I’m Quitting Everything to Travel the World in 2026: Here is My Plan

 

The Ultimate Exit Strategy: How to Plan a World Trip from Scratch

"I’m quitting."

Two words that most people only ever say in their heads. But what if 2026 is the year you actually do it? Planning a world trip is 10% booking flights and 90% logistics, mindset, and massive amounts of courage.

If you’re tired of the 9-to-5 grind and want to see the world before your "someday" turns into "never," here is the step-by-step roadmap to making it happen.

I made a World Travel from February 2022 to June 2023 and I travelled through Central- and South America for 10 months, then I went to Australia for 4 months for a working holiday trip and then I finished my World Travel in Southeast Asia for almost 5 months. 

Let me tell you, it was the best decision of my life and the best time in my life I've had so far. I'm incredible grateful to have experienced that time and I grew a lot on that World Travel.

1. The Money: How to Fund the Dream

You don't need to be a millionaire, but you do need a "Freedom Fund."

• The Daily Budget Rule: Aim for an average of $50–$70 USD per day for long-term travel. Some places (Southeast Asia) will be cheaper, others (Europe/Japan) will be pricier.

• The High-Yield Savings Account: Move your travel fund into an account where it earns interest while you save.

• The Lifestyle Audit: For the next 6 months, cancel every subscription you don't use. Cook at home. Sell the things you don’t need. Every $50 saved is another day on the road.

In my case I was working and studying next to work. I did my bachelors degree within 3 1/2 years while working full time. During that time I saved money monthly in ETFs. At the end of that time I had 18.000 Euros saved up and I went travelling with that money.

During my time in Australia I worked for 4 months in hospitality and saved up another 8.000 Euros which I used for my travels in Southeast Asia after.

2. The Great Declutter: Apartment & Assets

Your stuff is an anchor. To fly, you have to drop the weight.

• The 3-Pile Rule: Sell it, Donate it, or Store it. If you haven't touched it in a year, you don't need it.

• The Apartment Exit: If you rent, time your departure with your lease end. If you own, consider a long-term rental agency to manage your property—this turns your home into a passive income stream while you travel.

• Sell the Car: Cars depreciate and cost insurance even when they aren't moving. Selling your car can often fund 3–4 months of travel alone.

I rented my renting apartment to another person while I was travelling and actually made some extra money on that. 

3. The "Quit" Conversation

Quitting your job is an art.

• Don't burn bridges: The travel community is big, but the professional world is small. Give a proper notice and try to leave on a good note if you want to come back to your old job.

• Ask for a Sabbatical: Before you resign, see if your company offers a "career break" or unpaid leave. You might have a job waiting for you when you return.

• Remote Work: If you love your job, ask to go remote. Many companies in 2026 are more open to "Digital Nomad" arrangements than ever before.

I was actually talking to my company really honest about my dream of a World Travel and I left quitting my job with a lot of respect and understanding for each other. 

Later on when I finished my World Travel in Southeast Asia I contacted my old company and was able to start there again right after I came back home.

So here's my real tip: 

Always be honest and try to leave on a good note. You will always see each other twice in your life.

4. The Logistics Checklist

• Insurance: Never, ever travel without it. Look for long-term "Nomad Insurance" (like SafetyWing or World Nomads) that covers medical and theft.

• Visas: Check the visa requirements for your first three countries. Some take weeks to process.

• Banking: Get a card with No International Transaction Fees. I was using Wise for my World Travel.

• Health: Get your check-ups, dental work, and vaccinations done while you still have your current insurance.

5. The "What if" Mindset

The biggest thing holding you back isn't money—it's fear. "What if I can't find a job when I get back?" "What if I get lonely?" 

The reality? You will return with a global perspective, problem-solving skills, and a network that no office cubicle could ever provide. You aren't "throwing away" your career; you’re investing in your life.

Making that World Travel was the best decision of my life and it was quite easy for me getting back to my old job. You grow personally a lot, make a lot of new friends and you just make so many memories some people won't even experience in their whole life. 

If you have any questions feel free to ask me.