It’s not a secret that the cost of living continues to rise. Grocery and gas prices are skyrocketing, as is rent. These expenses are causing some folks to evaluate their current living situations. Many consider moving to a different state altogether, while others mull quitting their jobs and traveling on a budget.
But is it possible to uproot your life and relocate with no money? While it seems daunting, with careful planning and the right strategies, moving or traveling out of state with no money can be done. By following the tips below, leaving your comfort zone doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
The Secret of Traveling the World for Free
Many people assume that traveling costs an arm and a leg. However, if you caught the travel bug, there are many ways you can pack your things and jet off to a new location for free.
Volunteer and Travel the World for Free
Worldpackers is a program that connects you with hosts worldwide looking for volunteers to help them with anything, from cooking to farm help and childcare. By helping your host out with their needs, you will receive room and board. The platform is an incredible way to help others, get out of your comfort zone, and see new parts of the world, all for free!
Travel the World for Free and Get Paid
If the idea of volunteering with no monetary compensation isn’t for you, don’t worry! You can travel the world and get paid while doing so. Coolworks is a company that pairs people with employers looking for seasonal help. Do you love nature? CoolWorks has multiple job opportunities in national parks. Enjoy freezing-cold temps? You can work at a fishery in Alaska or a ski lodge in Colorado.
If neither of those sounds interesting, the platform has hundreds of options available all over the U.S., ranging from retail workers, line cooks, and summer camp counselors. Many employers also provide lodging and food. Seasonal work is perfect for the traveler who craves adventure.
Find a Side Hustle to Help You Offset the Cost of Your New Adventure
If you’re truly starting with no money, a side hustle is an excellent way to start saving for traveling or a move. What’s the best part of a side gig? You don’t need any start-up money to begin earning an extra income. Here are just a few ways you can make some cash to put away for moving and traveling expenses:
- Drive for Uber or Lyft: Do you like driving and meeting new people? Partnering with rideshare apps is a great way to get out of the house and make a decent living. By picking people up and dropping them off at their location, you can make anywhere from $15-25 an hour. That money can go a long way in saving for your travels.
- Sell your stuff: If you’re already planning on leaving and trying to do it with little to no money, it may be best to part with and sell some of the items you no longer use. This will not only make packing easier, but by selling your unwanted items on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Postmark, you can make decent cash.
- Do surveys to earn money: Surveys are a simple yet effective way to earn an income. The money you make by answering questions can go toward packing supplies, a moving van, or even a down payment on your new place. Pawns.app is a great way to make passive income online by completing surveys and sharing your internet.
While moving to a cheaper state may be a priority to some, many individuals out there would prefer traveling. But with the rising costs on all fronts, how can you see the world on the budget?
Research and Budget
Having a plan in place is crucial in pulling off moving or traveling with no money. Look at your current location’s cost of living and compare it to where you want to go. An online cost-of-living calculator can help determine if you can afford to move to or travel to the new area you’re considering. If you’re unsure of where you want to relocate, here’s a list of some of the cheapest states to live in and travel to in 2023 to get you thinking about a cost-effective trip:
- Mississippi
- Oklahoma
- Kansas
- Alabama
- Georgia
- Ohio
Break down the housing prices, income, and job market in each state of interest and compare them to the rest of the U.S. Knowing these statistics is crucial in the research process and can help create a budget. Budgets can help save money across all categories. Being realistic, flexible, and open-minded during the research and budgeting process is a great way to start thinking about a new adventure.
Final Thoughts
So you’ve researched, set your budget, found a side hustle, and determined whether a big move or world travel is right for you. It’s clear that taking the leap to uproot your life and leave your home takes a lot of time, research, and energy, especially if you’re starting the process with no money. However, by taking the time to carefully plan and set goals, you’ll find leaving your comforts a little bit easier.
FAQ
What is the cheapest state to travel?
Mississippi is the cheapest state in the United States to live in. Its expenses are lower than the average state across the board. That being said, Mississippi also has the lowest income per capita in the country and so it may not seem to be cheap for folks living there.
