I left my job to travel full-time… here are the money-saving hacks I use to live on the road with no income
A man who left his high-paying corporate position to travel the world full-time has shared the money-saving hacks he uses to live on the road without a job.
Nicholas Sklavos, 25, from Long Island, spent years working in sales and finance and earning a hefty salary.
‘I did pretty well for myself,’ he told the Daily Mail during a recent interview.
But Sklavos felt ‘very unfulfilled’ and dreamed of getting out and seeing the world rather than sitting at a desk all day.
So in September 2025, he decided to quit his job and booked a one-way ticket to Japan.
He has now spent the last six months backpacking through Asia and has visited seven countries in total, including Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Korea.
But exploring the world with no income isn’t always easy. Thankfully, he broke down how he cuts down his costs while traveling.
First, he explained that he stays in hostels rather than hotels, which in some cases costs as low as $5 to $10 a night.
Nicholas Sklavos, 25, from Long Island, quit his job and booked a one-way ticket to Japan in September 2025 and has been backpacking through Asia since
He has visited seven countries so far, including Japan, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Korea
‘I mostly stay in hostels, but sometimes when I’m feeling a little burnt out or need some alone time I splurge on a hotel or Airbnb,’ he explained.
He also said he tries to visit places that are more expensive during the slower season.
‘Look up where you want to go and figure out whether or not it’s the low or high season,’ he recommended.
‘Tourism-focused countries will price gouge when there’s a lot of tourists. If you travel during the low season, it’s cheaper.
‘Plus, it’s a lot easier to enjoy things without triple the amount of people around.’
He explained that he also saves money by eating ‘street food’ rather than sitting down at restaurants.
‘Street food is incredible, and oftentimes much cheaper than traditional restaurants,’ Sklavos added.
‘You will not only save money but you will find the best meals on the street. They’re in business for a reason.’
Traveling with no income isn’t always easy. He cuts down his costs while traveling by staying in hostels, eating street food and visiting the more expensive places during ‘low season’
Sklavos admitted that the lifestyle is not always as glamorous as it looks online, admitting: ‘Living out of suitcases can be hard’
Sklavos admitted that the lifestyle is not always as glamorous as it looks online.
‘Every good thing comes with its challenges right? A lot of time I do wake up and wish I had my bathroom, my own shower and my own space,’ he said.
‘But on the other hand, I’m getting to see the world at a young age and do so with other likeminded individuals.
‘Living out of suitcases can be hard – things can get dirty, you can only pack a little bit of clothes.
‘But overall, the challenges pale in comparison to what you gain in return – relationships, experiences and memories.’
He added that it has forced him out of his comfort zone and has helped him gain ‘new perspectives’ he never considered before, as well as a newfound confidence in himself.
He’s been documenting his travels on TikTok, where he’s gained over 187,000 followers. And he hopes his journey inspires others to take the plunge like he did.
‘Travel while you’re young. Money comes back but time doesn’t,’ he urged.
‘When you’re 65 years old and your knees don’t work well anymore, how are you going to climb that mountain? Go on that hike? Run up that hill? Take those risks? Live now or regret it when you’re older. That’s my mentality.’
