How Much Does it Cost to Cycle Around the World?

During my 2.5 year adventure cycling around the world, I tracked every single penny, rupee, lira and dong that I spent; I've added everything together, and can reveal how much it costs to cycle around the world.

I set off after University, doubting whether the limited money I'd saved would last until Australia. But I didn't think something as boring as money should stop me going on this huge adventure, so I decided I'd travel as cheaply as possible until my money ran out. When it ran out, I'd stop cycling, and start working until I could continue again.

First, a Few Disclaimers

I am privileged to be from a developed country where I can afford the luxury of choosing not to work for two years. My grandparents, parents and siblings are looked after by a welfare system which ensures they will never depend on me, and therefore I can be more selfish when making decisions. Coupled with higher wages in the developed world, I was able to save enough money to make this trip possible remarkably quickly, and I always knew I would have a job to return to. The sad reality is that many people could work their whole lives and never have the same opportunities.

This trip would certainly have been more expensive (and far less enjoyable!) if it wasn't for the friends I made along the way. I will forever be thankful for the overwhelming generosity from the countless strangers who made it feel as though the whole world cycled beside me; strangers opened their homes to me, shared a meal, and even donated a little money to help me on my way. I never asked for, or expected such hospitality, and I will be repaying this enormous debt to the universe for the rest of my life.

It is possible to use your skills to gain free travel experiences. In exchange for writing blog posts and taking photos, I enjoyed numerous tourist attractions for free, such as hot air ballooning, skydiving, elephant sanctuary visits, scuba diving and a cruise on the Mekong River.

Anyway... How Much Did it Cost to Cycle Around the World?

*drumroll*

US$4,195.50 (£3,130.26)

Spread across 775 days, that's works out at $5.40 (£4.03) per day.

That's also the same as 10.2 cents (7.6 pence) per kilometre.

So there you go. You can cycle around the world for just $5.40 per day. That includes every cost I encountered on the road. All visas, accommodation, bike repairs, food, tourist attractions, 2 flights and 12 boat journeys. Not included is the initial purchase of the bike, gear and travel insurance.

Travelling so cheaply is challenging and not for everyone. It basically involves asking yourself; 'How much comfort are you willing to sacrifice? On a blistering 50°C day are you happy to forgo that chilled can of coke in order to save $1? Will you skip the $5 hostel and shower, because you can camp for free a few km further down the road? If you have enough desire to travel, then you can manage with very little money, but for most people it will take a little bit of time and experience to find a style of travelling that works for you.

It's important not to budget too hard and miss out on all those 'once-in-a-lifetime' places you'll be passing. After all, who knows when you'll be back? In Istanbul, I'm disappointed I didn't visit the Hagia Sophia in order to save a measly $10, but I don't regret the $63 I spent to explore Angkor Wat, or the 3 days budget I splashed on seeing the Taj Mahal. It's a little clichéd, but you're more likely to regret the things you don't do than the things you do!

But the important message I want to share is that travel and adventure can be far cheaper than you realise, and for many of us, money needn't be a barrier. I believe I could travel for $5 a day anywhere in the world, on any number of hitchhiking/walking/cycling/skateboarding/kayaking adventures, and the awesome memories and friendships of the trip would long outlive the temporary discomfort. In fact, the cheaper you travel, the more authentic the travel experiences are, and the more adventure (and misadventure) manages to find you.

I'd love to hear what adventures you are planning? Let me know.

Stay tuned for future blog posts with tips on how to travel cheaply.