How We Planned a Multi-Country Budget Travel Adventure

Planning a trip to multiple countries can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when you want to ensure that everything is within budget. Nim and I are thrilled to be embarking on a four-country adventure soon, in December, and we wanted to share how we’ve managed to plan this trip, from booking flights to budgeting for accommodations and activities, all without revealing our exact destinations just yet.

Step 1: Setting the Foundation with Flight Tickets

It all started with some spare cash and a spontaneous decision in late May. We decided to choose a primary destination from where we could explore other nearby countries. The first thing I did was create an Excel sheet to outline our overall budget, including airfare, accommodation, and activities. Our goal was simple: cover all the significant expenses upfront so that once we’re traveling, we only need to think about daily spending—things like food, shopping, and local experiences.

Once we decided on our first destination, we booked our flights from Mauritius. This gave us a solid starting point and set the stage for the next phase of our planning.

Step 2: Expanding Our Travel Horizons

Mauritius is quite far from most major travel destinations, so airfares can be expensive. Knowing this, we thought, why not make the most of our trip by adding a few more countries to our itinerary? We sat down together, researched potential nearby countries, and considered factors like accommodation costs, daily expenses, and travel times. After weighing our options, we decided to add three more countries to our December adventure.

Step 3: Smart Budget Management

With our travel dates set for December, we had six months to spread out the costs. Here’s how we managed it:

• Flights: We booked our intra-Europe flights in a loop, starting with Europe Destination 1 and ending back there after visiting the other three destinations. Because these were short flights between European countries, the fares were reasonable, and by the end of August, all our flights were secured. We even included an overnight boat trip as part of the experience!

• Accommodations: I used Booking.com to make reservations for our entire stay—five hotels in total across the four countries. To avoid a massive expense in December, we set up a monthly payment plan starting in August, ensuring that by the time we leave, all our accommodations will be fully paid. This approach saved us from the stress of a big financial hit all at once.

• Activities: Activities can be a significant part of the travel budget, so we applied the same strategy here. By spreading out the payments for our activities over several months, we secured our spots without having to worry about last-minute costs.

The Excel Sheet: Our Budgeting Lifeline

Throughout this process, our Excel sheet has been our best friend. We update it weekly, adjusting for currency fluctuations and recording each payment or change in our itinerary. It’s a crucial tool for anyone planning a multi-country trip, especially if you’re handling all the arrangements yourself rather than going through a travel agency. While it does take time and requires thorough research, the savings are well worth the effort.

In the end, this approach to planning has not only kept us within budget but has also allowed us to look forward to our trip with excitement rather than financial stress. If you’re planning a similar adventure, we highly recommend taking the time to organize your trip this way. You’ll be able to enjoy your travels without the worry of overspending—and that’s what makes the journey truly memorable.