(Originally posted 6 September 2015) The South African Rand is struggling. This month it reached an all-time high of 13.86 ZAR to $1 (Update: on 10 April 2022 it is 14.51 ZAR to $1). The weak currency is not good news for many South African individuals and businesses, but it is particularly bad news for someone saving for a round-the-world vacation.
The strength of the currency is starting to be more of an influencing factor when planning our slow vacation. We are also starting to look at research on the cost of living in the different countries, as it is quite applicable for long-term stays. Colombia, India and Indonesia are now far more appealing as seen on this infographic from on Matador Network. (Update after having travelled to India: In India tourists pay higher prices than locals at all attractions)
(Source: http://matadornetwork.com/life/the-cost-of-living-in-every-country-in-the-world-in-a-single-awesome-infographic/)
A lot more investigation is required for us to see which locations are best for us to stretch our savings. These investigations will need to be intensified if the currency gets any weaker, and at this point, there is, unfortunately, no indication of any improvement.
Our original grand travel plan can be found here, but we will be adapting that as circumstances change.
Featured Image Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/pockets-empty-jeans-no-money-1439412/