The month of April 2020 is done. Undoubtedly, it will be a month that all of us remember forever. Who could ever forget the coronavirus and resulting global shutdown?
As early retired, long-term, budget travelers, we’ve been extremely fortunate to have spent April in a comfortable quarantine near Boracay, Philippines. Like people everywhere, our activity has been restricted. But we could hardly ask for better overall circumstances.
We have a spacious, modern, beach-side apartment. Our host and the staff at the Hangout Beach Resort and restaurant are super friendly and helpful. And perhaps best of all, we know that my mom (in her 80’s) is safe and healthy — because she is ‘stuck’ here with us after coming to visit and escape the winter in the U.S.A.
Mom was supposed to return home two months ago. But worldwide travel disruptions mean she is now sharing more time and space – and expenses – with us. That fact, combined with the local lockdown which prevents travel, sightseeing, dining out, and other tourist activities, makes April 2020 a very low cost month.
Expense breakdown: April coronavirus quarantine
Below is the exact breakdown of what the Earth Vagabonds (Ellen & Tedly) spent to live (in quarantine, with mom) on the beach in Malay, Aklan, Panay, Philippines (city, province, island, country).
$330 – Housing/rent
$167 – Groceries
$112 – Restaurant food & drink
$65 – Gifts/tips/charity
$54 – Supplies
$10 – Health
$10 – Excursion (boat ride)
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$748 Total for 2 persons
Once again, the fact that mom is here, and contributing her share, means that the costs shown above are really about two-thirds of the overall total for the three of us.
Of course, going forward, there are many unknowns. But it is likely we will be here at the Hangout Beach Resort – our travel paused – for at least a couple more months, as the COVID-19 pandemic plays out.
Like everyone the world over, all we can do is wait and see what comes next and adjust accordingly. For now, we remain grateful and fortunate to be in this safe, comfortable, friendly, affordable place.
As always, be thankful and generous, happy trails & more beer.
Life is NOW!
Thanks for reading, “Expense breakdown: April coronavirus quarantine and cost sharing.”
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- What Boracay looks like with no tourists during the pandemic
- The last tourists to leave the beautiful Gigantes Islands in the Philippines
- How Earth Vagabonds came to be at the Hangout Beach Resort
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