Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > All Miscellaneous questions > Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else
Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree10Likes
  • 2 Post By mark manley
  • 1 Post By kingkoru
  • 2 Post By tmotten
  • 2 Post By *Touring Ted*
  • 2 Post By PaulD
  • 1 Post By ta-rider

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Nov 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 3
RTW - Yearly Costs?

Hi - from the DVDs 2008/2009, the consensus seemed it costs approx $10,000 USD per year to travel constantly.
I know costs will vary greatly depending on peoples needs in accommodation vs camping, route, food, bike, etc, although has anyone done recent figures on this?
At the recent HU Meet Jindabyne NSW Australia, from the presentations it seemed costs had risen greatly, especially visa's, insurance, etc.

Or is it as simple as this;

Budget per day USD Yearly Cost converted to AUD @0.75C
20 9,733
30 14,600
40 19,467 On average may be around here?
50 24,333
60 29,200
70 34,067
80 38,933
90 43,800
100 48,667

Thanks in advance
Paul

Last edited by Twodogs666; 24 Nov 2016 at 03:22.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Nov 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
Something of a how long is a piece of string question, I would say minimum of $15,000 to $20,000 US a year now, $10,000 would keep you in India or SE Asia these days.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Nov 2016
kingkoru's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 45
I agree with Mark Manley. 15-20k is more likely. But it's all up to where you travel and your thresholds. I'm on something like 25$ per day here in east Africa. BUT adding visas, travel insurance, at home cost and bike parts/service it pops up to 35$ er day. If you eat local, use couchsurfing or hotshowers and kick the booze you could travel super cheap.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 Nov 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,028
You can make is a lot simpler on yourself but it is a little more work and requires a bit more thought.

It's a matter of breaking down the trip into fixed costs that you know you'll have upfront. There are only a handful. Transport (incl shipping), papars (visa's and carnet or TIP's), mileage (incl fuel, tires and maintenance), accommodation (hotels and camping) and food. You can continue onto incidentals but I prefer to have a contingency in my budget. It doesn't have to be much but that can include variability in assumed item costs. You also may end up spending less camping and more on hotels.

Work your plan starting with getting yourself and the bikes to where you want. Work out the route you want. How many k's that route is will tell you how many tires, oil and fuel you'll use. Is it land travel or are there flights or shipping costs? Then along that route you can workout if you'll camp and if so how many nights do you spend camping rough or on a camp site. If your route is all about cities it's probably more a hotel story. In any case those are approximate fixed costs. Your estimate will become more accurate the longer you go because the variability of each item will be spread more.

There is no golden rule IMHO. I've never focused on daily cost as a basis. That daily cost thing is a leftover from the Lonely Planet days which gave daily cost estimates for lack of a better method. I've always struggled with their estimates. People used to use that book as a bible so it became norm.
__________________
Tacos Tyring Travels.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 29 Nov 2016
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Work it all out then double it.

I've always worked on the principle that you can pretty much go anywhere and do anything for £1000 a month if you can budget yourself pragmatically for the place you are. But then again, the pound is in the toilet so that's probably £1500 a month now.

Camp when you can, don't live in expensive bars, don't buy a BMW etc

Travelling in a group is cheaper. Lots of expenses shared.

Drinking and partying will burn through your budget like wildfire.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 8 Dec 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Bern, CH
Posts: 265
Quote:
Originally Posted by tmotten View Post
That daily cost thing is a leftover from the Lonely Planet days which gave daily cost estimates for lack of a better method.
Hello

It may work for backpackers, but on a bike it doesn't.

As tmotten said, the route will define the cost.
The goal is to find the "hidden" costs.

What's left is to find out, how do you want to live or maybe "just exist" day by day.
But, only you know the answer to that, just a 3-4 week trip is enough to find that out.
Note every expense and figure out how much that will be in the place you will go to and do you need it.
The longer one travels, the more cost efficient one will become, it's almost an art.

sushi
__________________
My RTW:
http://www.youtube.com/user/MrXt660ztenere
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 8 Dec 2016
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,982
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
Work it all out then double it.
Exactly this. Figure all costs as carefully as possible, without kidding yourself about the things which may not fit your desired self-image (Guided tours? Plush accommodations? Sit-down meals in the expensive restaurants where the ex-pats all go? Or maybe a/c cabins on the riverboats while all the "authentic" overlanders string hammocks on the decks....?). Then double that amount, and you'll arrive home with some minor funds to get resettled, which should be a part of your budgeting anyway.

With more specific experience overlanding on a bike, your advance calculations might become more realistic--maybe so realistic that you can get away with multiplying by a factor of 1.5 rather than 2. Me, I've never achieved this degree of realism on a long trip. Once you graduate beyond trips of a couple of weeks or venture deep into faraway continents, things tend to get more expensive, never less.

Then again, this is why the abbreviation "YMMV" was invented.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10 Dec 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,028
Dunno about doubling but definitely a contingency. Also setup costs for when your back if you want to keep the credit card in check.

Sent from my SM-G920W8 using Tapatalk
__________________
Tacos Tyring Travels.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12 Dec 2016
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Aus. Qld. Mackay
Posts: 474
Budget

I really think it costs about $1000au a week if you want any quality. Yes if you want to go feral & not tub etc for days it maybe cheaper, but I would rather stay at home then travel like this. Also what is the sense of travelling if you don't have the money saved to get into attractions or do the odd thing. I have travelled long distances up to a year & I can't get anywhere near those sort of budgets & I am not particularly extravagant either. Even Africa is so bloody expensive now, so that really only leaves Asia for the serious budget minded traveller.

Cheers
Paul
__________________
....rather Die Living.....than Live Dying !
www.globetrekkers.net.au
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 12 Dec 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,028
Africa is disappointingly expensive. Camping is $10pppn typically.

Sent from my SM-G920W8 using Tapatalk
__________________
Tacos Tyring Travels.com
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 18 Jan 2017
Oo-SEB-oO's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Canary Islands
Posts: 291
1500€ a month will get you around the world...

Your biggest expense will always be accommodation, so if you can camp a lot and couchsurf in the western world, you'll save on that. Also, it will depend on how fast you go. 500km a day or 50km a day is not the same fuel expense...

For every trip we did, from 3 months to 1 year, we always ended up spending around 1500€ a month...
__________________
Find us on Facebook or have a look at our website on wanderingsouls.be.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 18 Jan 2017
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 971
Quote:
Originally Posted by tmotten View Post
Africa is disappointingly expensive. Camping is $10pppn typically.
5000 Euro got me 2 years around Africa including bying a bike and all the gear needet see packing list: http://afrikamotorrad.de/?report=en_transafrika

3000 Euro for one year around South America including bying a bike: http://motorradtouren-suedamerika.de...en_suedamerika

1500 was fine for a few months in Asia renting different bikes in different countrys: http://schoene-motorradreisen.de/?re...ailand_bangkok

India with flights and renting bikes less then 1000 Euro. Using a tent for wild camping insted of smelly hotels and not shiping bikes makes travelling so cheap. Only expensive thing in Africa are the Visa. The less money you spend the bigger is your adventure.

Perfect packing list: http://reisemotorrad.eu/?report=en_ausruestung
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 18 Jan 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,028
Half my budget is getting me and myself there. It's all based on quotes. If you don't stress about what you ride I would also ride local.
Have any detail on what you did with that money?
I assume you had a carnet. Based on the info available for a typical East Africa route visas and TIPs alone are US$1100. Tires US$800. Fuel US$1500. That leaves US$1600 to buy and service a bike and live for 2 years! This leaves insurances and health care out of the equation. Lets compare apples with apples.

Sent from my SM-G920W8 using Tapatalk
__________________
Tacos Tyring Travels.com
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 18 Jan 2017
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
It depends so much on where you go and how you do it, that I don't think anyone can really estimate this for you.


Perhaps a better approach is to decide how much you can afford, and plan where you go and how you travel from that. If you're on a low budget, then you know right off the bat to avoid certain areas and certain 'lifestyle' options ie. camping vs. hotels, etc.
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Sauerkraut&Tofuwurst:Chapter II - a dog and a vegan dude on a sidecar across South Am SauerkrautandTofuwurst Ride Tales 73 1 Nov 2016 16:23
China - May/June 2013. Sharing guide costs (Nepal to Kyrgyzstan) sanpedro Travellers Seeking Travellers 68 30 Mar 2016 19:38
2015 - Heading east from Europe, add your itinerary / plans kim Travellers Seeking Travellers 190 5 Mar 2016 08:38
Bike & dog friendly Morocco-Mauritania-Senegal-Mali SauerkrautandTofuwurst Sleep and Eat, North Africa 0 27 Mar 2014 22:16
UK to Australia barebones costs luadraman Route Planning 10 11 Dec 2011 11:49

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:19.