Idea for a budget: DO I have enough??

Hello,

I'm travelling from South America to North America for exactly 92 days.

I thought I would have saved loads but life got in the way so I only have been able to save £3000.

I got all my travel paid for already: plane from one country to another, buses in central america and greyhound when travelling in the US and Canada. I'll be able to stay with friends for about 21 nights. With all of this, I then have a budget of £30 a day. Except for food and hostel I don't plan to spend on much else.

Am I realistic in hoping that 3000 will be enough??

Thanks for the feedback.

Kadia

It really depends which countries you are going to and how long you are going to stay in each one.........as well as the sort of accommodation you want,thetype of food you eat,which(and how many)organised activities you do,how much alcohol you drink etc.

If you are happy with a hostel bed,street food,not too much organised stuff (eg diving,zip-lining,cave trips etc.),not too many beers............you can do most of the places in these regions on $50US a day no problem.

hello,

thanks for the info, I already paid for most transportation and I don't dive nor do I drink. I'm hoping to get hostel with breakfast too. Plus I took a Bamba bus ticket for central america so I do have a lot of activities included in it too.

I feel a bit relieved now, thanks!

Whoa on the relieved. Don't just read what you want to hear.

Your 30 pounds translates to $47 a day at current exchange. That will not get you far in either the USA or Canada. A hostel bed will cost you from $20-40 per night depending on location. A meal at MickeyD's will cost you $8-10. That's pretty much your entire budget gone already.

I do not see $47 a day as a reasonable daily budget for N. America.

Yeah I'm still working the money. I'm staying woth friends for most of my stay in the US and Canada. worst comes to worst I'll use my credit card towards the end. So all is fine. Thanks!

I live in Canada, and travel around the USA and Canada often. $50 a day is a joke. Very difficult to get by on that. Food is quite expensive, even at fast food joints, and street vendors. Accommodation is expensive too, $25-$40 range.

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

Yes there is a difference between surviving and having a great time, experiencing culture, good food and local attractions

Sorry #6....your suggestion of living off McDonald's 'meals' doesn't tempt me too much ;-)

Still,I agree that the OP can live on that budget...even in the US...if she has free accommodation.

Also agree that it is a small budget-if she wants to travel around a huge country(or two)and do lots of activities..and eat in even basic restaurants..have the odd beer etc.