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Title: How I Traveled the World for 18 Months on a Budget of $34,563
I quit my job in 2022 to fulfill my dream of traveling the world full-time for a year and a half. I spent exactly $34,563.38 on my journey through 12 countries in Asia and six in South America. I tracked every penny I spent, from a $600 flight to a 50-cent trip to the bathroom.
My average monthly budget was around $1,920, which is similar to what I spent living frugally in LA and NYC. I made sacrifices to save for my trip, such as renting in uncool parts of town and living with roommates in small spaces for five years.
I spent 1.5% of my budget on pre-trip supplies, including a suitcase, packing cubes, and clothes. In retrospect, I wish I had focused on packing essentials that can’t be easily found elsewhere.
Accommodation was my largest expense, accounting for 31% of my budget. I typically spent $20-25 per night for a comfortable mid-range hotel with breakfast. However, there were outliers, such as a $9 per night hotel in Da Nang, Vietnam.
Transportation was my second-largest expense, at 23% of my budget. I took 40 flights, which cost around $50-100 for short flights and $100-300 for longer flights. I also used 200,000 credit card miles to cover some flights.
Food and beverage costs accounted for 20.5% of my budget. I rarely cooked and instead ate at mid-range restaurants and night markets, where meals typically cost around $2.50-6. I also splurged on fine dining and coffee.
Sightseeing and healthcare costs made up 7.5% and 6% of my budget, respectively. I spent $1,263.72 on traveler’s health insurance and $563 on travel vaccines.
I also spent 5.5% of my budget on discretionary shopping, including clothes, souvenirs, and gifts. I mostly shopped at hole-in-the-wall boutiques and vendors, where I could negotiate prices.
Visas and personal care costs accounted for 2.5% and 2% of my budget, respectively. I occasionally indulged in luxuries, such as gel manicures and massages, which cost around $15-10.
Entertainment costs were minimal, at 0.5% of my budget. I mostly spent money on entry fees to nightclubs, arcade games, and hookah with friends.
Throughout my journey, I learned that I have enormous purchasing power in most of the world. I shifted from a mentality of scarcity and helplessness to one of abundance and gratitude, and I realized that I am more than enough.