Asia is home to some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, including the city-state of Singapore and Bali in Indonesia. If you want to explore Asia over the long-term, you will need to think about how to sustain your travels. Sustaining long-term travel is about generating income while travel is ongoing. If you’re willing to get creative, you should be able to rack up cash as you drink in the beauty and rich culture of Asia. Learning how to economize during Asian adventures will also be important, as it’s possible to save big by visiting cheaper cities and going for inexpensive food, accommodations and activities. While earning abroad and skimping on travel costs will work wonders, you should always have enough credit to feel secure as you travel from place to place.
How much money will you need?
Backpackers who’ve spent longer periods of time in Asia reported spending between 1,000 to 1,500 USD per month. These travelers sought out cheaper flights, accommodations and food. Long-term tourists with more expensive tastes will need considerably more cash to enjoy fine hotels and dining, as well as pricier activities. To be on the safe side, consider your travel style and budget accordingly, but don’t take less than 1,000 USD per month, and budget higher if at all possible.
It’s wise to travel with a credit card with a high limit, and/or or a line of credit that you can draw on when you need to. Let your financial institution know your travel plans before you leave for Asia, so your account doesn’t get flagged for unusual purchases. If you decide to buy a car while you’re in Asia, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s possible to get auto financing in Singapore and other Asian locales, or buy vehicles outright. For example, lots of travelers buy motorbikes to ride through Vietnam and other Southeast Asian nations. Owning your own vehicle may be more cost-effective for long-term travel than paying for other forms of transportation. Research permit and license requirements carefully before you buy, as these requirements vary throughout Asia. Finally, look at everything you’ll need for your trip, and create a detailed budget that gives you a clear sense of how much income you’ll need to sustain your travel.
Work online to drum up cash
The easiest way to work while you’re traveling is via a strong Web connection. Set up a PayPal account, get it verified and then apply for online work which gives you the power to make money anywhere. When you opt for remote freelance, part-time or full-time work online, you won’t need to worry about work visas, language barriers and other common obstacles to employment in Asian countries. You’ll be able to work in your own language, get paid through PayPal (or another payment interface) and transfer funds to your credit card or checking/savings account. Look at online freelance agencies, and see what types of skills employers are looking for. You probably do have skills that you can use to sustain long-term travel in Asia.
It’s possible to spend at least 90 days in Singapore with a valid USA passport, and you won’t even need a visa. Some other Asian nations have equally relaxed requirements. If you want to enjoy a longer stay in Asia, create a budget, make sure you have sufficient credit, and then work online to augment your finances. In the Internet Age, it’s simple to earn as you travel, no matter where you roam.