From Wall Street to Wanderlust Living on $53 a Day in France

Living a life of travel and adventure is a dream for many people. Kesi Irvin, a 31-year-old travel blogger, turned that dream into a reality when she quit her job on Wall Street and embarked on a journey around the world. Now, she resides in Rennes, France, living on a budget of just $53 a day. In this blog post, we'll explore Irvin's inspiring story and how she manages to live a fulfilling life of travel while staying within her means.

The Journey from Wall Street to Wanderlust

After achieving academic excellence and landing a job on Wall Street, Kesi Irvin found herself longing for a more balanced and fulfilling life. She decided to take a one-year career break to travel the world, a decision she knew she would regret if she didn't pursue. Little did she know that one year would turn into multiple years of continuous travel.

During her travels, Irvin started a travel blog to document her adventures and share recommendations. Over time, she turned her hobby into a profitable business by monetizing her platform through brand collaborations, group trips, paid travel writing, and ad revenue from her website. Today, her travel blog is her main source of income, allowing her to sustain her nomadic lifestyle.

Living on a Budget in France

Living in France on a budget of $53 a day requires careful planning and frugal choices. Irvin manages her expenses by limiting eating out, making most of her meals at home, and sharing groceries with her boyfriend. She also saves money by using a bike as her primary mode of transportation and avoiding unnecessary expenses.

Living in France, Irvin has faced challenges, such as the language barrier and adapting to the country's different working hours. However, she embraces these challenges as opportunities for personal growth and cultural immersion.

Kesi Irvin's inspiring journey from Wall Street to wanderlust showcases that with determination and creativity, it is possible to live a fulfilling life of travel on a tight budget. Her story serves as an inspiration for those who dream of exploring the world while pursuing their passions.

Living in France on $53 a Day: How This Travel Blogger Makes It Work

Kesi Irvin, a travel blogger, never planned to make a career out of her wanderlust. Coming from a background of excelling in academics and pursuing a high-paying job on Wall Street, she took a leap of faith and quit her job in 2015 to embark on a one-year career break to travel.

Now, in the present day, Irvin is a full-time travel blogger and digital nomad based out of Rennes, France. Her travel blog has become her main source of income, with nearly 15,000 followers on Instagram. She shares her adventures and recommendations for the countries she visits, all while living on a budget of $53 a day.

About two years ago, Irvin began monetizing her rapidly expanding platform, turning her passion into a sustainable company. She generates income via partnerships with companies, the sale of her travel guides, paid travel writing, affiliate marketing, and advertising on her blog.

Living in France, Irvin has found ways to cut costs and live comfortably on her budget. She saves money by limiting eating out, opting to cook most meals at home. She also bikes everywhere she can, reducing transportation expenses. Renting a room on Airbnb with roommates in Rennes, she pays about $405 per month, including utilities.

In terms of expenses, Irvin spends about $152.25 per week on food, which includes groceries and dining out. She estimates spending $323 per month on travel and $150 per month on entertainment. Currently, she does not have insurance but is considering a plan through SafetyWing.

Living in a new city, Irvin is still figuring out a typical day for herself. She starts her mornings with tea and breakfast, either at home or at a café. She spends her afternoons working on her laptop, focusing on tasks such as client emails, creating pitch decks, or planning group trips. In the evenings, she enjoys sharing meals with her boyfriend and often participates in events or activities to make new friends.

Irvin has to overcome obstacles, including language problems, and get used to new work hours and cultural norms as he settles into life in France. However, she is determined to make her stay in France long-term and is currently in the process of applying for a long-term visa.

With $100,000 combined in her checking, savings, and investment accounts, Irvin shows that it's possible to live a fulfilling and adventurous life on a budget. France may not be her permanent home, but Irvin embraces the uncertainty and is open to wherever her travel blogging career takes her next.

Becoming a Travel Blogger

As a child, she always excelled in everything she did. Straight A's in school and leadership positions – She was headed along the right road to join her family on Wall Street in New York. And that's exactly what she did after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania. But soon, Irvin realized that the work-life balance in the finance industry was severely lacking. She started craving a different kind of life. She had always used her limited vacation time to travel, but she knew she wanted more. After working for two years to build up his savings, Irvin decided to take a year off and tour the globe. Little did she know that this one-year break would turn into a full-time life of travel and adventure.

Monetizing a Hobby

During her years of constant travel, she felt the need to use her brain and challenge herself. That's when she decided to start a travel blog. It began as a way to document her trips and share recommendations with others. But about two years ago, Irvin made the decision to monetize her growing platform. She invested in a blogging course and took her blog seriously.

Income Streams as a Travel Blogger

As a travel blogger, she has multiple streams of income. Her main emphasis has been on brand partnerships, in which she promotes businesses, organizations, and other entities on her site. These collaborations can pay anywhere from $300 to $2,000, and she receives the money via bank transfer or her PayPal business account. She also has a website where she generates money via affiliate marketing and advertising, in addition to organizing and hosting group excursions.

Living in France is cheaper than living in New York City, and she's been able to adapt to the smaller city feel of Rennes. Irvin spends her days exploring the city, working on her laptop, and enjoying meals with her boyfriend. She's still learning the language and adjusting to the cultural customs, but she's loving every moment of this new chapter in her life.

While her tourist visa only allows her to stay in France for 90 days, she's in the process of applying for a long-term visa. She has enough savings and income to support her stay, and she's optimistic that the application process will go smoothly.

Irvin never imagined that she would end up living in France, but life has a way of surprising you. And she's learned to embrace the unknown and make the most of every opportunity that comes her way. So, if you're dreaming of leaving your 9-5 job behind and living a life of wanderlust, know that it's possible. All it takes is a leap of faith and a willingness to chase your dreams.

Living in Rennes, France

When she decided to leave her high-paying job on Wall Street and embark on a journey of travel and self-discovery, she never imagined that she would end up in Rennes, France. But life has a way of taking us to unexpected places, and here she is, living as a digital nomad and full-time travel blogger in this vibrant city.

Rennes is a hidden gem in France, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant arts scene. It is home to several universities and has a youthful energy with approximately 60,000 students. The city offers a smaller, more intimate feel compared to the hustle and bustle of major metropolises like Paris.

Cost of Living in France

Living in France has proven to be more affordable than the high-cost lifestyle she experienced in New York City. It's a place where Irvin can stretch her dollar and still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. The cost of living in Rennes is significantly lower, allowing her to make her travel blogging career sustainable.

Housing and Expenses

Finding housing in Rennes can be a challenge, especially at the start of the school year when students are looking for accommodation. She found a room to rent on Airbnb in an apartment with roommates, which costs her approximately $405 per month, including utilities.

To keep her expenses in check, she limits the frequency of dining out and bikes everywhere whenever possible. Grocery shopping is a shared effort with her boyfriend, which helps to lower the cost. Overall, she finds that she is able to maintain a comfortable lifestyle while staying within her budget.

Living in Rennes has been an incredible experience so far. She starts each day with a cup of tea and some work on her laptop at a local café. Irvin prioritizes tasks, whether it's sending emails to clients, creating a pitch deck, or planning group trips. In the evenings, she enjoys preparing meals for her boyfriend and herself, and if there's an event or concert, she often signs up to connect with new people.

Despite the challenges of language and cultural customs, she is embracing the opportunity to learn and grow. Rennes has become her home away from home, and while she doesn't see herself staying here indefinitely, she knows that this journey will continue to lead her to new and exciting destinations.

So, if you're considering a life of travel and adventure, don't let financial constraints hold you back. It is possible to live the life of your desires on a little income with some forethought and creativity. France has opened its doors to her, and she's grateful for the opportunity to explore and share her experiences as a travel blogger.

Summary

Living a nomadic lifestyle and pursuing your passion for travel is an exciting and fulfilling way to experience the world. Kesi Irvin's journey from Wall Street to wanderlust is a testament to the possibilities that await when you take a leap of faith. By quitting her high-paying job and fully dedicating herself to her travel blog, she has been able to create a sustainable income and live comfortably in France on just $53 a day.

The Benefits and Challenges of a Nomadic Lifestyle

The benefits of a nomadic lifestyle are endless. You have the freedom to explore new cultures, meet interesting people, and create lifelong memories. You can immerse yourself in different environments, try new cuisines, and experience a level of personal growth that comes with stepping outside of your comfort zone.

However, there are also challenges that come with a nomadic lifestyle. Language barriers, cultural differences, and the constant need to adapt can sometimes be overwhelming. It requires flexibility, resilience, and a strong sense of independence. But for those who embrace the challenges, the rewards are immeasurable.

Tips for Living on a Budget while Traveling

If you're considering a nomadic lifestyle or simply want to travel on a budget, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience:

1. Budget wisely: Plan your expenses and track your spending to ensure you stay within your means.
2. Use accommodation alternatives: Consider staying in hostels, guesthouses, or sharing accommodations to save on costs.
3. Cook meals at home: Eating out can be expensive, so opt for cooking at home or preparing picnics when possible.
4. Take advantage of free activities: Find out ahead of time about free things to see and do in the cities you plan to visit.
5. Use public transportation or walk: Instead of relying on taxis or rental cars, utilize public transportation or explore by foot to save on transportation costs.

Remember, it's not about the amount of money you spend but the experiences you create and the memories you make. With the right planning and mindset, you can live on a budget while still enjoying all that travel has to offer.

So, if you're craving a life of adventure and exploration, take inspiration from Kesi Irvin and follow your own path. Don't be afraid of change; instead, seek it out and let your wanderlust guide you to incredible experiences around the world. Remember, life is too short to live with regrets, so go out there and make your dreams a reality.