Funding a round-the-world trip is entirely achievable without a fortune, provided you combine several strategies: disciplined saving before departure, income earned on the road, and smart spending along the way. Here are six concrete approaches, ranked from the most essential to the most complementary.
What budget do you need for a round-the-world trip?
A year-long round-the-world trip costs around €15,000 on average, covering international transport, accommodation, food, visas and travel insurance. That figure varies considerably depending on your travel style and chosen destinations: Southeast Asia and Central America are far cheaper than Australia, New Zealand or Northern Europe. Mapping out a rough itinerary from the start helps you set a savings target and work out how long you need to reach it.
Tip 1: Save systematically before you go
Savings remain the bedrock of any round-the-world budget. To make it stick without losing motivation:
- Open a dedicated account solely for your travel fund: it isolates the money, lets you track progress and keeps impulse spending in check.
- Set up an automatic transfer the moment your salary lands: €500 a month over 24 months adds up to €12,000 with zero daily willpower required.
- Cut back on regular outgoings: unused subscriptions, expensive nights out, non-essential purchases.
- Sell what you won’t take with you: furniture, clothes and electronics via second-hand platforms can easily bring in several hundred to a few thousand euros.
The golden rule: every euro saved before you leave is another day on the road.
Tip 2: Work while you travel
Working on the road is one of the most effective ways to extend a round-the-world trip well beyond what savings alone would allow.
The Working Holiday Visa (WHV)
The WHV (known in France as the PVT, Programme Vacances Travail) lets French nationals work legally in around fifteen partner countries: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, Argentina and more. It is generally open to under-35s depending on the destination and is the most structured legal framework for a long-term stay. For a guide to which sectors are hiring, see our pick of the best jobs on a Working Holiday Visa.
Volunteering: Workaway, HelpX, WWOOFing
These platforms let you exchange four to six hours of daily work for board and lodging:
- Workaway: active in over 170 countries, modest annual subscription (individual or couple); particularly well represented across the Americas.
- HelpX: around €20 for two years, valid in 88 countries; dominant in Australia and New Zealand.
- WWOOFing: focused on organic farming, membership fees vary by country (up to around €50); available in over 100 destinations.
A minimum stay of one to two weeks per host is generally expected. These options cover two of the biggest travel expenses: accommodation and food.
Freelancing and remote work
If your skills lend themselves to remote work (web development, writing, graphic design, translation, consulting…), working online offers maximum flexibility. Some travellers cover all their day-to-day costs this way, travelling indefinitely without touching their savings.
Insure my round-the-world trip in minutesTip 3: Rally your friends and family with a crowdfund
A leaving party is a natural moment to launch a crowdfunding campaign: dedicated platforms make it easy for family and friends to chip in. Beyond the financial side, it is also a great opportunity to pick up practical advice from people who have already travelled long-term: job leads, useful contacts on the ground, places to avoid or to seek out. That kind of insider knowledge can sometimes be worth as much as the money raised.
Tip 4: Rent out your home while you are away
If you own your home, letting it while you are away generates a regular monthly income that can cover a significant share of your on-the-road costs. A few important points:
- Long-term rental: more stable, less remote management, but potentially lower returns.
- Short-term furnished rental: potentially more lucrative depending on the city, but requires someone on the ground to handle check-ins and check-outs.
- House swap: works well for an extended stay in a single destination, but is poorly suited to a constantly changing itinerary.
If you are a tenant, subletting is in principle subject to your landlord’s written consent under French law: check before listing your place on any platform. Also review the terms of your home insurance policy.
Tip 5: Travel on a budget with slow, local travel
Keeping costs down on the road is just as important as saving before you leave. The areas where you can make the biggest difference:
- Accommodation: hostels, Couchsurfing, camping or volunteering (see Tip 2) rather than hotels and serviced apartments.
- Transport: buses, trains and ridesharing for regional journeys; flights reserved for unavoidable long-haul hops.
- Food: local markets, hostel shared kitchens, neighbourhood restaurants well away from tourist hotspots.
- Activities: national parks, beaches, hiking and many museums offering free or discounted entry on certain days.
This approach can halve your daily budget and double the length of your trip for the same outlay.
Tip 6: A loan – as a last resort
A personal loan can top up a budget that is already largely in place, but it should always be the very last option: interest increases the overall cost of your trip, and monthly repayments can weigh heavily on your return, particularly if finding work takes time. If you are considering this route, compare interest rates, loan terms, arrangement fees and early repayment conditions before committing.
A solid budget is only the first step. For building a strong itinerary, sorting out visas and preparing your health for the road, see our full guide: how to plan a round-the-world trip: every step of the way.
FAQ
How much does a round-the-world trip cost on average?
Budget around €15,000 for a year-long round-the-world trip, covering all the main costs (transport, accommodation, food, visas, insurance). That figure varies considerably depending on the regions you visit: Southeast Asia and Latin America allow you to live on €30 to €50 a day, while Australia or Scandinavia can easily run to €80 to €100 a day.
Can you fund a round-the-world trip without any prior savings?
It is technically possible, but risky. A Working Holiday Visa, volunteering (Workaway, HelpX) or freelancing can largely cover your costs on the road, but having enough savings to see you through the first few months is still recommended to start your trip with confidence and handle the unexpected.
What is the best way to work during a round-the-world trip?
It depends on your background and age. The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is the most structured option for under-35s who want to work legally in around fifteen countries. Volunteering (Workaway, HelpX, WWOOFing) is open to everyone and cuts accommodation and food costs. Freelancing suits anyone with a digital skill that can easily be practised remotely.
Do you need travel insurance for a round-the-world trip?
Yes, it is essential. Without the right cover, hospitalisation or repatriation abroad can run to tens of thousands of euros. Long-stay travel insurance covers medical expenses, repatriation and, depending on the policy, cancellation or baggage theft. Make sure your policy covers all your planned destinations and the full duration of your trip.
Can you sublet your flat during a round-the-world trip?
If you are a tenant, subletting requires your landlord’s prior written consent under French law (Act of 6 July 1989). Without that agreement, you risk having your lease terminated. If you own your home, you are free to let it out, but do inform your insurer and check your obligations regarding rental income tax.
