The True Cost of Travel: From Istanbul to Jaipur and Beyond

Traveling can be an enriching and exhilarating experience, but how much does it really cost? Let’s explore the journey from a budget-friendly trek in India to a luxurious escape in Europe. We'll break down the expenses and show the real value in each trip.

Inception of My Last Vacation in Istanbul, Santorini, and Mykonos

Our last vacation was a 25,000-rupee trip that required some pointed maneuvering to reduce the cost to a mere 2000 USD (about 20000 INR, considering the exchange rate).

Starting in Istanbul, we took off, then moved on to a stop in Santorini for a total of 25000 INR. In Santorini, we took cooking classes, walked through walking tours, and hiked the internationally famous Thira to Oia trail. After all was said and done, we used points and managed to cut about 23000 INR from the total cost, leaving us with a final bill of about 2000 USD.

Quick Gets: A Budget Trek in India

Post a long week of work, we decided to take a sudden trip to India. The RAJGHAD TO TORNA TREK became a reality included a total of 6 people. Our expenses were fairly modest, amounting to a total of 3000 INR. Breaking it down, we didn't incur any lodging expenses since the only place to rest is at the small temple atop the fort. Here are the breakdowns for the trip:

Hyderabad to Pune train and back: Rs. 1000 per person Pune to Rajghad cab and back: Rs. 500 per person Food costs: Rs. 500 per day per person Others: Rs. 500 per day per person

The trek offered us a thrilling and close connection to nature, making it worth the pilgrimage both financially and experientially.

Jaipur: A Luxe Trip to the Pink City

My trip to Jaipur in November 2021 was a royal affair with my mom and maternal grandmother. Here, we broke down the expenses:

Train Journey: Rs. 9000 (Rs. 1500 per person, 3 people total)

Hotel: Rs. 10000 (Rs. 2500 per day for 3 people, 4 nights)

Tourist Spots: Amber Palace: Rs. 300 (Rs. 100 per person, 3 people total) Jaigarh Fort: Rs. 150 (Rs. 50 per person, 3 people total) City Palace: Rs. 600 (Rs. 200 per person, 3 people total) Ranthambore Forest Canter: Rs. 2100 (Rs. 700 per person, 3 people total) Jantar Mantar: Rs. 150 (Rs. 50 per person, 3 people total) Albert Hall Museum: Rs. 150 (Rs. 50 per person, 3 people total)

Transportation: Jaipur Junction to hotel and back by cab: Rs. 220 Cost of autorickshaws expenses: Rs. 400 One day cab for forts: Rs. 2000 Jeep ride to Amber Palace: Rs. 1200 One day cab for Ranthambore: Rs. 5000

Food costs: Rs. 5597

Total Expenses: Rs. 36867 for 4 days for 3 people

Conclusion

Whether you're planning a luxurious getaway to Europe or a thrilling trek in India, the true cost of travel is not just about money. It’s also about the experiences, the memories, and the connections you make. Regardless of where your travels take you, remember, the more meaningful your experience, the more value you derive from the trip.

So be adventurous, be decisive, and most importantly, enjoy the journey!