At long last, an overlander discloses the actual cost of an extended, multi-year journey. Thank you! It's been disheartening to watch other channels an see (usually a couple) who have sold their home, and are former tech developers/marketers who continue to work while travelling, or they owned their own business and made a boatload of money and have now sold it to travel the world. This had always led me to believe that it takes quite a lot of money to overland for an extended period. I now see that that is not true. You give me hope.
Hi Tess, I'm really happy to hear the numbers are helpful for your planning! There are tons and TONS of "ordinary" people who are mechanics or teachers or cooks who drive around the world. They work hard, save hard and then have the adventure of a lifetime on a tight budget. You can absolutely do it, and I'll be posting many more videos about how to!
Friends of mine were looking to retire at 65 and travel the world. Then they realized the truth that you speak about how cheap it can be. They did the math and realized that they could retire NOW! Quit their jobs at 60, sold their house, and have been full time overlanders for the last year, living the dream. I personally am saving hard, paying off my house, and looking to retire and travel at 55. In a similar vein, I did a backpacking trip in Guatemala. A homestay with three meals/day in Antigua was $16/day... just dirt cheap. I bought a bunch of super high quality (but low cost) leather goods in Antigua and an extra duffel bag to put them in. Brought them home to the US, sold them on eBay, and paid for every cent of my trip including airfare and the guided treks!
Absolutely right and refreshingly clear and honest. It cost six of us, travelling in a long wheelbase Land Rover, less than $200 each to travel 50,000 miles from New York to Alaska to Tierra del Fuego - and back to New York. But that was in 1972! I am still travelling (age 70) and - in most places - my wife and I would not expect to spend more than $2,000 per month for both of us.
I bet I know how to keep it below 900 like Joanne. Filled 2.5 gal jug with water at gas station or public bathroom, sleep in a tent everyday without exception, bring your own pan and cook local groceries. Ideally, go to the national park fire pit to cook with sticks instead of buying gas canister. I bet you I'm pretty on point. The inner Asian frugality is getting to me. Oh, and if you want to keep it below 500, instead of a jeep, get a prius, modify it with a subtle lift kit(so you don't violate laws). Someone did it with a Honda fit already on TH-cam. Basically any vehicle that has 50mpg or above.
I love how you make it sound so accessible, as well as affordable. I'm already pumped and looking forward to making it happen. I'd be interested in potential collaborations with other keeners. Anyone ?
i overland (sometimes bikepack / sometimes motorbike / sometimes public transport) about 4 to 5 months of the year and i can typically live on the road for the same cost as living in one place permanently.
In 2008/09 I rode a motorcycle from eastern Canada to Ushuaia, the most southern city in South America, and I rode back home in 9 months. I've always regretted not having had more time to do that trip. I spent more because I stayed in hotels and ate in restaurants 99% of the time. I am now building a truck, a Tacoma to, hopefully, explore Asia and Africa for the next 5, 10 or how many more years I'm fortunate enough to be able to. It will be cheaper doing it in the truck as I'll be carrying my home and I'll be travelling much slower. What Dan says here is real. Long distance overlanding does not need to be expensive. Wonderful video.
Dan, your general estimates aren't far from what international sailors must spend, once they have their boats equipped, to sail the undeveloped parts of the world. Sailboats "sail" so actual fuel costs are low. Food is purchased down in the town square most often (but take your dictionary!), not in some air conditioned grocery store. 'Wild Camping' is another name for dropping the hook in the anchorage. Once again, I see lots of parallels between world cruising on a boat and overlanding in a vehicle. And for both, WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!
I'm really pleased you are sharing all your knowledge and no frills approach, from your setup to your equipment it's functional. Would be great if you share from others experiences travelling with kids, myself got a 3 and 7yr old.
My pleasure! .. I met a lot of families on the road, I'll try to do a video about it (but I'm no expert!) You'll enjoy this - th-cam.com/video/sc61AxCQQR4/w-d-xo.html
@@TheRoadChoseMe ah yes, I have seen it, and I watched 99% of your yt videos. They just done right got 1 year off and back to the same jobs, for me that's the secret. Thank you
Very good information. My question would be how can you keep your income flowing in while overlanding? Most jobs won't allow you to take off for months at a time and still have your job to come back to. I am really enjoying this series. Thank you
7:17 and just for our morbid edification, it has been commonly asserted (in the recent past) that it takes about $1/mile to walk the Pacific Crest Trail. Interesting how this seems to be a rule in traveling.
Great ifno! thanks. I did have a question about your car, does your jeep have rear lockers and if so did you find rear locker are/were absolutely necessary for your adventures? Thanks
Alaska to Argentina no lockers at all. Around Africa and Australia I did have lockers, and I did use them occasionally. It depends entirely on where you want to go, and how wild you want the 4x4ing to get. They are not mandatory at all to drive around the world.
@@TheRoadChoseMe Thanks, that helps a lot, I'm planning on purchasing a 4runner SR5 with Atrac only no rear lockers, it should be enough for my future adventures. BTW, your videos are really inspirational, thanks for posting.
Interesting to know that the amount to drive across USA is almost the same as driving across Africa. We did 12000kms in southern African countries and looking forward to a real long trip in Europe, the estimate will help us plan better. Thank you
Having traveled around europe a little, I highly recommend avoiding the motorways and make your way slowly through the villages. The motorways cut out some of the most amazing scenery in the Alps etc, and the most kind, warm and welcoming locals are in the little shops off the beaten track. Learn a little of the language and they get so excited to see you it's amazing. 😁
I just checked our bills from our Norway trip and we spent about 1900$ per person for 1month including a couple of beers (not cheap there!!) and at the end 2,5days in Oslo in a hotel. The rest of the trip we slept in our tent and we did this with a Ford Fiesta.......I know, not compareble :)
And that's the thing about traveling on the cheap - you have to pick and choose. Some game parks in Africa are $500 a day.... so obviously in some countries you do activities, and skip them in the more expensive ones!
I like how you're down to Earth, humble and prudent. I would probably end up wasting a lot more money on hotels and restaurants. When I was younger I did couple short trips around Europe and slept in the car and it was quite hard. Don't know if I could do that again.
That's why for me personally it was worth getting my sleeping setup and cooking setup in the Jeep really comfortable - that way I was really happy to sleep in it, and save money!
@@TheRoadChoseMe if you already live in the car, why not get a motor-caravan? Some of them are built on pick-up trucks, so are quite capable off-road.
There are pros and cons to every choice, and mine is extremely capable off road, while still being very affordable, fits in a 20 foot shipping container for shipping around the world, is good on gas, etc. etc.
Agree, we wild camped (mostly) around Southern Europe for 18 months in a motorhome. As a couple we spent less than €1000 per month including beer/wine and some eating out ... not exactly overlanding but we did visit about 10 countries ...
Thanks for the real-world numbers, that's really great to know. And absolutely, 100% what you did is overlanding! It's all about adapting to the countries you're in, and personally I think you did it right! I hope to follow in your footsteps someday!
I never really thought about how much it would actually cost, just that I'm sure I can do it on 3700/month(my VA disability rate). Last couple years I've been RVing in the US in a 31' class C with 2.3kw of solar on the roof and a 15kw battery pack so I've had all the amenities of home(even air conditioning). I've done offroading in an older F-350 and I'm thinking about setting up a used F-350 ambulance for overlanding, the truth of the matter is I'm too physically broken for tent camping and all the setup and teardown that entails, I need something self contained if I want to make this happen.
Woooah thats awesome!!! Never thougt itll be so "cheap" i did 16.000km road trip across Canada from east to west and back with à 2000 chevy astro 2wd and it cost me 2800$ for a month in gas 😨😨😨
Can you please do a video of what parts for the Jeep, first aide and other essentials you took with you for the trip that are difficult to purchase or find in central and South America. Awesome video keep them coming. 👍
Hi Julio, Andrew @4xoverland.com just presented a great first aid video last week. Andrew and Paul Marsh posted many vids about kitting out vehicles when on trips in Africa and Australia. Enjoy your trips🏝🏜🏞🏕
Hi Dan, really enjoying the videos you have created so far. Extremely practical with important points to consider, you give your opinion but leave it to people to make up their own mind.
Btw, my wife and I live out in Chilliwack, if you're looking for a dry place to hang your hat we have a separate room with it's own washroom, a desk, parking and high speed internet.
I made actually a complete list of the equipment I will need to overland. Just for the truck which is a Toyota 4runner is 30 000$, off road suspension ~5000$, Roof top tent 2500$, front bumper 1000$, Fridge 1000$ and so much more. Total it was like 50 000$ lol.
... Keep in mind I drove from Alaska to Argentina for 2 years and 40,000 miles in a bone-stock Jeep I bought used for $5k. At the end of the trip, I sold that Jeep .... for $5k.
Love this series Dan. Finances and vehicle choice were my two main questions. This was a great reality check on the finance piece. Still hoping you can do a piece on vehicle choice (maybe from a Canadian perspective). I know you did it in a Jeep but I'm really not sure what the dealer support network is like in Africa (or even South America). I've been thinking GX470 / GX460 due to Land Cruiser lineage. Keep'm coming!
You don't need a dealer support network; you need good mechanics and the ability to work on it yourself, somewhat. You can still order almost anything and have it delivered to where you are. Sometimes, it may take some time to get to you, but getting parts is not a huge problem.
Thank you, good information. Our longest trip was to Alaska three years ago. It was over 10,000 driving a miles in about six weeks. We spent about $10,000, so the $1 a mile is just about right traveling that far in a short time. About 1/2 the time we tent camped, hotel the other half. We also have Alaska Marine Highway ferry expense, and several excursions along the way. We also ate out at least one or two meals a day. Next time we will be taking a camper trailer. It will about double our fuel expense, but then we wont be staying at hotels, or eating out as much, so we should come out ahead. Also we plan much more time, 3 to 4 months, so per month expense will be more in line with your estimate. It would be intriguing to me to drive around the world through Europe and Asia .I would not be overlanding, I assume I can find paved or gravel roads suitable for a two wheel drive car ? Also what is the expense and time requirement to have your vehicle shipped across the oceans?
That's shockingly affordable, and cheaper than our mortgage on the low end! We would love to go on an extended overland expedition one day, but currently our lives wouldn't allow being away from home for that long. Plus, having the safety net of a home base would always be a priority for us in the event of a major injury or possibly a irreparable vehicle putting us out of commission.
Thanks for sharing those numbers! We are currently overlanding the USA and yes we have a beer or a glass of wine every day and eat meat and for us the cost is about 100.-$ a day or 1$ per Km. I guess we are a little above average. But we‘ll be going to Mexico and South America later and hoping the cost will drop a bit. Very informative videos man, keep em coming! Thanks a lot!
Sweat vid bro. Range was what I always had in my head. I'd be comfy spending 1500-1750 for the two of us. Bugger getting one of those guchi vehicles either, thats not what matters at all. Rock on dude.
Dan, you make it sound so simple! I’m just waiting for the gov to open up passport renewals again so I can go explore more! Since there is now a new norm that will affect travel and interaction, do you plan to do a video of what people should consider for social distancing during their trip nowadays?
Hi Rose - I'm happy to hear my videos make it all very approachable - because it is! To be honest I'm no expert when it comes to COVID, and I have no idea what different governments around the world are going to implement with regards to mandatory quarantine, or even when the borders might open. At this stage I think it's keep dreaming, planning, saving and preparing, and hopefully we can get back on the road in the future!
Loving youre channel and the content you provide👌🏻 I hope that some day I get the curage to get going my self. Question: in afrika i have heard that gas is more comon then diesel and pice reflects that "fakt". Whats youre opinion?
Thanks! I'm filming that video right now actually. I would say on average diesel is cheaper. I logged the price in every country in wikioverland.org if you want to see for yourself!
@@TheRoadChoseMe Looking forward to that film. I guess I'm like most people and only find excuses for why I can't do My adventure! But there is going to be change. I just have to do the best with what I have. Rigging my old King Cab as good as I can and then drive it as far as I can, you can always fly back home from where ever ill get stranded...
Great stuff! Been following since you went North to South America. Done over 27 countries on motorcycles myself. I'm a TERRIBLE blogger. Never wrote more than a five line entry, finally gave up LOLOLOL. Now at 63 I'm thinking of doing this. ( Just an opinion/observation; yo have great on-screen presence, but the "stay tuned! More to come" thing is quite off putting to real people. Feels too commercialized. Just an observation.) Great job! Keep it coming! Can't wait to hear your opinions on choosing a rig!
In the US we must get our cars registrations renewed each year. A new sticker on your license plate. How does one approach this while traveling longer than a year? And sorry how does one sell the car at the end of the journey?
Please explain what you mean by 'wild camping'? In Southern Africa we are discouraged from wild camping if it is not in an official, bona fide or legitimate camping site. For example, when one is travelling into the wilder parts of Southern Africa it is considered respectful and polite to ask if you can camp on a beach or in the bush or wherever. One needs only to approach the chief, headman or someone in authority and you would more than likely be welcomed with open arms. Many overlanders usually only wild camp when it starts getting too late to continue their journey and to avoid driving in the dark. I don't have a problem with that but the following morning do try to let the closest community to where you wild camped benefit financially. iOverlander have a number of 'wild camping' spots listed throughout Southern Africa and in my opinion this encourages those who would prefer not to pay for the wonderful privilege of travelling overland.
Interesting to know how much costs this way of living. I though it was not a bid deal. The key is save the money for that monthly cash flow and consider what to do when you return (if you are going to return or will be willing to get back to the life you had before) or how can you come up with a way to keep a income that can afford that lifestyle/adventure.
There's a good map and details here theroadchoseme.com/africa-expedition-overview Click each country name to see posts from that country.. and there's a video from every country here on YT too.
Can you please talk about front axle choices. I know in Africa, land cruisers and defenders use solid axles in front and back. Same applies to jeeps. Can Tacoma and Hilux be reliable with their independent front axles? Thanks for your videos.
Actually when I planned out (roughly) I came up with 1245 a month... there's a few things I left out.. So 1500 doesn't sound unreasonable.. I'm kind of planning to wild camp and top up, clean up, refit roughly once a week.. Maybe overnight in a paid place.. with with hook ups etc.. BTW.. Your video with the Canadian Public Campgrounds, I bumped into YOUR pics today on iOverland, before I saw your video, of I think it was Teslin Park.. Or MOncho Lake around that area. I'm am planning the north bound trip thru Dawson city and WhiteHore.. Be a cpl years.. when I retire.. Then to Tierra del Fuego and RTW also..
Also, Would you mention on your next video about fridge or no fridge, It seems that it is an essential for most overlanders. I personally think it will be a waste of money, Space and of course weight. Would you recommend it? Thanks 😊
Don't want to interfere here, but a tiny compressor fridge adds so much comfort, convenience and luxury to your trip, I wouldn't wanna miss it. Little money, well spent.
It definitely beats the alternative of always buying ice for a cooler and ending up with worm wet food all the time. Just from go on relatively short (just a few days) camping trips even with fancy rotomolded coolers ice is a constant concern
"It doesn't need to cost you more money to drive around the world than you're spending every month just staying where you are" I think this hugely depends on where you live and what your daily expenses are. Making a bit less than $900 a month allows me to live more than comfortably: rent $140, bills / utilities around $70-$80 on average, food about $150, etc. If I distribute the 12 month car insurance over 12 months, I'd say I spend around $600-$700 dollars a month (or rather the equivalent in dollars). If I were to drive a lot almost every day and sleep in my roof top tent, I'd definitely be spending MUCH more on gas than I'm spending on rent. Hell, I'm spending more on gas than I do on rent now and I usually do weekend trips once or twice a month.
For home address, there are lots of services that will allow you to maintain an address while you're on the road. Try www.escapees.com OR anytimemailbox.com - you should be able to maintain/manage your mail via your phone/an app easily.
I wanna do the panamerican highway trip so bad but the idea of going 2+ days without a proper shower irks me, so I think I’ll need to save a bit more money to be able to stay at cheap hotels
I recently met someone who travelled the pan am by motorbike with his girlfriend, they spent $150,000 aud in 18 months, so 8k a month. Hearing that, I got scared. But they did anything and everything they wanted, including an Antarctic cruise
Wow! I would have guessed it would cost that much in fuel alone Nice! Now.... my biggest expense loss like it's going to be paying my bills at home while I'm gone
Can I ask a question. You Sound Aussie, how did you go about buying your first Jeep in Canada? Hypothetically if an Aussie wanted to do the Dalton/Dempster Hwys would you ship one or buy one?
Love your vids!! Just found you, sub!! Do you have Alask-Argentina video series? What year/model Jeep did you drive to Argentina? Also, how do carry cash for this long trips? Thx
I don't have videos from Alaska to Argentina, but I blogged twice as week for the whole trip. You can start here theroadchoseme.com/expedition-overview and click into any country or start at the start. How to carry cash is coming up in today's video!
How I wish I can drive around the world too! 😳.. I know this is not too late to happen! I will start travelling in my country and post my videos in my channel. I hope youtube can be my stepping stone to travel the world🙏🙏❤️
At long last, an overlander discloses the actual cost of an extended, multi-year journey. Thank you!
It's been disheartening to watch other channels an see (usually a couple) who have sold their home, and are former tech developers/marketers who continue to work while travelling, or they owned their own business and made a boatload of money and have now sold it to travel the world. This had always led me to believe that it takes quite a lot of money to overland for an extended period. I now see that that is not true. You give me hope.
Hi Tess, I'm really happy to hear the numbers are helpful for your planning!
There are tons and TONS of "ordinary" people who are mechanics or teachers or cooks who drive around the world. They work hard, save hard and then have the adventure of a lifetime on a tight budget. You can absolutely do it, and I'll be posting many more videos about how to!
Friends of mine were looking to retire at 65 and travel the world. Then they realized the truth that you speak about how cheap it can be. They did the math and realized that they could retire NOW! Quit their jobs at 60, sold their house, and have been full time overlanders for the last year, living the dream. I personally am saving hard, paying off my house, and looking to retire and travel at 55. In a similar vein, I did a backpacking trip in Guatemala. A homestay with three meals/day in Antigua was $16/day... just dirt cheap. I bought a bunch of super high quality (but low cost) leather goods in Antigua and an extra duffel bag to put them in. Brought them home to the US, sold them on eBay, and paid for every cent of my trip including airfare and the guided treks!
Absolutely perfect! .. Keep at it, live the dream!
You're absolutely right mate. Being on the road is much cheaper than going to work every day hahaha
Absolutely right and refreshingly clear and honest. It cost six of us, travelling in a long wheelbase Land Rover, less than $200 each to travel 50,000 miles from New York to Alaska to Tierra del Fuego - and back to New York. But that was in 1972! I am still travelling (age 70) and - in most places - my wife and I would not expect to spend more than $2,000 per month for both of us.
That sounds like a lot of adventure!
Would love to see a video on your favorite Meals or dishes from Africa you wish you had back home
Incredibly helpful. Thank you so much
Now im getting excited! keep em coming mate!
Lee from the UK
I bet I know how to keep it below 900 like Joanne. Filled 2.5 gal jug with water at gas station or public bathroom, sleep in a tent everyday without exception, bring your own pan and cook local groceries. Ideally, go to the national park fire pit to cook with sticks instead of buying gas canister. I bet you I'm pretty on point. The inner Asian frugality is getting to me.
Oh, and if you want to keep it below 500, instead of a jeep, get a prius, modify it with a subtle lift kit(so you don't violate laws). Someone did it with a Honda fit already on TH-cam. Basically any vehicle that has 50mpg or above.
I love how you make it sound so accessible, as well as affordable. I'm already pumped and looking forward to making it happen. I'd be interested in potential collaborations with other keeners. Anyone ?
Pleasantly surprised 😀You got us thinking bigtime! Thanks again!
Glad to hear it! Plenty of other videos to show you what is needed
i overland (sometimes bikepack / sometimes motorbike / sometimes public transport) about 4 to 5 months of the year and i can typically live on the road for the same cost as living in one place permanently.
In 2008/09 I rode a motorcycle from eastern Canada to Ushuaia, the most southern city in South America, and I rode back home in 9 months. I've always regretted not having had more time to do that trip. I spent more because I stayed in hotels and ate in restaurants 99% of the time. I am now building a truck, a Tacoma to, hopefully, explore Asia and Africa for the next 5, 10 or how many more years I'm fortunate enough to be able to. It will be cheaper doing it in the truck as I'll be carrying my home and I'll be travelling much slower. What Dan says here is real. Long distance overlanding does not need to be expensive. Wonderful video.
Thanks for the real-world input! I wish you all the best on those future trips!
With every one of your videos I watch, this is looking more and more doable! Thank you!
Just looooove your videos , thank you Sir , hugs from Croatia.
Glad you like them!
Very helpful video. Love your humbleness and simple view on Overland travel.
Thanks so much!
I enjoy your video...! It is so helpful...!
More great content. Keep sharing your experiences and overland knowledge, I’m sure that you’re inspiring a lot of people to hit the road.
Very inspiring content bud!
I hope one day we can go on a long term Overland Expedition from here in the UK down through Africa!
Best get saving!
You can do it!
Dan, your general estimates aren't far from what international sailors must spend, once they have their boats equipped, to sail the undeveloped parts of the world. Sailboats "sail" so actual fuel costs are low. Food is purchased down in the town square most often (but take your dictionary!), not in some air conditioned grocery store. 'Wild Camping' is another name for dropping the hook in the anchorage. Once again, I see lots of parallels between world cruising on a boat and overlanding in a vehicle. And for both, WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!
I can't wait to do one of my only dream to travel overlander.. I do have the vehicle jeep cherokee xj.. thank you for the information
Now I can see there is hope for my travel, thank you so much! :)
Any time!
Really looking forward to the future videos!
I'm really pleased you are sharing all your knowledge and no frills approach, from your setup to your equipment it's functional. Would be great if you share from others experiences travelling with kids, myself got a 3 and 7yr old.
My pleasure! .. I met a lot of families on the road, I'll try to do a video about it (but I'm no expert!)
You'll enjoy this - th-cam.com/video/sc61AxCQQR4/w-d-xo.html
@@TheRoadChoseMe ah yes, I have seen it, and I watched 99% of your yt videos. They just done right got 1 year off and back to the same jobs, for me that's the secret. Thank you
Great video and Info !! Thanks ! Looking fwd to all your experience sharing here ! 🙏🇨🇦❤️
Very good information. My question would be how can you keep your income flowing in while overlanding? Most jobs won't allow you to take off for months at a time and still have your job to come back to. I am really enjoying this series. Thank you
Good question! that's coming up in a future video for sure!
7:17 and just for our morbid edification, it has been commonly asserted (in the recent past) that it takes about $1/mile to walk the Pacific Crest Trail. Interesting how this seems to be a rule in traveling.
Very interesting, thanks!
Thanks for the info! Waiting for your Africa book to come out !
Coming very soon! I'll make a video here when it does
again... thanks for the information. and those numbers are hard to hear from people
Thanks for the excellent tips as usual...
Great ifno! thanks. I did have a question about your car, does your jeep have rear lockers and if so did you find rear locker are/were absolutely necessary for your adventures? Thanks
Alaska to Argentina no lockers at all.
Around Africa and Australia I did have lockers, and I did use them occasionally.
It depends entirely on where you want to go, and how wild you want the 4x4ing to get.
They are not mandatory at all to drive around the world.
@@TheRoadChoseMe Thanks, that helps a lot, I'm planning on purchasing a 4runner SR5 with Atrac only no rear lockers, it should be enough for my future adventures. BTW, your videos are really inspirational, thanks for posting.
Ver
Y helpful and encouraging video, thanks. 👍
Interesting to know that the amount to drive across USA is almost the same as driving across Africa. We did 12000kms in southern African countries and looking forward to a real long trip in Europe, the estimate will help us plan better. Thank you
Having traveled around europe a little, I highly recommend avoiding the motorways and make your way slowly through the villages.
The motorways cut out some of the most amazing scenery in the Alps etc, and the most kind, warm and welcoming locals are in the little shops off the beaten track.
Learn a little of the language and they get so excited to see you it's amazing. 😁
I just checked our bills from our Norway trip and we spent about 1900$ per person for 1month including a couple of beers (not cheap there!!) and at the end 2,5days in Oslo in a hotel. The rest of the trip we slept in our tent and we did this with a Ford Fiesta.......I know, not compareble :)
Thanks for the real world numbers!
@@TheRoadChoseMe no problem. Scandinavia is expensive especially if you buy alcohol and Go to big cities
And that's the thing about traveling on the cheap - you have to pick and choose.
Some game parks in Africa are $500 a day.... so obviously in some countries you do activities, and skip them in the more expensive ones!
@@TheRoadChoseMe absolutely.....you pay what you pick and therefore think twice
Great and interesting stuff. Thanks for sharing. Steve 🇦🇺
Excellent video. Thanks for the encouragement. Why did you pick a JEEP as your vehicle of choice?
For many reasons actually. - th-cam.com/video/jKokznz9v3s/w-d-xo.html
I like how you're down to Earth, humble and prudent.
I would probably end up wasting a lot more money on hotels and restaurants. When I was younger I did couple short trips around Europe and slept in the car and it was quite hard. Don't know if I could do that again.
That's why for me personally it was worth getting my sleeping setup and cooking setup in the Jeep really comfortable - that way I was really happy to sleep in it, and save money!
@@TheRoadChoseMe if you already live in the car, why not get a motor-caravan? Some of them are built on pick-up trucks, so are quite capable off-road.
There are pros and cons to every choice, and mine is extremely capable off road, while still being very affordable, fits in a 20 foot shipping container for shipping around the world, is good on gas, etc. etc.
Wow man this is one of the best videos! Cheers !
Thanks 👍
Agree, we wild camped (mostly) around Southern Europe for 18 months in a motorhome. As a couple we spent less than €1000 per month including beer/wine and some eating out ... not exactly overlanding but we did visit about 10 countries ...
Thanks for the real-world numbers, that's really great to know.
And absolutely, 100% what you did is overlanding! It's all about adapting to the countries you're in, and personally I think you did it right! I hope to follow in your footsteps someday!
I never really thought about how much it would actually cost, just that I'm sure I can do it on 3700/month(my VA disability rate). Last couple years I've been RVing in the US in a 31' class C with 2.3kw of solar on the roof and a 15kw battery pack so I've had all the amenities of home(even air conditioning). I've done offroading in an older F-350 and I'm thinking about setting up a used F-350 ambulance for overlanding, the truth of the matter is I'm too physically broken for tent camping and all the setup and teardown that entails, I need something self contained if I want to make this happen.
Self contained works really well, and you'll be able to explore all over no matter the weather. Sounds perfect to me!
@@TheRoadChoseMe Thanks for the response, loving your videos!
Woooah thats awesome!!! Never thougt itll be so "cheap" i did 16.000km road trip across Canada from east to west and back with à 2000 chevy astro 2wd and it cost me 2800$ for a month in gas 😨😨😨
My Jeep wj has a 4 in lift 33's and gets 12 mpg . However, my wife has a Prius and we take that if going father than 50 miles
Can you please do a video of what parts for the Jeep, first aide and other essentials you took with you for the trip that are difficult to purchase or find in central and South America. Awesome video keep them coming. 👍
Will do!
Hi Julio, Andrew @4xoverland.com just presented a great first aid video last week. Andrew and Paul Marsh posted many vids about kitting out vehicles when on trips in Africa and Australia. Enjoy your trips🏝🏜🏞🏕
@@ClearwaterBeachBum If you look at them you can´t do anything without 60 k worth of kit ...which is not true..
Hi Dan, really enjoying the videos you have created so far. Extremely practical with important points to consider, you give your opinion but leave it to people to make up their own mind.
Thanks Hugh, I appreciate that feedback!
Btw, my wife and I live out in Chilliwack, if you're looking for a dry place to hang your hat we have a separate room with it's own washroom, a desk, parking and high speed internet.
I made actually a complete list of the equipment I will need to overland. Just for the truck which is a Toyota 4runner is 30 000$, off road suspension ~5000$, Roof top tent 2500$, front bumper 1000$, Fridge 1000$ and so much more. Total it was like 50 000$ lol.
... Keep in mind I drove from Alaska to Argentina for 2 years and 40,000 miles in a bone-stock Jeep I bought used for $5k.
At the end of the trip, I sold that Jeep .... for $5k.
So 2 years later did you built that 4Runner for 50k?
Wow, this is goold, I seriously thought that it was about 80k a year with shipping the car and all
Happy to hear it was helpful!
@@TheRoadChoseMe did you do any "Gross Vehicle Weight" upgrades or you kept it under the limit?
Love this series Dan. Finances and vehicle choice were my two main questions. This was a great reality check on the finance piece. Still hoping you can do a piece on vehicle choice (maybe from a Canadian perspective). I know you did it in a Jeep but I'm really not sure what the dealer support network is like in Africa (or even South America). I've been thinking GX470 / GX460 due to Land Cruiser lineage. Keep'm coming!
You don't need a dealer support network; you need good mechanics and the ability to work on it yourself, somewhat. You can still order almost anything and have it delivered to where you are. Sometimes, it may take some time to get to you, but getting parts is not a huge problem.
FWIW: I love the cut-in!
Thank you, good information. Our longest trip was to Alaska three years ago. It was over 10,000 driving a miles in about six weeks. We spent about $10,000, so the $1 a mile is just about right traveling that far in a short time. About 1/2 the time we tent camped, hotel the other half. We also have Alaska Marine Highway ferry expense, and several excursions along the way. We also ate out at least one or two meals a day. Next time we will be taking a camper trailer. It will about double our fuel expense, but then we wont be staying at hotels, or eating out as much, so we should come out ahead. Also we plan much more time, 3 to 4 months, so per month expense will be more in line with your estimate. It would be intriguing to me to drive around the world through Europe and Asia .I would not be overlanding, I assume I can find paved or gravel roads suitable for a two wheel drive car ? Also what is the expense and time requirement to have your vehicle shipped across the oceans?
Yes, you will find decent roads in most places.
Shipping prices and details are here: th-cam.com/video/nfXrj6J87Ts/w-d-xo.html
Great information as usual Dan👍
That's shockingly affordable, and cheaper than our mortgage on the low end! We would love to go on an extended overland expedition one day, but currently our lives wouldn't allow being away from home for that long. Plus, having the safety net of a home base would always be a priority for us in the event of a major injury or possibly a irreparable vehicle putting us out of commission.
Tons and tons of people rent out their home while they're on the road - so it will always be waiting for you when you come back!
Thank you! Now, and I'm sure you've already made many of these videos, how to travel safely. What to avoid. Healthy safety tips?
Very encouraging. Thanks again .
So much details 😊 And yes, i am really surprised by the amount 🙂
We budget 100 ( sterling a day ) however fuel is a lot more in the uk and Europe than the US/Canada
I'm spending more than twice that on rent alone. Just need to get a setup I can comfortably work in while on the road!
Ouch! That's crazy.
@@TheRoadChoseMe Yeah, living in Toronto is kind of outrageous. I'm actively planning my escape to happen in the next few months.
Hey Dan, what year did you do the pan am highway in, just wondering with inflation what 14k in whatever year is now. Thx
I drove the Pan-Am from 2009-2011.
These videos are a great resource for the would be overlander shared by someone who's actually done it!👍
Thanks for sharing those numbers! We are currently overlanding the USA and yes we have a beer or a glass of wine every day and eat meat and for us the cost is about 100.-$ a day or 1$ per Km. I guess we are a little above average. But we‘ll be going to Mexico and South America later and hoping the cost will drop a bit.
Very informative videos man, keep em coming! Thanks a lot!
Thanks for the real-world numbers! And yes, your costs will drop significantly when you get into Mexico and further south!
Sweat vid bro. Range was what I always had in my head. I'd be comfy spending 1500-1750 for the two of us. Bugger getting one of those guchi vehicles either, thats not what matters at all. Rock on dude.
Dan, you make it sound so simple! I’m just waiting for the gov to open up passport renewals again so I can go explore more! Since there is now a new norm that will affect travel and interaction, do you plan to do a video of what people should consider for social distancing during their trip nowadays?
Hi Rose - I'm happy to hear my videos make it all very approachable - because it is!
To be honest I'm no expert when it comes to COVID, and I have no idea what different governments around the world are going to implement with regards to mandatory quarantine, or even when the borders might open. At this stage I think it's keep dreaming, planning, saving and preparing, and hopefully we can get back on the road in the future!
Great video, thanks so much for the info.
How important is it to add a fuel filter since a lot of modern vehicles don't include them anymore?
That video is coming up today! (VERY IMPORTANT!)
@@TheRoadChoseMe Good to know! I saw a horror story about a guy riding an adventure bike without a fuel filter. Not good.
Loving youre channel and the content you provide👌🏻
I hope that some day I get the curage to get going my self.
Question: in afrika i have heard that gas is more comon then diesel and pice reflects that "fakt". Whats youre opinion?
Thanks!
I'm filming that video right now actually. I would say on average diesel is cheaper. I logged the price in every country in wikioverland.org if you want to see for yourself!
@@TheRoadChoseMe
Looking forward to that film.
I guess I'm like most people and only find excuses for why I can't do My adventure!
But there is going to be change.
I just have to do the best with what I have. Rigging my old King Cab as good as I can and then drive it as far as I can, you can always fly back home from where ever ill get stranded...
Great stuff! Been following since you went North to South America. Done over 27 countries on motorcycles myself. I'm a TERRIBLE blogger. Never wrote more than a five line entry, finally gave up LOLOLOL. Now at 63 I'm thinking of doing this.
( Just an opinion/observation; yo have great on-screen presence, but the "stay tuned! More to come" thing is quite off putting to real people. Feels too commercialized. Just an observation.)
Great job! Keep it coming! Can't wait to hear your opinions on choosing a rig!
Thanks for the feedback! .. yes, I'm trying to grow my channel so I'm walking the line of too commercialized. I'll try to tone it down!
Absolutely right...
In the US we must get our cars registrations renewed each year. A new sticker on your license plate. How does one approach this while traveling longer than a year? And sorry how does one sell the car at the end of the journey?
Please explain what you mean by 'wild camping'? In Southern Africa we are discouraged from wild camping if it is not in an official, bona fide or legitimate camping site. For example, when one is travelling into the wilder parts of Southern Africa it is considered respectful and polite to ask if you can camp on a beach or in the bush or wherever. One needs only to approach the chief, headman or someone in authority and you would more than likely be welcomed with open arms. Many overlanders usually only wild camp when it starts getting too late to continue their journey and to avoid driving in the dark. I don't have a problem with that but the following morning do try to let the closest community to where you wild camped benefit financially. iOverlander have a number of 'wild camping' spots listed throughout Southern Africa and in my opinion this encourages those who would prefer not to pay for the wonderful privilege of travelling overland.
By far the vehicle is the largest upfront investment it seems. Your Africa Jeep if I had to guess all together was probably $40-$50k USD
Interesting to know how much costs this way of living. I though it was not a bid deal. The key is save the money for that monthly cash flow and consider what to do when you return (if you are going to return or will be willing to get back to the life you had before) or how can you come up with a way to keep a income that can afford that lifestyle/adventure.
Right you are! Those topics will be the focus of upcoming videos!
i wanna know the route you took for the africa trip
There's a good map and details here theroadchoseme.com/africa-expedition-overview
Click each country name to see posts from that country.. and there's a video from every country here on YT too.
@The Road Chose Me How did you choose the route? Did pre-plan it? Or just put it in garmin and followed the road?
Wow I was thinking it was going to be more like $3k a month. I might be able to do this sooner than I thought lol.
How many miles are on your Jeep?? Has it given you many problems? Great work on the videos, love your channel from Australia!
It's just over 170,000 miles (270,000 kms), without a single issue!
Can you please talk about front axle choices. I know in Africa, land cruisers and defenders use solid axles in front and back. Same applies to jeeps. Can Tacoma and Hilux be reliable with their independent front axles? Thanks for your videos.
Will do!
@@TheRoadChoseMe I meant axles not suspension. Sorry.
Good information
Actually when I planned out (roughly) I came up with 1245 a month... there's a few things I left out.. So 1500 doesn't sound unreasonable.. I'm kind of planning to wild camp and top up, clean up, refit roughly once a week.. Maybe overnight in a paid place.. with with hook ups etc.. BTW.. Your video with the Canadian Public Campgrounds, I bumped into YOUR pics today on iOverland, before I saw your video, of I think it was Teslin Park.. Or MOncho Lake around that area. I'm am planning the north bound trip thru Dawson city and WhiteHore.. Be a cpl years.. when I retire.. Then to Tierra del Fuego and RTW also..
Dead on! I couldn't agree more. Btw.
Why did you choose a Jeep (and not i.e. a Toyota) for your journeys ?
That will be the focus of an upcoming video for sure!
Also, Would you mention on your next video about fridge or no fridge, It seems that it is an essential for most overlanders. I personally think it will be a waste of money, Space and of course weight. Would you recommend it? Thanks 😊
Absolutely, that video is coming on Thursday!
Don't want to interfere here, but a tiny compressor fridge adds so much comfort, convenience and luxury to your trip, I wouldn't wanna miss it. Little money, well spent.
It definitely beats the alternative of always buying ice for a cooler and ending up with worm wet food all the time. Just from go on relatively short (just a few days) camping trips even with fancy rotomolded coolers ice is a constant concern
Another great video
"It doesn't need to cost you more money to drive around the world than you're spending every month just staying where you are"
I think this hugely depends on where you live and what your daily expenses are. Making a bit less than $900 a month allows me to live more than comfortably: rent $140, bills / utilities around $70-$80 on average, food about $150, etc. If I distribute the 12 month car insurance over 12 months, I'd say I spend around $600-$700 dollars a month (or rather the equivalent in dollars).
If I were to drive a lot almost every day and sleep in my roof top tent, I'd definitely be spending MUCH more on gas than I'm spending on rent. Hell, I'm spending more on gas than I do on rent now and I usually do weekend trips once or twice a month.
Excellent info. I notice you live in Klondike? Probably not real cheap living...
You'd be surprised. It's not nearly as expensive as everyone things.. and we pay much lower taxes.
This is motivating me to payoff my car faster so I can have less expense on the road
Wow!..new subscriber here😊...i like your content👍
Thanks and welcome!
Great content. What's your general view of Uganda?
I absolutely loved it, and can't wait to get back there!
What do you do if you have a medical emergency; broken compound fracture, etc. or need to go to the doctor? How is that cost factored in?
Travel insurance. Covered in this video th-cam.com/video/wPgKW0F3jFA/w-d-xo.html
Keep them coming. Blessings
What do you do about home address for driver’s license, insurance etc.?
I use the address of a friend or family so they can keep track of the paperwork for me.
For home address, there are lots of services that will allow you to maintain an address while you're on the road. Try www.escapees.com OR anytimemailbox.com - you should be able to maintain/manage your mail via your phone/an app easily.
I wanna do the panamerican highway trip so bad but the idea of going 2+ days without a proper shower irks me, so I think I’ll need to save a bit more money to be able to stay at cheap hotels
... or build a shower system into your vehicle! .. I had a shower almost every day in Africa, while out wild camping in the middle of nowhere.
@@TheRoadChoseMe really? you would think the water tank wouldn't be enough for that, thanks a lot for all the very useful tips and videos
I guess I'm not too terribly surprised at your price. However, the price of shipping a vehicle is one line item I would love to learn about.
Ask and you shall receive: th-cam.com/video/nfXrj6J87Ts/w-d-xo.html
I recently met someone who travelled the pan am by motorbike with his girlfriend, they spent $150,000 aud in 18 months, so 8k a month. Hearing that, I got scared. But they did anything and everything they wanted, including an Antarctic cruise
Wow! I would have guessed it would cost that much in fuel alone
Nice!
Now.... my biggest expense loss like it's going to be paying my bills at home while I'm gone
Can I ask a question. You Sound Aussie, how did you go about buying your first Jeep in Canada? Hypothetically if an Aussie wanted to do the Dalton/Dempster Hwys would you ship one or buy one?
I live in Canada now.
If you're only coming for 3-6 months, just buy one here, WAY easier and cheaper.
I have been thinking of making a similar trip so I have a question about crossing from Panama to south America and the cost to do it.
It's all in my shipping video here - th-cam.com/video/nfXrj6J87Ts/w-d-xo.html
I also wonder what tools and spares you were carrying on those trips.
Hi Andreas, I'll make a video about that shortly!
Interesting, thanks for the information.
Can you offer an updated monthly number based off current prices?
Since covid it's maybe gone up $500 a month, at most. Plenty of people out there still getting around for $1000/month all in.
Excellent!
You need to talk to school kids. Inspirational.
Love your vids!! Just found you, sub!! Do you have Alask-Argentina video series? What year/model Jeep did you drive to Argentina? Also, how do carry cash for this long trips? Thx
I don't have videos from Alaska to Argentina, but I blogged twice as week for the whole trip. You can start here theroadchoseme.com/expedition-overview and click into any country or start at the start.
How to carry cash is coming up in today's video!
How I wish I can drive around the world too! 😳.. I know this is not too late to happen! I will start travelling in my country and post my videos in my channel. I hope youtube can be my stepping stone to travel the world🙏🙏❤️
Being on the road is the best thing.
If you had to do it all over again would you put a bigger gas tank in the jeep?
No. The amount I carry was perfect