Great goal!  I share your love of travel and as a single mom of 2 with not much disposable income, I also share your challenges.  This job market is very difficult. My aunt was able to find a job by being creative.  She (also a single mom of 2 with little child support) was having a tough time finding a job and then came up with an idea.  She went to one place (that she really hoped to work for) and she told them that she would work for free for 1 week.  She guaranteed that they would like her work.  If they didn't, then she would walk away and that would be that.  But if they did like her work, then she was asking them to hire her.  She ended up getting hired. A bit unconventional, but it worked for her. Best of luck!