There are some quicker paths to item acquisition in Journey Mode that don't exist in other modes.
Find two Herb Bags ⇒ Get all of the herbs ⇒ Get many of the potions.
Smash a Shadow Orb or a Crimson Heart (each the equivalent thing in the corresponding evil biome) ⇒ get a gun (you're guaranteed a Musket or Undertaker on the first break) ⇒ Arms Dealer moves in ⇒ buy a Minishark.