Nomadic Retirement Under $1,000 a month without a vehicle

[Guyc]

Hello everyone, I'm new here. I'm going to get right to the point and hope some of you may have some suggestions. What I'd like to do ( And I may be dreaming ) is to travel the country with just what I can carry on my back and without a vehicle and survive on $1,000 a month. I'm 63 and had to take early retirement out of necessity ( Lost my job, house and vehicle about 18 months ago and cannot afford a vehicle ). I've thought of possibly traveling from place to place via bus which would be fairly affordable but lodging can be expensive. With today's technology I think this may be possible. Possibly staying at hostels ( researching that ) or maybe finding someone that has room for another in their RV and wants to share expenses thereby lowering theirs. These are just some of my thoughts. Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[highdesertranger]

Welcome Guyc to the CRVL forums! To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you. highdesertranger

 

[djkeev]

Wow!
Unique idea but to me I don't see it working long term on that budget.

The World has also become quite cautious of strange men hanging around town.

The day of the romantic Hobo are long gone, replaced with homeless outcasts.

Good luck, hope it works for you but......

Dave

 

[Richard]

Hello everyone, I'm new here. I'm going to get right to the point and hope some of you may have some suggestions. What I'd like to do ( And I may be dreaming ) is to travel the country with just what I can carry on my back and without a vehicle and survive on $1,000 a month. I'm 63 and had to take early retirement out of necessity ( Lost my job, house and vehicle about 18 months ago and cannot afford a vehicle ). I've thought of possibly traveling from place to place via bus which would be fairly affordable but lodging can be expensive. With today's technology I think this may be possible. Possibly staying at hostels ( researching that ) or maybe finding someone that has room for another in their RV and wants to share expenses thereby lowering theirs. These are just some of my thoughts. Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Traveling with just a backpack is very do-able. Not for everyone, of course, but whether from necessity or just personal choice, I think "where there's a will, there's a way" is a useful mindset to embrace.

I'll share a few links, with excerpts from the linked-to page, about people who have done, or are doing, something in the vein of what you're asking about:

How to Travel America For Free (without mooching)

As I write this I am traveling America without a penny in my pocket. I left my home in San Diego on June 2nd with $2,000 cash and on August 12th I took a leap of faith in humanity and gave the last $421 I had with me to a non-profit. I made the goal that day of finishing my ride to New York City moneyless just to prove to myself and others that it is possible. Today I arrived in New York City on my bicycle, still without a penny in my pocket. People have tried to give me money but I have easily refused it.

This experience is about much more than just not spending money. It’s about showing that you and I can be contributing members to society whether we have money or not. It’s about showing that there are much more rewarding ways to live than just throwing money at every situation. It’s about living a life that is truly beneficial to the earth, my community, and myself. It’s about being more involved in our communities and treating each other with respect. And it’s also about teaching you how to live with less money so that you can follow your dreams and live independently of corrupted systems that don’t serve your best interests.

If you follow this guide exactly you will literally be able to travel the country without a penny in your pocket. However, I know that most of you won’t be able take that leap of faith right away because it has taken me years of practice and a vast amount of dedication and resourcefulness to get to this point. You can most certainly adapt a few of these tips though and in doing so learn to travel very inexpensively. Once you learn to do that the country and the world will be yours to see.

--from http://robgreenfield.tv/travel-america-for-free/

Lots of great advice from Rob's personal experience. How do you feel about adding a bicycle to your plan?

Rob's story comes from a place of positivity and idealism, whereas Arthur's story, below, rests more upon loss and soul-searching:

DOCUMENTARY TRACKS YOUNG MAN'S JOURNEY ON FOOT ACROSS THE COUNTRY

You can’t help but root for Arthur Hitchcock in the new short documentary Hitchcock Walks. The film follows the then-19-year-old's trek by foot across the United States and takes you into the heart and mind of a young man reeling from the death of his mom.

"The minute that she passed something in my brain told me that this would be a way to honor the memory of both my parents," says Hitchcock, who lost his dad when he was two. "And I felt like it would be a good escape. I felt like running away."

Hitchcock originally had the idea to walk across the country as a way to build his budding photography portfolio. But after he lost his mom to breast cancer on Oct. 6, 2010, he suddenly had a new reason to set out.

--from https://www.wired.com/2012/03/documentary-tracks-young-mans-journey-on-foot-across-the-county/

Quite a testament to what a person can, and will, endure when dealing with life's darker moments. Hopefully an encouragement to you, that you can do [almost?] anything if you're heart's truly in it.

Between those two examples of positivity and loss, there's this woman who, along with her dog, walked across America:

So You Want To Walk Across America

In the summer of 2011 I walked across the United States, from Maryland to California.  Since completing my walk I’ve gotten quite a few emails from some adventurous people planning their own Walk.  People looking for tips on how to prepare for such a journey – what gear to take, how to decide on a route, questions about food, etc.  I thought I’d go ahead and answer some of the more frequently asked questions here.

--from https://adventures-await.com/so-you-want-to-walk-across-america/

Definitely check out the comments beneath her Q&A for additional clarification of some points.

It sounds like you've got an exciting adventure ahead of you!

 

[Willy]

I've hitched & hiked but, would rather trike (a recumbent one since my back is hooped). For now I'm driving a steppie, but playing with the idea of triking it during the spring/summer/fall. ..Willy.

 

[Guyc]

I've hitched & hiked but, would rather trike (a recumbent one since my back is hooped). For now I'm driving a steppie, but playing with the idea of triking it during the spring/summer/fall. ..Willy.

What do you mean your ( back is hooped )?

 

[skyl4rk]

You would be able to be a perpetual traveler in Central and South America with that budget. Head for Lake Atitlan in Guatemala to start and to meet others who are doing it.

https://www.hobotraveler.com/perpetual-traveler/index.php

 

[Lj Unlimited]

Are you in an area where you could camp in the woods for a time? Expenses would be very low, allowing you to save for a vehicle. You could even backpack for six months if you desire to start seeing America right now. Below are links to the stories of two people who have lived off the land in different climates with zero money in modern times. Of course there are many more.

Daniel Suelo
https://www.theatlantic.com/nationa...hoice-how-to-live-for-free-in-america/254118/



Christopher Knight
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/04/lessons-of-the-hermit/517770/

 

[Gardenias]

Hello, and welcome!!
I'm sure you're familiar with Megabus.
I wish I was ready to hit the road now since it may be nice to have an occasional travel companion (especially through Mexico and South America).
I've read of people (like Peace Pilgrim) who have done with less (as in Richard's, skyl4rk's, and Lj Unlimited's posts with links).

 

[Richard]

You would be able to be a perpetual traveler in Central and South America with that budget. Head for Lake Atitlan in Guatemala to start and to meet others who are doing it.

https://www.hobotraveler.com/perpetual-traveler/index.php

I'm so excited to have found this blog. It's amazing reading, and 'pings' my deepest desires to live a mobile lifestyle and to venture beyond the U.S. border. Thanks for sharing this!

 

[eDJ_]

Welcome to the CRVL Forums  

There have been a number of concepts designs requiring some simple builds in past years that would enable this.   Provided that they are of interest and you could adapt them to your own needs.  Some of these are for those living in a small local area,  some for more general areas,  and others perhaps for traveling as far as you are comfortable with.   Some of these are pushed by hand, and some use bicycle power.  One could even be stealth lawnmower engine powered.

It is one way a person can micro travel with a simple shelter with minimalist provisions.  And eliminate having to carry everything on your back. 

If any of this appeals to you.

Mobile Homeless Shelter

http://www.designboom.com/design/mobile-homeless-shelter/


This is another take on a mobile homeless shelter utilizing an old Grocery Shopping Cart

http://inhabitat.com/camper-kart-is...t-of-a-shopping-cart/camper-kart-kevin-cyr-1/


Burning Man Bicycle Camper

http://www.designboom.com/cars/burning-man-bicycle-camper/


This thread in Cheap RV Living regards bicycle travel

https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-Living-out-of-a-Bicycle?highlight=eDJ+and+bicycle+trailer


The sketch in post #8,  shows a thought I had for making a small tent camper where it's wheels would propel the bicycle.  I would suggest outfitting the engine with a very quiet muffler.   The throttle should be provided with an engine kill switch for safety even thought the drive uses a centrifugal clutch a throttle cable could bind.
(this is important on any motorbike)

With a laptop and camera that can shoot stills & video's,  you could create your own blog detailing your travels.   I'm sure that there may be a following with interest for someone doing this.   This is in a sense how Bob started this site when he dealt with adversity and took to living in a vehicle.

 

[Willy]

What do you mean your ( back is hooped )?

 I have a torn disc between C4-C5 in my back which is touching the spinal cord, resulting in severe sciatica down left leg from hip (and some on the right) and some muscle paralysis. Meds take care of the pain, but riding a conventional bicycle is a no-no. Recumbents are great, on the other hand, and recumbent trikes even better. The trike setup rocks on long and/or steep climbs, since they don't require balancing and spinning a super low gear isn't an issue.. slow 'n steady wins the day. Also, a lot more gear can be carried. ..Willy.

 

[frater secessus]

I've hitched & hiked but, would rather trike (a recumbent one since my back is hooped). For now I'm driving a steppie, but playing with the idea of triking it during the spring/summer/fall. ..Willy.

Here's a recumbent with a camping trailer:

[video=youtube]

Looks like fun, and it sleeps above ground.

 

[TexasTuff]

Many ride America on bikes and document their travels here. https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/
I had plans to do this at one time but life got in the way. I just sold my recumbent trike to help finance my RV. Now I'm finishing up my RV and will be leaving in a few weeks.
Good luck with your adventure.

 

[Gardenias]

I suppose recumbent bikes and trikes can be power-assisted?

 

[Willy]

I suppose recumbent bikes and trikes can be power-assisted?

Yup. ..Willy.

 

[CautionToTheWind]

Cheap motorcycle & tent?

 

[akrvbob]

I have a friend who lives on a bicycle, but not in the way you might think, He puts the bike on the train or bus and travels that way and then spends time in an area riding the bike. Moany towns have a public transit bus line that let you carry the bike, reducing even further your fitness level.

That way you don't need to be super-fit, just an average guy can do it.

 

[TexasTuff]

I suppose recumbent bikes and trikes can be power-assisted?

Mine was, 750 watts with a 52 volt 11 AH battery. Lots of fun and distance.

 

[Gardenias]

Thanks TexasTuff! "Amature radio operator KM5K", pun intended? I hope to review soon to take the general, then extra class.
I posted this in another thread:
https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-Amateur-radio?pid=297870#pid297870
Would that transceiver have any use?
and asked someone this:
https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-Amateur-radio?pid=298115#pid298115
What useful  equipment would fit in a car?
Your opinion please?
(Obviously, I have lots of reviewing to do...)