After getting my vaccinations, and purchasing all my travel gear, insurance as well as permits, I've decided to tally the cost of my trip and was surprised by the number I got.
Here is the complete breakdown of my pre-trip expenses (all prices are, or have been converted to Canadian dollars):
Major Gear Purchases
Electronics
Security
Washing, Bathing, Hygiene
Health
- 1 year contact lens supply - $200.31
- Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A shots and travel vaccination consultation - $277
- (12) Malaria Pills - $65
Clothes
Permits
- CAA International Driving Permit - $39
Phone Plan
- Fongo phone number transfer - $25
Insurance
Total pre-trip purchase amount: $4,601.67Travel Hacking Annual Fees and Associated Costs
- 430,000 Aeroplan miles (11 overseas flights for $100 or less) - $120
- 89,000 Starwood miles (22-29 free hotel nights) - $280
- 75,000 Alaska miles (1 overseas first class flight) - $225
- 66,000 Marriott Hotel points (8 free hotel nights) - $240
- 91,000 AMEX Points (transferrable to Aeroplan), Priority Pass (unlimited free lounge access for two), Starwood and Hilton Gold Elite Status - $699 - $400 travel credit ($400 worth of free flights, hotels or car rental) = $299
- 50,000 IHG Points (5 free hotel nights) - $100
A Final Tally of Pre-Trip Costs
Total pre-trip purchases, items purchased last year, and travel hacking cost: $5865.67! ($4105.97 USD)
Honestly, I am quite shocked by the amount of money I have already spent before departure! $2753.60 was spent on electronics, which I can justify since I run a travel blog; regardless, that is a lot of money to spend.
Thankfully, many of the items above are a one-time purchase only, and should I embark on another round the world trip, I can reuse my gear. Travel shots are valid for at least 10 years, and I won't need more than one or two upon return.
Before doing a round the world travel, do consider the cost of pre-trip expenses as this came to a big surprise on my part.
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