m sure a lot of people can take great advice from your methods of saving money!
Ashley Hubbard
March 10, 2014 at 7:18 AM
Thanks Lauren! 🙂
frankaboutcroatia
March 9, 2014 at 1:54 PM
Great for you, Ashley! I admire you for having three jobs (I count freelance writing as a third one!), while running this blog too. Kudos! One day, you’ll teach me how to improve my efficiency.
Ashley Hubbard
March 10, 2014 at 7:17 AM
Haha I don’t even know how I do it…I’ll probably crash & burn soon.
NZ Muse
March 9, 2014 at 4:25 PM
Think you’re doing awesome! Good job getting rid of the vehicle – sooner definitely better. Athens is an interesting city – very polarising. I found it very dry and dusty and a bit charmless overall. Still, cool venue for TBEX!
Ashley Hubbard
March 10, 2014 at 7:17 AM
I’ve heard that about Athens a lot..hope I’m not left disappointed.
Sam @ Travelling King
March 9, 2014 at 7:39 PM
Congrats Ash!
Sounds like you are well on your way!
I love how transparent and honest you are.
Im really excited to follow your travels!
Ashley Hubbard
March 10, 2014 at 7:15 AM
Thanks Sam! 🙂
Istria Outside My Window
March 10, 2014 at 12:00 AM
You’re definitely on track to chase your dreams! May they all come true!
Ashley Hubbard
March 10, 2014 at 7:14 AM
Thank you!! 🙂
Sammi
March 10, 2014 at 9:54 AM
Wow! You’re doing so well! And working so hard- I don’t know how you do it, I get tired from working one full time job! X
Ashley Hubbard
March 10, 2014 at 3:52 PM
Sammi…everyone should take bets on how long until i crash and burn haha
Caitlyn
March 10, 2014 at 12:47 PM
Oh, I know what you’re going through! I saved for thirteen months for a five-month trip, and gee it was hard – working three jobs, saying no to nights out and walking everywhere. But it’s worth it in the end!
Ashley Hubbard
March 10, 2014 at 3:51 PM
That’s awesome Caitlyn! It’s definitely well worth it in the end 🙂
clay weir
March 10, 2014 at 12:50 PM
great ideas and break down of how to save and get sorted for long term travels…well done!!
Ashley Hubbard
March 10, 2014 at 3:49 PM
Thanks so much Clay! 🙂
Manouk - Bunch of Backpackers
March 10, 2014 at 1:11 PM
Hi Ashley! Wow, you been quite busy :)! Your dedication is an inspiration for all!
Ashley Hubbard
March 10, 2014 at 3:49 PM
Thank you so much Manouk! 🙂
Kate
March 10, 2014 at 1:51 PM
I love this blog. Great quotes and beautifully written 🙂 You sound so motivated for this trip. You’ll enjoy the adventure so much. Keep going, you’re doing great! I’m thinking about my next long trip now and I’ve been used to working and owning a car at home for 2 and a half years now. So hard to find the courage to let go and take off. Such an amazing experience though. I’m also thinking of going to TBEX Athens too, pretty close for me in the UK. Would be great to meet 🙂
Ashley Hubbard
March 10, 2014 at 3:41 PM
Thank you so much Kate! 🙂 It was hard at first to start letting go of things but now I wonder why I had so much in the first place. I would love to meet up in Athens–keep me posted!
Elena (http://gonewiththebackpack.blogspot.com/ )
March 10, 2014 at 2:34 PM
Very well explained! Did exactly the same thing 3 years ago…
Ashley Hubbard
March 10, 2014 at 3:40 PM
Thanks Elena! 🙂
Gabor Kovacs
March 10, 2014 at 4:25 PM
It’s nice to see how you get closer and closer to your goal and this trip. It also reminds me of our preparation. They say a trip like this you live it 3 times, 1st when you prepare it, 2nd when you do it, and 3rd when you tell it to others! Good luck with the further preparation!
Jules
March 10, 2014 at 5:02 PM
Wow you’ve got some serious organization going on! We’re impressed! I get excited just reading about your trip preparation, you must be so pumped! Can’t wait to hear the latest updates 🙂
Ashley Hubbard
March 11, 2014 at 10:02 AM
Thanks Jules! I’m sure all the organization will go out the window once I’m actually traveling haaha
Adelina | PackMeTo
March 10, 2014 at 5:55 PM
It sounds like you had a great month planning and prepping. TBEX will be great and it’ll definitely get you pumped for all your adventures.
Ashley Hubbard
March 11, 2014 at 10:01 AM
Thanks Adelina! I can’t wait 🙂
jennifer
March 10, 2014 at 6:56 PM
I have so much respect for your determination. You are going to reap so many benefits from it.
Congrats on the freelance gig as well!
Ashley Hubbard
March 11, 2014 at 10:01 AM
Thanks Jennifer! 🙂
Jess
March 10, 2014 at 7:05 PM
Congratulations on your progress this month! I’m considering TBEX myself, but I’m not sure where I’ll be in October, so that makes it tricky.
Ashley Hubbard
March 11, 2014 at 10:01 AM
Thanks Jess! It’d be great to finally meet you if you do go 🙂
Mary {The World Is A Book}
March 11, 2014 at 12:46 AM
I admire your dedication and determination for this trip. What great progress and achievements you’ve made in just a month. It really is a pleasure seeing you get closer to your travel goal. And to have TBEX Athens as a bonus is pretty awesome. Keep up the great work, Ashley.
Ashley Hubbard
March 11, 2014 at 10:00 AM
Thanks Mary! People telling me they admire my determination, only helps fuel my determination so I really appreciate it 🙂
Aaron
March 11, 2014 at 10:42 AM
Hi Ashley, all of the sacrifices WILL be worth it!, we did the same on our first long term trip – sold the cars, worked 60-80 hour weeks and even moved in with the mother in law for a couple of months to add a last minute boost!
Keep up the good work and well done on the writing job!.
Aaron
Ashley Hubbard
March 12, 2014 at 8:49 AM
Thanks Aaron! 🙂
Bianca @itsallbee
March 12, 2014 at 2:51 PM
Way to go! Well you know what they say, “if you fail to plan, then you plan to fail”. I like that you have put a plan to your travel ambitions. I wish you all the best and cannot wait you read about your adventures.
Ashley Hubbard
March 13, 2014 at 7:45 AM
Thanks Bianca! 🙂
Ricci
March 13, 2014 at 11:50 AM
You are doing great girl!! I can’t wait to read more about your adventures!!
Ashley Hubbard
March 13, 2014 at 2:18 PM
Thank you so much Ricci! 🙂
Pablo
March 13, 2014 at 3:40 PM
That’s some serious dedication toward making things happen! I was working two jobs for a while. One of them was a 3rd shift too. A lot of coffee and redbull. haha
Jon @ jonistravelling.com
March 14, 2014 at 2:56 AM
Sounds like you are working hard! I’m about 6 weeks away from my big trip, getting pretty excited but time is starting to drag.
Ashley Hubbard
March 14, 2014 at 7:44 AM
That’s very exciting Jon! I know time is going to start dragging for me too 🙁
Daidri | Thee Getaway Gal
March 14, 2014 at 8:53 PM
WOW… Ashley you are on fire! Congrats on selling your car, that has to be such a relief to know you can have those dollars for your travels. And how awesome that you landed a freelance job writing articles about Nashville! I have never been to Nashville and am dying to go so I’d be a sponge for anything your wrote about it. And how fun to be attending TBEX, I truly wish I were going both to meet fellow bloggers and learn and especially to see Athens. I’ll just have to live through you this year! 🙂
Lisa from Lulu's Big Adventure
March 17, 2014 at 1:14 PM
Hi! New reader 🙂
Sounds like a pretty exciting and productive month! I can’t wait until I’m actually making money so I can budget and save and all that stuff. Right now I’m on a HUGE line of credit so I’m spending like there’s no tomorrow. Eeep.
Ashley Hubbard
March 18, 2014 at 7:24 AM
Hey Lisa!
I hope you’re able to start saving soon…I know the feeling of lots of debt more than I care to 🙂
Jo Carroll
March 18, 2014 at 11:55 AM
Prepare your spiel for anyone who asks you why you’re doing it!!!!
I gave up work and went round the world in my mid-50s, and had to deal with professional jealousy at work, and sheer incomprehension from some friends. (And great support from adult daughters!!)
So don’t underestimate how relentless all that can be – and will probably come at that moment when you wonder if it was a good idea in the first place!!
Chris Boothman
March 18, 2014 at 6:41 PM
So the planning and saving continues as does your great monthly updates – it’s great following your progress as you head towards your ultimate dream! Kudos to you for the savings because that is really impressive. Don’t work too hard with multiple jobs – you will be fine!
Certainly looking forward to following you on your adventures as you head out at the end of the year! TBEX first right and then the world is your oyster Ashley!
Ashley Hubbard
March 19, 2014 at 8:35 AM
Thanks Chris! I’m already re-thinking the second job – it’s not really “needed” – was more just for even more savings and I’ve had other opportunities come up for writing that seem more important. We shall see! 🙂
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