Dear Rolf,

My boyfriend and I are planning on traveling Europe by van. I think we should save a lot of money before we go, but he thinks we should leave as soon as possible and play music on the streets for a living (he’s a great singer). Do you think we could survive as street musicians?

— Malin, Sweden

Dear Malin,

Wandering Europe as a traveling musician is certainly a romantic notion, but it’s probably more difficult than you imagine. I don’t doubt that your boyfriend is a great performer, but it takes more than talent to make a living as a street busker. For example, a special license is often required to perform for money in major European cities—and the competition is stiff among local performers who’ve already staked out the tourist areas. Plus, earning a dependable living wage (or, in your case, a dependable traveling wage) this way is not always guaranteed, since the “market” for street music can be fickle.

That said, however, performing as a street musician can be an interesting way to meet people and get to know a city. Thus, my advice to you would be to combine what you and your boyfriend have already planned. First, while you’re in Sweden, work hard and save as much money as possible. Sweden has a high cost of living, but it also has high wages and social benefits, so even working a simple service job should go a long way toward earning you travel funds (if you can keep your home expenses low). Once you have a nice little “nest egg” of money, hit the road and wander Europe by van.

When you and your boyfriend feel inspired, put on a musical street performance and see how it goes. This way you can share your music and earn some extra money without being dependent on it—and your travels will be freer and more flexible as a result.

Columnist Rolf Potts is the author of Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel.

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For more Rolf Potts, read a 2003 World Hum interview with him, or his dispatch from Thailand, Signs of Confusion.