Budget
My name is Timothy Christmore, and I am the sole creator of everything you see here. I handle the writing, book flights, conduct interviews, edit, film, and much more. Most of the trips are self-funded through my earnings from substitute teaching, working as a tour guide, and creating art. Once the film is released and the books are published, I aspire to hire additional team members and broaden my efforts. I make a conscious effort to save money wherever possible and strive to maintain transparency regarding my finances.
Flights- $5,500 USD
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Flights are the most significant expense.
The Pacific is vast; it’s so immense that you could fit all the continents within it and still have enough space for another Africa.
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Limited flight options can quickly add up.
This aspect consumes most of my planning time. Selecting the right airports to fly from is crucial because proximity between countries doesn't always equate to cost-effectiveness.
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Baggage fees are particularly frustrating.
I need to bring along a waterproof case for two printers and enough photo paper for multiple countries, as I can only purchase it in Hawaii and New Zealand. With baggage fees ranging from $50 to $80 per bag, the costs can escalate rapidly, especially with 23 flights.
Housing-$2,300 USD
Due to travel regulations, I must book accommodations, but local families often invite me to stay for free when i conduct my interviews. As a thank you , I cook meals for them and give a cultural gift before leaving.
Food-$2,000
Staying with local families often means I’m treated to meals, but in many Pacific island cultures, the tradition is for the guest to eat first while the family sits on the floor. Once the guest finishes, then the family enjoys their meal. As someone who stands 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 240 pounds, I have quite the appetite.
To help out, I usually go off to get more food or buy meals for the entire family to cook together. While this can become expensive during my travels, the invaluable experience of bonding with a family enriches my storytelling for them as well as telling the world about these cultures in the most immersive way.
Other Expenses-$1,800
Expenses can accumulate rapidly, including costs for visas, departure fees, and damaged belongings. While interviewing individuals, I hear their stories, and I empathize with them, doing my best to assist.
For example, in the Marshall Islands, to perform their cultural dances, they had to connect one of their few cars to a converter to power the lights. They had a generator, but it was broken. Witnessing this in Majuro, I collaborated with others to provide them with a new generator. Such stories are common. I partner with organizations like the Salvation Army to create solutions, but everyday items like soap, oral health products, and combs that I often purchase can quickly add up.