A Little Adrift Around the World Travel Blog - Latest Comments in A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2017)

Re: A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2017)

Jared Chan — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 04:03:33 -0000

Wow, thank you so much. I'll definitely check out these posts!

Re: A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2017)

Shannon O'Donnell — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 02:31:25 -0000

So glad that it opened your mind to some more possibilities out there! As for rents, these are much different than the hotels you are thinking about, although even hotels are significantly cheaper than Australian hotel rates. Right now I am on a renting a bungalow for a week on the beaches of southern vietnam, 100 meters from the ocean, for $15 USD per night. Some monthly rents in Hanoi, Chiang Mai, and other places are in the $150-400 range per month. You'll definitely want to have a read of these two cost of living posts I wrote for Thailand and Mexico: http://alittleadrift.com/co... and http://alittleadrift.com/li...

Re: A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2017)

Jared Chan — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 11:11:40 -0000

Wow... this has opened up my mind to what is possible... so really I just need to save the initial flights and a bit of a buffer for a month or so... and if I can get money by working online or something... I can then just continue to live in south east Asia or something for far less than where I live now (Australia). Just one question... how do you get the accommodation cheap? Like do you need to rent a place and sign a lease? Doesn't it cost a lot more to live in a hotels for such a long time? or am I just use to Australian prices...?

Also how is the internet connection in the different countries... are they reliable enough for work... including uploading video daily?

Re: A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2017)

Shannon O'Donnell — Sun, 15 Jan 2017 22:08:23 -0000

Good question! All of your trip ideas sound incredible. For that €7,000, you will get the most for your money if you stay out of the Western countries. Your money won't go as far in Canada, but even more than that, Canada is a trip that you may find yourself taking later in life when you have more money, kids, etc. It's an easy destination to visit. You should look at picking a spot that really excites you and that also matches the adventurous spirit you have right now. My bet is on Southeast Asia since it's very affordable and also a good spot for a first-time traveler since it's very safe. Since you live in Europe, it's dead simple for you to plan another trip in the future for the Baltics and Eastern Europe. I am going to send you a private email with some more thoughts! :)

Re: A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2017)

Andrea Rovira — Sun, 15 Jan 2017 05:52:37 -0000

Hi Shannon! I plan to go on the road next April 2018, so I have one year and a half to save up money. I believe I can save up to 7000 euros (being pessimistic, because I think I could earn more) and I would like to travel for 3 to 6 months. I live in Europe, so I think I wouldn't travel, and I have 3 plans, so to say: 1) A tour including Letonia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Rumania, Eslovenia, Viena. 2) A tour in Canada 3) A tour in Asia (I'd like to visit China, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodja and Korea). How much do you think I should save to do so? Which tour do you think it's the most-doable one?

Re: A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2017)

Shannon O'Donnell — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 10:04:56 -0000

Hi Claire, thanks for writing. I absolutely think that your gap year is doable and that you can certainly save the funds for that. An entire year in Europe would be hard because of the visa situation, and because it would be very pricey. You can backpack Europe for 90 days on a tourist visa, then you have to leave for 90 days. So with that in mind, you'll be looking at other places you could work and travel. Have you thought about getting a work visa to a place like Australia? They are fairly easy to obtain straight out of school and many Europeans go there and work (picking fruit or waiting tables) and travel and save the funds that way to continue traveling. There should be good information about that online. I have a work and travel page here if you are keen to find a way to work online: http://alittleadrift.com/ho...

As for planning it all out, that's the least of your worries. The planning part is more straightforward once you are on the road, but finding ways to work and save now is, perhaps, the most important part of your plan. That work and travel page should give you some ideas. I have a ton of planning resources on the site (http://alittleadrift.com/rt..., and the working page lists out a lot of other job boards and ideas, from teaching English to finding an online skill. Best of luck! You've totally got this. If you dream of travel, then you can make it a reality with focus and determination to save the funds and work toward that goal.

Re: A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2017)

Shannon O'Donnell — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 09:58:48 -0000

That is absolutely within the realm of possible if you are limiting the number of flights that you take. Flights are usually the biggest expense, with accommodation next. So if you can limit the flights, and then pick regions of of the world with affordable accommodation (definitely SEA and Central America... South America can be pricier in areas and in the activities). Best of luck plotting and planning those travels!

Re: A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2017)

Mike De Llano — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 01:26:03 -0000

I've heard some people travel for a year in the same continent for under $10,000 USD, South America, Central America, SEA... I hope I get my chance soon!

Re: A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2017)

Claire Lawson — Sat, 07 Jan 2017 13:57:52 -0000

Hey Shannon,
My name is Claire and I'm currently a junior in high school from Seattle, WA. I've have plans to take a gap year or two after graduation to travel throughout Europe. I would like to land in Barcelona, and take the Eurail throughout most of the other countries(Germany, Sweden, England, Czech Republic, Italy, Greece, etc.) I'm aware of the Eurail system, so I will plan on buying a pass. I'm also aware that staying in hostels is probably the cheapest/easiest way to go. The problem is, it's a very vague plan and I am not very familiar with coordinating plane trips, train rides, hostel stays, etc (Since this is will be my first solo traveling experience).
Do you have any suggestions on how to make money while I'm traveling, the steps to take before I go, how to find affordable places to sleep at night (that are close by the Eurail stations), and advice you wish you knew before you started traveling? From your experience, do you think $30,000 is enough to travel with for a year(assuming I also make money along the way)?
Thank you so much for your time,
Claire.

Re: A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2017)

Shannon O'Donnell — Fri, 25 Nov 2016 21:14:37 -0000

Hi Mohammad! Suprisingly, it's still possible to do a RTW trip for that same cost. Somethings have certainly gone up, but others have gone down. So it's gotten significantly cheaper to travel in Australia, and I would save several hundred dollars a month if I was backpacking there now compared to being there in 2008 with the Aussie dollar was a much stronger global currency. Gas is also cheaper, meaning flights have gone down. So the cost of food in Thailand is about 50 cents more a meal, but that has been counteracted by other changes too. Take a look at this woman, she spent the same figure for a RTW in 2015: http://www.neverendingfoots...

Re: A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2017)

Mohammad Shahnawaz Sanjib — Fri, 25 Nov 2016 15:22:27 -0000

Im guessing this was a while back and prices of things have gone up quite a lot since then. I keep coming back to this page like I did for past 2 or 3 years..keeps me motivated when i'm gonna start mine...Thank You

Re: A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2017)

NANCIE FRITSCHE — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 16:51:45 -0000

Good article, Thanks!

Re: A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2017)

Shannon O'Donnell — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 17:21:11 -0000

To the nearest pound is still pretty fantastic. So many people dream of a trip and are surprised when they see the real costs broken down for them.

Re: A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2017)

Celt & Kiwi — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 11:16:11 -0000

I love your honesty! This is going to help so many travellers. I can't say I kept my totals to the penny, though, but maybe to the nearest pound.

Re: A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2017)

Shannon O'Donnell — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 07:59:03 -0000

Thanks for writing! So sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I love that you are heading out on a solo trip. It's wonderful that you are able to work now and save up the funds. As far as getting an apartment, that can definitely help save on costs in some parts of the world, but there are other considerations about getting a visa and such. In Europe, you can't stay for longer than 90 days. Plus, it's pretty pricey. Perhaps look into budget backpacking through Europe — you will meet a lot of others at the hostel. Then you could rent a place in Thailand, Mexico, or somewhere very budget that has a lot to explore.

And yes, working is a whole other thing. There are times that you can find under-the-table work waiting tables or you can often work in a hostel and earn your bed (this is very common). It's best to save up the majority of the funds that you will need, and not count on finding work. That said, look at the work-visa for Australia — it's very popular and you qualify for that one-year visa until you're in your late 30s. This is hugely popular and lots of backpackers work the farms picking fruit and waiting tables in Oz, and then backpacking this region (https://www.gooverseas.com/....

Lastly, it's a tough call on going to college. I am very glad that I had my degree when I left long-term, it has allowed me to earn more money and stay on the road longer because I have a degree. It really depends on your situation. You could always backpack in huge chunks every summer throughout college and then go on a longer one- or two-year adventure. There is no wrong decision, and it comes down to your goals. There are travel nursing programs that could be an incredible fit for you, I recommend that you google these organizations that send nurses for several months to spots all over the world. I've met a few on the road and they seem like they have found a good dynamic to work-life-travel. (My friend Candy has a great blog about it: http://www.thegypsynurse.com). Best of luck! Keep me posted if I can help with anything. :)

Re: A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2017)

alis H — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 21:41:56 -0000

Hi! Im just starting 10th grade, and i also dream of traveling the world!....just like you Im going to try solo backpacking. Maybe ill try for a year or two Im not sure right now...and since im homeschooled i have time have a job so i can save up money to go. Im trying to go as soon as I turn 18 and school finishes which is roughly in another 2 years...
Im trying to save up at least $30-40k in the next two years and even though it sounds like a long shot I truly believe its possible.
Im going to Greece and Italy next year as part of my school trip and so ill get to see what it would be like to travel alone.
I have this huge map on my wall and Im trying to plan out where in the world i want to go. Making a travel route of sorts.
Pinterest helps alot!
I was thinking of renting an apartment (cheap) so I can just travel through out Europe and always have somewhere to come back too... Do you think its a good idea? i dunno...
I have some money put away so I don't necessarily have to save up but it would be great to challenge myself and get some experience in working.
I want to work and travel in bars, restaurants, cafes, teaching etc... would i need a special visa for that or something?
Do think i should go to college first?
All in all my end game is to find a place in the world i truly love and live there forever!
After that ill go to university and get a degree in nursing!

Re: A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2017)

Kathryn K — Mon, 05 Sep 2016 19:41:42 -0000

Alright, thank you so much for your help! I'll be patiently waiting. 🙂

Re: A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2017)

Shannon O'Donnell — Mon, 05 Sep 2016 19:18:09 -0000

I think that is a great figure and plan. Europe will be there and surely you will make it back there in the future. 15K will go a long way toward backpacking all over. I am going to send you an email in a few days to something that I wrote — I think it will help you better play with the figures and potential budget!

Re: A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2017)

Kathryn K — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 13:31:06 -0000

Hey Shannon, so after looking at lots of RTW travel blogs and seeing how much Europe can raise the cost, and realizing just how much time I want to spend there, I think I might save that continent for a trip of its own farther down the road. The time I would've spent there will be spread throughout the other parts of the trip. How significantly would skipping Europe lower the total cost? Do you think $15k USD would be enough for the whole trip?

Re: A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2017)

Shannon O'Donnell — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 06:04:29 -0000

Well, if you are willing to travel as a budget traveler, then you could backpack around Southeast Asia for about $1,200. That is staying a low-cost guesthouses or hostels, and going with the backpacker vibe. If you decide to stop in one spot for a month or two, it can be much cheaper. You can temporarily "live" in Chiang Mai or Bangkok for as little as $600-$800 for a month. If you plan to stay in nicer places, it will just cost a bit more each month. The $1,200 is a guestimate though because it really depends on the countries you choose. Vietnam is very, very cheap to backpack, and you will spend less than that for a month backpacking there, but Myanmar can be pricier. I think $1,200 is a good backpacker average estimate if you are in SEA for 8 months or so. :)

Re: A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2017)

Amanda Calderon — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 05:50:03 -0000

Thank you so much! I also started following you on FB, your page is amazing!! 🙌🏻.
Also I was wondering how far $12K would take me in SEAsia (Time Wise)? 🤔

Re: A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2017)

Kathryn K — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 18:18:03 -0000

Thanks for the advice! I'll definitely consult my parents to set up a savings account for travel, and although you're right that I can't apply for a traditional job yet, I have a semi regular pay cleaning my grandparents house for them. Not too many babysitting jobs, since I live outside of a small town, but there are a few. I'm planning to apply for a part time job as soon as I can. Thanks so much for the positivity and support, and I'll make sure to keep you posted! :D

Re: A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2017)

Shannon O'Donnell — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 07:14:13 -0000

Hi Kathryn, it is so nice to receive your comment! I have no doubt that you can make it happen with that much time and since you are clearly planning now. Since I doubt you can formally work, I suggest you save a portion of your babysitting money or any work you can do in the summers — enjoy some of it but get a savings account and set aside a portion. Then, once you can work, if you spend your summers really working hard, then you can easily reach the 20K in the next eight years. It's even easier if you have help by living with your parents or family in the summer, then you are saving costs on accommodation while you work between college years. I know that the summer after I graduated high school, I had a job waiting tables and I managed to save nearly all of that money ($4K). I used it to buy a car, but if you put even a portion away each summer, you will surely reach your goals. I encourage you to talk to your parents now, ask for their help in getting a savings account set up, and ask for them to help you prioritize your savings. It can be easy to spend money on the little things, especially with so many activities in high school that require expenses, so with their help you can perhaps really focus on saving a healthy portion of anything you earn. I definitely think you can make it happen with savings ready for when you graduate! Keep me posted, and don't hesitate to email me if I can ever help as you are saving and dreaming and planning. :)

Re: A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2017)

Shannon O'Donnell — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 07:09:02 -0000

Hi Amanda! $12K is a good sum! It will surely get you three months of travel at almost any travel style too. Even if you have a mid-range budget, that will last more than three months in developing countries. If you are backpacking Europe, then it's a good sum to really enjoy and have tasty food and nice lodging the entire time. :)

Re: A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2017)

Amanda Calderon — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 07:01:51 -0000

Hey Shannon, your story was amazing and inspired me to travel for about 3 months... Would $12,000 suffice? 🤔