We've been shopping! I have spent a lot more money than I expected to in the last couple of weeks and we haven't even left the country yet. Oops. There have been a lot of unexpected costs that keep popping up and it makes me wonder if everyone who goes travelling has the same surprises we are having...
Not exactly hidden costs but easy to forget ones;
Not exactly hidden costs but easy to forget ones;
- Redirecting post for a year.
- Fixing clothes. For some reason I have a lot of clothes with holes in them.
- Very expensive Vaccines.
- Walking boots.
- Good quality sandals.
- Ruck sacks.
- 9 months supply of daily contact lenses.
- Travel insurance (and photography equipment insurance if you're taking any good kit).
- Worldwide adaptors.
- Medicine, first aid kit and wash kit.
- Netbook computer. not essential but we've gone for it.
- A Kindle. again, not essential but I'm really glad I've got one.
- Batteries for everything that takes batteries.
- Gadgets that Jim can't do without... head torch, travel sink plug, rucksack liner, padlocks, washing line, sporks, and more gismos I can't remember.
- Nice new stationery because it's just too hard to resist.
- Bits and bobs that say 'travel' on them so I suddenly think I need it!
Did you consider the lenses that you wear for a month at a time (the ones you sleep in)? I used those when I went on a trip a while back. Meant I didn't have to lug around lots of lenses or solutions. They don't suit everyone admittedly.
ReplyDeletePlanning for the trip is almost as exciting as the trip itself!
I did consider getting the monthly ones but I don't really like the idea my eyes can't breath! Would be much better if I did but I don't think they are for me.... too used to my dailies!
ReplyDeletePlanning has been great fun, starting to get exciting now ;-)
Hey hey -
ReplyDeletesorry, a random stranger poking their nose in here. I came via your website (which I found via the Chenoa Skin Care site...) and, having spent the best part of the last ten years travelling, wanted to make two comments. Hopefully they're constructive!
1 - I used to live in South America. (Argentina, Peru, and Chile.) I haven't looked enough to see what your route it is, but you can get contact lenses in all places and, definitely in Argentina, a heck of a lot cheaper than in the UK. Just incase you are running out of precious ruck sack space...
2 - most excellent travel item? An inflatable globe. This acts as: conversational starter, a beach ball, and - when only partially inflated - a surprisingly comfy emergency pillow. It will also make a good gift to a random kid towards the end of your trip.
Very jealous of your journeying - I haven't been in that part of the world for a few years and my heart aches for it. You'll love every moment.
Best wishes,
Jane
Sorry - me again. Just looked at the rest of your blog:
ReplyDelete- Iguazu Falls struck off the list?? Trust me on this one, I've travelled and lived on seven continents and this is one of the most incredible places I have been. Take a detour!
- Chile is expensive, Argentina is cheap. Ridiculously cheap.
- long distances in S.America shouldn't put you off going places like Patagonia. The 'semi cama' buses there are heavenly, you basically get a seat that converts into a bed and is extremely cosy and comfy.
- one of the most excellent things ever is to take an old steamer along the Amazon. Yurimaguas to Iquitos (Peru) takes between 3 and 6 days depending on time of year (rainfall...). Recommend the top deck in a hammock. And a lot of entertainment.
Anyway, there you go. Have a great time :)
Hello Jane,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the advice! It's great to get someone's feedback who has been... best thing is to hear that Argentina is cheap, you can read lots of travel guides and still not find out simple information like that! Will have to take another look at our budget/time to see how we can get to Iguazu falls. Thank you again,
really lovely of you to share some knowledge,
Charlotte :-)