So, the two most common questions I get when I tell people my story is first “why” and second “can it really be done on $55 a day”?
Not wanting to answer a question with a question but the answer to the first one is simple – why not? I can… I am a seasoned traveler, Love trying new/strange food, drink, cultures – meeting people and experiencing everything and anything that comes pass me. I have the financial means with money in my investments & 100% debt free – with no wife or kids. I quit my career and sold my house, my car and put the little bit of personal “stuff” I want to keep in storage. I do not have anything to keep me from going. I am healthy and able-bodied so again “why not”?
As for the financial means and the answer to the second question – I just flew from Kraków Poland to Crete Greece on RyanAir for US$43 (now caveat I only have a single carry-on 10 kg pack with me, I do not pick my seat in advance, do not buy their insurance and check in online and in advance – all of which saves money, all this keeps the cost is considerably low).
I will be on this island for five days, my Airbnb is in an amazing location I step out the door in the my own little courtyard covered in bougainvillea flowers and poinsettias – look to the left through the gate and I can see the ocean, all I have to do is walk across the courtyard and across a sleepy two lane street and my feet are in the sea. I have a full kitchen with stovetop, refrigerator, microwave, a hot shower and toilet, a comfortable bed and air-conditioning, if I want, but with the windows open it’s not needed. All this is costing me $23 US per night. Right now, I am at Sabatini’s restaurant which is been at this beach location since 1945. I just had the most amazing Cretan mountain greens, a big plate of grilled fresh sardines (one of the things this island is known for) & a 500ml local beer. I am so close to the ocean that I can spit the Greek olives pits into the water. And this meal which I enjoyed for 2 1/2 hours cost €13. The bus from the airport to the city center cost five €4.50 and the transfer to my flat was €1.10.
I have been walking on average around 5 miles per day (yesterday I did over 7 miles). Drinks last night on the beach at Aminas Beach Bar was €10 (including a few free shots with the owner).
If I continue to eat and drink the same way the rest of the week, I will average $52 a day. Now this is still Greece where I expect it to be a little bit more expensive. Iceland and Norway were way over budget averaging closer to $96-$120 a day. Yet in the Eastern Bloc, South America, India and Southeast Asia will more than make up for it – yes, I will do this on $55 a day. Also, there are home stays, couch surfing, Pet sitting & farm working – all for free if I want. It Is A Good Life…
