Apparently no one on these forums has any idea of how to 'slum it' appropriately... If OP is often staying with friends in U$A and Canada, that cuts down significantly on costs of accommodations, and there may even be some free meals thrown in there, as well. McD's meals can cost as little as $4.00, but that is eating solely off the dollar menu, as I have been apt to do, and will continue to! :)
Most countries in Central America are CHEAP, as are Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru [but not nearly as much as C.A.]. Hostels can run b/n $3-$15 ( I stayed in one in Guatemala, that was simply hammock space, for $2USD); the higher-end ones generally include breakfast. Taking all this into account, and the fact that they already have most transportation costs taken care of, the ability to go slightly to significantly UNDER budget while in the lands south of Amerika will allow the budget to go UP while in the States, right? Righto!
So... I would say it's all good, and I'm jealous of your excursions. :) I would also say that Amerika has more mighty fine fields, forests, farms, and otherwise uninhabited areas in which one could 'camp,' for FrEe. Somehow, I manage to hitch across country with nooo money in my pockets, on occasion, and it all goes along swimmingly. :) Don't listen to the naysayers; as long as you're money-conscious, you'll be FINE, and have a GLORIOUS time!!
Namaste, Blessed Be,
~ melissA
