What $1,000 Gets You Around The World
One of the wonderful things about living in Australia and travelling abroad is how far a single Aussie dollar can take you once it is converted to another currency. Times that by one thousand and you could have yourself a pretty incredible holiday. So, what exactly can you get for your money in different spots around the globe, and where should you be going to extend your dollar in the best possible way?
Arguably the most expensive part of your stay will be accommodation – provided you don’t do anything terribly extravagant like a private helicopter ride. But the total amount you spend on accommodation will very much depend not just on where in the world you are holidaying, but also what type of accommodation you are choosing. Back at home, we generally talk about rent in terms of a monthly cost. So, for a fair comparison, let’s take a look at what $1,000 can buy you over a 30-day period.
Travel like a backpacker
One of the cheapest ways to experience other cultures is to travel backpacker style. This involves carrying the bare essentials around on your back, sleeping in hostel dorms with likeminded people, and finding comfort in satisfying your wanderlust rather than the fluffiness of your pillow.
In Bali, you’ll have no trouble finding a simple bed in a dorm for a mere $7 per night, totalling at just $210 for the month. You might need to bring your own towel and use global WiFi hotspots to get online but if holiday savings are what you’re after, this is definitely a good option.
With $1,000 set aside for accommodation, you’ll be able to access a whole new level of holiday luxury. For example, the Gili Turtle Beach Resort on the beautiful island of Gili T offers a lovely little private hut right on the beach for just $29 per night – and that’s with free Wi-Fi and breakfast included. Imagine waking up to watch the sun rising above to ocean and enjoying fresh fruit smoothies and pancakes with the sand in your toes – all for a fraction of the price of staying in a small suburban apartment back at home. Now that’s backpacking in style.
Get away on a budget
If backpacking isn’t your thing, and you prefer to end your days with hot showers and fresh towels, there are a number of ways you can design a cheap holiday that’s still semi-indulgent. You see, cheap hotels don’t necessarily offer cheap experiences, especially when you’re on the sunny coast of India, at a relatively undiscovered Goan beach.
Bogmalo is a beautiful seaside village that offers an idyllic combination of roti, sunsets and friendly locals. Staying at Leon Hide Out Guest House, positioned right on the beachfront, will allow you to enjoy an authentic and relaxed side of India, away from the hustle and bustle, for around $1,000 per month. Bring on a month of delicious Goan curries!
Live it up in style
If what you’re looking for is to experience living in another country for a month rather than just enjoy a holiday, you’re better off staying away from small luxury hotels and instead browsing AirBnB’s incredible list of homes.
Take this charming home in Northern Italy, for example. Complete with a lush garden, pool, gym and Wi-Fi, this eight-person accommodation will have you feeling at home almost instantly. It will put you $3 over budget, but that’s a small price to pay to be in the land of pasta, pizza and wine.
Location, location, location
If you’ve got your heart set on the Big Apple, we’re afraid your $1,000 won’t exactly get you a grandiose villa with a private pool. In fact, it might not even get you a private room. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a bed in a shared apartment like this one in the Bronx. But hey, who needs fancy bed linen and nighttime privacy when Times Square and the Statue of Liberty are just outside your window?
Just remember, the cost of living, including eating out and grocery shopping, is linked to the cost of rent, so make sure you’ve done your research and have enough spending money to live like the locals. You wouldn’t want to arrive in New York only to find you haven’t enough money to actually do anything.
If you’ve got your dream travel experience all planned out but need a little extra money to make ends meet, the Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard could be the perfect solution for you. Whether it’s Bali, India, Italy or New York, Latitude 28° Global is a fuss-free way to spend while you’re abroad. There are no currency conversion fees, no foreign transaction fees, and no annual fees. You’ll also get access to over one million global Wi-Fi hotspots. Read more details here.
Please note all references to price and cost are correct for August 2018.