How I Make Money to Thru Hike and Travel

Follow my adventures on Instagram: / kellyhays23
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AT Gear List: lighterpack.com/r/7nv8ad
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/ kellyhayshikes23
Inquiries: [e-mail]

[@chriscon8463]

This is a great video, Kelly! Not just great advice for thru-hiking, but for life in general! I could certainly stand to de-clutter & simplify my life a bit.

[@OG-PapaDude]

I'm currently trying to sell my home of 20+ years to hike and road trip full time. I've seen you in Damascus the past two years. You might recognize me as the short, fat, bald, tattooed old man that did the fire ceremony opening. 😂 I section hiked in 17, making it to Damascus and then again in 20 from Damascus to Dalton, Mass. I'm planning on hitting the road in October and probably start the Trail from Springer by the end of the year. I'm still trying to decide on a traditional thru-hike or car camping the whole thing. Hope to see you in Damascus again next year.

[@pedro1970maya]

I've had many of your videos in the background as I've been cooking and doing other house chores. I'm a lifelong backpacker. It's pleasant to be around people who have that energy, and look at the world and the way backpackers look at the world. Then I considered further about what makes your videos particularly enjoyable. You are a lovely-looking human being, but it's not about that. It is that you are a good person, emotionally brave, intellectually curious, and are willing to share enough of your life and thinking for a viewer to perceive that they somehow know you, and they are your actual friends, even though you have never met. It is a complex world, with many levels of toxicity, but you are a salve to that. I'm not sure it's possible to watch one of your videos and come out feeling with any kind of negative energy. Maybe you're just a quick substitute for meditation, lol.

[@Zoet50]

A great book that sums up what you’re saying is “your money or your life “ transforming your relationship with money. you can get a free pdf of it online.

[@kellyhays23]

I am going to read thisn

[@agpawpaw5912]

I like your point of view. Very smart that you can manage your life not only for work, but for travel, hike and live your life, not being tied to material stuff. God bless you

[@alexeatonexploresamerica5511]

Food is so expensive I'm only eating one time a day now

[@fordtruckman80]

8:20 I learned this back in 2017. I met a pretty awesome person that completely turned my world upside down and inspired me to make some changes in my life. I sold almost everything I owned except for the house, and found that it was easier to make time to travel when nothing else was looming over my head. I traveled all over Florida that year, and made some great memories. I did acquire a few things again over the last few years, but it's limited to a few things that I do in the off-season, and I still try to balance between that and my time outdoors. I still keep my bills to an absolute minimum and live below my means as much as possible and I can honestly say that money is rarely a worry for me and I'm thankful for that. Definitely some great advice that I can attest to from experience.

[@nancysatori4744]

I have the same float! I’m in the process of downsizing, but I’m 60 and have acquired a lot of stuff. I admire your simple adventurous life.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thanks for the great video, Kelly! You’re so right! Groceries are sooo expensive now, and we’re a family of 6! Aldi and Kroger (delivery) have helped budget a bit easier. Self discipline is harder when I’m hungry, so I try not to shop when I’m hungry. 😂

[@kellyhays23]

Yes the not shopping hungry tip is so key!!!!!

[@philipyoho8115]

Great idea doing the Travelling Nurse / Dietician gig. I'm not in nursing, I'm a firearms instructor. I met (did a training hike with) a travelling nurse a few years ago. We had a great time. She was training to do the JMT. About 3 weeks later, I was doing a big loop hike, 4 peaks (Charlton, Little Carlton, Jepson, and San Gorgonio in SoCal). I ran into two other travelling nurses at one of the camp grounds. We had shared lunch, before I continued my way down. They were still climbing the same route I did, but in reverse. They too were training to do the JMT. Long story short, they just happened to be roommates with the young lady I hike with a few weeks before. So ironic to run into them on the trail. Such a small world/hiking community.

[@dustingrimes8133]

I like that these principles can be applied to a lot more than just hiking. It’s all good advice. Hoping this ridiculous heat in fl cuts back soon so I can at least start getting out on the weekends and checking some of the stuff around here out, especially after seeing your videos from when you came through this area and realizing how close some really cool places are.

[@robertwood5023]

Great, simple advice! Thank you and happy trails!

[@cq7415]

Good girl! You have a wonderful attitude about life. You are putting your priorities in proper order. Life is not made of acculturating possessions but made of experiences. You will never appreciate the TV you thought was so important two years ago but you will remember the neat hike you did two years ago. Don’t try to impress or keep up with others, they are in debt (a slave to their job to buy more things) while you are free. Take care and be safe.

[@kennybarrett6111]

Yo yo yo Nine Lives what up!? Love your new adventures to pieces❤️🫶 thank you for your inspiration and your spirit. It’s Smokey Bear here! I start my hard core training for 2024 A/T thru hike attempt🙏 October 1st and I’ll be leaving March 11 2024 from Flag Mountain to Katadyn please make me/all of us that are ready for our Vision Quest on the A/T from your knowledge of thru hiking to tell us even of the real hard obstacles and reality of trail life video, thank you Miss Nine Lives for your care of all of us that follow your footsteps as you follow Gods footsteps in your blessed gift of life🌹🍀P.S. sorry for being so chatty cathy just very grateful and excited for journey to be onthe way and manifested conscience reality of it now. Love peace warrior spirit Done. Lol!

[@marlenerd8897]

Hi Kelly, I've been thoroughly enjoying your content, and after learning you are an RD, I'm even more of a fan, and now subscriber, and headed over to Patreon. I'm so proud of you! I'm almost 59, also an RD, CSG, but sometimes feel like I'm suffocating in the 8-430 at the VA. I'm attempting half of the OTL trail next month, and your content from your hike was so inspiring. Thank you for all your fabulous videos. Please keep doing what you're doing so we can continue living vicariously through you, and maybe even be inspired into getting out there a little more because of it.

[@kellyhays23]

What?! That is so cool! Can’t wait to get to know you!!! Excited for you O2L hike! Feel free to message me on patreon with any questions you have about anything :)

[@jamesadams2334]

Very nice video Kelly! I funded my hikes and trips in a similar fashion, but it was pre computer. Totally different process with the same outcome. You explained it smoothly and accurately in a way that anybody could understand and yet almost like instructions. Well done Kelly, Well done. geek

[@scable-eq7bp]

Great video, lots of useful information. My wife and myself are planning on hiking The Appalachian Trail, north to south very soon. The planning that goes into a hike of this magnitude is mind blowing. Keeping our packs light, packing the right clothes, food choices, food and water available along the trail, have to factor in the weather, the list goes on and on. One thing that concerns us is the financial aspect of a trip like this, we have a combined monthly income of $55,000. It seems like a lot but if you have a medical emergency while on the trail and your medical insurance doesn't cover it your going to be stuck paying a huge medical bill. We are both retired from the military and have really good insurance through the military......

[@carriehardy4157]

Awesome video. Great info. Very helpful. I too am a living small type of person. Right now I have stuff in a storage unit but I feel if I don’t need it where I’m living then I don’t really need it so I plan to eliminate a majority of that as well. I too want to be able to just have what fits in my vehicle so I can pick up and go if wanted to or need to.

[@kellyhays23]

!!!!!!!! That’s a great point.

[@carlosherndon8908]

Great Advice. One of the best quotes I heard and took to heart when I was younger goes: If you don't spend time creating the life you want you will spend a lot of years living a life you don't want.

[@Randee04]

Excellent advice and suggestions! I think your job sounds really cool. I work remotely and have for the past 13 years and love it! Question, what kind of sunglasses were you wearing in the pool?? I love them!

[@kellyhays23]

Knock arounds!!

[@turragorman59]

Smart girl Kelly. Many hiking miles to enjoy in your future.

[@soonerjhtravels]

Good one! I admire you for having it so together at your age, you are a great role model!

[@ervinslens]

This was so inspiring and actually helpful, your content is simply brilliant! 👏👏

[@marysalmon2367]

I worked in healthcare for 30 years and am familiar with travel employees. Because there are 2 hospitals and 4 nursing homes in my area, many of the folks who own homes cater strictly to the travel people. they know they will be working their gig and moving on. I have a family member who finances trips to Europe with seasonal work at national parks, and the great perk with that is access to all the park has to offer after your shirt, including areas restricted to visitors.

[@richardthorne2804]

You are truly awesome 👏. Love your passion and priorities

[@chuckstyes3196]

great video! good advise for daily living too!

[@ianwalker682]

Amazing what a person can do when they aren't afraid to work for what they want. Great video on doing what you have to do to live the life that you want. Well done!

[@vintagedietitian]

Every video you post gets better and better! Thank you for sharing your experience :)

[@donaldtimmons1472]

Hey Kelly, Love your channel. Watching more every day. I’m at a point in my life where I really have no obligations. I spent my childhood running the mountains of Georgia. Absolutely love being outdoors. I want to sell all my stuff and travel. I do have some retirement income and want to spend at least a year on foot, going were I want to go completely uninhibited by stuff. I want everything I own to fit in my pack. Home is where I’m sleeping that night. BUT, I’m terrified! Lol 😂! I’ve done everything in my life, marriage, children educated and gone. Letting go of everything is the only thing I have never done. I find your videos very informative and refreshing that you step away from the hype when you promote. Until your video I didn’t think there was another product on the market besides the Nemo Tensor or the Zpack Duplex.😊 I could use some help. I’m 57 😮 OMG. I would also like to vlog while I do it.

[@kleenexhikes]

Planning the PCT next year. I will be having some friends stay at my place and run my air bnb and turo to cover the mortgage. They are happy to be able to adventure in Alaska and my expenses will be covered. I also have several side hustles and live simply so I can travel. Work hard, play hard.

[@kellyhays23]

That’s awesome! I love hearing how other people make their money work for them!! Hope to do something like that in the future

[@nam_hn]

Thank you so much for sharing! That was something I was curious about. Switching to all bodyweight exercises can help you save on gym membership too.

[@kellyhays23]

True! But I prefer to lift heavy! Thanks nam!!

[@nam_hn]

​@@kellyhays23So cool! How much weight can you lift?

[@drewlaudenbach8308]

Hi Kelly I’ve followed you for the last 2 or3 yrs, I started following you on your AT thru hike.I just wanted to say thank you for your great content! I follow a lot of people but you are my absolute favorite!!! You are so down to earth and honest!

[@kellyhays23]

That is so cool!!! Thanks so much for being here :)

[@Charyl.w.an.A]

Thank you for making this video 😊 lots of great info 👏🏼

[@user-David-Alan]

I think many young people your age do not understand how much work you have put into your life to achieve the goals you have set for yourself. It takes self-motivation and drive to lead a rewarding life as an adult. I have a daughter who is a PT, DPT, and NCS so I understand how much work you have put into your career. You are an amazing young adult and I hope your advice will motivate others to make something of themselves. Was wondering did you get a surfboard? Take care and best wishes.

[@kellyhays23]

Thank you so much david!!! I haven’t yet! Working on it tho! Have some really cool and fun content coming up with surfing things!!!

[@rockydaleo6998]

My compliments! You should teach a course to all the young adults out there!! I’m retired now and living the good life in Cape Canaveral.. only wish I had started earlier in life.. silly things like wives,kids, and mortgages got in the way. You’re doing the right thing!!

[@user-we4hl2sz1z]

Kelly can you explain in detail what you do managing your contacts from the time you get up on trail to the time you cut off the light at night. I don't enjoy hiking in glasses but know lots of things to deal with using contacts.

[@leedanielson7452]

It takes willpower and self discipline! We all can do it if we really want to…😊❤👍👏🏻

[@theneverendinghighway]

So, I don't thru hike (yet) though I do daydream about it someday. But, I do like to travel to different national parks and other places for shorter day hike type things. I also car camp in my journies to get there. So, I've learned that if I need money, I can drive to almost any city, larger or smaller, and just spend a few days there doing Doordash and UberEats deliveries. This is just something I do when I'm out traveling, making some traveling income. I still have my retirement savings working for me and I never have to touch it while still being able to do what I want.

[@gigiscomfortfood]

i started watching the family freezer, so on nights when I don't feel like cooking I can throw the prepared food in the instantpot or crock pot

[@richardross7219]

Thinking ahead is not encouraged these days. Congratulations on being smarter than the norm and being disciplined enough to follow a plan. I am having a bumper crop from my garden this year but, it is about 6 weeks late(I was in the hosp in May). I am sure that you would love growing your own food. Plan on buying a place of your own(save up) in a couple of years when prices have crashed. Stay near your family(especially your Dad). Learn a bit about tractors for gardening. My hobby for the past 18 years has been fixing up antique garden tractors because cars have gotten way too expensive and many auto parts are new defective these days. The best tractors were made in the USA before 1990. Good Luck, Rick

[@agnesskibicka]

@richardross, agreed 💯. We just moved to the countryside 🏡. Hello from Poland and my channel 😊

[@richardross7219]

@@agnesskibicka Congratulations. Are you gardening? The ability to grow your own food will be a great benefit. What kind of garden tractors are available in your area? Good Luck, Rick

[@agnesskibicka]

@@richardross7219 thank you very much!! Yes, gardening for sure 😃. Growing your own food is fundamental in these times! I have documented your journey on my channel :). Not sure about the tractors but could go and check out with the local farmers!

[@richardross7219]

@@agnesskibickaA small garden tractor(GT) can save a lot of time. If your garden is more than about 10m x 10m a good rototiller helps a lot. I will add another garden next year that will be 20m x 20m and a third garden 15m x 30m. To put them in I will use a GT with a tiller attachment on the back. I have a source for horse manure compost so I will cover the gardens with a couple of inches of compost and till it in. I will repeat that in the spring just before planting. This year I had bumper crops of tomatoes and squash. Next year will be many more veggies. Good Luck, Rick

[@rodneyevans5525]

Thanks!

[@alexeatonexploresamerica5511]

I'm the same way I look at it it's like do I really need it or do I really want it

[@beckyumphrey2626]

Great video. It is all about discipline and self control.

[@kellyhays23]

Yes!!!

[@Onewholovesrock]

Very good video! Nice work

[@CodyandKellie]

Thank you for mentioning KZbin income! So many other creators are afraid I guess to tell people that’s how they live this lifestyle.

[@kellyhays23]

For sure! I say it proud! KZbin is the hardest job I’ve ever had hands down but also the most enjoyable and fulfilling

[@aimeesilver9850]

Thanks so much for this video, I always wondered how the thru hikers make their income. One question, what about health insurance? How do you get health insurance without a full time job?

[@kellyhays23]

I don’t really have health insurance when I’m not working. I have a very basic plan that only works in state and then for emergencies that I got off the marketplace

[@takedat8751]

You make me laugh. Cool as hell. When you are ready to tackle Machu Picchu let me know!!!!! That one is on my bucket list.

[@chrissaunders8284]

Great video. When are you starting your "Pumping Iron with Kelly Hays" channel? 😉

[@rodneyevans5525]

I travel all the time. I drive a big truck all day. And i get pay for it. And i grow up in the small town and like to hike back then i had mine full hiking in the wood's

[@mindymiraglia]

Oh dear! Happy to see that you came through it ok. So scary for you to experience that.

[@celenasherrill1455]

Thank you for another great video! I found your channel before your AT thru hike and enjoyed following your journey. I don't usually comment but I think I'll start to help with KZbin $. 😂

[@kellyhays23]

Thank you for being here!!!!😁

[@bonnie_stuff]

You should do a separate channel on finances for your generation, great advice! How do you get health insurance? Any school loans?

[@kellyhays23]

Thank you!! Don’t really have healthcare outside of my state unless I almost die. I usually pay for all my pockets out of pocket or put money in an HSA account. I unfortunately still have student loans, which is why I’m on my work grind right now, but once I pay those off I will be able to dedicate more time to creating content, youtube, hiking and all things outdoors!! End goal is to pay those loans off then save up to pay cash for some land

[@cwesley2005]

Kelly hays hikes? Automatic thumbs up!

[@BIKENESS]

I would buy a home and still go adventure because it can be rented out while gaining equity!. I purchased my home at 31 yrs old..53 almost paid off 😁

[@kellyhays23]

Awesome!!!! Renting is a great way to make having a home work!!

[@sperrytops]

Hey Kelly this is Joey. If you buy a Costco gift card they will let you in to spend it. No membership required😊😊.😊😊😊

[@kellyhays23]

Great idea!

[@samcook2312]

Thank you for making this video sweetheart 💗 💖

[@BIKENESS]

I don't even know what thru hiking is 😆

[@chiefenumclaw7960]

This is not my couch... this is not my chair... this is not my CD of ENYA's Greatest Hits..

[@alexeatonexploresamerica5511]

For years I was a hoarder then one day I said enough is enough I've done was called simplify

[@AAF798]

How do you find furnished rentals while working on the road? I’m in a skilled trades union and travel for work but it’s so tedious finding a place to live that’s reasonable. I was just wondering if traveling healthcare workers have some secret directory of places or something.

[@kellyhays23]

I’ve used furnished finder or airbnb on all my contracts!

[@AAF798]

That was quick, thank you. Do you negotiate with your Airbnb hosts for a better long term rate? Are your contracts weeks long or months? I get 70 bucks a day per diem do traveling health care workers get considerably more than this? Thanks again for taking the time to answer.

[@kellyhays23]

@@AAF798 yes I’ve negotiated before! My contracts are typically 3-6 months, depending. Per diem is based on the area I’m working but healthcare workers can make around $130-$200 a day in per diems

[@andrewchaney242]

I love the way you explain that. I'm learning that you are the plain Jane person. That's how I live nothing fancy.

[@lisamonalisahikes]

I’m working on getting out there.

[@BIKENESS]

Tiny kitchen big fridge 😁

[@liujackie9794]

Good morning❤

[@adventurebythemile]

Isn’t it true that when you travel nurse? Or travel dietitian that you apartment is paid for?

[@kellyhays23]

Yes I get a travel stipend for housing.

[@bsfishing7073]

I figured that you would a healthcare professional you just seem like you love helping people with their problems my second guess was a counselor

[@rodneyevans5525]

Yes, it hard make the money these days. Working on the farming it all about summer jobs. Come to winter time there the money

[@peterz53]

great that you've started young not getting wrapped up in owning a lot of junk, which ultimately owns you. Saves a huge amount of time, money, and aggravation, especially when extrapolated over many years. All which can be shifted to living a more meaningful life.

[@RickINFJ]

You've definitely busted your butt to achieve what you have 9L. 💪 I live well below what I make, and it's a great feeling. Groceries has been a killah lately. All sound advice you put together here. Always cool to watch you cook. 🙂 Take care ✌️

[@kellyhays23]

Groceries stress me out! & thanks I want to do more cooking on the channel!

[@jtact5487]

👌

[@alexeatonexploresamerica5511]

I try to survive with as little as possible

[@charlesdang4670]

Hello Walkie-Talkie... Thanks for all the interesting information.... :)

[@polinakapchits4030]

My career doesnt allow for 6 month breaks, especially if i want to be successful and grow professionally. Its not just a job, its a career and im passionate about it. So sure i can figure out how to budget, but how do you even get the time off?!?

[@kellyhays23]

I guess it comes down to whether you want to continue to grow professionally or if you want to travel/hike? Sounds like you love your job and that is awesome!!

[@polinakapchits4030]

@kellyhays23 i do love my career and I'm fortunate that I work remote and work for a company that values work/life balance. So I do get to travel and hike and camp quite a bit, but in small chunks, can't do something like a 6 month through hike

[@kellyhays23]

@@polinakapchits4030 that’s awesome! Sounds like a great balance

[@TheChuckoluck]

Come on Kelly, you can crack 40,000 subscribers. Been following you for a couple years and love your videos. You are such an upbeat person and such a pleasure to watch.

[@kellyhays23]

We’re getting close 👏🏼 thanks so much for being here!!

[@markkooiman8736]

❤

[@aaallllen]

You sort of brought it up before. Did you get out of debt? That's a game changer, too.

[@kellyhays23]

Only debt I have left is student loans. I’m grinding really hard now to get those paid off in the next two years. Then I’ll save up to buy some land in cash. I do not ever want to be in debt to anyone ever again!!

[@zzlee14]

You may want to get medical insurance. I know you work contracts so a plan that pay into your self might be helpful. :)

[@Mike___Kilo]

I figured your most asked question would be about your accent!

[@deshawniskeng-mixedmediatv]

❤❤❤

[@amuddymoose]

Smart girl…

[@Homesteadhappyhour]

Groceries 😅

[@kellyhays23]

They are so crazy right now it’s hard to believe it

[@bird.1980]

How about health insurance?

[@kellyhays23]

Pay out of pocket for most of everything except for emergencies I found a plan on the marketplace

[@PrimalExpression]

$160 for food is expensive? Lol I can’t leave the grocery store under $400-500 every two weeks shopping for my household.

[@hutchke15]

Great video, Kelly! Perhaps you're doing this already, but for the account you put $ in but don't touch until you're thru-hiking, consider a high-yield savings/checking account. This way, the $$ you put in can grow passively through interest gains. A good HYSA these days gets you ~4-5% interest per month on the $$ you put in. 👍🏼

[@user-oc7ti3fx3e]

kelly hey Kelly are you single?

[@Pharisaeus]

Talking about "sacrifices to standard of living", while owning 2 cars and recording from a massive house with a pool :) While I enjoy the regular content on this channel, this particular video seems disconnected from reality. I don't know how much dietitian makes, but apparently it's much more than I would expect...

[@kellyhays23]

Massive house and pool? It’s literally the cheapest apartment I could find in the armpit of florida that is paid for through my travel healthcare job. & Owning a 22 year old car that doesn’t run and a 8 year old car that was dirt cheap when life was actually affordable 4 years ago? I’m not disconnected, you are just very incorrect in your assumptions of my life lol also look up the average salary of a dietitian 😂

[@maxmillion4216]

Kelly, Pasta is high in calories. I know it's cheap, but it's not good for you.

[@kellyhays23]

Pasta is a great source of carbohydrates and energy to fuel my daily workouts at my non air conditioned gym!

[@realityoverland3180]

Trump 2024🎉

[@amarie3309]

Trump 24 for Prison

[@Libsarecowards]

@@amarie3309you first, lib

[@Libsarecowards]

@@amarie3309for what??