3 answers
Ingrid
Student
Salinas, California
1
Question
Asked
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#Spring26 What study habits should I maintain in order to reach a comfortable lifestyle as I want to travel?
After finishing military or deciding to do another contract, what habits can I maintain or add in order to reach my goal of traveling around the world as much as I can?
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3 answers
Jeannette Cook
Writer, Communications Manager, Yoga Teacher
21
Answers
Belgium
Updated
Jeannette’s Answer
Hi Ingrid. I echo what Srinivas says above. Get into good financial habits, because being free to travel usually is largely about having the funds to do that.
You already know your priority is to travel, possibly comfortably, so you can watch out for the temptation to spend on non-necessities.
When I was preparing to travel indefinitely, I would ask myself: does this purchase further my goal? If not, is it a true need? Would I rather have this purchase or spend another day/eat another meal/etc out in the world?
That usually got my answer!
Another thing I did, I used to save cash from a second job’s pay check — I’d put the cash in a safe place. Now, cash isn’t used so much so you maybe need to do the equivalent instead with a Wise or Revolut account. Just put X amount into that every month and don’t touch it ! Or some other designated account,
It can be hard to save, even keeping your vision close. Don’t deprive yourself of “everything” in the present for the future — try to find a balance.
Other general habits that can help you move away from material consumption and feel fulfilled without spending money:
- Cultivate a library habit. Read widely
- Spend time in parks, open spaces, nature
- Learn to cook what you might be inclined to eat out
- Engage with community - volunteer- something that involves other people
- Mindfulness practices can help you with the mental awareness and the strength to stick to your goals + understand where you tend to get tripped up
Good luck!
You already know your priority is to travel, possibly comfortably, so you can watch out for the temptation to spend on non-necessities.
When I was preparing to travel indefinitely, I would ask myself: does this purchase further my goal? If not, is it a true need? Would I rather have this purchase or spend another day/eat another meal/etc out in the world?
That usually got my answer!
Another thing I did, I used to save cash from a second job’s pay check — I’d put the cash in a safe place. Now, cash isn’t used so much so you maybe need to do the equivalent instead with a Wise or Revolut account. Just put X amount into that every month and don’t touch it ! Or some other designated account,
It can be hard to save, even keeping your vision close. Don’t deprive yourself of “everything” in the present for the future — try to find a balance.
Other general habits that can help you move away from material consumption and feel fulfilled without spending money:
- Cultivate a library habit. Read widely
- Spend time in parks, open spaces, nature
- Learn to cook what you might be inclined to eat out
- Engage with community - volunteer- something that involves other people
- Mindfulness practices can help you with the mental awareness and the strength to stick to your goals + understand where you tend to get tripped up
Good luck!
Srinivas Rao Routhu
Business Consultant
40
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Srinivas Rao’s Answer
Hello Ingrid,
You can certainly build some good habits now so that, after your military service (or another contract), you can fund frequent travel and still live comfortably.
###1. Financial habits that support travel
Track and budget your money regularly:
- Know exactly where your pay goes; use a simple app or spreadsheet to see fixed costs, wants, and how much you can save for travel.
Automate savings for travel:
- Set up a fixed‑amount transfer to a “travel fund” as soon as you get paid, even if it starts small.
Use military‑friendly savings and benefits fully:
- Take advantage of military savings accounts, discounts, VA‑related benefits, and any tax‑advantaged options you qualify for; they let you keep more of your income.
###2. Spending habits that stretch your money
Live slightly below your means:
- Avoid lifestyle inflation: keep housing, phone, and car/transport costs low so travel can be a realistic priority.
Cut small recurring costs:
- Cancel unused subscriptions, limit impulse‑buying, and plan big purchases (electronics, trips) with a waiting‑period rule.
Focus travel‑style on “value”:
- Choose off‑season dates, budget‑friendly destinations, and cheaper stays while still having rich experiences (hostels, local food, free walking tours).
###3. Skill‑building habits that create long‑term flexibility
Keep learning and improving your earning power:
- Even in service, build skills (language, digital skills, management, or financial literacy) that can later mean freelance work, remote jobs, or side income while travelling.
Think of “income + travel” as a combo:
- Future travel doesn’t have to wait until full retirement; many people fund trips with steady saving, side gigs, or remote work.
You can certainly build some good habits now so that, after your military service (or another contract), you can fund frequent travel and still live comfortably.
###1. Financial habits that support travel
Track and budget your money regularly:
- Know exactly where your pay goes; use a simple app or spreadsheet to see fixed costs, wants, and how much you can save for travel.
Automate savings for travel:
- Set up a fixed‑amount transfer to a “travel fund” as soon as you get paid, even if it starts small.
Use military‑friendly savings and benefits fully:
- Take advantage of military savings accounts, discounts, VA‑related benefits, and any tax‑advantaged options you qualify for; they let you keep more of your income.
###2. Spending habits that stretch your money
Live slightly below your means:
- Avoid lifestyle inflation: keep housing, phone, and car/transport costs low so travel can be a realistic priority.
Cut small recurring costs:
- Cancel unused subscriptions, limit impulse‑buying, and plan big purchases (electronics, trips) with a waiting‑period rule.
Focus travel‑style on “value”:
- Choose off‑season dates, budget‑friendly destinations, and cheaper stays while still having rich experiences (hostels, local food, free walking tours).
###3. Skill‑building habits that create long‑term flexibility
Keep learning and improving your earning power:
- Even in service, build skills (language, digital skills, management, or financial literacy) that can later mean freelance work, remote jobs, or side income while travelling.
Think of “income + travel” as a combo:
- Future travel doesn’t have to wait until full retirement; many people fund trips with steady saving, side gigs, or remote work.
Thank you, Srinivas Rao!
Ingrid
Maria Jose Salcedo Diaz
Solution Architecht
3
Answers
Guadalajara
Updated
Maria Jose’s Answer
That's a wonderful goal! If you want to travel more, keep learning new things. Don't just study to pass tests; aim to understand and grow.
Think about your future with flexibility. Building strong skills like communication, languages, or digital skills can help you work in different roles worldwide. This can let you live in various countries and explore new places.
Here's what you can do:
- Study a little every day to stay on track.
- Be curious and look for new opportunities.
- Keep learning and improving yourself.
- Get involved in internships, exchange programs, or projects to open doors to travel or work abroad.
- Develop skills that are useful everywhere, like languages and digital skills, to work from anywhere.
These steps will give you more freedom to travel and create a life you love.
Think about your future with flexibility. Building strong skills like communication, languages, or digital skills can help you work in different roles worldwide. This can let you live in various countries and explore new places.
Here's what you can do:
- Study a little every day to stay on track.
- Be curious and look for new opportunities.
- Keep learning and improving yourself.
- Get involved in internships, exchange programs, or projects to open doors to travel or work abroad.
- Develop skills that are useful everywhere, like languages and digital skills, to work from anywhere.
These steps will give you more freedom to travel and create a life you love.