sample RTW budget.

Well, here we go. I've crunched some numbers, and came up with a very general, preliminary budget for the trip. I wanted to get an idea of how much this trip is actually going to cost, including the upfront expenses (flights, eurail pass, shots, gear). Now, some of the things I already have or purchased recently. My backpack and camera is already taken care of, as well as some of the clothing. I'm hoping that my mom and I can figure out how to sew zippers so I can make a few organizers for my bag, as well as converting some pants into more travel-friendly/thief-proof bottoms.


So what's the rough estimate for 4 months of traveling around the world...? Take a look at the link below to find out.


https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0An2g0Dx-YwpGdExmOFJxcnByTEhxMHRtSkxHQjdnenc&output=html


And just because, here's one of many pictures that I've seen that make the money I plan to spend worthwhile...

Tulip Season in The Netherlands

india itinerary: jaisalmer

So its probably about time to start planning for the trip. Or at least stop daydreaming about it and actually do some research.

Based on some of the RTW blogs that I've read so far, India is hard. Really hard. But I can't help but feel an urge to see for myself. How amazing would it be to see the Taj Mahal, or to buy a saris in the Sadar Bazaar? Or take a camel safari through the Thar Desert and camp in the sand dunes? Seriously...

So here we go.

Gadi Sagar Temple. Link here.

Jaisalmer. Known as the Golden City, its located near the Western India/Pakistan border in the state of Rajasthan. What I've gathered so far, its basically a giant sandcastle with a town on the side. Located in the heart of the Thar Desert, one of the main tourist attractions is camel safaris. Heck yes!! Picture this - limitless golden crests and troughs stretching thoughout an amid desert. Scarce life, no vegetation, and sand as far as the eye can see... And then a camel spits on your foot. But really, how incredible would it be to star gaze in the Thar Desert? My goal is to do a three day, two night tour. From what I've read, the average price is only $15 per day. $15!!!

Link here.

The city itself holds many Havelis, or mansions, that were carved from yellow sandstone. A few of the most famous :

Salim Singh Ki Haveli -

Built in the first half of the 18th century and famous for the extensive carvings, a continuous canopy and beautiful frescos.

Patwon Ki Haveli -

One of the largets and most elaborate Haveli in Jaisalmer. This "apartment complex" is five stories high and still has remnants of original paintings on the walls inside.

Nathmaliji Ki Haveli -

This mansion was constructed by two brothers, Hathi and Lulu, and stands today as a testimony to the unique architectural grandeur of ancient times. Inside the main entrance you will find two giant elephant structures carved from sandstone as well as walls that are richly adorned with frescos and paintings.

A few other attractions that are worth a mention: Jaisalmer Fort, Gadsisar Lake, Desert National Park, Tazia Tower.

There you have it, Jaisalmer in a nutshell.

budgeting.

You wouldn't think that saving money would be enjoyable. Or fun. But recently, I've picked up on a new hobby... budgeting! Earlier this year I started filling out an excel spreadsheet that broke down all of my purchases into different categories. A sneak peak at what I fill out on a daily basis...

After everything is entered, I then create a fancy little pie graph for a more visual depiction of where my money is actually going. I’ve been keeping track of my spending in this way since January of this year, so I can confidently decide how much I can actually save before my trip next year.

One of the biggest things that I’ve learned from keeping track of my spending in this way is that I used to be a bit too liberal with my spending. Granted, I made a lot of big purchases in the last six months – a fancy new bike, a point-and-shoot camera, a backpack for my trip. But I actually get excited to see the breakdown of my spending, and where I can cut back to make up for one of those large purchases. Seriously, I never thought I would geek out about budgeting and saving money. That’s what my brother does with his babies’ poop. No, really, you can see what I mean here… No offence Adam.

This past weekend I was discussing travel plans with my uncle and he came up with an amazing idea for tracking how much I have saved – filling in the countries I plan on visiting according the money that I have saved. I still need to figure out where exactly I’m going, but I confidently fill in all of India! As soon as I figure out a more accurate way of tracking this, I’ll get it posted so you can follow along.

and i'm back.

New design! New design!

And why, oh why change it all up? Well, my hope is that by this time next year, I'll be somewhere half way across the globe. Germany perhaps? Or maybe Nepal...? That's what I'm going to try and figure out between now and then.

This blog is going to be used less as a tracker of studio progress (I have been making some flower pots, but otherwise my hands have been clay-free), and more of a trip planner. Or maybe a wishlist would be more practical.

Below, the picture that started this pipedream of a trip :

Isn't it straight from a dream?!? The picture is of a town called Manarola, which is one of the five villages that make up Cinque Terre. Rugged trails, no cars, fresh pesto and foccacia, and a hostel located in an olive orchard? Count me in.