Embracing the Freedom of Long-Term Travel
After years of dreaming, I finally took the leap and embarked on an 18-month journey across 12 countries in Asia and six in South America. The total cost of my adventure? A mere $34,563.38. To make the most of my experience, I meticulously tracked every penny I spent, from flights and accommodations to food and activities.
Living Frugally Before the Trip
Before setting off, I lived extremely frugally in LA and NYC, renting small spaces in uncool parts of town and sharing with roommates. I limited my dining out to a couple of times a week and made coffee at home, unless I was working from a café. This allowed me to save up for my trip and make the most of my budget.
Breaking Down My Expenses
So, where did my money go? Here’s a breakdown of my expenses by category:
Gear and Essentials
I spent $1,263.72 on gear and essentials, including a suitcase, packing cubes, cargo pants, hiking shoes, and water shoes. In retrospect, I should have focused on packing items that can’t easily be found elsewhere, like my favorite brand of mosquito repellent.
Accommodations
I craved the comfort of my own space at the end of a long day exploring, so I opted for mid-range hotels with breakfast, averaging $20 to $25 per night. I found great value in hotels like Chandi Hotel in Bali, Indonesia, and Hoianian Central Villa in Hoi An, Vietnam.
Flights and Transportation
I took 40 flights during my trip, in economy class with checked luggage, totaling $4,885.14. I also used about 200,000 credit card miles to cover some of my flights. When I didn’t fly, I took buses, vans, or bullet trains, which cost between $10 to $20 for three-to-seven-hour journeys.
Food and Drink
I never prepared my own food, instead opting for charming mid-range restaurants and vibrant night markets. I usually paid $7 to $10 for an entrée and non-alcoholic drink. My favorite go-to spots included Temple Coffee in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and Milu by Nook in Bali. I also indulged in fancy lattes at trendy cafés for about $2.
Activities and Tours
I took 25 guided eight-hour tours in Southeast Asia and South America, each costing about $20. The most memorable include island hopping and swimming in turquoise waters in Thailand and chasing waterfalls and running through rice paddies in Bali.
Health and Wellness
I spent $1,263.72 on traveler’s health insurance, which would cover up to $100,000 in expenses in case of an accident or illness. I also paid $563 for travel vaccines, including for yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A, and Japanese Encephalitis.
Clothing and Souvenirs
I mostly shopped at hole-in-the-wall boutiques or vendors set up on the street, where there are no price tags and it’s all about bargaining. I ended up paying $34 per dress for custom-made Vietnamese silk dresses in Hoi An.
Visas and Miscellaneous
I occasionally indulged in luxuries I almost never spend money on in the U.S., like gel manicures for about $15 and massages for $5 to $10. I also regularly stocked up on toiletries, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.
A Shift in Perspective
Living abroad showed me that I have enormous purchasing power in most of the world. I’m not a helpless victim of inflation and the soaring cost of living in the U.S. Actually, I’m extremely privileged and lucky. This experience helped me shift from a mentality of scarcity and helplessness to one of abundance and gratitude. It reminded me of how rich I am and how much I have to be thankful for.
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