How do people afford to travel for so long? Nomadic Aussies share their secrets

THESE two Aussie couples have been on permanent holidays for over two years. They both have different approaches. How do they afford it?

WHEN Stephanie Tarrant and Joel Baldwin touch down in Australia later this month, it’ll be the first time they’ve set foot on home soil in more than two-and-a-half years.

The South Australian couple left with only a one-way flight to Vietnam booked and have been travelling non-stop ever since, visiting more than 30 countries across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas.

As their Facebook friends can surely attest, it’s an envy-inducing itinerary. One that’s probably left some wondering how it’s possible. How it’s possible to afford it, that is.

Stephanie and Joel enjoying that feeling of freedom.

Stephanie, 28 and Joel, 27, worked hard to save a significant sum of cash before their trip, but insist if you’re not a savvy traveller, money doesn’t last long.

Working and volunteering at different times throughout their travels kept their expenses low. But aside from the financial benefits, they say these experiences were unique and special — things you won’t find on Tripadvisor.

“Using websites Couchsurfing and HelpX we have done everything from walking a goat in Spain, alphabetising a CD collection in Norway, shovelling seaweed on the beach in Mexico, and helping out at a hostel/restaurant in Guatemala.”

This is the life — shovelling seaweed on the beach in Mexico.

An unusual holiday activity — Stephanie walking a goat in Spain.

They also worked as English teachers in Spain for 18 months, positions they applied for through the Spanish government before they left Australia.

“The job was only 12 hours a week, allowing plenty of time to travel throughout Europe. We took trips at least once a month using Skyscanner to find the cheapest flight. If you’re flexible with your dates and destination, there are unbelievable deals.”

Emily Callahan, senior marketing manager at Oceania Skyscanner says the website’s ‘everywhere’, ‘cheapest month’ and ‘whole month’ functionalities provide flexible travellers with inspiration — and the best prices.

“By searching ‘everywhere’ in the destination field, travellers who have nowhere specific in mind can choose from a list of destinations sorted by the cheapest price. If they are open to travelling anytime, selecting “cheapest month” will also help narrow down the search and planning process to the cheapest time to travel.’

Train travel is one of the cheapest ways to get around overseas.

Another website helping Aussies to travel longer, for less, is TrustedHousesitters. Melburnian couple Emma, 38, and Paul, 44, have been caring for people’s homes and pets while they’re away virtually back-to-back for two years.

“Paul and I were seeking a change and opportunity to travel after fifteen years of owning properties in Melbourne, working in busy fulltime professional roles and caring for our own animals,” Emma explains.

“Initially we thought we could experience the UK and Europe for about six months on the travel budget we had saved but thanks to Trusted Housesitters we have secured near continuous house sits in amazing locations. We’ve gone skiing in the Pyrenees, paddle-boarding in Alicante, Spain, hiking in Snowdonia National Park in Wales and stayed at a stunning B & B property in Devon — all with no accommodation costs.”

Emma and Paul have been caring for people’s homes and dogs for about two years.

The couple plan to continue house-sit-hopping in the future, and it seems more Aussies will be joining them: recent research from TrustedHousesitters found that 20 per cent of Australians are considering house-sitting in the next 12 months compared to just four per cent in 2015 — a threefold increase.

Emma seeing the sites while house-sitting.

Paul out and about with a four-legged friend.

If four weeks of annual leave a year just isn’t cutting it, follow these tips to become a fulltime traveller.

WORK OR VOLUNTEER

Websites such as HelpX, Workaway, WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) or Couchsurfing allow you to trade your time and skills for food and accommodation, from teaching English to disadvantaged children to helping on a yacht in the Caribbean. Hours worked per day or the length of stay vary — be sure to discuss this with the host before your arrival.

VISIT CHEAPER DESTINATIONS

It’s a simple fact that your money will stretch further in countries with a lower cost of living, or in places off the tourist trail. For example, while Machu Picchu in Peru can be a costly experience, other places around the country are nowhere near as expensive, but are equally as breathtaking.

LEARN THE LOCAL LANGUAGE

Being able to speak the language gives you an air of confidence, so you’re less likely to be ripped off. It also means you’re not forced to depend on expensive tourist activities, as you’ll be able to travel more independently. Organise a few weeks of language lessons when you arrive in a new country — by being immersed in the language, you’ll learn faster than at home.