Average Costs of a World Trip

Every world trip is different, so costs vary per traveler. Important factors that determine the total expenses include the duration of your trip, your travel style (budget backpacker or luxury traveler), and the countries you plan to visit.

A rough estimate from ABN AMRO Bank suggests that a six-month trip will cost around €10,000. For a full year, plan for expenses between €15,000 and €25,000. However, the exact cost of your world trip is always within your control. Staying in a hostel is cheaper than a hotel, and activities cost more than relaxing on the beach.

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Preparation Costs

The first expenses for a world trip come long before your departure date:

💉 Vaccinations (+/- €250):


In many countries, it is mandatory or strongly recommended to get vaccinated against diseases. These costs can quickly add up to hundreds of euros. Check your health insurance carefully - some supplemental plans cover necessary vaccinations.

Check which vaccinations are required for each continent.

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📄 Visa:


If you plan to stay in a country for an extended period, you may need to apply for a visa. The costs vary greatly depending on the country and the type of visa (tourist or work). Research the costs carefully in advance, as they can add up.

👤 Passport (€85):


An obvious but important expense: a passport. Check whether your passport is valid for the duration of your trip and apply for a new one if necessary.

✈️ Flights (€400–€3,000):


Flights are naturally one of the biggest expenses when preparing for a world trip. The total cost depends on how often you fly and where you go. Once you have a clear idea of your destinations, you can decide whether you prefer individual tickets or a Round the World ticket (a multi-flight package with one airline, sometimes with flexible dates).

📃 Travel Insurance (€8–€60):


Since anything can go wrong during a trip, it is better to be well-insured. The costs depend on the type of travel insurance you choose. Research your options carefully and compare insurers.

🧳 Travel Gear (€650–€1,300):


In addition to major expenses, you also need travel gear. Think of a sturdy backpack (€100–€200) that can hold a lot, a health kit (€30–€40), and possibly a digital camera (€200–€1,000) to capture all the incredible sights you will see! 📸

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Costs by Continent 🌴

During your world trip, your main expenses will be accommodation, activities/tours, food and drinks, and transportation. Costs vary by continent. Here are the average costs per continent:

• Asia – €1,000 per month – €33 per day
• Oceania – €2,000 per month – €65 per day
• North America – €2,000 per month – €65 per day
• South America – €1,400 per month – €45 per day
• Africa – €1,400 per month – €45 per day

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Create a Budget for Your Trip 💰

If you want to be well-prepared for a world trip, it is wise to make a realistic estimate of your expenses. If the costs turn out to be higher than expected, it is better to find out beforehand rather than during your travels.

Of course, not everything can be predicted—that is part of the excitement of a world trip. However, try to estimate the cost of accommodation, transportation, and the activities you definitely want to do. Also, set a daily budget for food and drinks.

Keep in mind that your fixed expenses (like insurance, mortgage, or rent) will continue while you are away. It is wise to include these in your budget. A smart traveler also includes a reserve for unexpected expenses—add about 10% to your daily budget.

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Track Spending and Budget with Grassfeld

Want to keep an eye on your finances during your world trip? Use the free Grassfeld app! Link your bank account to the app, and your transactions will automatically be categorized. This allows you to see exactly where your money is going. You can also set budgets in the app. Grassfeld will show you how much budget you have left based on your categorized transactions, helping you avoid overspending during your world trip.