Learn how to travel full-time as a childfree person: with case study, practical budgeting tips, and step-by-step guidance to start the journey.
For many childfree people—whether SINKs (Single Income, No Kids) or DINKs (Dual Income, No Kids)—the idea of traveling full-time isn’t just a dream. It’s a realistic, achievable lifestyle choice. Without the financial and logistical commitments of raising children, you have the flexibility to explore the world on your own terms.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to transition into full-time travel—covering career strategies, financial planning, lifestyle shifts, and even a real-world example of what’s possible.
1. Why Full-Time Travel Fits the Childfree Lifestyle
According to a LendingTree study, the average cost of raising a child from birth to 18 years of age is approximately $297,674—nearly $300,000, which breaks down to $1,400–$1,800 per month per child, excluding college education. That’s the price of daycare, school supplies, healthcare, clothes, extracurricular activities, food, and housing adjustments—month after month, year after year. For a deeper look at the numbers, read our detailed breakdown: How Much Money You Save by Not Having Children (With Data)
Now, imagine if that $1,500 per month was freed up every single month because you chose to remain childfree. That alone could cover:
- A full month of slow travel in Portugal, Thailand, or Mexico.
- Flights and accommodation for a month-long stay in Europe.
- A comfortable digital nomad lifestyle in Southeast Asia with savings left over.
Being childfree gives you a unique travel fund by default—one that many parents simply cannot access because their financial priorities are tied to raising kids. This is why full-time travel aligns naturally with a childfree lifestyle: you already have the time, flexibility, and money to reallocate toward your own dreams, without sacrificing anyone’s needs but your own.
2. Secure Your Career and Income Stream for Full-Time Travel
The foundation of sustainable travel isn’t just saving—it’s earning while you explore. Many childfree people mistakenly believe they need to quit their job and live off savings, but that’s rarely sustainable long-term.
Here’s how to set up a strong, travel-compatible income:
2.1: Assess Your Current Career for Remote Potential
- If you already work in tech, writing, design, consulting, or marketing, explore remote work arrangements.
- Discuss a remote transition plan with your current employer: many companies now allow full or hybrid remote roles.
2.2: Build a Portable Skillset
- Focus on skills that travel well: digital marketing, programming, copywriting, graphic design, language tutoring, project management.
- Consider certifications (Google, HubSpot, TEFL, PMP) to make yourself location-independent.
2.3: Diversify Your Income
Relying on one income source while traveling can be risky. Options include:
- Freelancing or consulting in your area of expertise.
- Creating digital products or online courses.
- Renting out your property while abroad.
- Investing in dividend-paying stocks or ETFs for passive income.
Step 2.4: Prepare Your Professional Life for Mobility
- Switch to cloud-based tools: Google Workspace, Slack, Asana.
- Inform clients or employers about your availability across time zones.
- Set up a reliable invoicing and payment system (PayPal, Wise, Revolut).
A well-planned income strategy ensures you can travel for years—not just months.
3. Build Your Financial Safety Net
Even with a remote job, financial planning is your lifeline. Many aspiring travelers underestimate how crucial a well-structured budget is.
3.1: Calculate Your Cost of Living Abroad
- Research typical expenses in your target destinations using platforms like Numbeo or Expatistan.
- Factor in accommodation, food, transportation, travel insurance, visas, and leisure.
3.2: Create a Dedicated Travel Fund
- Save at least 6–12 months of living expenses before going full-time.
- Keep an emergency fund (3–6 months) separate from your travel budget.
3.3: Manage Debt Before Leaving
- Pay down high-interest debts (credit cards, personal loans).
- Consider refinancing student loans or setting up auto-pay plans.
3.4: Plan for Long-Term Security
- Continue contributing to retirement plans (IRA, 401k, EPF, or NPS depending on your country).
- Set up automatic investments so your wealth grows while you travel.
3.5: Budget for Health and Travel Insurance
- Look for long-term travel insurance or expat health plans.
- Budget at least $100–200/month for insurance depending on coverage.
Proper financial planning doesn’t just fund your first trip—it keeps you traveling sustainably.
4. Streamline Your Life: Declutter, Digitize, and Get Legally Travel-Ready
Before you can truly embrace a full-time travel lifestyle, you need to free yourself from the physical, financial, and legal anchors that hold you back. Start by decluttering your home — sell or rent it if possible, and let go of possessions you no longer need. Next, move your life into the digital realm: scan and store important documents, set up online access for bills, insurance, and banking, and cancel or pause unnecessary subscriptions that drain your resources while you’re on the move. Maintain one reliable mailing address — this could be a trusted family member, a close friend, or a virtual mailbox service that forwards essential mail wherever you are.
Equally important are the logistics and legalities. Research visa requirements for your passport, as many countries now offer long-stay digital nomad or freelancer visas designed for remote workers. Make sure your taxes are filed correctly according to your residency. Finally, simplify your financial life by opening a multi-currency bank account and using travel-friendly cards like Wise or Revolut, which help you avoid excessive fees and make international spending seamless.
5. Test the Waters Before Going All In
Don’t sell everything and buy a one-way ticket immediately. Start with a:
- 3–6 month trial period in one region. Start with affordable, well-connected regions like Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, or South America.
- Prioritize destinations with digital nomad visas or easy tourist extensions.
- Track your spending, work efficiency, and emotional well-being.
- Adjust your pace, destinations, and budget accordingly.
Need inspiration? Here’s our list of Top Destinations Perfect for Childfree Travelers: Where Adults Rule to kickstart your journey.
6. Stay Socially and Emotionally Connected
Full-time travel can feel isolating—especially for SINKs:
- Join expat and digital nomad communities.
- Use platforms like Meetup, Bumble BFF, or Couchsurfing events.
- For couples, set boundaries for personal space and routine.
Case Study: How a SINK Earning $100,000 Can Travel Full-Time
Let’s take a practical example: a single, childfree professional earning USD 100,000 per year.
| Step 1: Financial Snapshot | Step 2: Pre-Travel Preparation (6–9 months) | Step 3: Monthly Travel Budget | Step 4: Long-Term Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual income: $100,000 (after taxes: ~$75,000) Monthly take-home: ~$6,250 Current savings: $30,000 Debt: $5,000 credit card, $20,000 student loan | – Pay off credit card debt ($5,000) – Build emergency fund: $20,000 (3–4 months’ expenses at home) – Set up remote role or freelance work to maintain income | Destinations: Portugal, Thailand, Mexico (slow travel) Accommodation: $1,000 Food & groceries: $500–600 Transportation: $300 Travel insurance: $150 Leisure & excursions: $400 Miscellaneous: $350 Total monthly cost: ~$2,800 (less than half their income) | – Invest $1,500/month in retirement accounts and index funds – Save $1,000/month for future goals – Travel comfortably while building long-term wealth and paying off student loan |
Final Thoughts
Full-time travel is no longer a luxury reserved for the wealthy or retired. For childfree individuals—SINKs or DINKs—it is an attainable, sustainable way to live a richer, more meaningful life.
The key is not to quit your job and hope for the best—it’s to design a portable income, build a strong financial base, and plan your lifestyle with intention. Whether you’re earning $40,000 or $100,000, the steps are the same: start small, plan deeply, and expand your horizons one country at a time.