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dude I’d hate to know how much i’m spending on booze whilst on the road!hahaha!
good skills on keeping track of everything so well though – I’m pretty useless with budgeting let alone keeping track of everything so precisely! The furthest I got is breaking it down per day per country 😛
About £18,500 though?! that’s heaps good skills – and you did so much too!
*massive high five*
…might be bugging you for some tips!
Chris recently posted..Monthly Travel Summary, Stats and Budget – March ’13
Oh man Chris, I honestly wouldn’t want to know how much of my “food/drinks” total was spent on booze. I know it was a lot, because it was always my budget breaker and as much as I’d try to keep it in check I would go overboard once I was past the tipsy point…lol!
Thanks for the complement sometimes it was tough to keep track of things, but I’d always go through it the next morning to figure what all I spent where. I think I did good less than $30k for 2 years on the road and all I was able to do & see I have no regrets and wouldn’t change a thing.
Hi Jaime,
I love how you said that it wasn’t luck but determination that allowed you to do this trip. My husband and I do extensive planning and make sacrifices as you describe in order to see the world. So far, we have seen 20 countries on six continents (and have already earmarked Feb 2015 for Antarctica) while both working full-time. People don’t understand that it happens because you make it happen and you prioritize. I hope you are enjoying your new job!
CKF
Thanks Carole, it really isn’t luck and I’m glad you know it’s not that as well. It really isn’t easy to make it all happen, but then in the end you realize just how easy it really is to make it happen. Does that make sense? I love that y’all have been abel to do the same. I’m so jealous about y’alls Antarctica trip. Cheers to great priorities and seeing more of this beautiful earth.
It’s a good kind of crazy 🙂 Sticking to developing countries is definitely the way to go, and trains and buses are often a lot more interesting than the more expensive flights :P.
So how long until you’re planning to set off again?
Lindsey recently posted..The Philippines’ Sinulog Festival
Oh yes Lindsey it is a GREAT KIND OF CRAZY. I agree sticking to developing countries is the way to go. I feel like you get more for your buck and are more likely to experience something you would never experience at home.
As for my next trip… I’m hoping by the end of the year I am back on the road for at least another year or longer if I can pull it off. I have a plan in mind, but not saying much yet until I know for sure.
Nice general breakdown. Unbelievable you could keep the total cost lower than what you earned in a year at home!
I also think spending most of your time in developing countries has a lot to with it. Luckily those were the places you also wanted to visit:)
Not that I don’t, but a lot of places I’d like to visit NOW are located in more expensive areas of the world.
I guess it all comes down to how much you really want to visit a place in relation to what it will probably cost you.
Thank you Sofie, I still look at this and think it’s unbelievable. I love that I was able to keep my cost lower than what I make at home in a year. I was lucky that most of the places I wanted to visit were in developing countries, but I guess that is because as much as I wanted to see more of Europe I tell myself ah it’s a place I can visit when I’m older and want to spend on a tour…lol! Hope you make it to everywhere you wanna visit. It’s all about giving and taking… just remember that!
I couldn’t wait to finally see this post 🙂
My first tought was: wow! he’s done so well compared to me.. not only for the total amount spent in 2 years, but most importantly because you kept track of everything. I had the same idea but i stopped around the first week on the road! Regarding the RTW ticket i totally agree with you. I wouldn’t recommend it unless you got all planned and don’t like the spontaneity and freedom of travel.
On a side note, since i’m travelling with a friend, we’ve never been in shared rooms so far..and i guess that is a cheaper way to go…
I was impressed that you spent so little or the activities…in 2 years and so many countries i think i would have spent much more on that…there is something that you wanted to try and didn’t because it was not “necessary”?
Today i was calculating my budget for my second month travelling and i’m so over my target! how did you calculare your daily/monthly budget? ok you kept track of everything so it was easier for you, but what did you do if you realised you were spending too much? (i mean, not in developed countries where it is obvious that the cost is higher)…did you cut something in particular? did you change your destination to a cheaper country to compensate? did you cut your nights out? 🙂
Just asking as i’m trying to figure out how to organise my next month… Unfortunately last month i had unespected expenses( they stole my friend’s mobile and mine while we were sleeping as i forgot to lock the door! so i had to replace both of them) and i also bought my flight to indonesia…
Anyway…i’d have a million questions of course but the most important one for now is the airfare cost. Did you book your flights many weeks in advance? or if you have any tactic/tips about that it would be great… I always check the cheapest airlines just as you did and sometimes i find real bargains but other times the prices are quite high anyway, and this adds up quite a lot..
well what more can i add? you did just GREAT! 2 years at this budget is so impressive! i wish i could do the same but i really doubt i will 🙂
Great great job! and thanks for sharing all the details with us.
cant’ wait to see you hitting the road again! 🙂
Oh just a note on the side…: THANKS SO MUCH for the tips on Koh Tao!everything is great and i am having the time of my life here (Lotus bar is really fantastic :P)
kle recently posted..2 weeks to fall in Love with Cambodia
Check out http://thiskentuckygirl.com, she tracks EVERY dime spent on her blog.
Thanks Sherell will do!
Hey Kle, glad you enjoyed the post and hope it helps you! Glad we’re on the same page about the RTW ticket, I mean seriously it’s just not worth it. Okay so I read all your questions and love them and since I’ll be doing my ASK ME ANYTHING post soon I hope you don’t mind that I am going to wait and answer them until then. As for how I was able to stay in budget I’ll answer now it’s simple if I went way over one day then I’d try and be under for a few of the following days. It’s all about giving and taking. For flights I used http://www.skyscanner.com I’ll go in more detail on the post.
Anyway don’t worry I will answer all the questions and I love love love that you are enjoying Koh Tao and all the tips I gave you helped. I wanna hear all about it so send me an email on how it went! I miss that island tons.
Love this and your random statistics. Great job keeping track of things…we only managed to figure out how much we spend and that’s work enough. Your two year travel costs are similar to what we’ve spent (albeit x2). http://www.livingif.com/what-travel-for-1-year-costs-2012/
Matt @ LivingIF.com recently posted..Romans in Jordan?
Glad you enjoyed the post Matt & yeah I guess you don’t have to keep track of everything if you don’t need to. I did so that I can share it at the end and let people know how affordable travel really is.
I was the most surprised about the activities — I figured it would have to be more than that 🙂
I was tracking my expenditures in Australia for the first few months and then just stopped one day. Wish I would have kept it up the entire time! I have a good idea of how much I spent overall, as I saved up a certain amount and then made a certain amount through working for 3.5 months. Next time (whenever that may be) I’ll have to keep better tabs on things.
Heather recently posted..Weekend trip to London: My packing list
I know Heather I was so surprised by the total I spent on activities too. I even double checked, but yup that’s it. I know I did a lot… like SO MANY things so I’m happy either way.
I would have loved to seen your end count on expenses in Australia since I know one day I plan on doing the same over there. If not well next time you can keep better tabs of it if you feel the need to.
Amazing, Jaime! Congratulations on keeping it so low, I envy you!
Sam recently posted..Hidden Gem: Mérida, Spain
Thanks so much Sam… and I hope it’s the good kind of envy. 😉
Fascinating to see the numbers, man. It is very inspiring to know it can be done, and done for less than what most people would spend at home, by a ton. Julia mentioned you may be heading to New Orleans, have fun!
Thanks Scott and it really is fascinating to see the total count and find out it’s less than what it cost me to live at home for a year. Oh & Julia is right I am heading to NO for just day. I know it’s not enough, but I’m excited anyway!
Awesome round up! It’s amazing how affordable travel can be. Anyone can do it at that price.
Bobbi Lee Hitchon recently posted..What’s in my suitcase?
Thanks Bobbi, it really is affordable and I hope that with this people see that anyone can do it!
AMAZING! If we can travel for 2 years for only $28000 a person we can afford to be gone for 4 years!!!!! Fingers crossed! That probably wont happen though…..you did a crazy good job keeping track of your spending and staying on budget! Stay tuned on how I do with our budget…so far my track record sucks. When we remodeled our kitchen I went over the budget, basically double and the same thing happen with my wedding ring and our wedding…Hopefully this trend doesnt continue!!
Hannah @ Getting Stamped recently posted..Meet a Traveler- Interview with Traveljunkies World Tour
Thanks Hannah, I even think it could be done for less if you are a couple because somethings you can share the cost on. I hope y’all are able to keep on track, but at the end of the day the most important thing is that you enjoyed your self. Every now and then it’s nice to splurge here and there for a bit of luxury or a tour you know you’ll never be back in X country to do again.
Wow i never knew I could travel around the world so cheap. My next goal is to save 40,000 and not come back at for years.
Scott recently posted..Never have a dull life
It’s amazing Scott how cheap you can travel the world. I’ve thought about doing the same save a huge amount then go, but now that I know what’s out there I wanna save again for another year or two then come home work a bit more save and then go back out there.
That is so awesome that you stuck to such an impressive budget!!!
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Thanks Andi!
did you ever get good massages from any of the places you were at? ( under misc. expenses)
Yes I sure did Jim, I actually got quite a few in Thailand and few other countries. Of course that would fall under Misc!
pretty cool, thank you for sharing this ! 🙂
Thanks Antoine & your welcome!
You said it all Jaime
“I bought my self over a million memories made all over the world with people from every corner of the world that no one can take away from me. In reality it’s priceless because it’s only the memories we make on this beautiful planet that any of us can take with us when we leave anyway.”
So true Paula, so damn true. Thank you, because it’s how I feel about it. 😉
Wow, I’m impressed with your budgeting skills but I’m actually more impressed with how you managed to keep track of every single penny.
Thanks for posting, it’s very helpful and your trip sounds amazing.
I’m currently on the road but have nowhere near that amount of cash, I’m hoping to pick up work along the way…fingers crossed!
Good luck saving for your next trip!! 😀
Emma Lander recently posted..How My Adventure Began.
Hi Emma, yeah it wasn’t always easy, but I tried my hardest and made it happen. Glad you found this post helpful. Good luck on the road finding work here & there. That’s the most amazing thing about travel their is no right or wrong way to do it. We all have different desires and in the end it’s up to you to do what’s best to make your travels a reality. My next trip I may have to do what you are doing to make ends meet since I know I wont be able to save this large sum again.
Great post! I’ve been wondering what the total would be. I also like that you talked about how it isn’t luck. It is hard work and just means that you have to change your priorities. Why would I want a car or a house? I can do that later.
Right now, I’m 3 months into a PhD program that is jointly between a university in Singapore and one in London. This means I’ll be living in both places over the next 4 years. Both are expensive places to live in, but I plan to save like crazy and do some regional travel whenever I can. People sometimes say I’m lucky to be able to study and travel and live in cool cities, and a part of me does feel lucky but somehow I made it to this point and was chosen out of many to be where I am so it isn’t quite all luck either.
I’m on a graduate student budget now, so I’ll definitely have to follow your lead and do my best to find the cheapest options! But, I’m excited for this opportunity to be able to do interesting research (while having some income), but also have access to really great places to visit and write about them too. Let’s see if I can balance all of those things…
chewy recently posted..Reasons why I’m not living on campus
Thanks Chewy so much and am glad we are on the page about not wanting a car or a house. I mean why now? I can have that all later when I’m old.
Oh man you may not be lucky that you are in a PhD program because I know it’s hard work that got you there, but you are lucky you are in London & Singapore those are two HUGE travel hubs with a lot of cheap airlines serving them. In the next 4 years you can do so many weekend trips on a budget it’s insane. So try and make the most of it while you are there, while focusing on your studies too and if not well just save save &save so when your done you can travel before settling down. Good luck with everything and cheers to your studies and travel.
Hi man, your story is amazing, I’d like to be able to do half of what you have done someday. Remember to pay me a visit whenever you are in Europe, you’ll have a place to stay and eat 😉
Thanks Michael so much and next time I’m in Europe I will pay you a visit. Not sure when that will be again, but if I’m there I’ll let you know! Where in Europe you at?
I am absolutely amazed at what you spent on your trip! By far one of the lowest I’ve seen. I was in a lot more expensive places than you, and I didn’t worry about every penny I spent, so I definitely averaged a lot more per day than you did. But this just goes to show long term travel is totally affordable, and I love that it’s cheaper than living a more traditional life at home. So glad you tracked all of this to share with everyone!
Ali recently posted..Introducing Beyond Vacation
Thanks Ali, yeah I know I was always trying to stay on budget. Of course I did have my many budget breakers but giving here and taking there made it all average out in the end. I’m just happy I can show people that it is doable to travel the world and for not that much! Oh & I love love that it’s more affordable to live on the road than it is to live at home!
Love your post and I’m impressed you were able to keep track of all your finances so well! “I was able to afford to travel the world for so long, because of my hard work and the sacrifices I made to achieve my goal.” So many friends wonder how I can afford long-term travel on a teacher’s salary, but you said it perfectly, it’s all about making travel a priority.
Thanks you very much Alicia, and I love that you mention that quote and that you are a teacher. I kept thinking when all is said and done and I’m actually ready to settle down I wanna be a teacher. I could so live with knowing I have so many days off during the year and then like 3 months in the summer. I’d be sure to always travel.
Amazing how little money you spent in two years of travel. We were just talking about the exact same thing with our couchsurfing hosts here in Argentina – we are spending way less money than we spent when we were still living in London! And I agree 100% – I’d always take travel experiences over a car or a house 🙂
Dani recently posted..Home sweet home in southern Chile: Following the trail of German immigrants
I know right Dani, it’s crazy that I was able to do it with this much money and yes I think travel anywhere can still be cheaper than what it cost to live at home.
Great post Never though you could go 2 years on 30K.
Scott recently posted..Never have a dull life
Thanks Scott & well now you know it is very much possible.
Wow!! You are so much more organized with your money than I am! I try to keep track of what I spend on the road but my record keeping quickly falls to the wayside. I truly admire your dedication! I wish I could spend 2 years in a row traveling. I’m doing the expat thing at the moment. Work a year, travel, work a year etc. Thanks for the article!
Karisa recently posted..My Secret Island: Escape to Koh Sichang
Thanks Karisa, so much! Well I am happy you are doing some travel even if it means doing it the expat way. So many ways to travel the world no right or wrong. Glad you enjoyed the article.
Wow, I am impressed not only at how you were able to keep track of every cent, but at how little your two year trip cost! I’m pretty sure I spend more than that simply trying to survive in my city (then again, Vancouver is very expensive) in a single year.
People who don’t travel might not understand that what you’ve spent is actually not a lot, at all… And they probably won’t understand that even if you had spent more, it’d be worth it. You may have spent all that money, but now you’re (culturally) richer than probably 100% of the people you know. I would be lying if I said I’m not jealous of your travels!
Good job 🙂
Claus G recently posted..Cobá, Mexico (March 2012)
Thanks Claus and yeah I think it’s more expensive for anyone to survive at home then on the road. I think at home you are consumed b many things you just don’t need, but at the same time the cost of living is just so much more expensive compared to developing countries. I do agree with you in that people who have never done a trip like this not understanding that this total is very low indeed. In the end I’d never trade this for the world. It was the experience of a lifetime literally. Thanks again and well don’t be jealous if you want I can help you get on the road too.
Hi Jaime!
YOU ARE TOTALLY AWESOME! I came across your site while researching other people’s RTW trips. This post and your blog have inspired me like no one else could! I’m planning my RTW trip on a budget for $43K for 14 months of traveling (the first 2 months of that will be subsidized and I’ll still be collecting a paycheck. Woo Hoo!). I am amazed you were able to keep track of your expenses so meticulously.
Thank you so much for posting this!
Hi Tony, ahhh so happy you found my blog! Your budget is bad ass… with that you can go on for way more than 2 years if you manage it right. In the end though just be sure to enjoy your self and do what it is you wanna do. It’s a life changing experience for sure. So when do you head off? What are your plans? If you nee anything let me know. I’m always willing to help.
This is so important to share. People don’t realize that they can travel and not spend that much.
Hogga recently posted..Bat Monsters of Fort Fredrick, Grenada
Thanks Hogga, I completely agree with you! I wish more people would see that.
I’m really impressed you managed to keep track of all of this. I had the best intentions but ended up forgetting and wondering if it was really worth the effort. It’s great for people who are about to go on a trip to be able to break all their expenses down based on what you did!
Thanks very much Arianwen, I’m so happy I kept on track with this. The reason I did it was because I really wanted to show people how cheap it is to travel. I hope more people who dream of it go for it.
Wow! That really puts things into perspective of cost. I thought the figure would be higher, but it shows that world travel for an extended period is affordable for people if they want it bad enough.
I’m planning on doing slow world travel by staying in some countries for an extended period of time…a few months perhaps. I don’t have the details worked out, but this is my goal.
I’m so glad U.M. I can put it into perspective of how cheap you can travel the world if you really want it. I’m glad you are planning a trip and you have the right mind set cus slow travel is the best and so much cheaper. If you have any questions let me know!
i’m super duper impressed. Not by the money. By the number of days on the road! Awesome.
sharan recently posted..the hungry well
Jaja thanks so much Sharan.
Hi Jaime,
Awesome Post,Glad you had the time of your life,would love to see how your passport pages look like.
Sal
Thanks Sal I did have the time of my life and no worry I will be sure to post what it looks like soon.
thanks for sharing your budget man and glad that you broke it down to various segments… ugh the airfare always eats a huge chunk of the budget…
safe travel jaime
Your Welcome Flip! Oh & yeah I hate how much airfare cuts into the budget.
I am planning my RTW trip and have been doing exactly the same thing, penny pinching! At times it’s hard but in the end it pays off and you really feel that sense of accomplishment once you start your trip. I will definitely take note of your tips.
Cheers~Erin
Glad this can help!
Hey I am also planning to spend 6 months in South America. I am really impressed to see how you managed. I will keep in mind your informations,
Cheers
bedouinsidd
Hi Sidd, yeah I haven’t been to S.A. yet, but am sure all this will help you there. Most of it is common sense. I think that is where I will be heading to next. For now just savings.
makes the rest of us feel so little lol congrats on your successful travels, bro! greetings from the Philippines! 🙂
jaja thanks RC! Greetings from Houston TX!
Thanks for sharing your experience!! Tks for this post and this blog as well. I’m thinking about a RTW ticket. Yes, it’s headache with fixed destinations and its own terms. Now I consider cheap airlines 🙂
Your welcome Huyen, I am happy to share my experience in hopes that it helps others. Let me know if you need any help or have any questions… I would be more than happy to help you!
Jaime – Did you rack up any credit card reward points/free flights before departing or during your trip? I know those can be helpful. Thanks for sharing your story. I wish more people understood that you can travel for a year on less than you’d spend living at home. And that it isn’t easy – I applaud your hard work!
Morgan recently posted..Travel Banking: The World Traveler’s Guide for Money Management
Hi Morgan, I did use a Capital One card to get points but I am just now starting to get into the miles game. I’m a bit behind on that and wish I had done it while I was one the road, but didn’t. Glad you enjoy my blog & it’s why I do it in hopes that more people realize it’s not expensive to travel.
Hi Jaime
Great breakdown, really useful, thanks
Can you also list the cities you went & the time you were there for?
What was your route?
Thanks
Sarah
Hi Sarah, the best way to see that would be to look at my budget break downs. I have them in order of the cities I visited when and how long I was there. I have it all except the last 6 months of my trip. That should help, if you need anything else please email me.
Great post – travelling is certainly cheaper than a lot of people realise! Quick question – Do you have a specific post about the apartment you rented in Cairo, and if not, could you tell me how you found it??
cheers
dave
Hi Dave, thanks. I actually do not have a post that talks about how I rented an apartment in Cairo. If you’d like send me an email and I will put you in touch with my Ex who can try and help you find an apartment in Cairo.
What an inspiration. I too am a jaded corporate guy in Singapore. I just quit my job and I am going to travel – Spain, Taiwan, and Japan for 3 months. Your adventure has really inspired me and I will save up for an equally epic adventure. Rock on and you will never walk alone!
That is amazing to hear Jansen… if you need anything let me know I am always happy to help!!!
hey jaime iike im really like to do like u that is my dream backpacker im planning to country not apply my visa first can suggest me about i can tibet and country have a great view snow and mountain and if i go alone it is safty ? maybe i must keep some one have main idea same like me and let go go to gold i want yeyeyeyeyeyyey
Hi Alna, it depends on many things. Send me an email and I will help you out!!!
Hello Jaime thx for u good mind to me my mail alna007@hotmail.com plz suggest me about how to do first thing before travel im most worried about loss way hehehheh when visit new place im always lost way many time and im so surprised u reply u friends every quiz so great im resprect
Alna from thailand
Hi, could you post your route?
Sarah, yes I can. I will actually do that and turn it into a future blog post. Thanks for the idea.
Hi jaime, you’re trip sounds amazing… I soo want to travel round the world but didnt think it was gna b possible on my budget. Could you email me your route? The developing countries are were I wana see.. I want to experience a different world frm my own
Hi Vicki, I will put the route together and send it your way when I get a chance. The good thing is if you wanna see developing countries you have plenty to choose from. Well not sure if that is such a good thing.
jaime,how much i envy you for having done this RTW and the most important part is to do it when one is young and the hormones are in full throttle.i still remember my first trip to iran and then to russia and then ukraine and then southafrica and to keep learning so much and loving all the experiences,the people you meet,it is indeed PRICELESS. No amount of money or assets can compensate for the lovely journey around the world ,specially if one does it before 30. Cheers,man and enjoy life.
Oh Roby I envy you… you’ve been to Iran that is one of my top destinations I would love to visit in my lifetime. It’s crazy though what we learn on the road and the experiences we have it’s all that that makes travel priceless.
But I do believe that the world is shrinking and travelling now is not as exciting as 10 years before when there were lesser automobiles,cell phones,internet and the world was much more exciting and different. Nowadays,with internet,we all have begun to look and live more or less same lives,which makes it somewhat boring. Thats why, India can be such a different place, bcoz the cultural differences ,food habits all stand out in this otherwise mundane boring world.
I am amazed you didn’t spend more on sightseeing. I think that is one area I have real problems holding back on. I can’t prioritize and want to do it all. Booze is dangerous for budgets. In Asia you usually spend less than a dollar on beer, but because of that I always go crazy and get loads. I am German, what can I say-I like my beer. 🙂
TammyOnTheMove recently posted..Going native – A traditional Khmer photo shoot
You, my friend, ROCK! I found just the info I already searched everywhere and simply couldn’t find it. What a great site.
Thank you very much Elisha!
Hi Jaime, I find it fascinating that you accomplished so much with not a lot of cash and had so much fun doing it. My wife and I have been entertaining the thought of traveling RTW. We have come to the decision that this is something we really want to do. We have 2 daughters and we want to not just live our dream of seeing the world but also sharing it with them. They are young, 5yo and 10yo, so I know it’s gonna take quite a bit more that what you saved. I’m a trucker in NYC and my wife is a medical assistant. We don’t make a ton of cash but saving somewhere over $150k doesn’t seem impossible so we decided to cut out those thing we can so without and start a strict budget and savings plan specifically for a 2 year long trip around the world, possibly ending in my house back in Dominican Republic. The only road bump we’ve hit is planning our trip, where to begin and where to go from there so that we aren’t jumping back and forth so much. I was wondering if you can tell me the places you visited and give me some advice on what order to visit these places.
Elias, so happy to hear y’all are planning a RTW. That is going to be amazing. Send me an email through the contact me form and I will give you more detials. I am always happy to help anyone out. As for my route I am working on a post because it’s one of the questions I get most from readers.