One of the most frequent questions I receive is "how much does it cost to travel the world for a year?"

It's a tough question to answer. When it comes to how to afford to travel for a year, the answer can vary. Some people could easily spend $100,000 in a year, while others keep their budget under $20,000. 

When it comes to breaking down how much it cost to travel the world for a year, this is my perspective and my budget. I will be the first to admit I traveled the world far cheaper than the average person. In fact, I expected my budget to be about $10,000 more than it was, and six months of this travel was in a van. 

How much I spent traveling the world for a year: $11,500

This guide will breakdown costs & budget to travel the world on three levels:

1. Extreme Budget

2. Basic Backpacker

3. Foodie or Upscale

That is roughly how much I spent in a span of twelve months across 25 countries and 20 states.

To give you an idea of what some of the expenses went toward I’ve made a list:

• Plane Tickets
• Purchase of a cargo van
• A van-to-home renovation
• A Eurail Train Pass ($1,200)
• All food, souvenirs, clothing
• Van repairs ($1,500)
• AirBnb’s, hostels, hotels

How to Afford to Travel the World for a Year?

I worked a lot of hours before I traveled, but by looking at my blog and Instagram, you couldn’t tell.  I was a weekend warrior who took so many pictures she could publish multiple throughout the week. Through the eyes of my followers, it probably appeared that I was a whimsical butterfly drifting through the world by living off happiness and wild dandelions.

Reality: repeatedly smashing my face on my work desk and Googling blogs on how to quit my job to travel the world. Also taking extra long poop breaks to scroll through Instagram and making a never-ending wish list of places to see.

Now I know I’m pretty gritty and I do things most people wouldn’t. So I’m about to be even more honest with you: very few of you will be able to travel on that cheap of budget unless you really want it. Only if you’re ready to travel solely for the experiences, and not so you can take fancy photos of you sipping a cappuccino in a sparkling gown overlooking the Cliffs of Moher.  Think more like washing your pots and pans in a river and doing laundry every three weeks.

Cost Breakdown: How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year?

Now, before I scare you off, I’ve broken down three kinds of travelers. See what one you fit in best, and start there for your budget:

1. Extreme Budget

• Doesn’t need to shower daily
• Can camp for multiple days at a time
• Takes part in mostly-free activities
• Can poop in the woods
• Doesn’t need souvenirs
• Can live off four outfits
• Cold canned soup=a legit meal
• Would be able to sleep on a park bench if needed

Budget Range: $7,000-$15,000

2. Basic Backpacker

• Likes camping in designated campgrounds, mostly hostel-bum
• Enjoys wine and soaking up international nightlife occasionally
• Travels with one pair of nice shoes and a dress
• Would not be okay with sleeping under a tree (maybe once if intoxicated)
• Brings home gifts for family and friends
• Would pay $50 to ride a tram to the top of Matterhorn

Budget Range: $15,000-$27,000

3. Foodie or Upscale

• Prefers hotels & cheese plates
• Loves to experience nightlight
• Would pay $2000 for a music festival
• Likes to shop/will ship home souvenirs because they won't fit in their suitcase
• The thought of not showering in Paris induces a mild panic attack
• Makes food a high priority while traveling (eating out is expensive!)
• Enjoys guided tours
• Would pay $300/night for an Airbnb overlooking Oia, Greece

Budget Range: $30,000+

How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year?

Solo Travel vs. Couples Travel

This budget will also depend on if you’re traveling solo or with someone else. For me, it was slightly cheaper to travel because I was traveling with someone else, who split the costs of things like van renovations and gas with me. Traveling solo I would’ve spent closer to the $15,000 range.

I also didn’t take many flights over that span of time, which can get pricey. Adding in one flight to a place like Australia can up your budget by $2,000. There are many factors that contribute to what you’ll spend. If I can give one set of advice it would be to overestimate your budget. No one wants to run out of money six months in.

The price will also heavily depend on the places you’re going to visit. Destinations like Hawaii, Australia, and the UK can be quite pricey making a budget increase by the thousands (hostel rooms can run upward of $100/night). Destinations like Thailand, Serbia, and Mexico will stretch your dollar much further (hostels at $5/night).