Hitchhiker Finances - HOW MUCH MONEY Do I Need?

[Salman]

A lot of first-timers ask this question:

[size=16:2154ef58d6]How much money should I bring for ___ amount of days on the road
- or for a distance of _____ miles/kilometers.[/size:2154ef58d6]


One of many possible answers is: Always keep enough money on you to avoid being classified as a vagrant by certain town/city ordinances -- something like the cost of a cheap motel or bus ticket out of town-- but bring no more than you would be willing to lose (to theft, accidental loss, etc).


Hitchhiking is free, yes. Barring any tolls, fines, visas or whatnot, you can go thousands of miles without spending a cent-- IF you are creative enough to find rides, food, water and shelter along the way for free.

So a flexible answer is-- Bring enough money to give you confidence in dealing with contingencies: money for local buses, an unexpected night in a hostel or motel along the way, restaurant or store food when you can't find it free, etc.

Most hitchhikers who have been on the road any length of time have had money completely dry up. What happens next depends on preference-- you can find temporary labor jobs (places like Labor Ready, or asking on the street) ... if you know how, create and sell jewelry or knicknacks... you can beg for change... you can try to find help from city area social services... many different options.


The point is, there is no sure formula for how much you will need. Less is more, if you stick to the philosophy that money is merely a tool, and not necessarily the right one for every instance. Talk to people, ask questions, seek out alternative resources. Be always ready and willing for an exchange- without compromising your basic safety (and personal morality).

If you're a long-time hitchhiker, or someone with more tips on the subject and want to share your own suggestions, go ahead and post a reply. (We'll include links about making money and other budget tips here soon)

[Cid]

I've found that my penchant for music tends to make me a quick buck whenever I need it. Unfortunately, carrying a guitar around adds at least ten pounds to my equipment, and that's if I don't bring my case.

I've used my voice alone with some success as well, but I have also sold Japanese caligraphy on the spot. All it takes it a notebook of thin artist's paper, a foxhair brush and some ink. Altogether maybe half a pound. Doesn't make me as much as playing my guitar, but it's enough.


If you have a skill, use it. =)

[PoetDragon]

In many instances, I have been ditched at a party or festival or rave out there, some two states away from my home. Although hippies are always willing to take you along, it helps to learn a skill such as making hemp bracelets and necklaces, chains, or other small, yet trendy and unique, items and either trade with them or sell them.

I've traded a bracelet for entrance to a show, and a bead necklace for a ride in a bus. But, as any well-traveled person will tell you, it's your tongue that can get you into and out of the most trouble. You have to be willing to talk to people, and you have to be confident at what you're about.

[Nema]

I don't bring any money, I never really needed any. Food's easy to find out of a dumpster or anywhere really, water's free, and when you sleep you're asleep so there's no real need for anything fancy like a motel room. Plus, drop-ins generally are in any somewhat large cities and they usually will load you up with canned food, toiletries, etc...

[Dilligaf2u2]

What are you talking about! A week trip and then back to the crib or actualy making a go of it on the road.

I have done both.

If it is a week or 4 trip for fun or long term. Take only enough cash that you feel comfortable with carring. I usualy kept $20 in my wallet and the rest in travelers checks in a safe place on my body. ( Note : Not in my pack)

Having a skill you can utilize comes in very handy for making a buck here and there.

I have done day labor of everything from buck bales of hay for $25 a day to setting up and working on an oil drilling rig. I had degrees in Auto Tech, Welding and Machinest, before I was 24 years old.

I hope this has helped you!

Dilligaf2u2

[kitkat]

I've never left with any set amount of money in my pocket, and normally when I try to, I end up spending it all in a couple days anyway, cuz I'm no good at keeping to a budget. I've always found that you will be able to get what you need on the road if you believe you will. In repsonse to dilligaf2u2, I am talking about long trips, at least 4-6 months on the road, with breaks in cities and towns along the way to stock up.
I have no problem working for some extra cash along the way, and will normally fly a sign to the effect of 'Will work for food/shower/$$$'. Obviously you have to be careful who you let take you home, but I've never ran into any major problems. At worst, I've always found that if you park your sorry-looking ass outside a grocery store or something for long enough, someone's gonna come out with some food for ya, even if you haven't asked for it. This doesn't work for all people, but if someone offers me something, I'm willing to swallow my pride and take it. It's also just as easy to go around behind the grocery store and root through their dumpster, so take your pick.
Some people prefer to have a safety net tucked away somewhere, even if it's only $100 bucks, so that just in case something happens, they know it's there. I've never bothered, because chances are I would just spend it on something stupid anyway, then regret it a week later when I'm in a worse situation.
Like everyone's said above me, if you have a couple skills, doing anything, they will be enough to take you as far as you want. Don't just rely on money... that's about the worst thing you can do, in my opinion.

[sreyaar]

if you're doing the more ambitious trans-border hitchhiking, I suppose you'll need to buy visas depending on the location?

[Bradyn]

Maybe I'm a dork, but I travel with about $200 coin, more in a couple of debit accounts and a visa.

[bassdrumben]

While traveling abroad in non-English speaking countries, it's pretty easy to land gigs teaching English. Usually it's as simple as going to a college campus and wait for extroverted students to find you and ask to practice their English. Next thing you know, you trade your time in conversation for a meal or a night on a couch. One thing leads to another and you've got a bunch of students and all the resources you need.

[Scrappy]

Around ten bucks a day is more than enough to survive. Stick with the least you are comfortable with, and try living off the road. If you need it its there, but you can usually eat even if you are poor.