Let’s be real: traveling isn’t always a cheap hobby. Sure, there are affordable ways to do it (and I am all about those), but for a lot of people, the thought of spending money on travel feels daunting. I get it. Still, I’m here to tell you that you need to travel now! Don’t let budgeting stop you from creating memories that will last a lifetime.

I know many of us are saving for school, paying for our groceries, or budgeting every little thing. Trust me, I’ve been there (well, I still am). I’ve worked minimum wage jobs since I was 15. And I’m not complaining, I’m actually very grateful. Every shift I worked gave me the chance to save and spend on travel. And now? I don’t remember the long hours giving lessons or making fruit bowls. I remember the boat trips. The cooking classes. The food tastings. The snorkeling stops. The laughter.

Now, working a full-time corporate job, I already miss the freedom I had to travel and explore. So if you’re still in school, high school or college, use your breaks. Summer, winter, spring, whatever you get, go somewhere new. Work a little, book a trip, repeat. It’s so worth it. I never skipped a summer of travel during college, and that’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Study abroad! If you have the opportunity to study abroad through your school, absolutely take it. It’s a unique chance to fully immerse yourself in a new environment. You’ll not only meet new people, but also experience life from a different cultural perspective, broaden your worldview, and explore more places than you ever imagined.

If I could go back and tell my 19-year-old self one thing during her first trip abroad, it would be: spend the money on the experiences. Don’t skip the once-in-a-lifetime moments just because they aren’t in your budget. The truth is, those are the memories that stick with you. The culture you immerse yourself in, the activities you try, the people you meet, that’s the real treasure of traveling.

The world has so much to offer. Why not explore it while you’re young, full of energy, and ready to hike volcanoes, walk endless city streets, or sip wine in new places with new friends? You’d be amazed at how many people you’ll meet, how much you’ll learn, and how much you’ll grow. This is the greatest gift we all have right at our fingertips. 

From minimum-wage jobs to 14 countries and counting, I’m here to tell you, it’s doable. Here are some tips to help you make it happen:

✈️ Quick Travel Tips for Broke 20-Somethings

• Use Skyscanner and be flexible! Early morning flights and overnight trains are worth the savings.
• Trainline is your best friend for affordable train travel across Europe, showing you the quickest, easiest, and most efficient way to arrive in your destination
• Use Nannybag or other luggage storage services to drop your bags and explore freely between check-ins.
• Stay near train stations—you’ll save time and money, and they’re often budget-friendly hubs.
• Flying into Paris from NYC turns out to be cheaper, and from there, trains or budget flights to other countries are easy.
• Ferries > Flights when heading to islands—cheaper and a great way to meet people.
• GetYourGuide and Viator are amazing for booking cultural experiences—there are options for every budget and interest.
  

Don’t wait until it’s “the right time.” In your 20s, the right time is now. Go while you can. Learn, explore, and collect moments that will shape you forever.