Quote: (10-05-2013 12:29 AM)iknowexactly Wrote:
There are a LOT of follow on expenses when you go to a new destination trans-continental-- USA->Eur; USA->SEA; sometimes USA->SA.
1) $1500 plane ticket
2) $50 transport to airport, food in restaurants in transit
3) On Arrival $50 transport and restaurants ( compared to eating in your apartment)
4) Buying a vehicle or spending more money learning layout and using taxis instead of public transport in new location $50-$2000
5) Deposit on new Apartment $600, or hotels extra expense
6) Money setting up apartment with cooking stuff you can't carry on plane - $100
7) Paying premiums while finding best places to buy food. $150
8) New Clothes for different climate $150
So all this could (if you need a vehicle where you're going)
total $4600.
IKE: I am having similar traveling considerations as you, Fisto, and possibly a few other guys on the RVF (regarding finding a regional location to stay for up to six months at a time and to rotate locations). Possibly, I would do 4-6 month rotations, and maybe have a trip back to the USA about every 6 months.
And, maybe averaging between 2 to 3k per month would be possible to incorporate all expenses, but we would average in the plane ticket and other estimates to the overall 4-6 month period of time. I'm gonna use 5 months as a frame of reference, just for the sake that it is in the middle of 4-6 months.
My approximate anticipated expenses would be as follows:
1) Travel costs:
a) Initial RT plane ticket $1,000 - I figure if you book in advance, and you make it round trip then you can maybe travel within that area - but start and end in one area, such as Lima - or Bankok - or Serbia, wherever you can get a decent price. Another possibility would be purchasing an around the world ticket, but that would be more expensive b/c it would include bouncing from continent to continent within the 3-15 stops.
b) Travel to a new location within the Region, about every 5-7 weeks - $300 - I am of the belief that probably, it would be good to move every 5-7 weeks for a few reasons including that the people in the area get to know you, and could affect picking up opportunities but also safety, since these are 3rd world destinations and my want to target you for economic reasons. Stay long enough to get discounted rent, but not so long that the Locals think that you are long term... no locals will really know your leaving date.
c) Other Travel within the region - $1,000 - little side trips, from time to time and for excitement.
d) daily transportation $500 - I am going to assume no car b/c cars are usually an extra luxury that is generally more expense than its utility - though maybe a scooter may be helpful. Certainly, this expense is going to vary by location and by lifestyle choice, but I am estimating about $25 per week.
2) a) regular lodging - $4,000 - if we are staying in locations for more than 4 weeks, we should be able to find places that have lodging for less than $700 per month (including internet and utilities), but I have added a little extra for transitional issues, as described by IKE.
b) side trip lodging - $1000 - these may end up being double lodging costs, depending on logistics, and I have estimated 4 nights per month at $50 per night. Of course this could be adjusted based on lifestyle choices.
3) food $2,000 - Generally inexpensive food can be found in these locations, and I like to eat pretty good food (and accordingly, I am considering $100 per week). Maybe i would have a combination of my own cooking, restaurant and possibly hiring someone to cook for me a couple times a week.
4) cleaning and laundry (and possibly cooking service) - $1000 - I am considering about $50 per week for this, though of course may vary depending on circumstances, including whether it is included in rent
5) entertainment - $2,500 - I am really not very much into clubbing and night life; however, I estimate $500 a month for entertainment because I may want to partake in some nightlife, scuba diving or some outdoor recreation activity, which may involve me paying some of the expenses for girls, too. No I am not planning any P4P.
6) gym membership - $150 – maybe $30 per month… and some variation?
7)personal hygiene items and prescription drugs - $200 - possibly averaging about $40 per month for various items
8)clothing - $150 - I am not much into expensive clothing, but I may need to buy items from time to time, even to replace items in my wardrobe or what I may have not brought.
9) household items - $150 – maybe this would vary somewhat and may be offset in other areas and even possible resale after the trip.
10) Misc. $150 – there is always going to be some items that never really thought about.
1000
300
1000
500
4000
1000
2000
2500
150
200
150
150
150
___________
Total: I added this up and it is $13,100 / 5 months =
$2620 per month
Let me know what you guys think, and if you think these are realistic calculations and if I may have left something important out of the calculation.