Travel Challenge

Budget Travel In A Nutshell

Travel is expensive, whether it be undertaken internationally or local. No matter the difference you will face costs that come from accommodation, food, activities and the mode of transport undertaken during the travels. This is when people turn to do travel on a budget, finding ways that they can cut costs down.

Budget travel is an important part of the world economy. It is a growing market and was estimated to be worth $3.5 trillion in 2020, despite being plagued with the pandemic. There are many reasons for this growth, but one of the most important ones is that people want to explore and see more of the world without breaking their bank accounts.

New Zealand Travel On A budget?

For this example, New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It's a place where you can find everything from beaches to glaciers, mountains to lakes. It has an incredible variety of landscapes, wildlife and culture. New Zealand is a relatively small country but it packs a lot into its borders. It's not just about pretty scenery either - New Zealanders are some of the friendliest people in the world and they take pride in their culture and heritage.

New Zealand has a lot to offer for people who are looking to travel on a budget. There are many destinations only a few hour's drive from each other, as well as beaches where you can enjoy the sun and surf. You can also go hiking or bungee jumping if you want some adventure in your trip, the costs varying from different companies. Although through a quick Google search you will be able to find any deals and save some extra money that could go towards a restaurant meal rather than a date in the Mc Donald's drive-through.

The tourism industry has marketed the beauty of the country for international visitors to come and enjoy. Most of these activities that are highlighted on any locally sourced website will be displaying many hikes, these are free activities or require a small fee in having to settle for the night in a cabin.

So what better way to test how cheap you're able to travel in New Zealand, than to put yourself in a scenario of an international visitor?

The Budget Travel Challenge

To set the scene I am putting myself in the body of an international visitor, using the internet looking for the best ways to travel around New Zealand. There are many car hire companies available with different rates, although I am planning a long-distance trek from one island to another, so when putting insurance and petrol on top of that, before returning. The costs will add up quickly!

This is why I follow the advice of other backpackers and purchase a second-hand vehicle for the duration of my travels. Research is key at the point, I will have to look at reliable vehicles that are going to make it up through different terrain, the country is known for unpredictable weather.

For this challenge, I would like to set aside an overall budget. Make sure it covers some requirements needed to fulfil an amazing experience, maybe even venturing to unknown destinations that only the locals have knowledge about.

It is best to start by naming the most obvious costs that come from travelling. I would be travelling for two weeks, so I am hoping to cover a lot of my desterinations within a budget of $2500-$3000 NZD.

• Transport
• Fuel
• Food
• Accommodation
• Activities
• Shopping

So I want to challenge myself to purchase a second-hand car within a budget of $1500 being the maximum cost. Then with the remaining money, I would cover costs such as purchasing a tent, as that is the cheapest form of accommodation in New Zealand. This leaves small costs for campsites but leaves the budget to be used for the other costs.

Is it possible to travel with this budget?

The costs of living are rising at the moment, I would be wanting to get a road-legal car but still have enough money to be able to travel to six destinations within the North Island of New Zealand. So this would be the ultimate challenge!

When Would The Challenge Commence?

The challenge would commence off-peak season for tourists travelling to New Zealand. However, the time frame is able to be stretched due to our country's borders being shut.

It would also take time to save the money to undertake this challenge. I would like to document the whole experience through video and on a personal blog. Showcasing it to social media, a fear of mine that I need to get over to be able to enjoy new challenges.

I would also look into fundraising the costs needed, to bring the idea to life before a set date when I would have the income to spend. Although this is an exciting project I would like to undertake.