Now, even if finances are not a problem, then you are still only part way there. But if you have no access to money, not even a job, then you will have to get one, or maybe two. But aside from earning the money you'll need, your options are down to these: Save it, win it, or beg for it. When I say "beg for it," I don't mean panhandling. It's just a simplistic term for allowing someone, or a group of people, to assist you with your travel dream. This will be explained better under the topic of Raising Money. And as for stealing or borrowing the money, I don't recommend them as viable options..

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Costs (quoted in US Dollars)

To get an idea of what it will cost you for where you want to go, you'll have to do a little research. A simple way to assess cost is to refer to travel books which cater to your level of traveling and destination choice. Moon Travel Handbooks, Lonely Planet, Let's Go:, and The Rough Guide are great sources for the budget traveler. Let's Go: is very popular with those going to Europe, while Moon Handbooks and Lonely Planet are the travelers’ choice for Asia and developing countries. The Rough Guide is pretty good for both continents. My recommendation for long-term budget travelers is, unless you can work abroad (in a traditional job, or through your business you maintain with a notebook/laptop computer), to steer clear of much of Europe, Australia and Canada, which will cost you about $75/day (or more), versus $30/day (or less) in developing regions Asia, Africa and Central America. But we'll discuss travel locations later on.

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Cost Examples (quoted in US Dollars)

An example of a budget room ("guest house") in a South-East Asian country is about $7-15 a night. They are relatively comfortable, and usually have a shower, toilet, full-size bed and fan (air conditioning is often an unneeded luxury.) In India and Nepal, the prices range from a few dollars to $10. The further out you get from the city and prime tourist zones, the cheaper it is to live. In much of Europe, like Italy and France, be prepared to pay $70 and up for a “budget” room. Youth hostels (you don't usually have to be a youth) will run you at least $25, but you may be treated like a ten-year old throughout your stay. Eastern European countries are a better bargain, but places like the Czech Republic are changing quickly as their economies become more like their Western European counterparts. Food in developing countries is extremely cheap, and food in most Western European countries is pricey. However, if you are able to live in a shared house or apartment, you should cook at “home” as often as you can. (Shopping the marketplaces and cooking with your new friends is one of the most enjoyable parts of staying/living abroad.)

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Budgeting (quoted in US Dollars)

In order for you to save the gobs of money required to pull this dream trip off, not only will you have to drastically curtail your spending, but you’re going to have to formulate and live within (and pardon me for saying this) a strict budget. For those, like me, whose idea of saving money was buying wine at Trader Joe’s (an American discount market), all I can say is that it becomes much easier as you become more committed to your travel plans. It’s sort of like working out at the gym. The first month can be a drag, but then you find yourself becoming really good at the task and even enjoying the process. You’ll be surprised at how easy saving becomes once you see your goal being reached because of your newfound discipline.

[More on this topic in the Full Version of Quit Dreaming & Go!]