Hey beautiful people I hope this is helpful in your future budgeting endeavors for your next adventure :) Check out the Travel Spend App for keeping track of your budget on your next trip, the free version is still a great tool, and really helped me manage my money on longer trips.
I just love your travels and video is subscribed a few months. I want to do some travels for the fist time and for the first time on a bike. Did traveled on scenic roads and secondary roads back roads to avoid highway freeways. Like to get a feel how you traveled. Because of you I want to go out and get me a bike. Because I'm short like a bmw 750. Thank you for your video s be safe
@UCmDamqYINWOOFU7C3kk3Vvw Hey bud, I've actually never road a BDR, if I make it next year that will be my first. As for which route, I'm trying for whatever is closest to me, I live in Allentown, PA. I'm trying to buy a KLR next year, if and when I pull that off, I'll check the map for the closest route to me. Thanks again for the advice, please ride safe out there brother 🙏
Done! Thanks Amanda. I used the free version of the Travel Spend app on my last trip and it was really eye-opening! It will be even better on my next trip with "premium" :)
For nearly the last 20 years I have not been budgeting and tracking my travels. In the 1980's and 1990's I did a better job budgeting and tracking. But never with as much detail and accuracy as you do. The only trip that I remember the cost for was about $15 a day. My first week long solo ride. Camped every night. My stated cost doesn't include food that I packed from home. It was about nine day and about 1500 miles. It was a trip to Smoky Mountains National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway. The year was 1985. Lately I am being reminded of a lot of things that I use to do that I should get back to doing. Thank you for one of those reminders.
Thanks for what you do here. Your down to earth and it's very educational and fun for me to watch. I'm a disabled veteran with a limited budget like most people lol, your videos help me think outside the box when saving money while still having fun on my bike! Thank You!
*_Thanks for covering this. I have never really broken down my budget like this on any of my trips. I realize I should. I can guarantee I spend more on drinking supplies, that's for sure. It's always so hard to book campgrounds and places ahead of time. I guess I get squirreled easily. Thanks again for all you do for the ADV Rider community and for sharing your travels with us. I genuinely enjoy it._*
Hotels this year were a killer. The Motel 6 I stopped at instead of trying to pitch a tent in sleet over Memorial Day weekend was $140. $140! For a Motel 6! Luckily I made it to all my planned campsites and had reasonable weather (for camping at least, riding was a different story). I'd wager my all in cost for my 6 day trip during around Memorial Day was probably $100-110 with two nights of hotel and 3 nights of paid camping.
Way to go! You did as good as you needed to,financially, on your last trip! I’m old enough to stay in losing at night but frugal in all other ways. Cooking my own is good!
Great trip, videos and info etc. Last summer I did a 90 day 7500 mile trip and my costs were about $5700. To do it again this year would have upped that more than a bit. Things sure add up quickly but the trip was well worth it. I probably would have spent that much had stayed home anyway. Thanks for all you do to inspire and encourage everyone to "get out and do the thing "
Wonderful, thank you! I camp on my motorcycle year round on the West Coast of Canada (Vancouver Island)... I 've been down the coast as far as I can, even in late Fall and Early Spring. I have yet to venture East into the rest of the USA, but your video was very inspiring! Off-season, camping, and eating groceries--you're right, you can do it pretty cheap if you're so motivated! The spending app sounds great. too--better than my top box full of receipts!
I’m in NZ. I’ve done a couple of decent road trips, the longest was something like 7000km. We stayed mostly at a chain of campgrounds which have cabins. It’s great when there are 6 of you that you can split the accomodation enough ways it works out to $28 a night each and you’re not in a tent!
In 1979 on a modified Yamaha xs650...dropped a tooth in the back sprocket to get 60mph average, sleeping bag, tarp and some rope traveled the US on a $20/day budget. But then the City cops would tell you where you could throw down your bag for the night for free or get a sandwich for a couple of bucks. Happy Hours at alot of bars included food layouts. Did 14 days for under $300. Iowa to Colorado, up into Canada, around the Great Lakes and home. This year the Soocter Cannonball. San Clemente, CA to Hilton, SC in 7 days on a Vespa 150. I figure a little over $6,000 before I am done. Times do change. Enjoy the ride, as long as you can ride, however you can. Welcome to the club that gets you nothing but the memories no one can take away from you.
Simple, short and answered so many questions we all had about the cost of your amazing trips. Was it expensive for a lifetime memory? No, it was all worth it! Great video, thank you Amanda!! 👍👍
when i plan trips I try to budget $100 a day so thats not terrible for such a cold wet time of year... I doubt I'd be brave enough to camp daily for such a long trip either but good to alternate days of eating in/out, hotels and camping etc to cut costs. Thanks for being an inspiration and doing such an epic trip, I hope I can be even half the biker you are one day :)
Thanks. I've been planning potential trips and you can only google so much stuff. Nothing beats some real world numbers. This is super helpful. Happy trails!
When I've done long solo rides on a bicycle, I definitely prefer camping. In fact, when I rode from Banff to Laramie in 1993, the first night I used a motel was on a terrible road between Whitefish and Kalispell. I passed a campground on the way into Whitefish that I definitely should have taken advantage of. On a motorcycle, I go back and forth on camping v. motel stays. I think it's driven mostly by the fact that I was in my 30s and 40s in my solo bicycling days and am in my 60s now. 😂I figure that if I'm taking a vacation on the back of a motorcycle, it's generally a much cheaper vacation than those that my wife and I do together, where we are staying exclusively in up-scale hotels and eating in much more expensive restaurants than the mom and pop diners and coffee shops I tend to frequent from the back of a bike.
I tend to stay in lodgings , years ago it was youth hostels and camping , but in the high end of my 50s , my camping durability has dropped to the point that it's not worth it to haul the equipment. So in my local colloquialism, I'm a Ramada ranger now. Though I do maintain memberships with various hotel chains as well AMA for discounts
I did a trip from the Midwest to Washington that I had to make in 3 days so I stayed in hotels. On longer trips with less time pressure I like to camp a couple days to start, then land at a friend's house or a hotel for a night to get cleaned up and get good sleep then more camping, rinse, repeat. Keeps the energy and enjoyment factor up for longer! On hard travelling days I eat snacks (peanuts, crackers, hydrate) throughout the day instead of big meals. On easier days I choose one or two meals to splurge on, especially interesting or regional food that I won't find where I live. Most of the fun for me is finding cool food on the road :)
I learned when I joined the Boy Scouts at age 51 (your kids join-you join) this body no longer likes camping. Any bike ride that requires an overnight will have a hotel stay. We still camp, but more like glamping than a pad on the ground. It’s hard to carry that much gear on a bike. I thought of getting a trailer tent, but ran the numbers and it would take a long time to make it cost effective over motels. This body is on the back half of “middle aged” unless I plan on living to 120!
I spent a lot of money on my last big trip as I ended up buying a new Africa Twin along the way back! Actually had one reserved at my local dealer for a couple of months before the trip but it never came. On the way back, a different dealership had one ready to go, so I pounced. So I'm pretty sure I averaged out to more than $1k a day for the 15 day trip. 😅 Ignoring that cost, I averaged just over $100/day.
Magpie thank you for sharing this knowledge. You're reasonably famous around Texas Ridge, Idaho because I tell everyone how cool you are. There is no on who's 'how to pack your bike' advice I hold in higher esteem.
I had guessed 5,600 so, now I am pleased with myself. Side note, I met my brother in Sturgis and found out he watches your channel also. Just thought that was cool.
I tend to spend a bit more, still camp some, but end up eating “supper” late afternoon. Had bed bugs a few times in really low end lodging, now go the the Holiday Inn Express or similar. I also get about 45 mpg on my R1250RT BMW, so that part is similar. At least on a bike ya tend not to do a lot of touristy shopping since packing room is a thing. 😉 Thanks for doing this video, it’s fun to compare notes.
Hello Amanda! I’m finishing a trip Switzerland to North Cape and back. I will finish Sunday after 44day/13000km I can say it cost me about 130-140€/day It’s near to your result. I think it’s possible to reduce because I don’t camp a lot and the fuel/gaz cost a lot (2,2 to 2,4€/Lt ) it is interessant to compare. Thanks for your video. Regards Jo.
Thank you for yet another great video. I shudder to think what I spent on my aborted trip last year, since hotels were starting to be 3-400 bucks a night due to being in tourist areas where I couldn't camp. That's for a Hampton Inn, and i'm like platinum with them. As well as renting a Uhaul and having to haul my bike back to Tampa from Vegas where it blew a head gasket on the friday before memorial day weekend... On a 36 year old bike nobody would work on, even IF they were working. That stung. Was just about to hit the spots I could camp, but never got the chance! I like the app!!! have to try that one out. Never even thought about something like that!!!When I grow up i'm gonna be super organized like you.🤣
@@AstheMagpieFlies Definitely a learning experience on that one, learned a LOT on that trip. Next one will be better managed, have so much better resources now to draw on.
Everything is more expensive this year, so you probably traveled much as you always do, but unavoidably paid more. Great trip, great videos! Thanks for sharing.
Hey Amanda, can you do a video on the quality of hotels you've stayed in? I'm a truck driver and I'm very leery when it comes to certain chain hotels and/or mom and pops. Should you always judge a book by its cover or give certain places the benefit of doubt? 🤔 🤔🤔 Do you read reviews before you book? What makes a comfortable stay for you? Any horror stories of a certain room that you booked?
I tend to run about $100/day based on only camping but eating out a bunch or eat dehydrated backpacking pouches and covering a lot of miles over a shorter time. Campsites have gotten crazy expensive too, with some states implementing double rates and/or extra fees for non-residents.
Yeah, it's the motels that break the budget. Last month I paid $400 for a second hand Lone Rider Moto tent. That's the big one you can put your bike in. It makes the camping part of Moto camping much nicer. Someone was giving me sh*t about spending that much on a tent. My reply was "Have you paid for a motel recently?!"
Hi Amanda, I used the app that you used as you had mentioned it previously to work out the cost of my last trip. It confirmed my pre-trip estimated daily cost so I was very happy with that. Accomodation preference is hotel then Bunkhouse/Hostel then camp but cost often wins out and I end up camping.
Answering crew question: I do not keep a daily expense journal, but I can tell ya this year was expensive, deadly expensive. My expenses this year wasn’t limited to a strict budget but definitely wasn’t a no expense spared trip either. It all started in Worcester Massachusetts and ended in the small Idaho town of Deary. It was about 10,000 miles round trip. I back tracked the same route home. Via I-70. I had set aside $5,500.00 to make it this year. I spent all of my travel time nights in motels. No camping. Friends and family put me up on non travel days. Gas and Motels were at an alltime high…especially in Colorado. Motels I was spending $70 - $80 last year were over $110.00 this year. My average daily expenses were in excess of $105.00 for the 52 days I was away. My “travel day” expenses were quite high at almost $300.00 for Gas, Food and Lodging. Bought a $387.00 tire for my Polaris Slingshot but had to pay $600.00 for it and I did an oil change $100.00. I had other maintenance expenses like new spark plugs because of an ocassional misfire and also a replacement air filter because of a huge dust storm while traveling on US 50 in Nevada. My new budget plans will be, what ever it costs, is what I will have to pay. I usually travel 400-500 miles per day. I used to camp and motel, but since I hit 73, it is motels only. I usually made my own dinners, by either what I bought in a store, or dehydrated meals from Mountain House.
I just came across your video and I am impressed yes I did the same thing back in 2010 I'll have to see if I can find my file and stuff but I was gone for 87 days on a 2001 Harley Davidson Electra glide from North Carolina all the way to San Diego up the coast and back around costing me about $2,600 I did a lot of outside camping stopped and stayed with family that's in California friends and old business acquaintances across the United States it can be done you just have to budget correctly I want to say that my numbers were more like $3,000 because I'm sure there was some unexpected or I didn't grab receipts for whatever reason but you can make a nice trip on a motorcycle my next trip is next year in my camper with motorcycle in tow
I didn't do the math but I have all the numbers from a month on the road fall of 2021 (Sept) and again spring of 2022 (April). Things were a lot higher in the spring, I had a bit of "sticker shock" with fuel over $7 a gallon a few times and rooms $25 to $50 a night higher. Both rides were along RT66 - Chicago to the Midpoint in the fall then repeat of St. Louis to Midpoint and on to CA in the spring. The difference in cost was similar to yours and my ride miles, etc. for the two rides were also similar. I hope travel costs go down so I can continue to enjoy my retirement. Thank you for sharing your rides and this breakdown of costs.
Just did the NEBDR with 2 more friends. Hauled bikes to NY and back. Split rooms and camp sites and gas for van 3 ways. My total cost $1344.62. That’s every thing. Gas for 2002 miles on bike was $139.42. It was a 9 day trip total. 7 on bike. Hotels were the biggest. Averaging over $180. split 3 ways isn’t that bad. Solo would be ridiculous. We would camp every other night.
The timing on me catching this video is beyond ridiculous. I just got home from my 15-day 5,900 Mi ride yesterday. I left with a completely blank Chase card, so whatever the balance is, is what it cost me. I did 4 days with friends and 10 hotels. Too nervous to look!
I find it helpful for budgeting for future trips. Figuring out where I could cut back and where I need to add funds for future trips. Especially since I need to do a fair bit of saving before I can do big trips is good to know in the ballpark range how much I need to save so I can work out how long I need to save.
I'm currently thinking of a cross country ride and your post ride budget is making me think I will have to work out the numbers at little more, a lot more actually! 🤔
Well I like to go and camp if can along the way, trip I had planned that canceled was looking at hotel on the way just to not push it being late to the camp ground, since was not sure how I would handle a 500 mile trip, my phone map said 9 hours but that for a car.
Also gotta remember that mapping app times are purely drive time, it doesn't take into account stops for food and gas, safer to add 2-4 hours for whatever 4-8 hours maps say it will take that's my rule.
@@AstheMagpieFlies yeah sort what figured even riding all highway still have least one or two gas stops and I personally have to eat some what on schedule.
Camping has been so hit or miss this year that I have spent more time in hotels than I wanted, which definitely took the average per day way up for me this year :(
My idea of roughing it is a Holiday Inn with a B&W tv. Thanks for sharing, it's always interesting to know the costs of such a trip. I'm worried about Tim C.
@@AstheMagpieFlies Yes, been following for a few years, bought his book too. Just seems like he's got something heavy on his shoulders. Thought maybe you might reach out just to check in since you actually know him. I know you met up with him on your recent trip, but even there too, just seemed off.
@@Bill_CBR I have talked to him, he's fine, he's working up to bigger trips. You know, getting a mental health diagnosis and recovering from covid, and working out how to work with those things is no joke. On top of trying to work out how to do bigger trips financially. It's stressful 🤷
Great job and info. You did not include change of chain, sprocket and oil changes, but those are trip costs. Besides the SD cards and hardship drive, how much do you think filming for your Channel adds to the time/cost?
Math scares me, so I try not to think about it. 🤣 But, because I live full-time on the road, I don’t pay rent or a mortgage. Plus I work (remotely) full-time with a side gig or two, so my income is more than enough to live how I do.
I do not plan any thing on a trip. I just go. I have been known to get on the bike for just a little ride and came back two weeks later. Bought clothes and essentials on the road as I needed them.
@@AstheMagpieFlies your right and all I can say is sorry because I don't keep track of any of it. I just go and whatever happens, happens. Then I just deal with it. Sorry😁
I never budget, figure stuff cost what it costs. Rarely stay in hotels, do a lot of free campsites and friend/relative stops. Sometimes I'll make reservations but only when there is something specific I want to do/see. Made a reservation at Parkers Crossroads Campground in Tennessee, stopped to tell them I wasn't gonna stay do to the heat, was just gonna ride on through the night and get home to Ohio. They said for 8 dollars more I could stay in an air conditioned cabin, that 8 bucks flew from my pocket. I visited my dads grave then cooled off in the pool and had some cold beers while the AC brought cabin temp down. Best night I ever spent on the road beat a hotel all to pieces.
I do not know what my cost per day was for RMR6. I did both when going to RMR6 I stayed in a campground near Coeur d'Alene ID and then stayed at a mom & pop motel in Arco ID when I ran out of fuel 5 miles outside of town. I think that room cost me $80. Honestly did not care at that moment I just needed a place to rest and put my brain together again. EDIT: And how about that guess!! Nailed it!! lol
Tire cost shouldn't be included. A real cost to be sure, but not fully banked against the trip. And you would have eaten regardless of the location. And how much do you spend to sleep at your own place? In other words, does your travel really cost you as much as you think? Nahhhh. I used to budget the way you do, but found I was attributing cost that weren't real... so just start figuring them above your stay-at-home cost. You'll feel better about it and enjoy the trip much, much more.
I mean I still enjoy my trip. Also my accomodations still are added expense because I still have to pay rent even when I'm not home so that doesn't make sense to me lol
I made a spreadsheet and discovered that my bike averages almost 25¢ a mile on gas, tires, and oil changes. That’s factoring 5k miles for oil change intervals, 10k for tires, $5 gas. Brakes and other maintenance not included, it’s close enough to get an idea. I try to free camp every night, and cook as many meals as possible. Lunch I almost always eat out if it’s a travel day. Lodging and food numbers are highly variable. It also makes sense to only add up food costs that are additional to what you would eat at home. If you spend $20 a day at home and $50 a day on the road, then your food trip expenses are only $30/day. That kind of math makes it more palatable. You eat food at home so no need to call that a trip expense.
@@AstheMagpieFlies I flew into Portland and bought a bike to ride back to the East Coast yesterday. I am bad with money while traveling! 😁 It's best I do not break out Excel and find out how bad! - Frank
End Screen. Super minimalist and I track all of my spending. It is usually the alcohol that costs the most...and gas. Intermittent fasting with protein shakes between keeps the cost down!
Amanda since your travels are also your employment, with out disclosing your earnings, what was your total cost accounting for offsetting earnings? Ball park figures are fine. Also, was it worth it ?
Hey Bob! That's really hard because the ad revenue from all the episodes I made during the trip would have to be taken into account and that wouldn't be accurate until they're like a year old or so 🤔
*Anonymous pseudo inspirational quote:* It is not the value per the day of journey, but the value to the heart over a life time. Namaste. Do the dew. 🕉️ • Do the thing. 😏
Hey beautiful people I hope this is helpful in your future budgeting endeavors for your next adventure :)
Check out the Travel Spend App for keeping track of your budget on your next trip, the free version is still a great tool, and really helped me manage my money on longer trips.
I'm trying to do the Pennsylvania BDR next year so hopefully yes. 🙏
I just love your travels and video is subscribed a few months. I want to do some travels for the fist time and for the first time on a bike. Did traveled on scenic roads and secondary roads back roads to avoid highway freeways. Like to get a feel how you traveled. Because of you I want to go out and get me a bike. Because I'm short like a bmw 750. Thank you for your video s be safe
@UCmDamqYINWOOFU7C3kk3Vvw Hey bud, I've actually never road a BDR, if I make it next year that will be my first. As for which route, I'm trying for whatever is closest to me, I live in Allentown, PA. I'm trying to buy a KLR next year, if and when I pull that off, I'll check the map for the closest route to me. Thanks again for the advice, please ride safe out there brother 🙏
And I am absolutely going to do that app, and my tax person will be thrilled im sure
Done! Thanks Amanda. I used the free version of the Travel Spend app on my last trip and it was really eye-opening! It will be even better on my next trip with "premium" :)
For nearly the last 20 years I have not been budgeting and tracking my travels. In the 1980's and 1990's I did a better job budgeting and tracking. But never with as much detail and accuracy as you do.
The only trip that I remember the cost for was about $15 a day. My first week long solo ride. Camped every night. My stated cost doesn't include food that I packed from home. It was about nine day and about 1500 miles. It was a trip to Smoky Mountains National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway. The year was 1985.
Lately I am being reminded of a lot of things that I use to do that I should get back to doing. Thank you for one of those reminders.
Thanks for what you do here. Your down to earth and it's very educational and fun for me to watch. I'm a disabled veteran with a limited budget like most people lol, your videos help me think outside the box when saving money while still having fun on my bike! Thank You!
I'm so glad it was helpful!
*_Thanks for covering this. I have never really broken down my budget like this on any of my trips. I realize I should. I can guarantee I spend more on drinking supplies, that's for sure. It's always so hard to book campgrounds and places ahead of time. I guess I get squirreled easily. Thanks again for all you do for the ADV Rider community and for sharing your travels with us. I genuinely enjoy it._*
In 2010 for 3 people, 2 bikes, 3 weeks travel total cost was $7000+. Was a trip to Sturgis from DE then west, south and back.
Hotels this year were a killer. The Motel 6 I stopped at instead of trying to pitch a tent in sleet over Memorial Day weekend was $140. $140! For a Motel 6! Luckily I made it to all my planned campsites and had reasonable weather (for camping at least, riding was a different story). I'd wager my all in cost for my 6 day trip during around Memorial Day was probably $100-110 with two nights of hotel and 3 nights of paid camping.
More free camping when the weather allows it. Thanks for sharing.
Way to go!
You did as good as you needed to,financially, on your last trip!
I’m old enough to stay in losing at night but frugal in all other ways. Cooking my own is good!
Great trip, videos and info etc.
Last summer I did a 90 day 7500 mile trip and my costs were about $5700. To do it again this year would have upped that more than a bit. Things sure add up quickly but the trip was well worth it. I probably would have spent that much had stayed home anyway.
Thanks for all you do to inspire and encourage everyone to "get out and do the thing "
Wonderful, thank you! I camp on my motorcycle year round on the West Coast of Canada (Vancouver Island)... I 've been down the coast as far as I can, even in late Fall and Early Spring. I have yet to venture East into the rest of the USA, but your video was very inspiring! Off-season, camping, and eating groceries--you're right, you can do it pretty cheap if you're so motivated! The spending app sounds great. too--better than my top box full of receipts!
I’m in NZ. I’ve done a couple of decent road trips, the longest was something like 7000km. We stayed mostly at a chain of campgrounds which have cabins. It’s great when there are 6 of you that you can split the accomodation enough ways it works out to $28 a night each and you’re not in a tent!
Great breakdown, Amanda! Excellent information for anyone planning to do long distance travelling. Thanks for taking the time to share with us.
In 1979 on a modified Yamaha xs650...dropped a tooth in the back sprocket to get 60mph average, sleeping bag, tarp and some rope traveled the US on a $20/day budget. But then the City cops would tell you where you could throw down your bag for the night for free or get a sandwich for a couple of bucks. Happy Hours at alot of bars included food layouts. Did 14 days for under $300. Iowa to Colorado, up into Canada, around the Great Lakes and home. This year the Soocter Cannonball. San Clemente, CA to Hilton, SC in 7 days on a Vespa 150. I figure a little over $6,000 before I am done. Times do change. Enjoy the ride, as long as you can ride, however you can. Welcome to the club that gets you nothing but the memories no one can take away from you.
All though it seems like a lot of money, that’s actually not to bad, considering how far you traveled and how much scenery you got to see.
cool that break down isn't bad, can't put a price on memories and good times
Simple, short and answered so many questions we all had about the cost of your amazing trips. Was it expensive for a lifetime memory? No, it was all worth it! Great video, thank you Amanda!! 👍👍
when i plan trips I try to budget $100 a day so thats not terrible for such a cold wet time of year... I doubt I'd be brave enough to camp daily for such a long trip either but good to alternate days of eating in/out, hotels and camping etc to cut costs.
Thanks for being an inspiration and doing such an epic trip, I hope I can be even half the biker you are one day :)
Thanks. I've been planning potential trips and you can only google so much stuff. Nothing beats some real world numbers. This is super helpful. Happy trails!
Glad I could be helpful ☺️
When I've done long solo rides on a bicycle, I definitely prefer camping. In fact, when I rode from Banff to Laramie in 1993, the first night I used a motel was on a terrible road between Whitefish and Kalispell. I passed a campground on the way into Whitefish that I definitely should have taken advantage of. On a motorcycle, I go back and forth on camping v. motel stays. I think it's driven mostly by the fact that I was in my 30s and 40s in my solo bicycling days and am in my 60s now. 😂I figure that if I'm taking a vacation on the back of a motorcycle, it's generally a much cheaper vacation than those that my wife and I do together, where we are staying exclusively in up-scale hotels and eating in much more expensive restaurants than the mom and pop diners and coffee shops I tend to frequent from the back of a bike.
I averaged about $100/day on a 9 day trip around Ontario and Quebec. Had some friends along the way :)
I tend to stay in lodgings , years ago it was youth hostels and camping , but in the high end of my 50s , my camping durability has dropped to the point that it's not worth it to haul the equipment. So in my local colloquialism, I'm a Ramada ranger now. Though I do maintain memberships with various hotel chains as well AMA for discounts
I did a trip from the Midwest to Washington that I had to make in 3 days so I stayed in hotels. On longer trips with less time pressure I like to camp a couple days to start, then land at a friend's house or a hotel for a night to get cleaned up and get good sleep then more camping, rinse, repeat. Keeps the energy and enjoyment factor up for longer! On hard travelling days I eat snacks (peanuts, crackers, hydrate) throughout the day instead of big meals. On easier days I choose one or two meals to splurge on, especially interesting or regional food that I won't find where I live. Most of the fun for me is finding cool food on the road :)
I learned when I joined the Boy Scouts at age 51 (your kids join-you join) this body no longer likes camping. Any bike ride that requires an overnight will have a hotel stay. We still camp, but more like glamping than a pad on the ground. It’s hard to carry that much gear on a bike. I thought of getting a trailer tent, but ran the numbers and it would take a long time to make it cost effective over motels. This body is on the back half of “middle aged” unless I plan on living to 120!
I spent a lot of money on my last big trip as I ended up buying a new Africa Twin along the way back! Actually had one reserved at my local dealer for a couple of months before the trip but it never came. On the way back, a different dealership had one ready to go, so I pounced. So I'm pretty sure I averaged out to more than $1k a day for the 15 day trip. 😅 Ignoring that cost, I averaged just over $100/day.
You inspire me. Your a awesome young lady!!
Magpie thank you for sharing this knowledge. You're reasonably famous around Texas Ridge, Idaho because I tell everyone how cool you are. There is no on who's 'how to pack your bike' advice I hold in higher esteem.
Aww thank you Jeffery
I had guessed 5,600 so, now I am pleased with myself. Side note, I met my brother in Sturgis and found out he watches your channel also. Just thought that was cool.
I tend to spend a bit more, still camp some, but end up eating “supper” late afternoon. Had bed bugs a few times in really low end lodging, now go the the Holiday Inn Express or similar. I also get about 45 mpg on my R1250RT BMW, so that part is similar. At least on a bike ya tend not to do a lot of touristy shopping since packing room is a thing. 😉 Thanks for doing this video, it’s fun to compare notes.
well done , great info ... your an inspiration , im going to do the thing tomorrow for 5 days with my son
Hello Amanda!
I’m finishing a trip Switzerland to North Cape and back.
I will finish Sunday after 44day/13000km
I can say it cost me about 130-140€/day
It’s near to your result.
I think it’s possible to reduce because I don’t camp a lot and the fuel/gaz cost a lot
(2,2 to 2,4€/Lt )
it is interessant to compare.
Thanks for your video.
Regards Jo.
schade, dass du deinen trip ans norkap nicht gefilmt hast ;-)
@@pilotsproject Hallo! Ich habe 1400gb Video und 2000 Photos… ich hoffe dass ich Im Weinnacht der Zeit zum alles zu montieren gefinden wurde
@@the_ice_wind_1775 super, du hast mein Abo 🙂
Very informative. I'm doing cross country trip next year
Thank you for yet another great video. I shudder to think what I spent on my aborted trip last year, since hotels were starting to be 3-400 bucks a night due to being in tourist areas where I couldn't camp. That's for a Hampton Inn, and i'm like platinum with them. As well as renting a Uhaul and having to haul my bike back to Tampa from Vegas where it blew a head gasket on the friday before memorial day weekend... On a 36 year old bike nobody would work on, even IF they were working. That stung. Was just about to hit the spots I could camp, but never got the chance!
I like the app!!! have to try that one out. Never even thought about something like that!!!When I grow up i'm gonna be super organized like you.🤣
Ouch 😳 lol
@@AstheMagpieFlies Definitely a learning experience on that one, learned a LOT on that trip. Next one will be better managed, have so much better resources now to draw on.
Cheers from France ! 😗
I find that the more money I start with the more I spend. Some trips I've survived on beans on toast, but others well... :)
Great video thank you I'm not good with a budget. Thanks again cheers to ya
Everything is more expensive this year, so you probably traveled much as you always do, but unavoidably paid more. Great trip, great videos! Thanks for sharing.
Hey Amanda, can you do a video on the quality of hotels you've stayed in? I'm a truck driver and I'm very leery when it comes to certain chain hotels and/or mom and pops. Should you always judge a book by its cover or give certain places the benefit of doubt? 🤔 🤔🤔
Do you read reviews before you book? What makes a comfortable stay for you?
Any horror stories of a certain room that you booked?
I tend to run about $100/day based on only camping but eating out a bunch or eat dehydrated backpacking pouches and covering a lot of miles over a shorter time.
Campsites have gotten crazy expensive too, with some states implementing double rates and/or extra fees for non-residents.
good stuff. interesting to see the breakdown after having watched your travels. Peace from a viewer in Connecticut. Any plans to tour New England?
Yeah, it's the motels that break the budget. Last month I paid $400 for a second hand Lone Rider Moto tent. That's the big one you can put your bike in. It makes the camping part of Moto camping much nicer. Someone was giving me sh*t about spending that much on a tent. My reply was "Have you paid for a motel recently?!"
Hi Amanda, I used the app that you used as you had mentioned it previously to work out the cost of my last trip. It confirmed my pre-trip estimated daily cost so I was very happy with that. Accomodation preference is hotel then Bunkhouse/Hostel then camp but cost often wins out and I end up camping.
Answering crew question: I do not keep a daily expense journal, but I can tell ya this year was expensive, deadly expensive. My expenses this year wasn’t limited to a strict budget but definitely wasn’t a no expense spared trip either. It all started in Worcester Massachusetts and ended in the small Idaho town of Deary. It was about 10,000 miles round trip. I back tracked the same route home. Via I-70. I had set aside $5,500.00 to make it this year. I spent all of my travel time nights in motels. No camping. Friends and family put me up on non travel days. Gas and Motels were at an alltime high…especially in Colorado. Motels I was spending $70 - $80 last year were over $110.00 this year. My average daily expenses were in excess of $105.00 for the 52 days I was away. My “travel day” expenses were quite high at almost $300.00 for Gas, Food and Lodging. Bought a $387.00 tire for my Polaris Slingshot but had to pay $600.00 for it and I did an oil change $100.00. I had other maintenance expenses like new spark plugs because of an ocassional misfire and also a replacement air filter because of a huge dust storm while traveling on US 50 in Nevada.
My new budget plans will be, what ever it costs, is what I will have to pay. I usually travel 400-500 miles per day. I used to camp and motel, but since I hit 73, it is motels only. I usually made my own dinners, by either what I bought in a store, or dehydrated meals from Mountain House.
Wonderful job young lady you inspire us.
I just came across your video and I am impressed yes I did the same thing back in 2010 I'll have to see if I can find my file and stuff but I was gone for 87 days on a 2001 Harley Davidson Electra glide from North Carolina all the way to San Diego up the coast and back around costing me about $2,600 I did a lot of outside camping stopped and stayed with family that's in California friends and old business acquaintances across the United States it can be done you just have to budget correctly I want to say that my numbers were more like $3,000 because I'm sure there was some unexpected or I didn't grab receipts for whatever reason but you can make a nice trip on a motorcycle my next trip is next year in my camper with motorcycle in tow
👍
I need to go on a moto camping trip. Thanks for the budget breakdown, eye opening.
I track all my spending with Quicken and can break out costs as required. My "drinks" category is a substantially higher percentage than yours. 🙂
I didn't do the math but I have all the numbers from a month on the road fall of 2021 (Sept) and again spring of 2022 (April). Things were a lot higher in the spring, I had a bit of "sticker shock" with fuel over $7 a gallon a few times and rooms $25 to $50 a night higher. Both rides were along RT66 - Chicago to the Midpoint in the fall then repeat of St. Louis to Midpoint and on to CA in the spring. The difference in cost was similar to yours and my ride miles, etc. for the two rides were also similar. I hope travel costs go down so I can continue to enjoy my retirement.
Thank you for sharing your rides and this breakdown of costs.
I don't think I pay much attention to my daily spend when traveling, but I do usually have a budget for the whole teip and try to stay in that.
It is important for me to leave you a comment in order to participate . Beside of this you are very much informative . Thanks so much .
You did very well! I guessed $5,100 off $403. I figured $150 daily average.
Just did the NEBDR with 2 more friends. Hauled bikes to NY and back. Split rooms and camp sites and gas for van 3 ways. My total cost $1344.62. That’s every thing. Gas for 2002 miles on bike was $139.42. It was a 9 day trip total. 7 on bike. Hotels were the biggest. Averaging over $180. split 3 ways isn’t that bad. Solo would be ridiculous. We would camp every other night.
The timing on me catching this video is beyond ridiculous. I just got home from my 15-day 5,900 Mi ride yesterday.
I left with a completely blank Chase card, so whatever the balance is, is what it cost me. I did 4 days with friends and 10 hotels. Too nervous to look!
Interesting video. I don’t really keep track of costs on long trips because I have no real use for that info and don’t find it interesting.
I find it helpful for budgeting for future trips. Figuring out where I could cut back and where I need to add funds for future trips.
Especially since I need to do a fair bit of saving before I can do big trips is good to know in the ballpark range how much I need to save so I can work out how long I need to save.
Omg my 2020 trip was so much cheaper than now. Gas is double and camping is way up too. I also used that app. 👍🏽
Last trip 3100 mile 246 dollars day 🤔 Think I might need to start camping😂
🤣
My July trip to the sw was around $300 a day for me and my daughter. That was for 8 nights and 3600 miles.
I'm currently thinking of a cross country ride and your post ride budget is making me think I will have to work out the numbers at little more, a lot more actually! 🤔
Well I like to go and camp if can along the way, trip I had planned that canceled was looking at hotel on the way just to not push it being late to the camp ground, since was not sure how I would handle a 500 mile trip, my phone map said 9 hours but that for a car.
Also gotta remember that mapping app times are purely drive time, it doesn't take into account stops for food and gas, safer to add 2-4 hours for whatever 4-8 hours maps say it will take that's my rule.
@@AstheMagpieFlies yeah sort what figured even riding all highway still have least one or two gas stops and I personally have to eat some what on schedule.
Camping has been so hit or miss this year that I have spent more time in hotels than I wanted, which definitely took the average per day way up for me this year :(
That's quite a ride I often watch your videos all I can say is : You go Girl 🙂
My idea of roughing it is a Holiday Inn with a B&W tv. Thanks for sharing, it's always interesting to know the costs of such a trip. I'm worried about Tim C.
Why are you worried about Tim? He's fine. He's still making content have you not watched his latest stuff?
@@AstheMagpieFlies Yes, been following for a few years, bought his book too. Just seems like he's got something heavy on his shoulders. Thought maybe you might reach out just to check in since you actually know him. I know you met up with him on your recent trip, but even there too, just seemed off.
@@Bill_CBR I have talked to him, he's fine, he's working up to bigger trips. You know, getting a mental health diagnosis and recovering from covid, and working out how to work with those things is no joke. On top of trying to work out how to do bigger trips financially. It's stressful 🤷
Great job and info. You did not include change of chain, sprocket and oil changes, but those are trip costs. Besides the SD cards and hardship drive, how much do you think filming for your Channel adds to the time/cost?
Math scares me, so I try not to think about it. 🤣 But, because I live full-time on the road, I don’t pay rent or a mortgage. Plus I work (remotely) full-time with a side gig or two, so my income is more than enough to live how I do.
If you stuck with like 75% motocamping you would have saved sooooo much money. But everyone loves creature comforts so I totally understand.
Lol also did you watch the series, I tried, like 80% of the "campgrounds" along the Gulf coast don't allow tent camping.
last Trip, 25 days, 6000 miles, 3400 dollars...loved it though
Have you ever used Bunk A Biker? Just wondering.
I do not plan any thing on a trip. I just go. I have been known to get on the bike for just a little ride and came back two weeks later. Bought clothes and essentials on the road as I needed them.
Ok but you didn't answer my question 😜
@@AstheMagpieFlies your right and all I can say is sorry because I don't keep track of any of it. I just go and whatever happens, happens. Then I just deal with it. Sorry😁
I never budget, figure stuff cost what it costs. Rarely stay in hotels, do a lot of free campsites and friend/relative stops. Sometimes I'll make reservations but only when there is something specific I want to do/see. Made a reservation at Parkers Crossroads Campground in Tennessee, stopped to tell them I wasn't gonna stay do to the heat, was just gonna ride on through the night and get home to Ohio. They said for 8 dollars more I could stay in an air conditioned cabin, that 8 bucks flew from my pocket. I visited my dads grave then cooled off in the pool and had some cold beers while the AC brought cabin temp down. Best night I ever spent on the road beat a hotel all to pieces.
Oh yeah I'm retired now
I do not know what my cost per day was for RMR6. I did both when going to RMR6 I stayed in a campground near Coeur d'Alene ID and then stayed at a mom & pop motel in Arco ID when I ran out of fuel 5 miles outside of town. I think that room cost me $80. Honestly did not care at that moment I just needed a place to rest and put my brain together again.
EDIT: And how about that guess!! Nailed it!! lol
Spend what I spend, eat what I eat, drink what I drink. Maybe I should oay more attention 😂
I have iced coffee category in my budget app…. So you can probably guess the type of traveler I am 🤩
Well I feel ya. Your cross country cost was a bit more than mine. I did 7500 miles and had an okay time. But sure know why u travel alone
Tire cost shouldn't be included. A real cost to be sure, but not fully banked against the trip. And you would have eaten regardless of the location. And how much do you spend to sleep at your own place? In other words, does your travel really cost you as much as you think? Nahhhh. I used to budget the way you do, but found I was attributing cost that weren't real... so just start figuring them above your stay-at-home cost. You'll feel better about it and enjoy the trip much, much more.
I mean I still enjoy my trip. Also my accomodations still are added expense because I still have to pay rent even when I'm not home so that doesn't make sense to me lol
I boondock when possible, wash clothes in a bucket, and shop for foods I can make a decent meal out of.
Ok but do you know your average $$ per day?
@@AstheMagpieFlies average around $35 a day.
I did worse, 37 days 8126 miles hit $6K
CB500 x.....is that a 6 speed? I hope so.
I made a spreadsheet and discovered that my bike averages almost 25¢ a mile on gas, tires, and oil changes. That’s factoring 5k miles for oil change intervals, 10k for tires, $5 gas. Brakes and other maintenance not included, it’s close enough to get an idea.
I try to free camp every night, and cook as many meals as possible. Lunch I almost always eat out if it’s a travel day. Lodging and food numbers are highly variable.
It also makes sense to only add up food costs that are additional to what you would eat at home. If you spend $20 a day at home and $50 a day on the road, then your food trip expenses are only $30/day. That kind of math makes it more palatable. You eat food at home so no need to call that a trip expense.
I do not track it in purpose... It would lead to me traveling less! 😜 - Frank
😜 or travelling more effectively
@@AstheMagpieFlies I flew into Portland and bought a bike to ride back to the East Coast yesterday. I am bad with money while traveling! 😁 It's best I do not break out Excel and find out how bad! - Frank
Frank!!
@@doc650adventures Doc!
End Screen. Super minimalist and I track all of my spending. It is usually the alcohol that costs the most...and gas. Intermittent fasting with protein shakes between keeps the cost down!
Amanda since your travels are also your employment, with out disclosing your earnings, what was your total cost accounting for offsetting earnings? Ball park figures are fine. Also, was it worth it ?
Hey Bob! That's really hard because the ad revenue from all the episodes I made during the trip would have to be taken into account and that wouldn't be accurate until they're like a year old or so 🤔
@@AstheMagpieFlies I hope you do well enough to offset costs , pay all your other expenses and enjoy life.
*Anonymous pseudo inspirational quote:* It is not the value per the day of journey, but the value to the heart over a life time. Namaste. Do the dew. 🕉️
• Do the thing. 😏
😉 ✌
If you didn’t eat Cuban food while you were in Tampa, you need to return.
🤣
Why don’t u stay in airbnbs instead of hotels ? It’s cheaper, sometimes.
Hotels are convenient tho. Free breakfast & privacy
Because you can't just roll up to one and check in. You have to book most more than 48 hours in advance.
@@AstheMagpieFlies ooooh. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻