Hey y’all!
I’ve been travelling for a whole year now — and on November 31st, I’ll be celebrating my first full anniversary on the road. Crazy, right? It still feels wild that I went from feeling stuck and burned out at home… to literally roaming the world with a backpack and a tiny budget.
A year ago, I didn’t think long-term travel was possible for someone like me. But it absolutely is — and in this blog I’m sharing how I did it, how much I saved, and how you can do it too.
How My Journey Started
I wasn’t someone who traveled much before.
In fact, as an introvert, the idea of staying in hostels terrified me. Now I wouldn’t trade hostel life for anything — the friendships, the chaos, the memories… it’s everything.
At 30, burned out like every millennial I know, I decided I needed more from life. I took a leap of faith. I booked a one-way ticket with the last of my savings, told myself I’d figure out money on the road, and just went.
I was basically broke — and honestly? I still kinda am. But in the best way possible.
Searching for a Way to Travel Cheap
Before I left, I did what every broke traveler does:
I Googled “how to travel the world with no money.”
That’s when Worldpackers kept popping up. After reading reviews and watching way too many YouTube videos, I took the risk, created an account, and applied for my first volunteering position.
👉 Worldpackers (the volunteering platform I’ve used for a full year):
https://www.worldpackers.com
My First Volunteering Experience: Will & Tate (Netherlands)
My first stop was Will & Tate City Stay in Den Haag — a super cute hostel in the city center. I stayed from November to March and honestly loved it.
I only worked a few hours a day, and in exchange, I got:
- free accommodation
- free breakfast (eggs, milk, cereal, fruit, oatmeal, peanut butter… heaven!)
- free time to explore
- amazing friendships
- unexpected hospital visits (story for another day 😂)
My budget stretched SO much because of that free breakfast alone.
My Second Hostel: The Pink Flamingo (Netherlands)
I stayed in Den Haag longer because I loved the people I met. My second volunteering place was the Pink Flamingo Hostel — and it instantly became one of my favorites.
Why?
The night shift.
Night shifts were easy:
- clean the kitchen
- prepare things for the morning shift
- check people in if they arrived late
- sleep after your duties
- NO cleaning toilets (my biggest win hahaha)
You miss a few nights out, but it’s chill and perfect for introverts like me.
Volunteering in Oaxaca, Mexico
Fast forward to now — I’m volunteering in Oaxaca, Mexico at the Iguana Hostel. I’ve already been here 3 months and I’ll probably stay until Christmas.
This volunteering has been one of the best:
- work only twice a week
- free accommodation
- free breakfast cooked by Terres (HER BREAKFASTS? ORGASMIC.)
- discounts at the bar
- cute coworking space open 24/7
- rooftop bar
- hammocks
- yoga space
- SUNSET VIEWS every evening
Sometimes I help at the bar too — great way to earn tips while volunteering.
How Much I Saved by Volunteering
After a year of traveling with Worldpackers:
- I paid €0 for accommodation
- Almost every volunteering included free breakfast
- I lived long-term in 2 countries
- And I traveled slow, met amazing people, and never felt rushed
Volunteering literally made travel possible for me.
You CAN Travel the World, Even on a Budget
If there’s one thing I want you to take from this blog, it’s this:
You don’t need to be rich to travel.
You don’t need to have a perfect plan.
You don’t need to wait for the “right moment.”
You can start broke, scared, introverted, unsure — and still build the adventure of your dreams.
👉 If you like slow travel and hostel life, I also wrote another post about my best tips for introverts on the road — you can read it here.
Wonder. Explore. Live.
Till next time,
Wander Woman Quest
🌟 Wander Woman Recommends
🏨 Accommodation & Volunteering
Worldpackers — Volunteer & Travel Platform
https://www.worldpackers.com
Free stays, community, and cultural exchange.
Hostelworld — Book Hostels Worldwide
https://www.hostelworld.com
Budget-friendly hostels for solo & queer travelers.
🎧 Music for Solo Recharge
Spotify — My Travel Soundtrack
https://www.spotify.com
Perfect for buses, beaches, and introvert mornings.
