As I prepare to embark I thought I’d outline what I’m hoping to do to prepare my readers, but mostly myself about what to expect.
Where am I Going
Houston – I’m leaving my very comfortable life in Houston and after a short layover in Tokyo will be arriving at..
Vietnam – This is the first stop of my trip where I will arrive in Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon) I don’t plan to venture to far from Saigon as there is much to explore, but who knows.
Thailand – After a short cheap flight from Saigon, I will arrive in Bangkok. Though I haven’t nothing is set in stone I know I will visit Chiang Mai, Ko Samui and attend the Full Moon Party. When where and how undetermined so far.
Cambodia – I have one main reason for visiting this country Angkor Wat. The large temple complex is a must see sight and since I’ll be in the area I’ll have no excuse but to go.
India – After leaving Bangkok I will arrive in Delhi. I plan for the trip in India to be short, but eventful. Agra about 3 hours away from Delhi is home to a wonder of the World, the Taj Mahal and that’s a must see.
South Africa – Flying from Delhi to Johannesburg will be one of the most expensive portions of my trip. However, it should be well worth it. Johannesburg is close to numerous natural parks where can I embark on safaris to encounter the “Big 5” wildlife animals of Africa. Then I will get to experience the joy of Cape Town and witness the site where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.
Argentina – This will be the most expensive flight from Cape Town to Buenos Aires. However, this European influenced Latin American city should be well worth it. Switching over to Spanish for the rest of the trip will be an adjustment, but I’ll adapt.
Peru – It is quite expensive to travel around South America especially as an American because of various visa requirements so Peru was almost an after thought because it was reletively cheap and easy to get to from Argentina. However, Lima and Cuzco have a lot to offer even if I don’t plan on taking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. However, with a city sitting at the mouth of the Amazon (Iquitos) and a raved about friendly vibe I imagine I’ll enjoy it.
Colombia – Once I actually enter the country inter-state flights are cheap. And after braving the Amazon I plan to emerge in Leticia and fly to Medellin. There I will enjoy a transformed international city full of Colombian culture before I retreat to the beaches of Cartagena where I will mount my return to the States
Budget
I have budgeted around $7,500 for this trip. It should be around 80 days for about $40 a day on average for a total of $3200. With an additional $1600 budgeted for activities in the 16 cities. And an additional $1200 for the inexpensive long distance travel and another $1400 for the expensive long distance travel.
Flights, buses, and other long distance traveling will be the majority of my budget. Most of my travel will be only around $100, but 3 flights will rack up my expenses, they are listed below.
Delhi to Johannesburg – $450
Cape Town to Buenos Aires – $700
Buenos Aires to Lima – $250
Southeast Asia reputation for being cheap proceeds it and I plan on spending between $30-$40 a day for the 30 or so days there on a room, food, and local transportation. I also plan to spend about $100 in each of the 5 cities I will visit there on activities and souvenirs.
India also has a reputation for being remarkably cheap and in my short time I plan to spend about $30 a day for the 5 or so days there on room, food and local transportation. I also plan to spend about $100 for activities and transportation to and from the Taj Mahal.
South Africa for a first world country is also surprisingly cheap. I plan to spend between $40-$50 a day for the 2 weeks or so I plan to spend there on room, food, and transportation. I also plan to spend $100 in each Johannesburg and Cape Town on activities.
Argentina like most Latin American countries is cheap. I plan on spending between $30-$40 a day for the week or so on a room, food, and local transportation. I also plan to spend about $100 on activities and souvenirs.
Peru will probably be the cheapest Latin American country I will visit. I plan on spending $30 a day for the week or so I’ll spend there on a room, food, and local transportation. I also plan to spend about $100 on activities and souvenirs.
Colombia is also cheap, but more in the vein of Argentina than Peru. I plan on spending between $30-$40 a day for the week or so on a room, food, and local transportation. I also plan to spend about $100 on activities and souvenirs.
