Kaleena Quarles funded her round-the-world trip by teaching English in Korea and spent time volunteering with elephants in Thailand. (All photos courtesy of Kaleena Quarles.)
One of the best ways to BOTH save money and TRAVEL is to teach English abroad. A few years ago, I met Kaleena Quarles through Couchsurfing.com when I moved to California. She let me sleep on her couch for a few days while I found my own apartment. She left to teach English in Korea a few months later, and I’ve followed her adventures relentlessly ever since. Kaleena talks about teaching in Korea and saving for her current round-the-world trip!
Name: Kaleena Quarles
Age: 29
Hometown: Ukiah, California
Country count: 31
Blog/Website: kaleenaskaleidoscope.com
1. How did you start traveling?
I was lucky enough to grow up in a family that took lots of vacations. We’d go to places like Hawaii and the Caribbean, and even spent a month in Europe. But, my first long-term backpacking experience was when I was 22, and I spent three months in South America. After that, travel became an addiction; it became my main passion and priority. I was constantly scheming ways to save money and squeeze in more trips.
Kaleena taught English in both Thailand (above) and Korea to fund her RTW trip. (All photography by Kaleena Quarles)
2. Why did you decide to teach English in Korea? Tell us about your experience.
Teaching English in Korea killed two birds with one stone: I had always dreamed of living abroad, and I wanted to have a job that would allow me to save a lot of money in a short period of time. I was able to save $28,000 in Korea in two years while still taking plenty of vacations and eating ridiculously well. My experience in Korea was a mixed bag; I was dealt a really challenging job and had my differences with the culture, but there were certain things I loved (the food!), and I definitely have no regrets about the experience.
As for advice on teaching English in Korea, I’d say go for it! But, before accepting a position, do some research on the company. Ask if you can speak with another employee, ask about things like vacation and pay, etc. Some academies are great, but there are definitely dodgy ones out there that take advantage of foreign teachers so go with your gut before signing a contract. You can look on Dave’s ESL for jobs or try joining some Facebook groups and ask around, word-of-mouth is best.
3. Tell us about your most recent adventure.
When I left Korea last February, I embarked on a solo round-the-world trip. After a visit to the U.S., I traveled through Southeast Asia where I did everything from volunteering with elephants to training in Muay Thai to teaching English to getting my Advanced Scuba certification while diving on shipwrecks. Then, I headed to Australia and New Zealand where I cuddled koalas, worked on a farm, and [saw] the most breathtaking views ever. I’m currently living in New Zealand for a couple months until the travels continue. I’ll be hitting at least three more continents this year!
4. How do you fund your travels?
I saved like crazy during my two years in Korea to have a lump sum [$20,000 after pre-trip expenses] for my round-the-world trip. But, during my trip, I stretched the money by doing things like volunteering in exchange for accommodation, taking on short-term work contracts for teaching and farming, and staying with friends I’d met during my travels. I only paid for two nights’ accommodation during my three weeks in Australia thanks to having so many generous friends!
Kaleena stopped in Bali, Indonesia as part of her ongoing round-the-world trip. (Photo courtesy of Kaleena Quarles.)
5. Share one of your travel highlights.
The time I spent in Thailand was my favorite part of the trip last year. I had the opportunity to teach English for a month to some really awesome high school students and gain a better understanding of Thai culture. Then, I spent a week volunteering at an elephant rehabilitation park and two weeks training in Muay Thai in the northern jungles. It was all such a wonderful, unique experience!
6. What was your greatest struggle while traveling and how did you overcome it?
Well, that’s hard to choose… Was it the food poisoning that resembled an exorcism? The infuriating sand fly bites that made me look like a horror film monster? The jellyfish stings that swelled my eyes shut? The foot infection that I nearly lost my leg from? Getting stranded in a swamp during a monsoon? There are so many challenges when traveling, but the best way to deal with any of them is with a sense of humor. Sometimes the only way to cope is to laugh it off and know that it’ll make for a great story!
7. What advice would you have for aspiring travelers? Any tips for overcoming fear?
When I first started traveling, I met other female solo travelers and thought they were crazy. It just seemed so undoable to me. I didn’t jump straight into a solo round-the-world trip. I began with smaller trips with friends and worked my way up to bigger trips, eventually going on my own. So, I would suggest starting with what you’re comfortable with and easing into it. It’s all a learning process, but the most important thing is to just go for it!
Kaleena did a safari in the Namibia Desert before heading to Greece to volunteer at a refugee camp. (Photo courtesy of Kaleena Quarles)
8. What is the biggest myth about traveling solo?
I think there are a lot of myths like that it’s unsafe, lonely and more difficult than traveling with someone, but I can say hands down that none of that is true! You should always take precautions when traveling, whether alone or not. Making friends while traveling alone is so easy because it makes you more approachable and people are often curious about you. And, when you travel alone, you don’t have to worry about compromising with anyone else on what to do—your itinerary is completely up to your own whim. Feel like sleeping in until noon and lying by the pool all day? Lounge away!
9. Name three things you always pack for a trip.
- Bikini: I’m a water baby and always hope there is some form of swimming to be done. Or at least a hot tub!
- Camera: Whether it’s my DSLR, GoPro or just my iPhone, I always make sure I have something to document my (ridiculous) adventures.
- Sunblock: Because I don’t want wrinkles to give away how old I’m actually getting.
10. What is your next adventure?
I’m heading to Africa! I have zero plans and a one-way ticket to Cape Town, South Africa so it should be the ultimate adventure! Follow Kaleena’s travels at kaleenaskaleidoscope.com!
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Want to teach English abroad?
For details about teaching English in Korea and other countries, check out my post about working abroad!
What is the REAL cost of long-term travel?
Check out the graphical breakdown of the cost of my seven-month Latin America trip HERE!
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COMING UP:
A Guide to Peru’s Sacred Valley
Summer is the peak travel season for Machu Picchu and Peru. Next week, I’ll be posting a detailed guide (including logistics) to five amazing places to visit in the nearby Sacred Valley. Give yourself a few extra days to enjoy the area and don’t rush to Machu Picchu!
Peru’s Sacred Valley: Inca ruins of Sacsaywamán (left) and Salinas Salt Pools (right)
TRAVEL TUESDAY INTERVIEW:
How a Family of Four Spent a Year Traveling
In the next Travel Tuesday Interview, I talk with Cath McGuinness about how her family of four spent almost a year traveling around the world! Sign up below for more interviews from inspiring travelers!
