Not missing out on activities because I didn’t save enough money: that was my main goal while saving for the trip. A great prospect, but I really had no idea how much money I needed to save for a six-month trip through Asia. Eventually, I left with a budget of 10,000 euros, which ended up with a total expenditure of 10,500 euros. A pretty good estimate, right? In this article, I’d like to share the step-by-step plan I used so you’ll know exactly what your bank account can expect after an unforgettable trip!
“You arrived at your destination”
It sounds obvious: the destination of your trip. However, this can have a significant impact on your budget. For example, three months of backpacking through Australia will cost much more than traveling through Southeast Asia. To get an estimate of the costs, it’s helpful to start by making a list of the countries you want to visit. That’s step 1!
An Endless Journey
How exciting! The destination of your trip is known. Now that you know which country or countries you will visit, it’s important to estimate the duration of your trip. There is so much to see and do all over the world. Step 2 is to create a travel itinerary for each country. How much time do you need per country, and which places do you absolutely not want to miss? This way, we eventually create a complete picture!
Tip: We stayed about a month in each country. This way, you have enough time to explore the country at your own pace, stay longer with your new friends, or visit extra places. We found this ideal!
WIDGET TRAVEL GUIDE PER LAND
Visa or Arrival Card
For most countries in Asia, you don’t need to pay for a visa. A free arrival card is generally sufficient, although this does not apply to countries like Indonesia and Vietnam. Want to quickly and easily apply for an arrival card for your trip through Asia? Read more here.
“Catch flights…”
To save costs, it’s best to book your flight to your starting destination six months in advance. Are you going away for an indefinite period? Then you’ll initially only need a one-way ticket. However, keep in mind that you will eventually need a return flight to get home. Before you know it, you’ll be stranded on an island full of palm trees and surrounded by turquoise water because you ran out of money for a flight home. Not too bad either!
Tip: Looking for the cheapest flight? We always searched with Skyscanner and then booked on the official site.
Additionally, it’s important to research how to travel from place to place in each country. In Vietnam, you can easily travel by train or sleeper buses. In the Philippines, it’s more challenging, and you’ll need to take several domestic flights to island-hop.
Tip: How do you get from A to B? Use 12go ASIA to enter your destinations. This way, you know exactly which bus, boat, or train you can take! You can also book directly through the site.
Time to Sleep
The prices you can expect for accommodations depend on your travel style. Are you traveling alone and like to meet people in hostels? Then you can save a lot of money here. I traveled with my boyfriend, and we quickly concluded that it was cheaper for us to book a private room in a hostel. We paid per room, whereas in a dorm, we paid per bed. The choice was quickly made!
Here’s an estimate of what you can expect to pay per night for accommodation (dormitory in Asia):
- Thailand: €4.55 – €9.10
- Vietnam: €3.64 – €7.28
- Cambodia: €2.73 – €6.37
- Laos: €4.55 – €7.28
- Indonesia: €4.55 – €9.10
- Philippines: €5.46 – €10.92
- Malaysia: €5.46 – €9.10
- Sri Lanka: €4.55 – €9.10
*These estimates are average prices and can vary depending on location, season, and hostel facilities. Occasionally need more luxury? Then keep in mind that you’ll spend more on accommodation.
WIDGET HOSTELS
Food & Drinks
Asia is known for its cheap, delicious food. No wonder many backpackers travel to the largest continent in the world. Estimating food costs was the hardest for me, but in practice, we spent about 10 to 20 euros per person per day on food. This included a mix of street food, fancier restaurants, and three meals a day.
Tip: Traveling to Thailand? Enjoy the delicious toasties at 7-Eleven!
Cocktail by the pool? Then it’s important to reserve some extra money for that.
Activities & Sightseeing
Although you can reasonably estimate costs for accommodations and flights, there are always extra costs for activities and sightseeing. Make an estimate of the larger activities you definitely want to do and save extra budget for spontaneous expenses.
SIM Card
To save significantly on costs while staying online, it’s wise to buy a local SIM card. Don’t do this at the airport, where SIM cards are much more expensive. In Thailand, you can easily buy a SIM card at 7-Eleven. The cost of a SIM card can vary based on the amount of data and the number of days. We bought a SIM card for an average of 12 euros per country, for 30 days. Curious about which provider is suitable for your destination? Check it here!
Tip: Make sure you have your passport handy for the activation of the SIM card.
Vaccinations
Something I wasn’t quite aware of while planning the trip is vaccinations. In many cases, these are not covered by health insurance, but this doesn’t make them any less important. So, don’t forget to set aside some extra money for this. Curious about which vaccinations you need? Check it here.