What does four weeks of Spanish immersion in Guatemala cost? My September budget covers 95 hours of private lessons, a homestay with meals and a full schedule of school activities in Xela. Here's what I spent and the value I got from the experience.
long-term-travel
Xela: Getting to Know the City
Getting to know Xela meant walking its busy streets, exploring bustling markets, discovering its history on a walking tour, and finding a favourite coffee shop. Along the way, there were unexpected challenges, small acts of kindness, and plenty of everyday moments that helped me see the city differently.
May 2026 Travel Budget: The Last Month of Our Southeast Asia Trip
We expected Penang to be more expensive than Ipoh, but April turned out differently. Staying in one place, cooking most of our meals, and exploring at an unhurried pace helped keep our spending surprisingly low.
April 2026 Travel Budget: The Surprising Cost of Slow Travel in Penang
We expected Penang to be more expensive than Ipoh, but April turned out differently. Staying in one place, cooking most of our meals, and exploring at an unhurried pace helped keep our spending surprisingly low.
March 2026 Travel Budget: Is Malaysia More Expensive Than Vietnam?
In March, we moved from Vietnam to Malaysia, basing ourselves in Ipoh for most of the month. Our slow travel approach kept costs manageable, even in this more expensive Southeast country.
Ipoh: Stories Told by the City
Ipoh revealed its stories slowly — through the people we met, historic buildings, colourful lanes, and temples hidden among limestone cliffs. During our month in the city, we discovered how its multicultural past, everyday life, and dramatic landscape come together to create a place worth wandering through.
Ipoh: Our Introduction to Malaysia
Ipoh became our first Malaysian home. Over four weeks, we learned to navigate tropical city life, discover new foods, spot wildlife from our window, and experience the cultures and traditions that shape everyday Malaysia.
February 2026 Travel Budget: Wrapping Up Slow Travel in Vietnam
February had our lowest total monthly spend so far, though daily costs were slightly higher than in January. This highlights how slower travel, fewer transfers, and longer stays can keep overall expenses low.
January 2026 Travel Budget: How Slow Travel Made Vietnam Even Cheaper
In January, our Vietnam travel became more budget-friendly. Staying longer in Ninh Binh and Hue, cooking some meals at home, and using land transport kept costs low. At CAD 72.97 per day for two, this was our cheapest month so far, without compromising on experiences or comfort.
December 2025 Travel Budget: Slowing Down in Northern Vietnam
December brought a slower travel pace in Hanoi and new spending patterns. This post breaks down our travel budget, daily costs, and how we’re tracking after two months on the road.