Daily Budget

[jnorth88]

It is not for everyone. I will agree with that. And, navigating the cities would be quite the experience. But if you have skill, getting to the countryside would be beautiful. Touring just about anywhere on a motorcycle is wonderful, since you really feel part of the nature around you. Also, the ability to stop anywhere and look around helps to engage with the local environment. Many people actually like taking motorcycles to tour foreign countries, which I have done and would recommend. But of course, I recommend going with a group, too. I don't think solo travel is the right option for most people. There is safety in numbers, aas well as more enjoyment and interaction.

Oh, I just read an interesting article at India Times which covers two friends traveling through India without using much, if any, money. Here is the link: Two Guys Hitchhiking Across India With Rs 100 In Their Pockets Proves That No Plan Is Best Plan

I don't think I could do that myself. It takes some language skills and to be very forward and sociable. I don't see myself as ever hitchhiking, or asking for rides, other options, or the like. But many people find this to be quite natural, and would have no trouble fitting into the culture and local populace. What are your thoughts? Is this even possible for many travelers, or just a select few?

 

[tabby]

I highly doubt I can do it myself. I'm not very sociable and would be very too shy to approach people (saved to ask for directions) and ask to hitchhike is like a scary thing for me to do. (I did try hitchhiking with a couple of friends (they're the ones bold enough to ask, and I was only tagging along) in one of our provinces, and that experience made me decide NOT to do it ever again, haha!) Also, like you said, there's the language component to consider. I don't know the local language much. So conversing with the locals might prove difficult for me.
With regards to my own travels, I've actually seen this works with other travelers especially with the back-packing community. Wherever I went, I had the chance to observe total strangers just strike casual conversations and readily agree to share rides, accommodations, meals, etc. and realize that's how a lot of them survive for quite a number of days in the country with limited budget.

 

[tabby]

Yup! I'm only on a backpackers budget so it's either hostels or cheaper hotels for me right now! Maybe one day I will get to live in luxury when it comes to travel, but that's not for a while yet, I don't think!

I have been to Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and South Korea from your list and also found all of them very economically friendly. For a lot of those places I don't think I would have gone near $100 a day, but it's nice to budget around that just to be safe. And especially if you want to do any specific costly tours or activities.

You're quite right! $100 in an Asian country, especially those mentioned is already a highly conservative budget. Actual experience can tell you that you can truly subsist less than that especially if you are really going to do it the local way (eat what they eat, take local transportation, etc.).