This calculator is designed for people thinking about taking a sabbatical to travel. It helps estimate how much money you would need to make that decision with more confidence.
These are high-level estimates. My $20/Day Travel Blueprint includes a detailed Trip Cost Calculator that uses AI to generate location-specific costs for flights, lodging, food, and more.
These budgets are rough averages, some countries will be cheaper, others more expensive. Pick the one that feels closest to your travel style.
Broke AF Traveler ($200/ week)(Work-stays, groceries, mostly free activities)
Budget Traveler ($500/week) (Hostels, mix of restaurants, affordable activities
Balling (on a budget) ($800/week) (Private rooms/hostels, restaurants, paid activities)
Actually Balling ($1200/week) (Private rooms, nice dinners, expensive activities
26 weeks = 6 months, 52 weeks = 1 year
Try to time your trip up with the end of a lease. I kept mine and rent added over $1,000 a month to my expenses.
If you can, store your belongings at your parents’ place; otherwise, use a storage unit for the length of your trip (about $100 per month).
Make sure to set aside 3–5 months of living expenses (rent, groceries, etc.) unless you have a free place to stay (like your parents' house). Having a cushion is especially important if you don’t have a job lined up after your trip.
A great goal is $500-$700 per paycheck but more is always better!
