People who keep traveling around the world do it in one of several ways:

1) they keep moving so they don;t outstay their legal limit in various places (90 days in Schengen and 6 months in the UK for americans - other areas you would have to check)

2) they are wealthy and have bought business interests or have enough funds (typically at least half a million $) that they can obtain a residence permit in a few countries

3) they are students enrolled at approved institutions and can stay fo their term of study

4)they work for a multinaional that assigns them to an office in another country )either english speaking or the employee is fluent in the local language)

50 they are illegal and under the radar - couchsurfing, working illegallly (increasingly hard to do) and risking large fines, deportation and even jail

Separately, $2000 will get you nowhere. My 19 year old d went summer before last with 2 friends and she spent about $8000 in 6 weeks. This was modest hotels. cheapest train fares bought in advance, student pubs and no shopping.

It is possible to live more cheaply than this - but europe is more expensive than the US - sometimes WAY more expensive (and I'm talking NYC - not a small town) and no one will let you in if you don't have the money to support yourself until the date of your return ticket.

I realize you guys aren't trying to crush my dreams or anything but this has been an eye opening experience. I'm grateful that you guys are so honest and showed me the ins and outs of planning such a large trip. I'm not going to count out traveling this summer but I am going to say that Europe doesn't look like it's in the cards. I might try to check out some Asian trips. But all these rules and regulations for traveling are so insane. I would never of thought it would be so inexplicably hard to just go over to another country, especially an ally country. Again thank you for being so honest. I feel a but naive thinking I could plan such an extensive trip on such a small budget with no experience.

Just think...as a North American you don't even need to get visas in advance!! You probably aren't aware of all the rules people have to abide by to get into your home country...!

I meant visas in advance for Europe...

Sorry but there's nothing "inexplicably hard" about it. Here in the UK we have a massive, complex problem with illegal immigration and over-stayers (many of whom are from other English-speaking countries who think the rules don't apply to them). You are very welcome to visit on holiday, provided you have enough money to support yourself and don't work illegally.

Just how easy do you think it is to get into the US??? It is easier for you to get into other countries than for their nationals to get into the US.

Glad you have listened to us - not all new posters do. There are lots of good books out there on how to travel - in addition to the ones I listed above you might try "Practical Nomad".

BTW, cheapest NYC-LON flight in early July is $482 on Icelandair with an all-day layover in Iceland. Cheapest LON-NYC same airline in October is $560. Cheapest round-trip leaving same day and returning in October is $918 on Aer Lingus, less than two one way tickets. Did your $2,000 include flights?

Take a look at http://www.wwoof.org/ - Willing Workers On Organic Farms. Doing this in a few places might help you extend your food and lodging budget.

I would still save up some more money before you go, but WWOOFing might be useful.

Lee Ann

Good advice above. Consider going for a shorter time (does it really have to be "about 3 months"? - even half that would be a very good hit out compared with the travel experience of most Americans), and assume you'll be back (many times hopefully), certainly more savvy (most of the fossils here are still learning), and probably a lot better placed financially. Definitely get your return ticket, consider hostels as Pal above suggests (some of us here still have favourites ;) from our distant memories), and use the discipline imposed by a shorter trip frame to get a better idea on where to go and what to see and do.

You have all be so helpful! I really appreciate all the information, but when I go to Europe it is going to be on a long trip. So I'm just going to start my fund and try to go next year. I have an opportunity to visit a few other countries such as China or Australia where I have friends staying. I am taking everything you guys/girls have to say and using it to make myself a better prepared traveler when I do decide to go over to Europe. It isn't out of my sights yet but I do think it is on a bit of a delay.

>>but when I go to Europe it is going to be on a long trip<<

Might I ask why? You can go for 2 or 3 weeks for $3000-ish not counting airfare. If you want a 3-4 months-long trip you'll need 10's of thousands of $$$$$$.

If you didn't care for the Schengen rules you're going to love the ones for China! But kudos for listening.

I want to be over in Europe for a long time mainly because I want to try to find a job while I'm over there. So I'm going to apply for work Visa' before going. I can't explain why I want to be over there for so long other than just wanting to be away from home for a longer time. And are China's worse? Why do you say it like that?

Nik, you can't get a visa for Europe on the basis of "wanting a job." You have to have the job lined up in advance! They're not going to let you in hoping you'll find employment. Is this not clear? And if you think telling a border official "I want to be over there for a longer time because that's what I want" is going to fly, well, just be prepared to be put on a flight right home again.

And yes, China is even tougher. I'm not sure what it is you don't understand about immigration law, but no-one, anywhere in the world, has the right to just go to another country and stay as long as they like. Why would you be special?

If you want to stay in Europe for a long time, then get busy finding yourself a legitimate job there and getting the proper visa and work permit from an employer. Otherwise, it's just NOT going to happen (without potentially dire consequences). Spend your time pursuing legitimate alleyways, not bellyaching about how unfair it all is.

>>I want to be over in Europe for a long time mainly because I want to try to find a job while I'm over there.<<

Ain't going to happen.

If you want to stay in Europe a 'long time' you need to do some heavy lifting - get a job w/a multinational company and work your way up to 'transfer to Europe seniority', or get a teaching credential and apply at DOD schools, get fluent in other languages, etc.

You simply can't go to Europe (or most other parts of the world) hoping to find a job.

And yes - China has even more regulations/red tape. You'd need an 'invitation' from your Chinese employer.

So long story short . . . Forget about working overseas and just be a tourist like most people.

What StCirq said about Europe. Unfortunately, while massage therapy can be practised anywhere, and I have a wonderful therapist myself, it's not the kind of profession that gets you a work visa.

WRT China:

http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/zgqz/

http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/adr/

Note: "photocopy of the roundtrip airline ticket and hotel reservation."

As I said a while back, go to SE Asia.

If you are intent on working and given that it will be your first trip abroad it may be best to explore the possibilities in an English speaking country. Here in Australia some of us seem to be all the time hearing that half - OK, maybe an exaggeration - the staff in cafes and restaurants and resorts are overseas backpackers (young Irish currently in droves apparently). Who knows, maybe there is an unmet demand for massage therapists in some of our regional areas or remote resorts where it can be difficult attracting good staff (as some of our overseas visitors can attest). So you might like to investigate this visa for young people (subclass which includes USA - there are other visas for other country groups) who wish to holiday and work in Australia -

http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/work...ligibility.htm

Note especially the evidence of funds, return ticket, visa fee, and be aware of the unfavourable exchange rate/ relatively high cost of living many Americans seem to experience; don't rely on getting a job and of course don't do anything to infringe the visa conditions that might jeopardise your chances of staying, coming back, or going anywhere else for that matter. Other than that, we're a friendly laid back well-travelled bunch and most of the young people who come here seem to have a great time.

[Others here please chime in if you think I may have given our young adventurer a bum steer.]

Interesting option. But needs a return ticket plus probably 5,000 AUD plus medical insurance. Best so far, though.

Hi Nik,

Don't get so discouraged right off. You are young and have plenty of time to save up and explore the world the way you want.

For now, don't turn down a slice of a great cake just because you can't have the whole cake. Honestly, two or three weeks in two or three places might be a much better way to get a little experience and adventure out of your home country. You might be able to swing that financially. That being said, they don't involve 90 days or major moves, but there are some creative things you can do.

Easiest would be a "working" vacation. Scan the web to see what you find. Some are helping plant forests or build schools, etc. There is one that builds stoves for cooking and heating in poor areas of SA. You live with the families you are helping. Most are not in Europe. Basically, you have to pay your own transportation to the country, and get no money, but do get room and board - sometimes.

Here is one you should definitely look into: Pueblo Ingles. It is based in Spain. They have locations in Spain and some other countries. It is a school for Spanish speaking people to improve their English by speaking all day with English speakers. They provide room and board for you, and you spend the entire day and evening speaking English to your "student".

OK, you are not traveling around, but you are having a unique cultural experience in another country. Some of the programs are 8 days. Others are two 4 day sessions with 3 days off in between. You could do a bit of sight seeing then, or at the end of a session. You fly into the country and a rep from the school actually picks you up at the airport and takes you to the school's location, which looks to be in beautiful areas of the country.

Doesn't that sound great - exploring the world by really interacting with people and helping at the same time?

You might also look at Department of Defense jobs. These are hard to come by, but if you can find one, you might be able to transfer to someplace overseas after two or three years service.

You can't even imagine all the trouble you have saved me. I am truly grateful for everything you guys have told me. I am going to do some more research and try to find some volunteer stuff as you said. I guess my head was just stuck in the "hippie days" when you could just go over a lot easier. I now see that you have to try to plan things and do a lot of research before such a journey. I see europe in my future someday, and I'm going to try to look for multinational countries like resorts that offer massage therapy.

You have all given me such great insight and I truly appreciate it. Yes it may be bitter to not carry out a dream right away but it is exactly like you said, I have my whole life still. I'm going to explore this great world. Just one step at a time.

Great attitude - wish you all the best with your dreams!

Another idea for you. I have no clue as to their rules for employment, but some of the larger cruise ships have spas. Your work as a massage therapist might be a great fit.

The hours are long, the pay isn't great, etc. but your room and board is paid and you can be saving a lot of money while you are on the ship. Plus you are traveling.

I don't know all the companies that have spas on their ships, but check out Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, etc.

You might also be allowed to work in Puerto Rico. Check the rules there and the resorts that have spas. Just throwing it out for you to look at.

Sassafrass beat me to it. I've only been on one cruise - w/ my cousin who had back problems and she spent a lot of time in the spa w/ a couple of very good therapists.

If you concentrate on the ships/lines that do Mediteranean/northern European itineraries you can travel around and see places during the ports of call instead of sticking to a single resort area.

"I guess my head was just stuck in the "hippie days" "

Ah yes, the good old days. I spent a summer traveling through Spain and Portugal with my then boyfriend in 1970. Hitchhiking and sometimes sleeping rough. It's not safe to hitchhike any more and sleeping rough has nothing to recommend it, believe me!

Suggest you spend some time here:

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntre...spa?forumID=53
(Travel on a shoestring)

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntre...spa?forumID=58
(Gap year and RTW)

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntre...spa?forumID=58
(The long haul - living and working abroad)

There's always the Peace Corps, but that's two years, probably somewhere uncomfortable. I like the Aussie option, I would have suggested it earlier but I hadn't realized it was open to US citizens, I thought it was only for the Commonwealth. The big cruise ships aren't traveling, in any sense I recognize.

I found this website that helps you get a work visa for a few countries such as Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia. I'm going to keep stalking the internet for other options as well. Thank you for the links and extra info. I'll make sure to look into those as well!

While on a cruise ship, it is true, you will only be getting a little taste of places to visit when you are in ports, but you can be working in your field. You will have no expenses, you can work a few weeks or months contract, save lots of money and then have your adventure travel. You will also be with lots of other young people working on the ships and meeting people from all around the world. Ship's crews are often very international, so you would have an interesting cultural experience just working with so many different people.

I think the cruise ship idea is brilliant!

And you're a good sport, Nik! Smart of you to rethink this until you can make it work legally.

>>I found this website that helps you get a work visa for a few countries such as Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia.<<

Just be careful out there - I've read reports of bogus websites offering this sort of "help" in return for up-front payments.

It does sound dubious. Make sure you don't have to make false statements.

Do you mean like this site:

http://www.visafirst.com/en/irish_wo..._visa_info.asp

That's similar to the Australian scheme. Or do you mean a proper work visa? Care to post the links?

Check out www.crazyguyonabike.com It is full of journals of people traveling (of course by bike) all over the world. Many in Europe camp out, some 'wild camping' - that is by the side of the road/trail rather than in a campground. In addition to the info in their journals, I would guess that most would give you additional info if you email them.

Well, be really careful about "wild camping." We have folks who try this in my commune in France, and not only do the locals show up (often with big hunting rifles) to evacuate them, but the local police often make raids on them and chase them out (and I'm happy that they do - do I want folks messing up the countryside and partying in the fields below my house? NO, thank you!) People OWN and paid for that property!

Not exactly helpful info, bigtyke.

Camping sauvage as my French friends who have done it often call it - camping wild - no you do not do it in some wealthy village dominated by rich foreigners or in any village proper but camping sauvage is yes for folks hiking or walking or biking and they may just go into some woods or a farmer's field - never hurting any crops or whatever - just some rural area out of sight of folks

So yes be careful but camping wild has a long tradition in France and not just with clochards - but yes respect the land - most wild campers are not the wild party animals St Cirq makes them out nor do I and others mess up any land but are careful to take our trash out, etc. and yes to respect the land not mess it up - there may be a few that do that but to paint all wild campers with the same brush is not being fair.

<<no you do not do it in some wealthy village dominated by rich foreigners>>

If by chance you are referring to St-Cirq, you couldn't be farther off the mark, Pal. I am to my knowledge one of two "foreigners" (neither of us wealthy) in a commune of 311 inhabitants. The vast majority of my neighbors are French pensioners in their 80s or older. The rest are French farmers. And none of them has any patience with campers who help themselves to their land, whether they take their trash with them or not. I don't care what kind of "tradition" it is, or with whom, it's illegal occupancy of others' property.

ttt

it's illegal occupancy of others' property> are you sure it is illegal?

Romani in France have rights to camp in vacant lots, etc - at least in Orleans they do - having camped in an abandoned plant's parking lot for several years - the local paper said they had a right to.

sorry about mis-characterizing your village - thought you were in the Dordogne which does have villages like I described.

Guardian article on wild camping in Europe:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/201...-uk-legalities

"Wild camping in France is a legal grey area, but is generally tolerated with <b>the permission of landowners</b>, or if you're well away from tourist sites. You are also advised not to stay beyond 9am the next day. And whatever you do, don't light a fire." Emphasis mine.

They (and it's not just Rom peoples - there are several categories) are only allowed to set up camp in official government-sanctioned aires d'acceuil des gens du voyages, and no town with a population under 5,000 has any obligation to set one up. And Hollande is busy continuing Sarkozy's efforts to dismantle camps and deport the cam dwellers, though he's being less harsh than Sarkozy was in that he has promised notto displace anyone until alternative lodging can be found.

Anyway, this wasn't a discussion about gens du voyage.

Not exactly helpful info, bigtyke.>

well this all is to paint the true picture of camping wild in France rather than the one you gave, where you upbraid someone who said it was possible and it turns out that it is very possible so rather than saying 'not exactly helpful' you should have said 'very helpful' if you had understood the extent to which many French do it - no not everywhere but many places - like the article says:

Wild Camping in France

Wild camping in France is a legal grey area, but is generally tolerated with the permission of landowners, or if you're well away from tourist sites. You are also advised not to stay beyond 9am the next day. And whatever you do, don't light a fire. They hate that. The Ardennes in the north-east and the Morvan peaks in Burgundy are popular with rambling Parisians. In the south, forums report laissez-faire attitudes to wild camping around Saintes Maries-de-la-Mer in the Camargue.>

so this is all to clear up some misconception that you had about camping wild that led you to castigate someone for even mentioning it.

good info bigtyke!