I grew up in a traditional Catholic family in Brazil. My siblings and I went to public schools, my dad was the main provider, and my mom stayed home with us. Sundays were for church, followed by a family barbecue. I spent my afternoons playing football and hide-and-seek with my cousins until the streetlights came on. Life was simple. We didn’t have fancy gadgets – we played outside and walked everywhere. If we were lucky, we’d go on vacation once a year. I loved my little world… until I realized there was so much more to see beyond my hometown, school, and family. That’s when life became both harder and better.

I started working at 12, selling Avon. It was a simple job, but I loved it. Having my own money felt empowering. Funny enough, I didn’t spend it on clothes, candy, or magazines. I saved up for bigger things—books, trips to see friends, language courses. Later, it became plane tickets, visas, and college tuition.

Now, if you’re still reading, here’s what I really want to say: YOU DON’T NEED TO BE RICH TO TRAVEL, YOU JUST NEED TO BE ORGANIZED AND DRIVEN!

I can’t tell you how many times I skipped expensive stores to shop at thrift stores or swapped clothes with friends. I stayed home on weekends to save for something bigger. I rarely go to salons, don’t buy fancy clothes, don’t drink, and don’t own makeup (because I don’t know how to use it!). This is just what worked for me—it might not work for everyone.

I’ve traveled to over 30 countries, worked odd jobs, and lived in boats, hostels, tents, vans, and even friends’ couches. All this hustle was worth it because I had a purpose: I wanted to travel the world, and I wasn’t going to do it luxuriously, even if I could. So I did it my way.

It all started with 600 euros, thinking it would last a couple of months. Five years later, I’m in Hawaii, living a simple life in a place I never thought I’d visit. Sure, the money ran out quickly, but it was enough to get me started. I figured things out as I went, failing sometimes, but I’m still on the move.

I don’t have fancy clothes, a nice car, or dine in expensive restaurants, but none of that matters to me. I’ve slept under the stars in the Sahara, surfed in Hawaii, biked in Amsterdam, hitchhiked through Europe, eaten pasta in Italy, and visited Machu Picchu. I’ve road-tripped through Mexico, fished salmon in Alaska, seen the Northern Lights in Iceland, dived in Panama, and celebrated my 24th birthday in Berlin. These are the moments that matter—the ones I’ll remember forever, not what I wore or what car I drove.

This lifestyle isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. But please don’t think you need to be rich to travel. You just need a dream and the drive to make it happen. It won’t be easy, but the best things never are.

A Few Resources That Helped Me:

• Couchsurfing: It’s free and allows you to stay with locals or meet up with other travelers. It works based on reviews, so you know what to expect. Here’s my profile: Couchsurfing profile.
• Workaway / Worldpackers / WWOOF: I used Workaway, which costs $40 a year and connects you with volunteer opportunities worldwide. Most offer food and accommodation in exchange for 5 hours of work per day, 5 days a week.
• Skyscanner / Kiwi: These flight booking sites let you compare prices by day, sometimes saving you a lot just by shifting your travel date by a day or two.

It’s time to set your goals and make things happen.

With love,
Caroline