I spent $34,563.38 on travel over 18 months: my budget breakdown

This category includes survival essentials that I stocked up on before the trip, such as a suitcase, packing cubes, cargo pants, hiking boots, and water shoes.

In hindsight, I should have focused on packing items that couldn't be easily found elsewhere, like my favorite brand of mosquito repellent, rather than things I could easily purchase abroad. For example, I regretted that I was burdened with the weight of too many clothes that I had to carry in cars and planes around the world.

Flights: $4,885.14

Ground transportation: $3,189.53

During my trip, I took 40 economy flights with checked baggage. There were plenty of options to take the night bus for a quarter to half the price. But I didn't like the idea of ​​sleeping on the bus, using bus toilets, or driving on narrow, winding roads in the dark.

Flights within countries typically cost between $50 and $100, and for flights to very large countries like China or Brazil, the cost is twice as high. Flights between neighboring countries cost me between $100 and $200. Flights between non-adjacent countries cost me between $100 and $300. The furthest I traveled was from Osaka, Japan to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and that saved me $140.28.

I also used about 200,000 miles on my credit card to cover some flights.

When I wasn't flying, I was using buses, vans, or bullet trains. A three to seven hour bus and van trip costs me between $10 and $20. The approximately 1,360 mile bullet train from Xian to Shanghai, China cost me $94. A two-week unlimited train ticket in Japan cost me $224.

I have used many ride-sharing services that often cost as little as $1 or $2 for a two- or three-mile motorcycle ride.

Clothes: $1,048.24

Souvenirs: $216.86

Presents: $661.91

I mostly shopped in hole-in-the-wall boutiques or from street vendors where there are no price tags and it's all about haggling. To avoid overpaying, I immediately refrained from making a purchase, remembering that the competition was often on my side.

I asked about prices from many suppliers. This process helped me determine my lowest acceptable bid, which was the last price I was offered before the sellers let me go.

That's how I knew I was getting a good deal on custom made Vietnamese silk dresses in Hoi An. After asking around, I paid $34 for the dress and left Vietnam with $14.

Sometimes I bought things locally when I thought the price was very reasonable. I didn't mind if the salesman made a few extra dollars because I still thought it was a great deal and the money would mean more to him than to me.

For the most part, as an American citizen, I did not need or pay for a visa upon arrival. They usually cost between $30 and $40.

However, there were outliers. The China visa cost me $205 for application and printing fees, and the Bolivia visa cost $160. I was surprised to learn about this requirement two hours before reaching the border with Peru and began collecting the necessary documents before arrival.

I have occasionally indulged in luxuries that I almost never spend money on in the US, where I often feel like I can't justify the cost. I get gel manicures for about $15 and massages for $5 to $10. I have taken yoga and meditation classes at beautiful facilities in Bali that cost $10 each. A haircut costs about $8. I also regularly stocked up on cosmetics, sunscreen and mosquito repellents.

This includes escapist entertainment that does not count as sightseeing or cultural experiences. This included entry fees to several nightclubs I visited, arcade games, a Spotify music subscription, and hookah with friends.

I'm surprised how little I spent on escapism. You can party very cheaply with other tourists from Southeast Asia and South America, especially when staying in hostels. In my early 20s I would have jumped at the opportunity, but in my early 30s it didn't appeal to me.