Traveling Without Money

I have seemingly become the master of traveling in a pinch with little to no money. Somehow managing to return home with enough money for a taco at least.

Last summer this was the case, I ended up manning the door at my favorite bar in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Soundpony for a bit of cash to tide myself over. Picking up any door shifts that I could. Jobs like these are easy to come by. So, if you're hurting and you need a few bucks, what better way to make a few than a pick up an easy job, hanging around a nice, friendly place, chain smoking and shooting the shit with old and new friends.

Two weeks ago, I had a similar situation. Had to return to Tulsa for a couple of funerals. My friend was driving back to Tulsa, from Virginia. I magically managed to call him, just as he was about to hit Nashville, so he could easily reroute and pick me up. I offered a few dollars for gas and drove for most of the remaining part of the trip. Hitching a ride can be difficult, but there are all sorts of ways to find a ride share through websites like couchsurfing.org or other online communities.. I lucked out having a good friend of mine rushing home at the same time I needed to get back-- the stars aligned and there I was driving highway 64 to St. Louis then I-44 to Tulsa.

Getting back was tough. I had to hustle some dollars and talk a friend into taking a short road trip, so that I could get a cheaper bus ticket back to Louisville (MAD PROPS TO MY FAVORITE LADY, RACHEL FOR BEING THE GREATEST FRIEND EVER).  FYI, the greyhound in Memphis is vile. Avoid it if you can.

I rather enjoy the thrill of traveling on a dime and figuring out the logistics traveling long distances with obstacles. It's no fun to just have a plane ticket there and back. Sometimes traveling by bus, boat train, a bike, your own two feet and your thumb are extremely rewarding-- having no particular agenda and discovering things naturally, gives me the confidence to feel like I can find my way through anywhere and manage to have a good time.

The only things I think you really need in order to do this are a good pair of shoes, a decent amount of confidence, and the ability to think on your feet. It's natural to worry, but you can't let worries paralyze you. You use them to make judgments that will aid you in safely finding your way, remaining alert, but keeping yourself open to new opportunities along the way.