Exploring The World: What's The Cost?

The cost of travelling the world for a year depends on a variety of factors, including the countries you visit, the type of accommodation you stay in, how often you move between cities, your mode of transportation, and how many tours and activities you do.

For example, if you spend a lot of time in developed countries such as Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, your costs will be very high. In Europe and Australia, per person costs average $125 per day. Asia, Africa, and South America are cheaper. In places like Cambodia, India, and Nepal, you can spend as little as $50 per person per day and still eat well and stay in nice accommodations.

In general, you should expect it to cost between $25,000 to $35,000 per person to travel around the world for a year. This rough estimate comes from reading travel budgets of other bloggers, various travel planning resources, and personal experiences.

If you are a solo traveller, you should be able to travel the world for $25,000 for one year (that’s just over $2,000 per month, $66 per day).

Transportation

Flights are the most expensive mode of transportation, whereas bus travel is extremely cheap. If you want to keep your budget low, limit your flights and fill in the gaps with bus and train travel.

However, bus travel is slow and can be frustrating. If you have the luxury of time, adding a day for travel between Bangkok and Chiang Mai may be worth the savings over the airplane flight.

If you're travelling in Europe, you can travel by train or rent a car.

If you're travelling with a group, renting a car can save you money since you won't have to book flights for everyone.

The more frequently you change location, the more money you spend. Every time you transfer to a new place, you have to spend money on transportation, which increases your daily expenditures.

The slower you travel, the lower your daily costs.

The cost of transportation depends on the mode of transportation you choose and the distance you're travelling.

Flights are the most expensive mode of transportation.

For example, a flight from London to Bangkok costs around $500.

A flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai costs around $100.

A train ride from Bangkok to Chiang Mai costs around $30.

A bus ride from Bangkok to Chiang Mai costs around $20.

A 6-week car rental in Southern Africa costs around $1,500.

A 2-week car rental in New Zealand costs around $1,000.

Accommodation

• Hostels and guesthouses: These are usually the most economical options, especially for solo travellers. Hostels offer dormitory-style rooms with shared bathrooms, while guesthouses may offer private rooms with shared or private bathrooms. In some countries, you can find beds in hostels for as little as $10 per night.
• Apartment rentals: Renting an apartment through websites like Airbnb or Booking.com can be a cost-effective option, especially for longer stays or when travelling as a group. In some countries, you can find entire apartments for less than the cost of a hotel room.
• Couch surfing and home stays: Websites like Couchsurfing.com allow you to stay with locals for free. This can be a great way to save money and immerse yourself in the local culture.
• Long-term budget rentals: If you plan to stay in one place for an extended period, consider renting a place on a monthly basis. This can be significantly cheaper than paying for a hotel or hostel on a nightly basis.
• Travel off-season: Accommodation prices tend to be higher during peak travel seasons, such as summer in Europe or winter in tropical destinations. Travelling during the off-season can help you find better deals on accommodation.
• Cook your own meals: Choosing accommodation with a kitchen will allow you to prepare your own meals, which can save you money compared to eating out for every meal.
• Be flexible: Accommodation prices can vary greatly within a city or region. Be flexible and consider staying in less touristy areas or in smaller towns just outside the city centre.
• Budget travel in cheap countries: In developing countries like Southeast Asia, India, or Central America, you can find basic accommodation for as little as $10-$20 per night. This may include hostels, guesthouses, or budget hotels.
• Comfortable travel in cheap countries: If you prefer more comfort, you can find mid-range hotels or apartments for $30-$50 per night in these regions.
• Frugal travel in expensive countries: In developed countries like Western Europe, North America, or Australia, budget accommodation can be harder to find. Hostels may cost $30-$50 per night, while budget hotels can range from $50-$100.
• Luxury travel in expensive countries: For high-end hotels and resorts, expect to pay $200 per night or more, depending on the location and amenities.

Food

Eat Local Food

Eating local food is a great way to save money and experience the culture of the country you're visiting. In expensive countries, cooking for yourself is often cheaper than eating out. In cheaper countries, street food is usually a budget-friendly option and offers an authentic culinary experience.

Research Food Costs in Advance

Before your trip, research the average cost of food in the countries you plan to visit. This will help you create a realistic food budget and avoid unpleasant surprises. Remember to consider the type of traveller you are – if you tend to be a glamorous traveller, your food costs will likely be higher than those of a penny-pinching traveller.

Be Flexible with Your Food Choices

Be willing to adapt your food choices to the local cuisine and what's available. This will not only save you money but also provide a more authentic dining experience. For example, if you're in a country where local food is much cheaper than international food, it makes sense to opt for local dishes.

Shop at Local Markets

Shopping at local markets can be a great way to save money on food. In many countries, street food and local markets offer delicious and affordable options. It's also a great way to interact with locals and immerse yourself in the food culture of the country.

Consider All-Inclusive Options

If you're travelling to a country where food is expensive, consider staying at a hotel or resort that offers all-inclusive meal plans. This can help you control your food budget and avoid unexpected costs.

Pack Snacks

Packing snacks can help you save money, especially when travelling in remote areas or countries with limited food options. Energy bars, dried fruit, nuts, and other non-perishable items can be a lifesaver when you're on the go and need a quick bite.

Drink Wisely

Alcoholic beverages can quickly add up, especially in countries with high taxes on alcohol. If you're on a tight budget, consider limiting your alcohol consumption or opting for happy hour deals. Drinking local beer or wine is usually cheaper than imported brands.

Bring a Water Bottle

Buying bottled water can get expensive, especially if you're travelling to a country where tap water is not safe to drink. Consider investing in a good-quality water bottle, preferably one with a filter, to save money and reduce plastic waste.

Plan Meals in Advance

Planning your meals in advance can help you save money and avoid impulse purchases. Cook your own meals whenever possible, especially in expensive countries. If you're staying in a place with a kitchen, take advantage of it and cook some of your meals instead of eating out every day.

Share Meals

If you're travelling with others, sharing meals can be a great way to save money and try new dishes. It's also a fun way to bond and create lasting memories.

Be Mindful of Portion Sizes

In some countries, portion sizes can be quite large. Don't be afraid to ask for a smaller portion or to share a meal with someone. This can help you save money and avoid food waste.

Look for Special Deals

Keep an eye out for special deals and discounts on food. Many restaurants and food establishments offer happy hour deals, early bird specials, or discounts for students or large groups. Take advantage of these offers to save money on food.

Bring Your Own Spices/Condiments

If you have specific dietary needs or preferences, consider bringing your own spices or condiments. This can help you save money and ensure that you always have something familiar and tasty to eat.

Be Open to Trying New Things

Lastly, be open to trying new foods and cuisines. Part of the joy of travelling is experiencing new flavours and expanding your culinary horizons. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.

Activities

You could also visit free museums, or take a city tour. If you are travelling with a group, you could split the cost of a tour guide.

If you are planning to do a big-ticket activity, such as going on safari or trekking, it is a good idea to put this money aside so it will be easier to manage your normal daily expenses.

If there is something that you really want to do, then do it. You will regret it later if you don't. Just balance out the cost of the activity with your other expenses. Find cheaper places to stay, cook more of your own meals, etc.

You could also look for free activities, such as hiking or exploring a city on your own.

This is a tough question and will depend on what you like to do. The answer depends on what you like to do and how many activities you want to do.

If you are planning a trip, it can be difficult to know what activities you will want to do until you get there. And you don't want to fall into the trap of not doing anything because it will cost you money.

If you are travelling as a couple or family, activities will not directly double/triple the costs because lodging and transport are shared expenses.

How to Save Money on Activities

• Hiking is an inexpensive way to explore a place.
• Exploring a city on your own and visiting free museums is a great way to sightsee on a budget.
• Eating local food is a window into the culture and is usually cheaper than dining in restaurants that serve a Western menu.
• Street food is often safe and a good, cheap option. Just pick a place that gets a lot of business and always seems to have a line to avoid food poisoning.
• Cooking your own meals will save money.
• Drinking alcohol can break the budget, so budget for this if it is something you want to do.
• Look for free activities, such as hiking or exploring a city on your own.
• If you are travelling with a group, you could split the cost of a tour guide.
• If you are planning to do a big-ticket activity, such as going on safari or trekking, it is a good idea to put this money aside so it will be easier to manage your normal daily expenses.
• If there is something that you really want to do, then do it. Just balance out the cost of the activity with your other expenses. Find cheaper places to stay, cook more of your own meals, etc.
• Look for deals on activities by booking in advance or looking for last-minute deals.
• Volunteering can be a great way to save money and give back to the local community.

Visas and other fees

There are a few other fees to consider when it comes to travelling the world. These include visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, and travel gear.

The cost of visas varies depending on the country and the type of visa you need. For example, US non-immigrant visa application fees range from $185 to $315, while immigrant visa application fees are typically a few hundred dollars. Some countries may also charge reciprocity fees, which are based on the relationship between your country and the country you are visiting.

Vaccinations can also be a significant expense, depending on where you are travelling and what vaccinations you need. It's important to research the specific requirements and recommendations for the countries you plan to visit.

Travel insurance is another essential item to budget for. The cost will depend on the length of your trip, your age, and the level of coverage you need. Make sure to shop around and compare different policies to find the best value for your needs.

Finally, don't forget to factor in the cost of travel gear, such as a good backpack, comfortable shoes, and any other items you may need for your trip. It's worth investing in quality items that will last, especially if you plan to be travelling for an extended period.

Overall, it's a good idea to have a buffer in your budget to cover these and any other unexpected costs that may arise during your travels.

Frequently asked questions