In recent years, I had been prioritizing travel so much that on some of my trips – like when I backpacked from Peru all the way to Mexico – I was barely scraping by and there were days when I barely had enough money to eat. Sure, I traveled to a lot of countries but I didn’t really feel like I was experiencing them enough. In your 20s, I totally get the low-budget backpacking vibe so you can see as many places as possible, but now that I’m 40, that trip really had me thinking about how I wanted to travel in the future.
Thankfully, this year I’ve been making a little more money and so I decided to return to one of my favorite countries in the world: Thailand. This trip was a real turning point for me and I was finally able to find a balance between exploring a country and enjoying a comfortable lifestyle. It wasn’t just about the stunning beaches and delicious food; it was about reconnecting with myself and prioritizing my health again. Here are some ways I did that:
Swimming
A lot of the buildings, not only in Thailand but in most of Southeast Asia, have really great pools, so I took up swimming 3-4 times a week. I find it to be the easiest and most rewarding full-body exercise there is.
Gym
The buildings usually have pretty decent gyms too, so no need to invest in a membership. When I’m not swimming, I’m walking a minimum of 4km on the treadmill and doing some core-strengthening exercises.
Travel Medical Insurance
When I was strapped for cash 2 years ago, I made the decision to stop paying for travel medical insurance, but now that I’ve bounced back financially (I also just turned 40 this past June) I don’t feel like I should be taking any more risks, so I’ve decided to start using SafetyWing again.
I usually go with SafetyWing because you can get coverage from just a few dollars per day, which I barely notice on my tight budget. It only took me 5 minutes to purchase their Nomad Insurance 2.0, and I quickly got insured the day I flew from Tunis to Bangkok. You can even get coverage if your trip has already started by the way. Their policies are made by nomads, so it’s all very painless and chill, just the way we like it.
SafetyWing released this video about their new claims process and I was honestly pretty impressed. You can now file a claim in under a minute! When it’s that easy, it’s a no-brainer for me. If you don’t believe me, see for yourself below!
Living the Shoestring Dream
Living on a budget of around $1,100-$1,200 (USD) a month in Thailand allowed me to explore the country in depth, from the chaotic energy of Bangkok to the chilled-out vibes in Chiang Mai. I indulged in all the culinary delights and explored both urban and rural areas.
But it’s not just the financial benefits. Thailand offers an incredible quality of life. The warm and welcoming culture, coupled with the country’s focus on wellness and balance, created a truly rejuvenating experience. And the food, oh man, the food is insane! Sometimes a little spicy, but anywhere you go there’s always a food stall ready to satisfy your cravings for a low price.
The best part for me is that I finally have some money left over at the end of the month and I’m able to truly enjoy my life. I’ve even been treating myself to monthly massages! Also, I travel solo and Thailand’s expat scene really makes it easy for me to meet new people. Thailand has made me feel human again. I can finally focus on my health, explore my passions, new cultures and connect with like-minded travelers. That’s all thanks to the incredible value that this country offers, so thank you Thailand!
Whether you’re a digital nomad in need of a workspace or a budget traveler looking to have some fun, Thailand has something to offer everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible country. And guess what? You can most definitely make it happen without breaking the bank. Let’s dive into the numbers.
Total Budget
If you’re just here for the big figure, rest assured that you can have a 1-month adventure in Thailand for around $1400-$1500 (USD), covering everything from food and accommodation to transportation and nights out.
Accommodation
If you’re looking to get social and mingle with the backpacker crowd, you should definitely consider staying at a hostel. You can get a bed in a dorm room for about $15. That was my average anyway. I did see even more budget-friendly options, at $4 a night, but safe to say I would’ve sacrificed quality on those. Now, if you’re a digital nomad like me, you probably need some privacy and decent WIFI so an Airbnb is a better fit and I payed an average of $500 per month during my 3-month stay.
Food
Thailand’s food scene is a dream come true – you can indulge in delicious street food for as little as $2-3, or treat yourself to a fancier meal for $8. Since I was looking to cut costs, I typically spent an average of $6 per day on food. If you’re not a cheapskate like me, you can budget around $10 per day and if you’re looking to splurge and sprinkle in some special meals, you should be absolutely fine with $15 a day.
Transportation
Transportation in Thailand is also very reasonable. If you want to venture out and explore on on your own, you can rent a scooter at a monthly fee of $70. However, to drive it legally in Thailand, you do need a Thai license. Some people just run the risk of getting a fine (which is around $30) because depending on where you are, you may not get stopped. I didn’t want to run that risk so I opted for ride-sharing services like Grab or Bolt and that came out to about $1-2 per trip. Very affordable! I also took 2 domestic flights in Thailand – one from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and the other from Chiang Mai to Phuket – and I probably spent a total of $90 on those.
Cash
Cash is king in Thailand. You can get money out at the ATMS but you will be paying a fee of $5.50 (USD) with each one, so make sure to maximize the amount. I was taking out the limit of $140 each time for that reason.
In the end, you should just prioritize what matters most to you, whether it’s splurging on food, accommodations, or experiences. Thailand offers something for everyone, without breaking the bank.
And remember, travel isn’t just about ticking off destinations; it’s about personal growth and creating lasting memories. Let Thailand be your next chapter!