Influencer Travels 3,000 Miles From Seattle to Miami With $0—Here's How He Pulled It Off

Paxton Leatherman is attempting to travel approximately 3,000 miles from Seattle to Miami without money, relying on restaurant work and assistance from people he meets along the way. But his journey got off to a difficult start after around 50 businesses reportedly turned down his offer to work in exchange for food or money on his first night.

The Pacific Northwest content creator hopes to reach Miami by December. Rather than use personal savings to fund the trip, he plans to earn what he needs through restaurant jobs, including waiting tables, washing dishes, and taking on other available tasks.

He has also packed a tent in case he cannot find somewhere to sleep. With no money to fall back on, the challenge depends on his ability to secure work and find enough support to keep moving towards Florida.

From a Steady Job to a Cross-Country Challenge

Leatherman left a steady, well-paying job more than a year ago to pursue content creation. His interest in food led him to establish Palate Provisions, a social media brand focused on independent and family-owned restaurants that receive less attention online.

His Instagram account has attracted more than 30,000 followers, according to the available reporting. Through his content, he has sought to highlight the establishments and people behind local dining experiences rather than concentrate solely on celebrity chefs or expensive restaurants.

The Seattle-to-Miami challenge extends that approach beyond restaurant visits. Instead of simply reviewing food, Leatherman is offering to work in the establishments he encounters, combining his interest in independent restaurants with an attempt to fund his own journey.

How He Is Travelling Without Money

Leatherman started in Seattle with a backpack containing essential supplies, content-creation equipment, and a tent. His plan is to approach restaurants along the route and offer to help with tasks such as serving customers and washing dishes. In exchange, he hopes to secure paid work or meals that will help him continue travelling. Accommodation is another challenge, with the tent serving as a fallback when he cannot find somewhere to stay.

His initial experience demonstrated how difficult the arrangement could be. After reportedly approaching around 50 businesses on his first night without securing help, he continued looking for opportunities.

He has since found opportunities to work with regional restaurants, giving him a way to pursue the trip while continuing to produce content. However, the available information does not establish how much money he has earned or the precise terms of the arrangements.

Can He Reach Miami by December?

Leatherman has featured staff and establishments including La Cocina & Cantina, Beth's Café, and La Vita È Bella as part of his journey. His content offers viewers a look at the people behind local restaurants while documenting his attempt to cross the country without money.

The project also gives him a way to continue building Palate Provisions while pursuing the resources needed to travel. His progress, however, depends on finding businesses willing and able to offer work, as well as securing food and somewhere to sleep.

Leatherman is documenting the challenge on Instagram and TikTok under @PalateProvisions. His stated target is to reach Miami by December, although the outcome remains uncertain.

The 3,000-mile journey will test whether short-term restaurant work and help from strangers can sustain him across the country. After a first night marked by dozens of rejections, reaching Florida will depend on whether he can keep finding opportunities along the way.