Embarking on a travel adventure with a budget in mind can be both thrilling and challenging. In this article, we share our experiences of budgeting during our travels, aiming to spend an average of $123 per day for a total of $45,000. However, we soon discovered that sticking to our budget was easier said than done. Join us as we delve into the reasons behind our consistent over-budgeting, country by country, and uncover valuable insights about our travel expenses.
When determining our travel budget, we took several factors into consideration. Here's how we arrived at the $45,000 target:
Exploring the budgets of other travelers:
We researched the experiences of fellow travelers who had visited similar destinations and calculated the average expenses they incurred. This provided us with a baseline for setting our own budget.
Factoring in our desired destinations and activities:
We created a list of the countries we wanted to visit and the activities we wished to indulge in. By researching the costs associated with these destinations and activities, we estimated the overall expenses we were likely to incur.
Considering lower and higher-end budgets:
To accommodate unforeseen expenses and ensure flexibility, we factored in a range of budgets—lower and higher than our initial target. This allowed us to adjust our spending based on the circumstances we encountered during our journey.
Not Included in Our Budget
While we meticulously planned our expenses, there were a few items that we did not include in our budget calculations. These were credit card annual fees, phone bills, and health insurance. It's important to consider these additional costs when setting a travel budget.
Tracking Expenses: The Manual Approach
To keep track of our expenses, we opted for a manual approach using a Google Sheets document. Every transaction, whether it was accommodation, transportation, meals, or activities, was meticulously recorded. This allowed us to have a clear overview of our spending and identify areas where we needed to make adjustments.
The importance of staying consistent cannot be emphasized enough. Regularly updating the expense sheet ensured accuracy and helped us stay accountable throughout our journey.
Country by Country Expenses
Egypt: A Promising Start
Our excitement for the trip overshadowed initial budget concerns. However, we quickly realized that group trips had a significant impact on our expenses. Splitting costs among fellow travelers helped us stay within our budget in this country.
Jordan: Exploring a Higher-Cost Country
Renting cars became a major expense in Jordan, pushing us beyond our budget. We learned the importance of researching transportation options in advance and considering alternatives such as public transportation or carpooling.
Thailand: A Surprising Turn of Events
We anticipated lower expenses in Southeast Asia, but Thailand presented unexpected challenges. The faster travel pace led to increased spending on transportation, and indulging in unique experiences strained our budget. Slowing down our travel pace and balancing high-cost activities with more affordable ones would have helped us better manage our expenses.
Vietnam: Under Budget, but Still Room for Improvement
Vietnam was a pleasant surprise as we managed to stay under budget. We discovered that striking a balance between activities and budgeting was crucial. By prioritizing our must-do experiences and seeking out affordable alternatives, we achieved a favorable outcome.
Bali: Striving for Budget Success
In Bali, we successfully negotiated lower prices for accommodations, helping us reduce our expenses. Additionally, embracing slower travel allowed us to immerse ourselves in the local culture while minimizing costs.
Norway: The Budget Buster
Norway proved to be the biggest challenge in terms of budgeting. To offset lodging expenses, we utilized credit card points. We also explored shared rooms and even resorted to sleeping in the car to cut down on accommodation costs. However, the high prices of rental cars significantly impacted our budget. Exploring alternative transportation options, such as public transit or ridesharing, could have helped us better manage our expenses in Norway.
Prague, Hungary, and Croatia: Traveling Fast, Spending High
During our fast-paced travel through Prague, Hungary, and Croatia, we squeezed in numerous tourist activities without allowing for slower days. As a result, our expenses soared. We realized the importance of finding a balance between sightseeing and taking breaks to avoid exceeding our budget.
Conclusion:
Despite our best intentions, sticking to a travel budget proved to be a challenge throughout our journey. From the excitement of new destinations to the lure of unique experiences, our expenses often exceeded our initial expectations. However, we also gained valuable insights along the way, such as the importance of slow travel and seeking alternative accommodations.
Throughout our trip, we discovered that negotiating lower prices for accommodations, embracing slower travel, and striking a balance between high-cost and affordable activities were effective strategies for managing expenses. Additionally, researching transportation options, considering alternative modes of travel, and being open to shared accommodations helped us stay within budget in some countries.
While we may not have achieved our budget goals precisely, the experiences and memories we gained made our journey all the more worthwhile. Traveling on a budget taught us to be resourceful, flexible, and conscious of our spending habits. It allowed us to immerse ourselves in diverse cultures, explore breathtaking landscapes, and forge unforgettable connections with people from around the world.
As you embark on your own travel adventure, remember that setting a budget is essential, but it's equally important to be adaptable and open to unforeseen circumstances. Embrace the joys of discovery and learn from any budgetary challenges you encounter. With careful planning, research, and a willingness to make adjustments along the way, you can make the most of your travel experiences while keeping your finances in check.
Happy travels and may your journey be filled with both financial prudence and unforgettable adventures!
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