Considering we had pricey summertime flights from Germany back to Canada, and paid for an expensive 10 day car rental, our expenses were only slightly higher than we expected them to be.
We spent a total of $2,836 CAD ($2,255 USD) for the month. Here's how it all broke down...
Note, the following prices are in $CAD.
Fuel: A little higher than originally expected. We ended up filling Max right before we left Germany, so he is sitting there with a fairly full tank for when we arrive back there October 1st. And then we always end up doing a lot of driving whenever we visit Ottawa, and with the activity at Ruth's dad's house we have been back and forth from there quite a lot. We spent $237 for the month.
Groceries: Slightly lower than expected. We do notice higher prices here in Canada, and yet when we add it all up it's lower than expected. Of course the first half of the month was spent in Germany, and we did have a few meals out. September should be a better judge of things as we will spend the entire month in Canada. We spent a total of $517.
Meals out: We kind of splurged in this category in August. We don't often eat out in expensive countries. $209 for four meals out. Two of those were meals at the pub where our daughter works.
Alcohol: We've been on the wagon pretty much while in Canada. After being in countries where beer and wine are reasonably priced, alcohol prices are a bit shocking here. It's hard to justify. We spent $90 in total, and much of that was while we were still in Germany.
Miscellaneous: Not bad, at $169. Most of that was for travel medical insurance, but I also bought myself a fairly expensive $56 pair of sandals.
Entertainment: Only $36, for when we visited the cruise ship building factory.
Overnight: We overnighted for free in Max while in Germany, then we had a one night hotel stay near the airport for $80. We have been house sitting in Canada, so no further overnight expenses. Total $80.
Travel: Flying across the pond during July and August is the most expensive time of year to do that. I simply couldn't find a great deal, so our roundtrip tickets for the two of us was $1,814. Yikes. So one way was $907, plus a ridiculously expensive 10 day car rental at $520, plus a train ride to the airport in German was $72 for a total for the month of $1,499.
So, a grand total of $2,836 CAD ($2,255 USD).
September should be better, but only slightly. We will have the return trip to Germany at the end of the month. And we're going to take the grandkids to the Toronto Zoo on the 19th. The zoo itself isn't that expensive, but accommodation in the Toronto area is approaching Singapore prices. And of course my guys weekend away.
Thanks to those of you who are regular visitors here and are putting up with the advertisements on this site. You helped contribute a record $887 CAD ($705 USD) towards our expenses for the month, and we appreciate that.
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And in Canada...
I dont find $1800 return for two, to and from Europe, bad at all. But I guess it will be more from western canada
ReplyDeleteFor summer prices, it's about average. But we normally make an effort NOT to fly in the summer, so we are used to paying about $1,300 for two, across the Atlantic.
DeleteWhen you mentioned advertisements, I had to scroll back up and when I did, I said "oh yeah, there are ads". There are so few of them and honestly I love the vicarious travels you take me on, so no complaints from me.
ReplyDeleteWe are much the same, we really don't noticed the ads!
DeleteWe are glad that you are enjoying our blog and that we can take you along on our travels virtually. :-)
Ah yes, Canadian prices. But look at all the great benefits one receives! I just bought a 1.75 liter bottle of Oso Negro vodka here in Mexico for $7.99 USD. Gotta love Mexico!
ReplyDeleteYep, we miss the prices down in Mexico of pretty much everything but especially the fruits, vegetables and the booze! :-)
DeleteTravel with Kevin and Ruth has a tremendous positive impact on us. I’ve always liked boondocking, and when I first found you years ago, you gave me extra confidence to convince hubby of this marvelous way to live. Your advice on Nova Scotia is incredible. We’ve woken up in some of the most beautiful places on earth. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThe advertising is interesting, no problem. I always look for something to buy to support you guys.
We are so happy that we have been a great inspiration to you and that we have been able to give you the extra confidence to go out a do something that you have wanted to do. Nova Scotia is such a beautiful province and the boondocking possibilities seemed endless there, we are happy that you enjoyed your trip there so much. Hopefully you will continue to have some marvelous adventures.
DeleteThank you for not being bothered by the advertising and for buying something that helps support the continuation of our travels and this blog. :-)