Robert Michelsen, a 21-year-old man from Norway, managed to travel to 18 countries spending only £6,000 [$7,471 USD] over the course of eight months by sleeping in caves, on beaches, and in cheap hostels. He was determined to see the world without letting money hold him back, and he achieved this by being frugal with his spending, often eating raw eggs and carrots to save money on meals. Despite facing challenges such as encounters with wolves and near robbery attempts, Robert said he wouldn’t have done it any other way, believing that discomfort is the price one pays for freedom.
Robert, who works in sales, began his solo travel adventure in February 2023 by staying on a farm for free in the Azores, Portugal. He spent a month there milking cows every morning in exchange for a place to stay and food. Continuing his journey by island hopping and staying in tents on beaches, Robert avoided using money for the first month of his travels, opting for a more unique and immersive experience by roughing it in nature. He then traveled to Lisbon and later down to the Algarve, where he continued to sleep in caves he found on the beach.
Throughout his travels in Europe, Robert visited various cities, including Rome and Serbia, staying in hostels in urban areas and camping in more remote locations. He occasionally met up with his brothers and friends, staying in cheap villas with them. Despite a scary encounter with wolves while camping in Portofino, Italy, Robert continued to explore new places and gain different perspectives on life. After visiting a total of 13 countries in six months, he returned to Norway in August 2023, having spent £4,273 [$5,320 USD] on flights, accommodation, food, and activities on his first trip.
After saving up for four months, Robert embarked on a second trip, visiting Budapest for New Year’s Eve before traveling to Slovakia, Austria, Morocco, and England. This time, he had more money to spend, but still managed to keep his expenses low, only spending £1,700 [$2,116 USD] on his travels. Robert emphasized the importance of exploring cities beyond just resorts and hotels, believing that there is much more to discover when one immerses themselves in local culture. He felt that traditional tourist experiences can leave one ignorant of the true side of a city, and through his travels, he gained a deeper understanding of different perspectives in life.
Robert’s travels took him to a variety of countries, including Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Poland, Serbia, and more on his first trip. On his second trip, he visited Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Morocco, and England. By sleeping in unconventional places, embracing discomfort, and prioritizing experiences over luxury, Robert was able to see the world on a limited budget, proving that with determination and creativity, travel can be accessible to anyone, regardless of financial means. His adventures serve as a testament to the idea that true freedom comes from breaking away from comfort zones and exploring the unknown.
