How We Budgeted Month-by-Month for 6 Months of Prep
Wondering how real families actually afford long-term travel? Here’s our honest breakdown, from early planning to final boarding pass.
Why We Made a Month-by-Month Travel Prep Budget
When we decided to make the move to travel full-time as a family, we knew saving “in theory” wasn’t enough. We needed a real, detailed prep budget that matched our goals, and our timeline.
We had six months before departure. That meant six chances to save, six months to plan, and six months to plug any financial gaps.
Our mindset was simple: “Treat prepping like training for a marathon.” Slow, consistent, intentional.
How Much Did We Save (And Spend) During Prep?
Our Goal:
Build an “Adventure Fund” to cover 6–9 months of early travel
Handle upfront costs: gear, insurance, flights, vaccinations, admin
Protect our “Home Fund” for future housing when we stop traveling
Our Rough Monthly Targets:
Save: £1,000–£1,500 ($1,400–$1,800) per month
Spend: £300–£500 ($350–$600) monthly on prep expenses
Prep costs didn’t hit all at once. They built slowly…like this:
| Month | Major Focus | Spend |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1: | Initial flights research, first gear buys (backpacks!) | £600 |
| Month 2: | Vaccinations start, travel insurance quotes | £500 |
| Month 3: | Spanish program enrollment, advance housing plans | £300 |
| Month 4: | Gear upgrades (packing cubes, lightweight shoes) | £400 |
| Month 5: | Final paperwork: international driving permits, banking setup | £350 |
| Month 6: | Last big bookings: long-stay Airbnbs, kid travel essentials | £700 |
Total Prep Spending:
£2,850 ($3,400) over 6 months
Biggest Costs We Didn't Expect
Vaccination boosters — They added up fast. (Plus the conspiracy theorist inside me didn’t like it too ha)
Luggage upgrades — Turns out our “old backpacks” weren’t cut out for serious long-term hauling.
Random admin fees — International banking setups, notarisations, visa photos… it all stacks up.
Tips for Building Your Own Prep Budget
✅ Start with a “Prep Timeline” checklist — break down what needs buying, booking, or saving month-by-month.
✅ Build buffer zones — unexpected costs will absolutely happen.
✅ Prioritise “Long-Term Value” buys — investing in gear that will last is worth it. Dont buy from Primark or a pound shop!
✅ Celebrate milestones — hitting savings goals or booking flights = family win moments.
Final Thoughts: Travel Prep Is a Mindset
Travel prepping isn’t just about money it’s about setting your future lifestyle in motion.
Every budget session, every backpack choice, every “can we really do this?” moment was part of the journey.
If you’re serious about long-term family travel, treat your prep time like it’s already part of the adventure. Because it is.
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