She Strengthens

Global Adventures on a Shoestring Budget

From Couchsurfing to Farm Volunteering: One Woman’s European Odyssey

Have you ever dreamed of ditching the 9-to-5 grind and exploring the world? For many, moving abroad seems like an unattainable goal, reserved for those with deep pockets. But what if you could fund your worldwide dreams without breaking the bank?

Meet Megan Devlin, a fearless adventurer who spent six months traveling Western Europe on a shoestring budget. From couchsurfing to farm volunteering, Megan shares her secrets on how to hustle and explore the globe without sacrificing financial stability.

The Journey Begins

After graduating college in 2014, Megan embarked on a six-month journey across Western Europe. With a savings stash accumulated since high school, she was determined to make the most of her trip. By combining couchsurfing, volunteering, and staying with family, Megan minimized her accommodation expenses, freeing up cash for transportation, food, and activities.

Monthly Expenses: A Breakdown

Megan’s monthly expenses varied from country to country, but she averaged around $1,000 per month. While this may seem steep, it’s essential to consider that she wasn’t earning a steady income during her travels. By cutting costs on accommodation and food, Megan was able to stretch her savings further.

Cultural Immersion: The Key to Acclimation

For Megan, the people she met along the way made all the difference in acclimating to new cultures. Staying with locals through couchsurfing and volunteering allowed her to immerse herself in the local community, learn about the area, and forge lasting connections.

Overcoming Challenges

Language barriers proved to be one of Megan’s biggest hurdles. Despite many Europeans speaking English, she found it frustrating to rely on others for communication. To overcome this, Megan took language lessons and asked her hosts to teach her key phrases.

Advice for Aspiring Travelers

Megan’s top tip for those looking to embark on a similar journey? “Say ‘yes’ to everything until you have to say ‘no.’” By embracing new experiences and people, you’ll build a stronger sense of community and adapt more easily to your new environment.

Visa Process and Costs

As a traveler, Megan didn’t need to worry about acquiring a visa before moving. However, she did need to understand the various policies per country, including the Schengen area’s three-month limit.

Surprising Expenses

One of the biggest surprises for Megan was the disparity in transportation costs across borders. She learned to use ride-sharing services like Bla Bla Car to minimize expenses, and was often asked about American politics and stereotypes by curious Europeans.

Megan’s story serves as a testament to the power of determination and resourcefulness. With careful planning and a willingness to take risks, you too can fund your worldwide dreams without sacrificing financial stability.