What happens when one of the most trusted specialty outdoor retailers, REI Co-op, teams up with the world's largest travel company, Intrepid Travel? You get a unique collection of active trips that offer meaningful, immersive travel experiences in the outdoors.

It’s travel inspired by REI, operated by Intrepid. Think community farm stays in Costa Rica, camping in Joshua Tree’s wild backcountry, cycling in Peru’s Sacred Valley, or sleeping in mountain huts before summiting Mount Kilimanjaro.

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_{For T&Cs and to view the full collection of trips in 85+ destinations, visit rei.com/travel.}

Your life is not only about travel. There are many things beyond travelling that you cannot skip, and income is often irregular, too. As a freelancer, I do not make the same amount of money every month. Some months I earn more, and some months I earn less.

So today, I want to talk about how you can travel even with an irregular income.

But before I start, did you know I did a street podcast? It is the first one on Rentless. Go and check it out on Instagram.

If you do not make enough money, that does not mean you cannot travel. And if you wait to become stable, you will never travel. Stability keeps moving, and life does not pause for it.

All you need to do is stay flexible and travel in a way that fits your situation.

Create a dedicated travel account that is completely separate from your rent, food, and recurring expenses. Even if you save a small amount every week or month, it adds up over time.

Set a minimum amount before you book anything. If your travel money cannot cover flights, stay, food, and return costs, you need to wait. This helps you avoid rushed decisions and unplanned spending.

Avoid long and unplanned trips when your income is irregular. Plan trips that cost less and stay within your budget. I usually recommend seven to ten days because it is enough.

Shorter trips may mean missing a few things, but they help you travel more often. The more you travel, the easier it becomes to manage with less money.

Short trips also reduce accommodation costs and limit losses if plans change.

Flights and accommodation should be booked only when the full trip cost already exists in your travel money.

Avoid booking return flights if you are unsure about future earnings unless your travel money can handle the worst case. If you cannot afford the return today, look for a different route, choose another transport option, or delay the trip.

Always choose bookings with flexible cancellation. Flexibility protects you when things do not go as planned.

Not every place works for budget travel, and that is totally okay. You need to make sure your budget supports the destination you choose.

Pick places where food, transport, and stays are affordable. Even if you spend a little extra, you should not feel pressured or run out of money.

Avoid destinations where daily costs change. Predictable expenses make travel easier to manage.

Every trip should have a clear exit cost. You should know exactly how much it will cost to return home at any time. Keep that amount untouched in your travel money. This allows you to travel without stress or constant worry.

When you plan for the worst case in advance, travel feels easier and more controlled.

Why does this work?

Irregular income creates mental pressure. That pressure reduces when you travel with a system instead of guesswork.

You do not need a stable income to travel. You need flexibility, planning, and a system that supports your situation.

One trip that actually happens is better than five trips that you keep planning.

If you can complete one trip properly, you can do it again. You already know what worked and what did not. The second trip feels easier because you already know how to travel with ease.

Travel should feel normal, like something you already know how to handle. When travel feels normal, you stop overthinking and start moving.

That is how travel should work.

Travel works best when it fits into your lifestyle. Waiting for the perfect month or the perfect time only delays your travel or experience. So, start with one trip that you can fully afford today, which creates momentum and makes the next trip easier.

See ya!

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