Income
Savings
I saved as much as I could before I left the UK. By Mexico, after about 3 years on the road, I ran out and so from then on I had to earn as I travelled. I managed to do this in the following ways…
Freelance writing
I made some money through writing features for magazines primarily in the cycling and adventure travel sectors. I earned anything from 100 to 1600 dollars for an article.
Speaking
I gave presentations in schools around the world and focused on the US and Australia. I charged a fee for those who could afford to pay and I spoke for free at a number of state run schools, a youth detention centre and a school in a slum for the children of Jakarta’s rubbish pickers. I spoke regularly at International Schools, and at a range of public and corporate events – from outdoor kit retailers, rotary clubs and the British Chamber of Commerce to bike clubs and living rooms. A significant donation was made by those who attended an event hosted by the Alaskan World Affairs Council in Anchorage.
Selling photography
I sold photos and sometimes calendars at events.
Grants and awards
I won 1500 pounds in Neurofen’s Big Lives Trust competition in Sep 2013 thanks to a public vote – thank you if you helped! I received money from an Abingdon School bursary and have been the recipient of prize money from three travel writing contests and two photography contests.
Crowd-funding
I launched a crowd-funding campaign in September 2013 entitled The Final Frontiers. The response was incredible and I’m very grateful to all the generous friends, followers of this blog and members of the public who donated.
I also received some donations from the public via a button on my website: ‘buy me some noodles!’
Outgoings
I lived on less than 10 dollars a day in most places in the world. My main expense was food and I spent some on accommodation (but I slept for free at least 3 out of every 4 nights). There were a number of one off expenses which added up – occasional flights, VISAs, replacement kit and postage, bike repair and parts.