The true cost of quitting your job to go travelling – to skydive or not?

Sophie King feels the financial strain of her Australian travels, torn between budget constraints and seizing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities like a skydive

I’m feeling the pressure to spend already.

When I first decided to go travelling around Australia, I of course knew that it would cost money. 

I knew I’d want to make the most of my travels, ensuring I’m taking part in ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunities. 

But now that it’s come down to it, it’s hard putting that into practice while also being strict with yourself.

Logically, I know I am lucky enough to have enough funds to last me a good few months, but I still find myself really reluctant to spend money. 

I’m still on a budget, I won’t be drinking much or going out regularly for dinner (this isn’t a complaint, this is all part of the backpacker life).

But I’m also finding it hard to spend money on the things I’m here for.

For example, one thing I’ve been pondering doing is a skydive for which I have been quoted $329. It’s a fair price (although I would argue paying to launch yourself out of an airplane could be a little cheaper) but immediately I felt reluctant to pay “that much”.

I don’t want to spend that much money without the security of having a job lined up, but by then it might be too late to book an activity like that.

I also don’t want to have any regrets. When I do make it back to the UK, I want to feel like I made the most out of everything and took opportunities where I could. 

I think this is going to be something I’ll be battling with constantly as I budget my way round this amazing country. 

I know, cue the violins, woe is me, how will she cope, but keeping your purse strings tight while making the most of a trip is tough, though I’ll manage.

I think to enjoy backpacker life you have to go with the flow and accept that you’ll always feel like you’re spending too much or not making the most out of something. 

At the moment, I’m leaning towards the skydive, at around 60/40 for a yes. Flying over the Whitsundays will probably be a bit of a difference compared to flying over the River Thames. 

Photo Credits: Pexels