Europe Costs: The Final Figures

Well it's almost been a month between posts, but we have been exceptionally busy... As I write this, I'm sitting under a circling fan in our 1 bedroom apartment on Calle 102 Norte, Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. That's right - after an incredible 9 months of traveling, volunteering, sightseeing and partying throughout Europe; it was time to move on.

We loved Europe, but it was time to move on

As beautiful as the European winters can be, we were both craving some sun on our skin and some cool sea breezes. But more importantly, we knew that Europe alone could easily provide enough to see and do for an entire year - so if we didn't move on we could quite possibly exhaust our budget (and ourselves).

We had also used all of the time our Schengen Visas would allow, which meant that even if we had wanted to re-enter Europe we would need to travel via non-Schengen countries until May 2014 at the earliest.

So the decision was made to hightail it to Mexico, largely because this provided us with a cheap way to enter Central America from the UK (by flying into Mexico and traveling overland) and if we departed the UK in early March, we avoided the subsequent Spring Break mayhem (which is not only popular amongst American college students apparently).

We scored a great deal on flights thanks to Thomas Cook Airlines (one of the primary carriers for flights between the UK, Mexico and The Caribbean) and on the 4th March 2014 - exactly 9 months from when we first arrived in Europe - we departed for the sun-drenched shores of Cancun, Mexico.

One of the first things I did before our departure from the UK was to reconcile all of our spending in Europe over the past 9 months. As I'd been dutifully logging all expenses in a calendar this was a relatively easy task, as I simply added up the total spent in all the countries that we visited.

So - which were the cheapest countries in Europe, and how much did we average per day?

Budgeting in Bonnie Scotland

Urquhart Castle with views over Loch Ness

So we've just concluded our jaunt through the Republic of Ireland and the UK with two whirlwind weeks in bonnie Scotland; a land renowned for rolling green hills, kilt-wearing bagpipers and crumbling castle ruins. Whilst no cheaper than its Irish or British neighbours (we still averaged about AUD$50/ day each) it nonetheless offered plenty for a budget traveler to see and do, with spectacular coastlines and a vibrant cultural scene accessible to all.

Having said that, it did help to do our homework. Because a bit of research can translate into big savings, particularly in regards to transport and accommodation. That doesn't mean you have to book every detail of your trip in advance (especially in winter, when you may have to deal with unforeseen weather conditions), but just a little foresight and planning will make a real difference to your spending.

So here are my tips for getting aboot the majestic Scotland or the picturesque Emerald Isle on the cheap:

The Luck of The Irish

Following our budget-busting week in London we threw on our backpacks once again and departed Britain for its eye-wateringly expensive neighbour - the beautiful and timeless Ireland.

Ireland moves at a different pace

From the second we emerged from our cost-friendly (but 12+ hour long) coach and ferry journey, we noticed the change of pace.

Whereas London had been typically manic and full of people rushing to get somewhere, Dublin felt positively languid. Shopkeepers conversed with their customers, inquiring after their family and their health. Bus drivers greeted us warmly and gave directions to our accommodation. People stopped to help mothers manoeuvring large prams, or to assist elderly patrons board the bus... It all just felt so warm and welcoming.

And before anyone accuses me of perpetuating Irish stereotypes, such behaviour has been consistent throughout our journey which has thus far included Dublin, Belfast, Derry, Galway, Cork and Killarney. They're just such a friendly bunch of people! And I, for one, am soaking up their hospitality like a sponge.

Mind the Gap: Penny-pinching in London

It's been a few years
since I lived in London

Last week I returned to London for the first time in four years. I'd spent two years living in England's capital city from 2008 to 2010, before moving to Melbourne with a former partner. Going back was a bit like reuniting with said ex-partner: I'd felt a tad nostalgic for "the good ol' days"; I wondered if things had changed... and whilst my first few days felt promising and it seemed as if we'd both moved forward, inevitably I was reminded why it didn't work the first time around.

That's not to say that London isn't a fabulous city. It most definitely is. I just realised over the eight days I was there that my 31-year-old self is far different to the idealistic 25-year-old that jumped on a plane to Heathrow within days of graduating from university.

You see, back then it was all about my career. I lived to work. Within days of stepping off the plane in London I had secured an interview with the BBC, within two weeks I was walking their halls in my first ever TV job. And I didn't look back (well, until last year when my career came to a screeching halt as I departed on this round-the-world sabbatical).