Three Months Work Funds Global Adventure
A compelling new account shows how three months of seasonal work can fund a trip to every continent. Colleen Wilson and Lane Early share their approach to combining short-term jobs — trail crew positions, outdoor guiding, or hospitality stints — with periods of immersive global travel. Over six years, they've designed a lifestyle that prioritizes adventure and personal growth over conventional career paths.
For Colleen Wilson and Lane Early, a "rent-free, car-free, and largely expense-free" lifestyle is foundational to their ability to save for extensive travel. By working as caretakers at places like the Blackburn Trail Center on the Appalachian Trail and Granite Park Chalet in Glacier National Park, they have minimized their cost of living while earning income. Their strategy involves taking on seasonal jobs in remote, high-paying locations. For the past four years, they have worked in field camps in Alaska and, most recently, Antarctica. Positions in Antarctica, particularly those supporting scientific research, can be lucrative, with many roles providing housing and meals, which drastically reduces living expenses and allows for significant savings. To celebrate their 40th birthdays in 2026, the pair is embarking on a journey to every continent, a trip funded entirely by a single season of work in Antarctica. Their itinerary includes approximately 2,500 miles of hiking across various continents. Their global trek will take them on several renowned long-distance paths. The planned routes include the Hayduke Trail in the American Southwest, Namibia's Naukluft Hiking Trail, the Pyrenees High Route in Europe, the Japanese Alps Traverse, and the Bibbulmun Track in Australia.
