The Price of Wanderlust: How Much Do You Really Need to Travel the World?

Imagine this: waking up to the sound of waves crashing on a secluded beach in Bali, sipping coffee in a Parisian café, or watching the Northern Lights dance across the Icelandic sky—all without stressing about emails, deadlines, or bills. Sounds like the ultimate dream, right? But let’s talk reality—how much would you actually need to save to make full-time travel a thing?

A survey conducted by Talker Research from January 31 to February 3, 2025, with 2,000 respondents, set out to answer this exact question. The results? Pretty surprising.

Also read: Explore, Evolve: How Travel Is Your Personal Glow-Up

The magic number: how much do people think they need?

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On average, people estimated they’d need around ₱287,731 in savings to quit their jobs and travel full-time. But here’s where it gets interesting—Gen Z travellers felt they could pull it off with around ₱211,000, while Baby Boomers—likely craving a more comfortable experience—aimed for ₱335,000.

Then you have the outliers. A daring 18% of respondents believed they could travel with less than ₱50,000, using budget travel hacks, freelance gigs, and a whole lot of resourcefulness. Meanwhile, 32% thought they’d need over ₱500,000 to feel financially secure on the road. And shockingly, 17% wouldn’t do it at all, even with a solid savings cushion—because for some, stability > adventure. (Crazy, right?)

The dream travel budget: what would you do with ₱1 million?

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Now, let’s flip the script. Imagine you suddenly had ₱1 million dedicated purely to travel. How would you spend it? According to the survey,

Here’s where most people would go all out:

Bucket-list trips with friends and family

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Nothing beats making lifelong memories with your closest people. Whether it’s a tropical escape to Boracay, a ski trip to Japan, or a European backpacking adventure, travelling with friends and family makes every experience richer. From sharing local street food to splitting accommodation costs, group travel can be both fun and budget-friendly.

Exploring world wonders and iconic sites

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The world is full of jaw-dropping landmarks, and seeing them in person is a whole different experience. Imagine standing in front of the Great Wall of China, feeling the history beneath your feet, or gazing at the Pyramids of Egypt, trying to grasp their ancient mystery. These places aren’t just postcards; they’re once-in-a-lifetime experiences that leave you in awe.

Cross-country road trips

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There’s something magical about the open road—windows down, favourite playlist on, and endless landscapes unfolding before you. Whether it’s a US Route 66 adventure, a camper van trip across New Zealand, or a scenic drive along the Philippine coastline, road trips allow you to travel at your own pace, make spontaneous detours, and uncover hidden gems that aren’t in the guidebooks.

Once-in-a-lifetime adventures

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Some experiences belong at the very top of your bucket list. Picture yourself chasing the Northern Lights in Norway, riding a hot air balloon over Cappadocia, going on an African safari to see lions in the wild, or diving in the Great Barrier Reef alongside colourful marine life. These aren’t just vacations; they’re unforgettable stories waiting to happen.

Luxury escapes

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If budget weren’t a concern, who wouldn’t want to wake up in an overwater bungalow in the Maldives, sip champagne in a private infinity pool in Santorini, or indulge in a five-star spa retreat in Bali? A little luxury never hurt anyone, and sometimes, splurging on comfort and style can make a trip truly extraordinary.

Slow travel and deep cultural immersion

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Instead of rushing through tourist attractions, some travellers prefer to stay in one place for weeks or months, truly absorbing the local culture. Learning a new language, joining local festivals, trying traditional food, and making meaningful connections with locals can make travel even more fulfilling. Whether it’s living in a ryokan in Japan, volunteering in a remote village, or learning tango in Argentina, slow travel allows for deeper, richer experiences.

And yet, despite having ₱1 million at their disposal, 4% of respondents said they wouldn’t spend it on travel at all. (Hard to believe, right?)

The reality check: is it really about money?

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Here’s the thing—travelling the world isn’t just about money; it’s about priorities. Some people wouldn’t trade their jobs for travel, even with unlimited funds, while others would figure out a way to make it happen with whatever they have.

The truth is, how much you need depends on your travel style, budgeting skills, and how far you’re willing to stretch each peso. Some backpackers manage on ₱1,000 a day, hopping between hostels and street food spots, while others wouldn’t dream of travelling without business-class flights and five-star hotels. The trick? Finding what works for you.

Also read: Best Day Trips From Singapore: Easy Getaways for Adventure Seekers

So, here’s the real question—if you could drop everything and travel the world, how much would you need to make it happen?