I measure my travel costs in beer.
It started as just a joke and actually managed to become a decent gauge for general costs when abroad.
Most of us in the service industry are not shy about our pursuit of a good drink and an even better time. Comparing the cost of a purchase to that of a drink allows you a solid way of measuring your expenditures while on the road.
Keep in mind that the price and availability of alcoholic beverages fluctuates depending on the country and region of the world you are visiting. It’s due to this that I have adopted this method to aid my budget.
Having a cost comparison keeps you and your wallet happy. Let’s assume a beer is €5. If a hotel in Europe costs €120 and a hostel costs €40, that’s a 16 beer difference for a place to lay your head.
A cheap lunch will also help to stretch your money for a night out with a date or fellow travelers in locations where drinks are expensive.
Look for balance.
When it all looks like Monopoly money, it’s best to learn its worth or you will end up broke or in debt.
There are far more frugal travelers than myself, but I like a mix of culture and party. It’s about a 60/40 split where I also allow splurging on landmark events.
Should you not drink or dislike the notion of measuring in alcohol whether morally or socially, that’s cool. Just find something you enjoy to use as a cost comparison, a cup of coffee, or a piece of clothing for example.
For the rest of us, “Beer is proof God loves us and wants us to be happy”.
So be smart with your money and cheers, slainté, kanpai and prost.
Here’s to the world and all it has to offer.
