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| RTW on a Shoestring Budget |
Tips For Overseas Budget Costs And Around The World Trip Planner
An aggressive travel itinerary is a sure recipe for stress! If you are searching for the travel guide for loose or planned itinerary, you have come to the right place! Planning your itinerary should be fun and exciting, not stressful,
In other to have a successful travel plan you must build plenty of buffer time into your travel plan, and remember that it’s better to see a few places well than to skim too many places at a time while on the move. You don't have to hit every single destination suggested on a guidebook to have a fantastic trip.Your take on Paris is your take on "Paris", it is your own personal experience and journey most especially the places you discovered yourself, isn't that how places are being discovered? You may even stumble upon something entirely new and different which wasn't even listed on the guidebook! and no one can take that away from you.
Is This Your First Overseas Budget Trip Around The World?
Have you posted series of questions elsewhere and all you got are conflicting answers? Don't worry read through this simple basic guide it will help you piece your trip together so that it will all make sense
Background Research
The 21st-century traveler has high expectations for efficiency and a low tolerance for barriers to global mobility. Unfortunately, the infrastructure and bureaucracy that travelers must navigate are a decidedly 20th century. Barriers to mobility and inefficiencies are particularly notable when obtaining visas and at the airport. These obstacles, for the most part, aren’t making us safer, but they are hindering growth, job creation, and tolerance between cultures. In 2015, tourist destinations worldwide required 61% of the world’s population to obtain a visa prior to departure. This is a significant improvement from 2008 when 77% of the world’s population was made to apply for a traditional visa.
A comprehensive model for Smart Travel, one that includes Smart Visas, Smart Borders, Smart Security processes and Smart Infrastructure, will revolutionize the travel and tourism sector the way the smartphone has transformed the telecommunications and media industries, bringing job creation and growth along with it.
To achieve a Smart Travel approach, the travel industry must increasingly rely on technology and digitization to create a safe and seamless experience for passengers. Effectively, innovations over the past decade have led to a significant increase in automated technology to facilitate travel and make it more secure. With the available technology, passengers today are able to book their flights and check in online, have their boarding passes on their smartphones, go through automated clearance gates and even validate their boarding passes electronically to board planes. Such technologies should be applied to continue to enhance border security and travel facilitation.
What's more, the traveler's community has over the years posted and shared unique travel ideas and tips to help their fellow traveler all over the world and all because of the power of technology and the social media.
“We build too many walls and not enough bridges.” – Isaac Newton
The world is on the move. People from across the globe are traveling more than ever before. By 2030, a global population of 8.5 billion people will take nearly 2 billion international trips. Most of the growth will come from outside of the United States—in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Travel drives economic growth and job opportunities—it’s good for my company’s business—and it promotes peace and understanding across cultures.
But all this increased travel is taking place in an antiquated system built in the 1960s—and the strain on the system shows. Today, more than 1.2 billion international travelers go to great costs and lengths to obtain a visa, waste time waiting in lines, all with old-fashioned paper documents in hand. We face new challenges that can’t be addressed by legacy systems. The real threats—like terrorism and disease—go beyond borders and the ability of any one country to control.
But all this increased travel is taking place in an antiquated system built in the 1960s—and the strain on the system shows. Today, more than 1.2 billion international travelers go to great costs and lengths to obtain a visa, waste time waiting in lines, all with old-fashioned paper documents in hand. We face new challenges that can’t be addressed by legacy systems. The real threats—like terrorism and disease—go beyond borders and the ability of any one country to control.
We cannot confront these modern challenges with medieval tactics like building walls to separate us. With modern technologies and the right tools, we can construct a new framework for the future of travel to keep us connected and make us all safe.
source-(World Economic Forum)
source-(World Economic Forum)
Learn More...
Frequently Asked Questions- FAQ that might actually act as a guide
1. I have heard mixed reviews about health and safety of my chosen destination is it true and what should I do?.
Day 13- Have an early morning trip to the orphanage home or the sick, not what you read from an average blog but I find it quite engaging as I am made aware of how lucky I am. head back to the local market to pick up souvenirs for friends and family, when you are done head back to your hotel for a refreshing meal, rest and prepare for your flight back home.
1. I have heard mixed reviews about health and safety of my chosen destination is it true and what should I do?.
You have absolutely nothing to worry about, just do this;
Go ahead and acquire basic vaccinations for your Asia trip. Also, remember that some vaccinations such as those for hepatitis require a series of shots which are spread across months to complete immunity. If you are short on time, you can get the first two injections before your trip, then get the third booster after you return home. Also, you can get tetanus vaccinations which can last for at least 10 years, and the hepatitis vaccinations are considered to be good for at least 20 years, maybe life. Please endeavor to keep good records of your vaccinations to avoid repeating the same injection. Ask your travel doctor about the following vaccinations; all are just as useful at home as they are abroad:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Measles (you probably received this one as a child, but check to be sure)
- Tetanus / Diphtheria (often combined in one injection)
- Typhoid & Malaria (available in capsules / necessary only outside of large tourist areas)
- Vaccinations for rabies and Japanese encephalitis are only necessary for special circumstances.
- Yellow fever is not a problem in Asia.
You can also Google for more info or read more at the CDC travel website it has the most up-to-date information for travel vaccinations
2. Have you ever hiked before?
Ok, this isn't supposed to be a problem at all head straight to the previous post and learn more about this, it might prove to be an overwhelming lengthy-read but if you make out time to read it you will learn a thing or two.
3. Do you think weight is going to come in between you and hiking?
No, you are perfect for a lazy hike, find about that here
4. Do you consider yourself incapable of traveling abroad alone and are you over 18?
No one is incapable of doing anything except in the case of health matters, however, with practice, dedication and good studies you will be able to do all that you wish to achieve, so do not be afraid to take that step.
5. Is this your first overseas trip, are you wondering what you should do?
With so many travel agencies, resorts and hotels competing against each other, which by the way plays to your advantage, you will be overwhelmed with lots of fantastic adventure activities, the choice is yours for the pick!
6. Are you very stoked?
It's a good thing, after all, it's your trip or your vacation call it what you like either way you have the right to be stoked!
7. Are you nervous?
This is natural, anyone who hasn't been there before will feel the same, so it's pretty natural but a quick, reminder of why you wanted it in the first place should be enough to excite you the more!!
8. Have you planned enough?
Hmmm, this is where you do the questions and answers, are you ready, what are your goal, does your goals meet with your plans, and how prepared are you?
9. Are you planning on a loose itinerary?
This is a rough idea what a trip should feel like, but as for loose trips, its mostly at the mercy of your whim.
This is a rough idea what a trip should feel like, but as for loose trips, its mostly at the mercy of your whim.
Table of Content
Basic 14 Days Itinerary Plan, Getting Around
Day 1- Spend Time getting a good massage, to Begin Your 14 Days Itinerary
Day 2- Visit places of your choice
Day 3- Check your bucket list if you have one and start the main adventure
Day 4- Explore more places
Day 5- Visit historical monuments, museums, local markets and try the local food
Day 6- Find another good location you will like to explore such as the villages/provinces and take pictures including selfies
Day 7- Go hiking solo or join a hiking group, you can find out more on tips on Google, Lonely Planet, Tripadvisor etc
Day 8- Now is the time to try some cool late morning breakfast right after your early morning walk around the area, you can relax with a cool healthy refreshing drink and possibly a cool time to upload your photos to your email or social media, read the news, catch up with news back home, check on your family and friends send emails as well. Also, a good time to chat with the stranger sitting next to you.
Day 9- Visit the beach and go for a swim, try snorkeling or scuba diving to explore the marine life if you can
Day 10- Take a bus out of town and head to tourism locations-hiking
Day 11- Book a tour, if you are on a tight budget go solo for a few hours boat ride or visit an island, you can set out very early so you can make it back on time to book for a cooking class
Day 12- Try your hand in cooking, join a cooking class spend the day enjoying what you cooked!
Day 13- Have an early morning trip to the orphanage home or the sick, not what you read from an average blog but I find it quite engaging as I am made aware of how lucky I am. head back to the local market to pick up souvenirs for friends and family, when you are done head back to your hotel for a refreshing meal, rest and prepare for your flight back home.
Day 14- You stroll for a few hours and drink in the last view before your flight and head back to your hotel check out and head to the airport-always try to be in on time.
10. Do you plan to explore the island?
Of course, you should explore to your heart content!
11. Have you made your bookings yet and do you know how to go about it?
10. Do you plan to explore the island?
Of course, you should explore to your heart content!
11. Have you made your bookings yet and do you know how to go about it?
If you have are not sure how it is done, there are ways you can do that, let's say you wish to visit 3 countries in one trip.
You can use Google Flights to search for cheap flights
Please note: Google Flights is a flight aggregator, not an online travel agency. Google Flights is a metasearch provider—they search for flights offered by airlines and online travel agencies in their network. They do not (yet) allow you to book flights. They will send you to their partner or affiliates website to finalize your booking.
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| Sample-Assume you are leaving from New York this can be used
12. Do you plan to wait until you get there before booking a hotel?
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This is a recipe for disaster although is is a part of adventure but can be potentially risky and vulnerable to scam hotel deal!
13. Are you traveling alone?
Hmmm, let’s start with group travelers:
We’ve all heard the word “there’s always safety in number”
Remember every trip is about you and as I earlier mentioned “Your Take on Paris is your take on Paris” You experienced Paris in your own unique way, you get the point?
Ok, so for an aspiring traveller as yet undecided about traveling in group or solo here’s the advantage and disadvantage
For Group Travelers-
A group of travelers will be far less of a target than a solo traveler
Split the cost of transportation, room, and even food.
Although it is a great adventure when you have a company, it is also not the same when you go solo. You may wish to go back to your room relax and just do nothing meanwhile the rest of the group might just be getting started, and you end up being dragged along or you firmly decline. No worries it's actually ok to say no but will you be able to resist the urge to think of what they might be doing and wished you went with the group? ha ha ha (it happened to me).
On the other hand, traveling solo gives you more flexible routine and you are in control of your movement and responsible for your own actions.
There will be days you will feel a little blue-lonely, but you will get over it usually.
Either way, it will be a fantastic experience!
14. Are you scared your money won't be enough, due to the history of financial mismanagement?
Actually, certain rules are expected to be strictly observed when it has to do with the money if you want to survive the rest of your trip. You must determine how much is your daily spending ceiling
Sadly many travelers end up stranded abroad. Endeavor to make absolutely sure you don't run out of money overseas. Just apply some simple common sense practices.
- Follow general safety practices while you're on the road,
- Splitting your cash into separate places
- Do not wear a money belt with everything important to you in it (it's often the first place a mugger will check)
- Do not wander around unsafe neighborhoods
- Do not flash large amount of cash in public, that is an unconcious invitation of you saying "please come rob me"
- Always keep your belongings on your person and with you during travel days.
- Keep some cash well hidden, when passing through difficult areas, I usual keep money at the bottom of my shoe in case one is mugged and need to get a taxi back to the hostel/hotel
- Do not carry a lot of cash on you when you travel, and especially not hundreds or thousands of dollars. In most countries, there are ATMs and you won't be charged a fortune for withdrawals. Just take out as much as you need, and you won't have to worry as much about being robbed. If it happens, it won't be your life savings -it'll be under $2200 at most $300.
15. Are you certain you got all the right answers?
Would you say on a scale of one to ten that you are more inclided to make a better decision after reading so many blogs article and forum posts.? if not, then continue reading however, make sure safety is top of the lists in your plans. By the way, while you are already there do not always bury your nose in a guidebook discover your own unique spot too!
16. Have you converted your money or do you prefer to do it when you get there?
Usually, the richer a country is, the more expensive money changing is. Developing countries often want major foreign currencies like USD and EUR and will offer better rates for them.
What is the Buy Rates and Sell Rates?
When you exchange your money, you will see two different exchange rates posted. The "buy" rate is the rate at which a bank, hotel or currency exchange office will sell you their local currency (they are buying your currency), while the "sell" rate is the rate at which they will sell you foreign (e.g. your local) currency. The difference between the two exchange rates is their profit. Many banks, currency exchange offices and hotels also charge a flat service fee to exchange your money.
Currency Exchange Fees
Exchanging currency is not free. You will be charged a fee, or group of fees, each time you change money. If you get foreign currency from an ATM, you will be charged a currency conversion fee by your bank. You may be charged a transaction fee, as you would at home, and a non-customer / non-network fee. Similar fees apply if you use your credit card in an ATM to obtain a cash advance.
Some large hotels offer currency exchange services to their guests. This is often an expensive way to exchange money, only useful if you are out of local currency in an emergency situation. Why not research and compare fees charged by the banks you normally use.
Safety
Always be aware of your surroundings as you leave an ATM or bank. If possible, visit banks and ATMs and exchange rate offices during daylight hours.
If possible why not apply for a back up a debit card or prepaid card, next load some small amount of money into the cards, this is the card you will be using in your banking daily transactions and ATM's withdrawal to avoid losing your primary credit card or risk having unauthorised access on your Credit Card. Always save your receipts and keep track of your expenses. Carefully check your bank and credit card statements when you return home. Call your bank immediately if you notice any duplicate or unauthorized charges.
If you want to stretch that budget and travel longer, choose destinations where living and travel expenses are on the lower end.
Tip
Always confirm exchange rates and change a little sum before you set off XE Tranvel Expences Calculator
17. You are probably wondering whether you should book your flight before you leave your country?
CheapAir.com says anywhere between three weeks and four months in advance of your travel dates is the “prime booking window” to get a good price, but obviously, that's a great time to plan your trip well
18. Do you plan on blogging about your travel experiences, and do you already have a blog?
Blogging is not a rocket science, and your travel experiences is known to only you but you can share those scary and beautiful details for the general audience to read, in fact, you can even educate others about that uncovered village or great hike experience you covered while you were there. Plus you can proudly pose your selfie with stunning backgrounds. What's more, you can even monetize your blog for a little income to keep body and soul together.
Bottom line is your audience must come first!
Tips & Solution
Passport & Visa
Long before you start worrying over what to pack or where to go, you should start the most time-consuming processes first. It is practically impossible to travel anywhere without a passport!
Most countries require that you arrive with a visa already in your passport; otherwise, you could be denied entry and put back on the next available plane back to whereever you came from! Although some countries allow exemptions if you just show up, however, you can get up to 60 days if you apply in advance before you arrive.
Least I forget many countries that claim to have an "onward ticket" requirement rarely enforce it but it is much safer to travel with one. Also, I recommend travelling by bus or train to neighboring countries, rather than using flights, plus you get to see more of the country side on the road. And you save more.
Step 1 – If you have not decided now is a good time to decide where you want to go
The idea of stepping out of your comfort zone and explore what the world has to offer is quite an interesting and exciting move. Traveling is a lot more than what people think. I can understand the excitement of moving to a new place or exploring a different culture. Most people talk about travel without any idea of where they want to visit – they talk vaguely about places and exciting plans they wish to explore. Picking a place is utterly important but finding out more is key to a great vacation or tour experience, it helps you plan better and makes your trip more concrete. Itʼs a lot easier to say “I am going to South Africa” than say “Iʼm going somewhere in Africa.” You need a lot of active objectives and current pieces of information to work on.
Step 2 – What is the plan and budget, how long are you going for?
First of all how long is the total trip and how much does it cost to travel?
I donʼt know for sure where you are headed but– how long you are going to be staying will play a crucial role in planning your trip. Again what's your budget?
If you can figure out the budget and trip duration then it will all be easier to plan and piece together a perfect trip-plan for you. You canʼt figure out how much you need to save if you havenʼt decided on how long youʼll be there. Every place in the world is different altogether.
Step 3- Budgets Shoestring Travelers
There are other steps but I feel I should give you a better and cheaper important first steps because you canʼt know how much you need for your trip if you donʼt know where you want to go and for how long. My first trip to North Africa wasn't well planned I followed an old travel guide which was totally misleading and I ended up almost spending half of my money before completing my trip. I learned my lesson, looking back I am glad I did, eventually, I was able to help a couple of people plan a better trip and also save a lot of money.
So, planning is very important, eventually, I started making a list of all the places I wanted to visit and how long I wanted to be there, including budget. Although you donʼt need to know the exact dates you will be in each place, but you should have a rough idea, especially how long you will be staying.
Step 4 – Determine what kind of vacation you want
Budget travel, backpacking, luxury trip, camping, honeymoon or group trip– because youʼre going to plan differently for each. You can travel the world for $25-50-75-100 dollars a day, but not every destination is equal and every type of travel requires a different budget.
Step 5 – Research costs and Exchange rate
No matter what you are told by the best-experienced travelers, your take on "Germany and London" is your take on the to country, your experience will never be the same as theirs, So go ahead and research how much your destination costs at the unique travel you
want so that you can create an estimate of how much money you need for your trip. You can begin researching with good travel guide or simply go buy a good guidebook.
(bear with me, Travel "guide" link will be added soon)
The motive here is to have a rough daily estimate. This way you know how much you need for your trip so you can determine the best way to save that amount. "Don't forget to check with Exchange rate of any country prior to planning so you know exactly how much you might be needing".
Step 6 – Determine your expenses
Write down all your expenses. Now that you know where you want to go and how much you need, now you need to save. By writing down all your expenses you can determine where you are spending money and how you can cut back.
Warning!
Sample- (Example only, not to be construed as the actual trip plan-cost)
Assume am heading to "Phuket-Thailand" it would read my Trip to Phuket- Thailand- Asia
Example-if my saving is $10,000 and I decided to budget $8,000 out of my savings for my trip, my basic lists should be the following:
SAMPLE ONLY!
The StudentUniverse is another additional cheap travel site for students, thought I should include it as well.
Step 8 - Plane tickets
Getting from region to region can be extremely demanding if you are a first timer. The average cost of an AirTreks ticket tends to be in the between $3000 – $3500 range per person, including taxes. Over the last twenty years, this number has remained fairly consistent. You can estimate the cost of your airfare with a reliable TripPlanner google for a quick estimate if need be. If you need a generalized price for your budget, start at $3500.If after planning your trip and it comes in lower, that’s a bonus! have it in mind that the business class will cost a little more.
Step 9- Ground transportation And Car Hire
This includes trains, ferries, buses, taxis, tuk-tuk, moto-rickshaws, regular rickshaws, barges, speedboats, motorcycle rentals, Ox ride. Costs vary depending on how far you’re going and how fast. Taking a moto across town in Laos costs less than a dollar. Car hire in expensive cities like hong kong are relatively cheap and, might cost $80. Generally, though, ground transportation is a small fraction of your expenses. There are also some hidden cost you should be weary about, use a comparison site to ease your way through, find the cheapest deals but there are a number of policies that vary from company to company which you should consider to make sure that you don’t get caught out by any hidden costs
Step 10- Here’s how much around the world trip will probably cost you*
The general consensus from most travelers who’ve done these trips is that a year on the road costs somewhere between $25,000 and $35,000. However, that is just the middle of the bell curve. If you prefer to live in the lap of luxury, flying in business class and staying at the Four Seasons, you’re going to have to pay a lot more than that. But if you’re a lowly backpacker, you could potentially travel the world for a year on $7,000 (it has been done!).
Step 11- Accommodations
These can range from the most basic barebones dormitory-style hostel, a 3-star hotel to a fairly luxurious hotel or resort. You have the options to mix and match over the course of your trip. After plane tickets, accommodations will be the most expensive part of your travel budget. But don't worry you can start planning on $15-50 per night in inexpensive hostels, hotels or dormitory or you can head to hotels and resorts ranging from $75 to 190. If you plan on staying at a hostel, you can find hostels and dormitories in cheap areas, for under $5 and even in the most expensive areas, it’s rare to find one over $30, of which to me $30 is quite pricey for a low-class accommodation.
Step 12- Food/Drink
This item can range from roadside food stalls, street food vendors, supermarket picnicking to restaurants depending on the meal. Plan on $1.50-5 per meal per person $5-45 per meal per person at expensive restaurants.
Step 14- Activities
These are things like tours, museums, hiking adventure activities, visiting the elephant sanctuary, elephant riding. Of course, you’re going to spend money on doing things. Can range from $5 to $200 each, depending on the activity and location.
The information you can receive from the traveler network is priceless -- and unlike potential suggestions from the internet, the recommendations you receive will be genuine and up to date. However, the best information, therefore, is when you arrive and get it from the locals or fellow traveler who are there or have already been there. Or better still experience it first hand!
Step 15- Don't Leave Home Without Travel Insurance
Don't make the mistake to take chances, your peace of mind is more important than anything else, travel insurance is well worth the meager cost especially in case of unexpected incidences. Good travel insurance will protect you and your bags; most include evacuation plans in case you become seriously injured while abroad.
Bottom line is your audience must come first!
Tips & Solution
Passport & Visa
Long before you start worrying over what to pack or where to go, you should start the most time-consuming processes first. It is practically impossible to travel anywhere without a passport!
Most countries require that you arrive with a visa already in your passport; otherwise, you could be denied entry and put back on the next available plane back to whereever you came from! Although some countries allow exemptions if you just show up, however, you can get up to 60 days if you apply in advance before you arrive.
Least I forget many countries that claim to have an "onward ticket" requirement rarely enforce it but it is much safer to travel with one. Also, I recommend travelling by bus or train to neighboring countries, rather than using flights, plus you get to see more of the country side on the road. And you save more.
Step 1 – If you have not decided now is a good time to decide where you want to go
The idea of stepping out of your comfort zone and explore what the world has to offer is quite an interesting and exciting move. Traveling is a lot more than what people think. I can understand the excitement of moving to a new place or exploring a different culture. Most people talk about travel without any idea of where they want to visit – they talk vaguely about places and exciting plans they wish to explore. Picking a place is utterly important but finding out more is key to a great vacation or tour experience, it helps you plan better and makes your trip more concrete. Itʼs a lot easier to say “I am going to South Africa” than say “Iʼm going somewhere in Africa.” You need a lot of active objectives and current pieces of information to work on.
Step 2 – What is the plan and budget, how long are you going for?
First of all how long is the total trip and how much does it cost to travel?
I donʼt know for sure where you are headed but– how long you are going to be staying will play a crucial role in planning your trip. Again what's your budget?
If you can figure out the budget and trip duration then it will all be easier to plan and piece together a perfect trip-plan for you. You canʼt figure out how much you need to save if you havenʼt decided on how long youʼll be there. Every place in the world is different altogether.
Step 3- Budgets Shoestring Travelers
There are other steps but I feel I should give you a better and cheaper important first steps because you canʼt know how much you need for your trip if you donʼt know where you want to go and for how long. My first trip to North Africa wasn't well planned I followed an old travel guide which was totally misleading and I ended up almost spending half of my money before completing my trip. I learned my lesson, looking back I am glad I did, eventually, I was able to help a couple of people plan a better trip and also save a lot of money.
So, planning is very important, eventually, I started making a list of all the places I wanted to visit and how long I wanted to be there, including budget. Although you donʼt need to know the exact dates you will be in each place, but you should have a rough idea, especially how long you will be staying.
Step 4 – Determine what kind of vacation you want
Budget travel, backpacking, luxury trip, camping, honeymoon or group trip– because youʼre going to plan differently for each. You can travel the world for $25-50-75-100 dollars a day, but not every destination is equal and every type of travel requires a different budget.
Step 5 – Research costs and Exchange rate
No matter what you are told by the best-experienced travelers, your take on "Germany and London" is your take on the to country, your experience will never be the same as theirs, So go ahead and research how much your destination costs at the unique travel you
want so that you can create an estimate of how much money you need for your trip. You can begin researching with good travel guide or simply go buy a good guidebook.
(bear with me, Travel "guide" link will be added soon)
The motive here is to have a rough daily estimate. This way you know how much you need for your trip so you can determine the best way to save that amount. "Don't forget to check with Exchange rate of any country prior to planning so you know exactly how much you might be needing".
Step 6 – Determine your expenses
Write down all your expenses. Now that you know where you want to go and how much you need, now you need to save. By writing down all your expenses you can determine where you are spending money and how you can cut back.
Warning!
Sample- (Example only, not to be construed as the actual trip plan-cost)
Assume am heading to "Phuket-Thailand" it would read my Trip to Phuket- Thailand- Asia
Example-if my saving is $10,000 and I decided to budget $8,000 out of my savings for my trip, my basic lists should be the following:
SAMPLE ONLY!
 |
| This budget is for sample and educational purposes only, it should not be construed as actual budget. Build your own budget plan according to your unique trip or use the following link for a Trip Plan |
 |
| Sample only. |
The StudentUniverse is another additional cheap travel site for students, thought I should include it as well.
- Step 7 - Packing
- Deodorant
- Most deodorants you get abroad rarely contain antiperspirant; many are just sticky perfumes. Others contain whitening agents — check ingredients carefully if they're listed in English. Western brands are sometimes available but may be expensive when you find them. Also, they contain a whitening agent!
- Sunscreen
- Although whitening creams are common, locals may prefer to cover skin or carry an umbrella rather than apply sunscreen. Much of the sunscreen that you find will either be expired, will contain whitening cream, or will be expensive and less effective.
- Insect Repellent
- Despite the prevalence of mosquitoes and dengue fever in tropical parts of the local insect repellent may or may not work effectively a waste of time- get one before your trip!
- Passport Photos
- Some countries require passport photos when you apply for visas, permits, or mobile phone SIM cards. Bringing your own official-sized photos will save the time, hassle, and expense of having photos made on the spot. Any printing shop at home can duplicate a few sheets of passport photos for cheap.
- Small Padlock
- If you intend to stay in hostels or budget hotels, bring along a padlock for securing your valuables in the lockers provided. Also, some rooms in budget hotels can be locked via a padlock on the outside; bringing your own provides an extra layer of security.
- Tampons: You should bring tampons from home; they can be difficult to find outside the big cities-depending on where you are headed
- GPS & Small Compass
- No need for anything fancy, just a small ball-style compass will do fine when your smartphone maps aren't available or reliable. Or you can use your phone GPS
- Euro/Pounds/U.S. Dollars
- Always keep your money safe, if you can buy anti-theft purse and wallets and anti theft backpacks.
- Vitamins
- Public transportation and jet lag can be tough on the immune system until your body readjusts. Consider bringing vitamins or supplements to boost the immune system, or better yet, take advantage of the spa and massage and essential oils. Also, eat good food and drink lots of water.
- Drink
- The tap water in many countries in Asia isn't safe. Drinking bottled water to replace fluids lost in the heat is a good idea, any of the choices in minimarts are full of sugar and unhealthy. Consider bringing drink packs with electrolytes that can be added to bottled water.
- Travel Guidebooks
- Guide books are useful in where communication can be a challenge. Smartphone apps can also serve as an alternative.
- Rain Cover
- Our luggage sometimes finds their way on top of buses and on the decks of ferries. A pop-up storm could leave your stuff soaked, even if you're not traveling during the monsoon season. A lightweight rain cover comes in handy for protecting backpacks. If nothing else, consider lining suitcases with a plastic garbage bag can be a life-saver
Step 8 - Plane tickets
Getting from region to region can be extremely demanding if you are a first timer. The average cost of an AirTreks ticket tends to be in the between $3000 – $3500 range per person, including taxes. Over the last twenty years, this number has remained fairly consistent. You can estimate the cost of your airfare with a reliable TripPlanner google for a quick estimate if need be. If you need a generalized price for your budget, start at $3500.If after planning your trip and it comes in lower, that’s a bonus! have it in mind that the business class will cost a little more.
Step 9- Ground transportation And Car Hire
This includes trains, ferries, buses, taxis, tuk-tuk, moto-rickshaws, regular rickshaws, barges, speedboats, motorcycle rentals, Ox ride. Costs vary depending on how far you’re going and how fast. Taking a moto across town in Laos costs less than a dollar. Car hire in expensive cities like hong kong are relatively cheap and, might cost $80. Generally, though, ground transportation is a small fraction of your expenses. There are also some hidden cost you should be weary about, use a comparison site to ease your way through, find the cheapest deals but there are a number of policies that vary from company to company which you should consider to make sure that you don’t get caught out by any hidden costs
Step 10- Here’s how much around the world trip will probably cost you*
The general consensus from most travelers who’ve done these trips is that a year on the road costs somewhere between $25,000 and $35,000. However, that is just the middle of the bell curve. If you prefer to live in the lap of luxury, flying in business class and staying at the Four Seasons, you’re going to have to pay a lot more than that. But if you’re a lowly backpacker, you could potentially travel the world for a year on $7,000 (it has been done!).
Step 11- Accommodations
These can range from the most basic barebones dormitory-style hostel, a 3-star hotel to a fairly luxurious hotel or resort. You have the options to mix and match over the course of your trip. After plane tickets, accommodations will be the most expensive part of your travel budget. But don't worry you can start planning on $15-50 per night in inexpensive hostels, hotels or dormitory or you can head to hotels and resorts ranging from $75 to 190. If you plan on staying at a hostel, you can find hostels and dormitories in cheap areas, for under $5 and even in the most expensive areas, it’s rare to find one over $30, of which to me $30 is quite pricey for a low-class accommodation.
Step 12- Food/Drink
This item can range from roadside food stalls, street food vendors, supermarket picnicking to restaurants depending on the meal. Plan on $1.50-5 per meal per person $5-45 per meal per person at expensive restaurants.
Step 13- Stereotypes
Don't let what you think you know about a country from movies and hearsay prevent you from discovering the real country. Everyone has their different experiences and opinion some are both good and bad and formulates an opinion about a destination based on their own experiences.
Tip:
Arrive with an open mind, and go discover!!
These are things like tours, museums, hiking adventure activities, visiting the elephant sanctuary, elephant riding. Of course, you’re going to spend money on doing things. Can range from $5 to $200 each, depending on the activity and location.
The information you can receive from the traveler network is priceless -- and unlike potential suggestions from the internet, the recommendations you receive will be genuine and up to date. However, the best information, therefore, is when you arrive and get it from the locals or fellow traveler who are there or have already been there. Or better still experience it first hand!
Step 15- Don't Leave Home Without Travel Insurance
Don't make the mistake to take chances, your peace of mind is more important than anything else, travel insurance is well worth the meager cost especially in case of unexpected incidences. Good travel insurance will protect you and your bags; most include evacuation plans in case you become seriously injured while abroad.
Step-16- Don't Overpack
Packing too much is the most common mistake that all first-time travelers make. Dragging an overweight suitcase or backpack around can really take the fun out of moving around a fascinating country, and airlines will charge you a fortune for baggage!. I learned a lesson when I did that, I ended up giving away my unused items and clothes.
Remember to save energy, turn off the power circuit in your home, Lock the taps properly, check with your good neighbor about your travel plans so they might call them police if they suspect your house is being burgled while you were away.
Packing too much is the most common mistake that all first-time travelers make. Dragging an overweight suitcase or backpack around can really take the fun out of moving around a fascinating country, and airlines will charge you a fortune for baggage!. I learned a lesson when I did that, I ended up giving away my unused items and clothes.
Remember to save energy, turn off the power circuit in your home, Lock the taps properly, check with your good neighbor about your travel plans so they might call them police if they suspect your house is being burgled while you were away.
Remember to save energy, turn off the power circuit in your home, Lock the taps properly, check with your good neighbor about your travel plans so they might call them police if they suspect your house is being burgled while you were away.
Be Safe!
From taxi drivers, street scammers, and anyone trying to sell you something can spot a new commer; they have lots of experience. From the luggage tag on your oversize bag to the wide eyes constant and glancing at your map, you become a potential target.
Don't answer the following questions when they come towards you:
"First time"?
"Do you have a hotel"?
"Do you know your way"?
"I can help you for a cheap price"?
"Are you alone"?
"Want to exchange money"?
Traveling around the world comes with a learning curve; how expensive that initial education has to be is up to you and your decisions, apply common sense. Learn to listen to your gut and to recognize a scam when you feel one developing. But don't let a few bad eggs you encounter affect your judgment of the local people. Fortunately, travel isn't dangerous if you remember to pack your common sense in your backpack. The odds of you ending up broke are very slim. But it could happen to anyone.
From taxi drivers, street scammers, and anyone trying to sell you something can spot a new commer; they have lots of experience. From the luggage tag on your oversize bag to the wide eyes constant and glancing at your map, you become a potential target.
Don't answer the following questions when they come towards you:
"First time"?
"Do you have a hotel"?
"Do you know your way"?
"I can help you for a cheap price"?
"Are you alone"?
"Want to exchange money"?
Traveling around the world comes with a learning curve; how expensive that initial education has to be is up to you and your decisions, apply common sense. Learn to listen to your gut and to recognize a scam when you feel one developing. But don't let a few bad eggs you encounter affect your judgment of the local people. Fortunately, travel isn't dangerous if you remember to pack your common sense in your backpack. The odds of you ending up broke are very slim. But it could happen to anyone.
Maintaining a rigid schedule or trying to squeeze in too many places in a short amount of time will only drive you nuts!
I hope you enjoyed the post.
Maintaining a rigid schedule or trying to squeeze in too many places in a short amount of time will only drive you nuts!
I hope you enjoyed the post.
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Cheers Toodles
Iva. Sylva
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