The number one question I get all the time is: How do you afford to go to Europe so often? The best response I can give is that I’ve always just made it work. Before moving to France in September 2019 and later to Germany in March 2021, I consistently worked at least two jobs while in college. The summer leading up to my study abroad in France was what I like to call my Summer in a Backpack because, essentially, I was living out of a bag and my car, bouncing between four different houses across Phoenix. It was a chaotic summer for a nineteen-year-old, but I did what I had to do. I knew that if I wanted to spend two semesters abroad, I had to push myself until the day I boarded my flight. That summer of hard work paid off, not only financially but also in the lifelong friendships and experiences I gained.

When I attended Northern Arizona University, I lived about two hours from my hometown. After my freshman year, I decided to move back home to save money. I returned to my former lifeguarding job and joined a babysitting company, working 60-hour weeks. The babysitting gig was flexible, allowing me to pick up jobs whenever I had free time. Since most of my babysitting jobs were in Scottsdale, I would stay with a friend who had a pull-out bed. If I worked at the pool, I’d stay with my mom, dad, or grandparents.

When I say I lived out of my backpack, I mean it. I probably had at least three backup toothbrushes. That summer was a grind, and looking back, I have no idea how I managed it. But the reality was that I had a goal: to leave the States with a set amount of money. And I did just that.

Preparing for Germany

When I prepared to move to Konstanz, Germany, I had more experience and better financial strategies. By then, I was making better money as a server in my college town, allowing for more stability. However, saving for Germany was no easier than saving for France. To cut costs, I sold my car and moved in with my mom, picking up a job at the local golf course. This was brutal. I felt trapped. Like an animal in a cage. But I worked 60 days straight, and once again, the sacrifice was worth it. The six months I spent in Germany allowed me to visit 16 countries. You simply can’t beat that.

Making It Work Financially

What I want to emphasize is that anyone can make traveling work financially. You just have to be willing to put in the effort. I was fortunate to have some financial support from my family while in Germany, which I will always be grateful for. Because of that, I was able to spend a little more freely than I had in France. But for anyone who dreams of traveling or studying abroad, know this: If there’s a will, there’s a way.

Additionally, once you secure a visa or residence permit, there are ways to make money while abroad. You just have to put yourself out there and network.

The Importance of Networking

Networking is something I’m actively working on now. I’m currently in my third study program, but now, reality is setting in. When I first arrived in Austria, I had no set plan. I only had enough money to last me two to three months. Due to some unexpected expenses, my funds have depleted faster than anticipated (which I’ll talk about in later blogs), but what I’ve learned is that when you’re in a situation where you need to make things work, you start putting yourself out there naturally.

For example, just last night, while learning German at a cocktail bar, I asked if they were hiring. When you’re in a position of discomfort, you adapt. You start asking questions and putting yourself out there because survival depends on it. It’s not dramatic, it’s just reality. At some point, you have to be okay with rejection and the possibility of misunderstanding.

Money-Saving Travel Hacks

Through my experiences, I’ve developed a few money-saving hacks and some of which might be unconventional. If you know me, you know I’m a gym rat and love protein powder. Before leaving for Austria, I packed and repacked my bags multiple times, and one thing that always remained a priority? A gallon of protein powder. Laugh if you want, but my thought process was simple: if I brought enough protein powder, it could serve as my breakfast for 30 days.

Think about it – spending 8-10 euros per day on breakfast adds up quickly. Over a month, that’s a lot of money saved. Over time, as you travel more, you start to pick up on little tricks like this that help you stretch your budget further and experience more.

Another game-changer? Grocery stores over restaurants. Learning to cook has been a huge money-saver. I’ve gathered recipes online and become a relatively decent cook. I even invested in to-go containers and ice packs from Amazon, allowing me to pack homemade meals instead of spending 10-15 euros per meal while out and about. These small decisions add up, and your wallet will thank you later.

Prioritizing Expenses

When traveling, you start to think differently about money. You begin asking yourself questions like:

• Do I want to spend 100 euros on a night out with friends, or do I want to go on an unforgettable excursion in the Austrian countryside?
• Do I want to eat at restaurants every night, or would I rather cook and save for a bigger experience?

It all comes down to priorities. Learning how to budget while traveling is an invaluable skill, and I’m grateful that my time in Europe has continually reinforced this lesson.

If you have the dream to travel – do it. It’s possible, and you’ll figure things out along the way. Prioritize what matters to you, get creative with your spending, and embrace the journey. It’s worth every sacrifice.

Xoxo, Harleigh