How much did your RTW trip cost?

[jimlews]

I'm trying to get an idea of the cost of a round the world cycle ride so this is a question for those who have actually done it recently.
Just idle interest at the moment; no plans as such.But one never knows. Global figure acceptable (to forestall the inevitable pun!)

[simonhill]

I don't think there will be lots of round the world cyclists queuing up to answer this.

I've not ridden round the world, but do spend 5 or 6 months every year cycling in far flung lands. Nonetheless, without more details your question is impossible to answer.

You need to supply at least: route and style of travel ( camping, hotels, slow sightseeing, fast head down, etc).

You do the planning and maybe people can supply costs for legs, if not the entire route.

[jimlews]

Thanks Simon,

I understand your point, which is why I am hoping to elicit replies from those who have actually done it. Yes a variety of routes, a variety of levels of luxury/self denial/deprivation etc. Human costs. Also, a variety of monetary costs from which I can take an average.

If I get no replies, that also tells me something. ie. 'if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it'.

[horizon]

Thanks Simon,

I understand your point, which is why I am hoping to elicit replies from those who have actually done it. Yes a variety of routes, a variety of levels of luxury/self denial/deprivation etc. Human costs. Also, a variety of monetary costs from which I can take an average.

If I get no replies, that also tells me something. ie. 'if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it'.

If you let your house while you are away and wildcamp/couchsurf on your journey, save on TV subscriptions and beer you might actually come back with a small profit. The main cost is accommodation plus the extra cost of eating out. But that's true of a two week holiday in the Home Counties. There is one flight (maybe two?) to be covered. Camping nullifies the cost of food (which you would have to buy anyway) and accommodation and that seems to be the way most people do it.

However, travelling has a sting in the tail: while you are cycling, you are not working so loss of income is likely to be the biggest cost of all. It might even dwarf everything else.

[rualexander]

Depends on how long you plan to take to do your trip.
I haven't cycled 'round the world' but I have spent many months cycling in various places around the world.
But most of it was back in the 90's
The longest single trip I was away for one year - Malaysia, NZ, Australia, Indonesia.
I used to reckon that as long as you spent maybe half your trip in cheaper countries, then you could travel for a year on £4000.
I guess today you might have to double that.

Al Humphreys spent 4 years cycling around the world in the early 2000's on £7000.

[nsew]

RTW cyclists I’ve spoken to typically take about a couple of years to complete. Using that timeframe it can be completed for about $4000 living exceptionally frugally ($5 a day). That includes visas, two flights and about a dozen boat trips factored in. So I’d say $8000 to do it “comfortably” over a period of two years. Paying to sleep is a big No No either way. Take your time in the developing countries and don’t hang around in the developed countries. If you have a degree take a copy with you as teaching English along the way is a good way to boost funds. Having said all that, if you don’t know what you’re doing living on the road you’ll be back in no time.

[mnichols]

I haven't done RTW but have done somewhere between 20 and 30 tours in different places around the world and read lots of books on the subject.

I'd also recommend Alistair Humphreys books, blogs and social media pages

In his last book he travelled through Spain with no money, inspired by Laurie Lee, and busked

He is very keen to stress not letting finances hold you back

I seem to remember a lot of posts and articles about touring on a dollar a day. This might be a starting point for touring on a tight budget

[chocjohn9]

This short video might be of use:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2ZSdmID0gg

[yutkoxpo]

It really, really depends on your own standards of comfort and the amount of time you'll be spending in the wealthier parts of the world.

As said, it can be done on $1 a day or $5. However, I would not enjoy that.

On CrazyGuyOnABike some journals give cost information that can be useful.

There's always the possibility of picking up work along the way (but that can have visa/insurance implications) or carrying your own work with you if it can be done online.

[Nebulous]

Excluding flights, visas, major bike repairs, insurances, etc. And assuming you already own all the gear required.

Wild camping and food from markets: US$8/day

As above + Occasional hostels, restaurants: $15/day

Campsites and pre-prepared food (not fancy restaurants) $30/day

Also excluded from above are; entry fees to anywhere, new items that may be required, e.g. specialist clothing, off-bike transport, e.g. ferries or trains.

Above figures are guides only. It is possible to spend spend less, or more! Central Africa, Far East and northern South America are the cheapest.

RTW means different things to different people. Unless you're racing (IMO that's not true RTW philosophy) a realistic distance estimate is an average of 50kms per day - even if you regularly ride over 100kms daily. That allows for rest days, both voluntarily and forced.
Five days sheltering in a tent from extreme weather plays havoc with any carefully laid plans. As does a hospital stay with diptheria

Regards,

Jan

Nine years on the road and counting.

[Tigerbiten]

I used to recon on around £20 per day while cycling on a 4-5 month/4k-6k mile tour around western europe and/or the UK.
The further east I got, the cheaper it became.
Never been out of europe as my recumbent-trailer rig won't fit in an airplane hold without paying silly money.

Luck .........