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Intro: Let’s Talk Money

G’day! I’m Mikki, your favourite Aussie solo traveller who recently swapped her 9-to-5 for a globe-trotting life filled with random bus rides, questionable street food and endless hostels. If you’ve ever wondered what it really costs to live out of a backpack and chase horizons, you’re in the right place. Today I’m sharing my complete budget breakdown full-time travel style: how much I shell out each month on accommodation, transport, food and everything in between.

I’ll keep it real—no sugar-coating or “you’ll save a fortune by eating air” nonsense. Think of this as two friends over coffee comparing bank balances, except I’ll also slip in a few handy links to services I actually use. Ready? Let’s dive in.

Why I Track Every Cent on the Road

Full-time travel can feel romantic on Instagram, but behind every sunset pic is a spreadsheet full of numbers. Tracking your spend means you’ll know exactly when you need to rein in that daily cocktail habit or hunt down a cheaper sleeper train. It also lets you spot patterns—like how you always overspend on tours when you arrive in a new country jet-lagged and wide-eyed.

For me, tracking costs isn’t about guilt-tripping or restrict-yourself-into-sadness. It’s about freedom: the freedom to stay longer in that dreamy beach town, or divert to a festival you’d otherwise skip because “you can’t afford it.” And yes, admitting my true monthly spend helps me plan my next move instead of blindly hoping my bank account will hold up.

Accommodation: Where I Crash (and Nap)

Accommodation is usually the biggest line item in my budget. Depending on the region, I bounce between hostels, budget hotels and occasional private rooms. Here’s how I keep that cost down without sacrificing my sanity.

• Hostels: I use Hostelworld to book dorm beds. On average, I pay anywhere from AUD 10 to AUD 30 per night in Southeast Asia or Eastern Europe, and around AUD 40 in Latin America. Dorm life keeps costs low and social opportunities high.

• Private Rooms: When I need a bit more privacy—say, after a sleepless overnight bus—I grab a cheap private room via the same booking platforms. This ups my accommodation budget by about 20–30 percent, but it’s worth it when you’re jet-lagged and grumpy.

• Workaway & Volunteering: Occasionally I swap a few hours of volunteering for a bed and meals. This lowers my average nightly spend to almost zero, though I use it sparingly because I still want to explore.

Average Monthly Accommodation Spend: AUD 600–800

Transport: From Budget Buses to Flights in the Sky

Getting from A to B is addictive—each bus, train or flight adds a little thrill. But prices can skyrocket if you’re not careful. Here’s how I keep wheels turning without breaking the bank.

• Local Buses & Trains: I’m a fan of overnight trains and sleeper buses. They kill two birds with one stone: you travel and save on a night’s accommodation. Expect to pay AUD 15–50 per journey, depending on distance and region.

• Budget Flights: When distances are too vast, I hunt for cheap flights with clever planning. Booking a couple of months in advance and flying mid-week can shave off serious dollars. I often use regional budget carriers and sign up for fare alerts.

• E-SIM & Data: Staying connected is crucial for booking tickets on the go. I rely on Airalo for e-SIM data packages that save me from paying roaming charges. A 5GB pack in Europe might cost me around AUD 15, which works out cheaper than buying local SIMs everywhere.

• Ride-Sharing & Apps: In cities, I often grab a budget ride-share or local taxi app. It’s tempting to choose the comfort over public transit, but I limit this to short distances or late-night arrivals for safety.

Average Monthly Transport Spend: AUD 300–450 (including occasional flights)

Food & Drink: Eating Like a Local, Not a Tourist

One of the best parts of travel is sampling local cuisine. But eating at touristy restaurants every day can blow your budget. Here’s my tasty yet thrifty approach.

• Street Food & Markets: In Asia and Latin America, street eats cost me AUD 2–5 per meal. Markets are goldmines for fresh fruits, dumplings, tacos or pad thai. Cheap, delicious and you get a real taste of local life.

• Cook in Hostels: If I’ve got access to a hostel kitchen, I’ll whip up a quick pasta or stir-fry. Bulk pasta, canned tomatoes and local veggies might cost me AUD 5–8 per meal if I split it with a roommate.

• Budget Restaurants: Once in a while I treat myself to a sit-down meal. I’ve learned to look for lunch specials and set menus—often half the cost of à la carte dinners.

• Coffee & Treats: I’m not about to give up my daily flat white. In most countries, coffee runs me anywhere from AUD 2 to AUD 5. I budget for one or two coffees a day, depending on local prices.

Average Monthly Food & Drink Spend: AUD 500–600

Insurance & Sim Cards: Safeguarding My Sanity

You might be thinking “insurance is a waste of money”—until you’re stuck in a hospital halfway across the world. I never travel without a solid policy.

• Travel Insurance: I use SafetyWing for ongoing coverage. It’s designed for digital nomads and long-term travellers, with monthly premiums around AUD 40–60 depending on your age and plan. Worth every penny for peace of mind.

• eSIM & Local SIM: I subscribe to a new Airalo data pack when I cross regions. It’s often cheaper than hunting down a local SIM and waiting in line at a tiny shop with no WiFi.

Average Monthly Insurance & SIM Spend: AUD 70–80

Extras: Tours, Laundry and Random Splurges

No life is completely budget-obsessed. I leave room for spontaneous adventures and practical necessities.

• Day Tours & Activities: Every now and then I book a guided tour—like snorkeling trips, cooking classes or walking tours. These cost me around AUD 20–80 per activity. I hunt for deals on sites like GetYourGuide or Viator if I’m feeling organised.

• Laundry: Hostel machines usually charge AUD 2–4 per load. I factor in about four loads a month for AUD 10–15 total.

• Toiletries & Health: Budget a small pad for toothpaste, sunscreen or that emergency headache tablet. Roughly AUD 20–30 a month.

• Unexpected Costs: Budget travellers know to expect the unexpected—medical co-pays, visa fees, ferry cancellations or equipment replacement. I set aside a safety buffer of AUD 100–150 for random curveballs.

Average Monthly Extras Spend: AUD 150–250

Monthly Budget Breakdown Full-Time Travel: The Numbers

Here’s a quick snapshot of my average monthly spend when I’m on the road full-time. Your numbers might differ depending on destinations, travel style and personal preferences, but this is a realistic baseline.

• Accommodation: AUD 700
• Transport: AUD 375
• Food & Drink: AUD 550
• Insurance & SIM: AUD 75
• Extras (tours, laundry, buffer): AUD 200

Total Average Monthly Spend: AUD 1,900

Not too shabby, right? For under AUD 2,000 a month, you can live a life of adventure, meet fascinating people and fuel your wanderlust—without mortgaging your future.

Conclusion: Embrace the Planner in You

There you have it—my budget breakdown full-time travel edition. Tracking every dollar doesn’t kill the magic; it actually frees you up to enjoy the spontaneous moments that make travel unforgettable. Whether you’re dreaming of backpacking Southeast Asia, exploring the Balkans or island-hopping in Central America, knowing your monthly cost is key.

If you found this breakdown helpful, go ahead and bookmark it. Feel free to click through those affiliate links—they help keep my blog running and might get you a small discount. Safe travels, and may your budget spreadsheets always balance (or at least show you’re only dangerously close to overspending).

Cheers,
Mikki the Budget-Savvy Wanderer