1. Defer your student loans, if you have them. After graduation you automatically get a six month reprieve, but in six months from now, you can defer again. The interest you accrue during this period is nominal, and while you do have to pay them eventually, it’s no reason to not travel.
2. Live as cheaply as possible. That means staying with your parents, sleeping on your friends couch or sharing a place with several people. The point is, don’t spend any money… you’re in saving mode.
3. Get a job. Any job will do. You’ll just be working for the summer, so if you can get yourself to a resort town, you can make good money working as a waiter/waitress or bartender (anything with tips).
4. Save about $1000. Most people can do this in one month, but obviously it depends on how much you drink away, where you live and whether you can land a well-paying gig. At the very most, this will take three months.
5. Get a cheap backpack (check craigslist). Pack about three outfits, a swimsuit and whatever else you can’t live without. You’ll probably ditch 50% of your pack in the first month, because everyone over-packs (and when you have to physically carry it around everyday, it doesn’t seem quite so worth it).
6. Find a flight to somewhere… anywhere. I highly suggest checking out Kayak Buzz for deals from your specific airport. If you can make it to a major city like LA or NYC, you can save a ton on airfare.
7. Relax. Once you’re on the ground, in whatever country you start in, it’s much easier to figure things out. So relax. Don’t email me a bunch of questions about where to buy toothpaste in Guatemala, because it will all become clear once you’re there.
8. Use Couch Surfing for places to stay. You’re young, broke and out to see the world. This is probably the only time in your life when sleeping on a futon is a practical way to travel. Plus you’ll have a guide and a new friend. If you’re uncomfortable with staying at stranger’s homes, use hostelworld.com or hostelbookers.com to book a dorm room (did I mention you’ll still be sleeping next to strangers?).
9. Get a job. You can work under the table. If you have a degree you can teach English. If you don’t have a degree, you can teach English under the table. World traveler and former English teacher abroad Matt Kepnes wrote this country by country guide* that will help you get those jobs. Otherwise, check with the hostels in town. Talk to other travelers, especially those who have been there for a few months. Check with the hotels. There are opportunities.
10. Work, make friends, have fun, explore the local area. When you get sick of it, move on to the next place. Rinse, wash and repeat. You’re traveling and all it took was a month or two to raise airfare and you’re off.
~Read More At: almostfearless.com/2010/06/29/so-youve-graduated-from-college-now-what/ ~
No comments:
Post a Comment