Key Facts
• The author traveled the world for 17 months with a $50/day budget.
• The journey began in Peru, moving north to Mexico, then to Asia.
• Peru was the most affordable country, with monthly expenses of $1,370.29 (July) and $1,179.96 (August).
• September expenses: $1,325.07 across Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia.
• Daily costs: Peru ($33.35), Ecuador ($45.60), Colombia ($57).
• Central America: Monthly expenses were $1,646 and $1,888, slightly over budget.
• El Salvador ($38.70/day) and Costa Rica ($33.09/day) were under $50/day.
• Vietnam ($54.23/day) and Guatemala ($62.72/day) slightly exceeded the budget.
• High-cost countries included Panama ($98.38/day), Singapore ($95.74/day), and Japan ($121.79/day).
• Japan was the most expensive, with 27 days costing $3,288.28.
• Memorable splurges: Orangutan trekking in Indonesia and sushi-making in Japan.
• Budgeting strategies included long stays, bus travel, and self-cooking.
• Some activities, like Belize’s $125 cave tour, were skipped to save money.
• Despite overspending, the trip was deemed worthwhile for its unique experiences.
Summary
The author and their partner embarked on a 17-month global journey with a $50/day budget, starting in Peru and traveling through Central America, Asia, and beyond. Peru stood out as the most affordable destination, while Japan was the most expensive, costing over $121/day. Budgeting strategies like long stays, bus travel, and self-cooking helped manage costs, though some splurges, such as orangutan trekking in Indonesia, were deemed unforgettable. Central America offered relatively affordable options, with El Salvador and Costa Rica under budget. High-cost countries like Panama, Singapore, and Japan exceeded the budget, but the experiences were considered worth the expense. The trip highlighted the importance of balancing budgeting with enjoying once-in-a-lifetime activities, leaving the author with cherished memories and no major regrets.
