Around the World on 50 Bucks: How I Left with Nothing and Returned a Rich Man

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars | 67 ratings

Price: 17.32

Last update: 11-14-2024


About this item

Christopher Schacht shares his incredible experiences, revealing what he has learned along the way about life, love, and God, describing touching and bizarre encounters and insights that aren’t found in any travel guide.

Christopher Schacht was only 19 years old and had just finished school when he put a dream into motion. With only 50 euros in savings, he traveled around the world, relying only on his friendliness, flexibility, charm, and willingness to work for his shelter and food.

Christopher traveled for four years, visiting 45 countries and traversing 100,000 kilometers on foot, hitchhiking, and on sailboats. He has earned his living as a jeweler, locksmith, au pair, and fashion model. He lived among indigenous people of South America and drug dealers and has journeyed through some of the most dangerous areas in the Middle East.

"My plan was not to have a plan, just live without schedules and time pressure, where I could stay in places that I enjoyed until I was ready to move on."

Photos from Christopher’s journey and tips for backpackers are available in the audiobook companion PDF download.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.


Top reviews from the United States

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring travel memoir
Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2019
This clearly could have been 20 separate travel books. Christopher barely scratched the surface of his true travels. To have traveled around the world and the crossed oceans with no money is truly exceptional. The level of immersion into local cultures by living with families eating with families working locally is truly remarkable. I have lived in 50 + countries over 10 years but the depth and richness of my experiences pale in comparison with Christopher's. If there were a Hall of Fame for travelers he would be babe Ruth. Undoubtedly the most the most fascinating and insightful Travel memoir I have ever read.
Cathie Trabucco
5.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly enjoyable
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2020
I couldn't wait to read every night. Made me want to travel even more than I already do. I admire and respect Christopher and his supportive and loving family. Thank you for sharing your experiences and your faith. Wonderful.
Max
4.0 out of 5 stars Quick and fun to read, when you like traveling.
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2019
Was a present for a friend who likes traveling. He liked to read the book.
Lynn Shannon
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book about travel.
Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2020
This book tells the nitty gritty details about traveling around the world with pretty much no safety net. The author touches on his belief in God without being preachy. Fun but dangerous adventures and just plain fascinating read. Loved the author’s attitude throughout. A must read if you enjoy travel.
Javier Ruiz
5.0 out of 5 stars Deep and impactful
Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2021
Simply excellent, well written with meaningful life advice. A great read for travel minded people, loved every bit.
Raquel
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome book
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2019
Awesome book. Love that it was translated to English. What an adventure.
atmj
5.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly enjoyable travelogue, a pleasant journey. Great tips at the end
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2020
A bit misleading title, as he started with 50 Euro, but had to earn money along the way. So anyone crazy enough to think he could fund a 4 year journey on 50 bucks. Well good luck, that would be another book and listed under fantasy.
Of course reading this during the COVID-19 outbreak its innocence struck me. He’s lucky he did not run into some local virus, or bug, that sickened him. Anyone who has had Montezuma’s revenge could probably tell him some stories.

This had to be an amazing journey. All I could think several times was “Oh to be young”. I’m still not sure I could have done this when I was younger. Funny, that he commented that upon returning, it felt like a dream, did it really happen? That’s true of a 2-week vacation. However he was gone for 4 years. I’m sure it changed him. Luckily nothing bad happened to him and if it had, I’m sure it would not make it into a book.

I noted in the trip, he did not venture to the US. Being from Germany, he should not have had any issue with a visa, but it probably did not seem foreign enough for him. He also stayed away from Africa, Russia and Australia. I’m sure unique experience-wise as well as ability to travel there, played a part.

This was a nice book to read and he seems like a good person to have a chat with. I’m sure his friendly demeanor and forthright manner helped a lot. Maybe also not being an American in some spots (Middle East) did too.

I enjoyed the stories of each place and learned something along the way. From the cargo culture in the islands to the issue with fans with the Koreans. Each culture has a story. HIs openness to unique food must’ve helped too. I’m sure his parents were quite worried. I know I would be. I chuckled several times when he spoke of striking up conversations with people in China and other countries where he ended up talking to tourists. It reminds me when I was in Scotland and wound up chatting with people from South Africa, or in Ireland and finding the bar was full of Americans and not an Irishman in sight except for the bartenders and the band.

Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable read. It sounds like his girfriend/wife has a similar wandering spirit. Sounds like a good match.
Joseph B
2.0 out of 5 stars Nice guy, I'm sure but...
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2020
It is a very superficial take on traveling abroad as a young man.

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