There are dare I say, as many different blogs from those travelling the world as there are grains of sand on the beach. With opinions that vary on almost everything else, these blogs all tend to have pretty similar ideas on how to fund a year of travel, though everyone has their own opinion on what works best. Be it teaching through TEFL, or doing volunteer work.  With so many choices out there, it’s hard to pick what will work specifically for you (especially if you’re from a country with a weak currency). Below are a few ideas to get you started on your own around the world adventure.

Firstly, figure out what your expenses are going to be, and allocate the amount you presume it will be. A simple short list could include:

  • Visa(s).
  • Accommodations.
  • Food and Drinks.
  •  Transportations.
  • Sightseeing and possible extras.

Now that you know what you’re going to be spending your money on, research what the actual costs are. For inspiration, check out Gobackpacking. Once that’s out the way, here are some tips on how to get your mullah in order:

1. Start saving for your trip, as far in advance as you possibly can. Two years would be best, as you can build up a nice savings amount, depending on what you earn.

2. Take on a second job, be it waitoring, bartending, babysitting or being a bouncer at a club on weekends. Everything you can save adds up, and the ultimate payoff of travelling for a year is worth it.

3. Check gumtree for freelance jobs that fall under your area of expertise, and also give you the flexibility to be anywhere in the world while working. Also, see some of the international Gumtree sites as well for possible job opportunities and apply. You never know.

4. Stop spending money on fast food, sodas and items you really don’t need. Sure sticking to the basics may suck at first, but if it means you get to drink real champagne in France (not sparkling wine from Spar), it’s worth it.

Champagne. By Nerdcoregirl (Flickr)

5. As above in point 4, but this time, instead of going drinking with friends or eating out at restaurants, have a braai at someone’s house, cook home made meals and if you have to go out, than make sure it’s during Happy Hour when things are cheaper.

6. Sell possessions that are taking up space, and hold no sentimental value. Could someone else benefit from those Grecian statue’s that you have for decor? What about those clothes and accessories that you never wear and are just cluttering up your closet? It may be hard, but once they’re gone, you won’t really miss them much.

7. Build up a residual or passive income, by starting an online business, or blog. If you pitch your travel ideas to the right people, you may find they’ll pay for you to write about your travels. It’s a win-win situation.

European visa-stamps. By Chris Guillebeau (Flickr)

8. If you can get a European work visa, then do. This will allow you to work as you travel in Europe. Then you can go from bartending in Ireland, to waitoring in Italy, to selling lemonade on the beaches in Greece.

9. Another way to earn on the go is to sell travel related text links, although be careful how you approach this as it can violate Google’s policy.

10. Sell your house and car, or if you can’t bear to part with them, rent or lease them out.

11. The general rule of thumb with flights is, if they’re booked five – three months in advance they will be cheaper than those booked at the last minute. Especially if the dates you’re flying coincide with out of season travel dates for your destination.

12. If you currently own and use a credit card on a regular basis, check with your bank about earning frequent flyer miles. Once you start earning the miles make sure you know when they expire. Some companies which offer ways to accumulate flyer miles include: Virgin Money Credit Card, SAA Voyager Credit Card or Discovery Visa (for Discover Miles). You can receive flyer miles for varied amounts spent on the various cards, which can be redeemed for some great specials, discounted hotel stays and most importantly flights.

Some great resources to tap into:

  • Flight Centre has decent deals for multi-destination flights, such as the Amsterdam and Paris deal, departing between 16 Jan 2012 – 25 Jun 2012, from R7790 including return. More specials are added monthly, so keep your eyes peeled.
  • Sign up for an Edgars Club card, which will gives you a 10% discount on flights, as well as a six or 12 month repayment plan. If you have friends overseas, ask if you can crash at their place while in the area (and offer to help out with housework, it’s just polite). Otherwise check out couch surfing options, as this is a great way to save money while travelling.
  • Round the World Ticket has a great list of travel specials, checklists, comprehensive FAQ’s, destinations and inspirational stories.
  • If you’re a student, then try using student flights, which give discounts to those still studying.
  • Sign up for affiliate programmes, which will allow you to earn passive income while on the road. You may have to spend quite a bit of time promoting the affiliate link, before you start to see some revenue.

Travel with friends. By Derek Springer (Flickr)

Some tips:

  • See which of your destinations is the most expensive, and start there, as if you overspend a bit, you can cut corners in the next city. Or save the most expensive destination till last, so you only have a certain amount that you can actually spend there.
  • Sign up to pay your bills and expenses online via debit orders (if possible avoid monthly payments, and de-register from money drainers … unless they’re international).
  • Arrange for someone to collect your mail, and set up a forwarding address, so you can still receive it on the go.
  • As terrible as it sounds, countries which have gone through turmoil, tend to offer the best travel specials and packages, once things are settled.
  • Don’t forget about your taxes! Do them online if possible, or hire a tax consultant to do it for you.
  • Read How He Made It Happen , which is an interview with Bob Pedersen who managed to travel the globe, and not once use a plane to do it.
  • Silly though it may be, set aside money for when you return home from your travels, either in a bank account, or give it to someone you trust. Many travellers return home and have to go job hunting straight away – and wouldn’t you prefer to take some time off, to settle back into things?

Hopefully, some of these tips come in handy for you if you’re looking to branch out and see more of the world. Let us know if you’ve ever done an around the world adventure – or if you’re starting one, let us know how you are planning on funding it.

Main image credited to Julian (Flickr)