El Podcast

E18: The $1000 Travel Lie: Why You Can’t Live Like a King Abroad

Episode Summary

Can you really live like a king on $1,000 a month while traveling the world? Jesse and Ky share raw stories from two decades of global backpacking, working abroad, and chasing meaning on a shoestring. From PETA flyers to Deli belly, they unpack the myths, lessons, and real costs of life on the road.

Episode Notes

Jesse and Ky debunk the myth that you can “live like a king” abroad on $1,000 a month, sharing raw travel experiences, personal stories, and lessons from years of working and adventuring around the globe.

👥Guest Bios:
-Jesse Wright is a seasoned traveler and podcast co-host who has lived, worked, and backpacked across Asia, Latin America, and the U.S., with experience in international teaching, cruise ship work, and seasonal resort jobs.
-Ky Primo is a Filipina-American and co-host of El Podcast, who blends a love of surf culture, wellness, and storytelling, bringing insights from her global travels and upbringing in the Philippines.

Topics Discussed:

• The illusion of luxury travel on a $1,000/month budget
• Real costs of long-term travel in Southeast Asia, Central America, and beyond
• Working abroad: from South Korea to Australia and Alaska
• The pros and cons of woofing and volunteer travel
• Cruise ship labor conditions
• Solo travel, resilience, and post-travel clarity
• Building a calm, purpose-driven life after years on the move

Top 3 Quotes:

• "There's not a single country in the world where you can live like a king or queen on a thousand dollars a month." — Jesse
• "Your body doesn’t want to be hyper lean—it wants to be healthy, and healthy includes peace." — Ky
• "After years of chasing experiences, I realized what I really want is calm, community, and control over my time." — Jesse

📺Watch the full pod on YouTube➡️https://youtu.be/D0UB89rUC6Y?si=MvzY-oIi4uwUwjmV