Matt Goss from the New York Times has been circling the globe in a bid to show travellers that it can be done on the cheap. (If you're after some logistical details of the 90 day trip check out his FAQ's page).

Matt's assignment was to travel the world in 90 days as any traveller could do. There have been no perks or freebies accepted by him as a result of being a "Times reporter". Instead, he's chosen to tour the globe the same way anybody could.

In the end, I decided to buy only the first and last segments of the trip — Newark-Lisbon on May 11, which I purchased for $547 through TAP Portugal's Web site, and Beijing-San Francisco on Aug. 11, for $898.67. To get from Point A to Point A, I would hopscotch the globe using low-cost carriers, buses, trains, ferries and serendipity. Or at least that's the plan.

Matt set off mid-May and is due to complete his journey shortly. Even though he's spent time in remote locations he's managed to submit his articles every Wednesday and taken tips from his readers as to where to go and what to do as he's traversed the globe.

As any traveller prepares, the daily budget is a major item. Matt decided on US$100 for nightly accomodation and 30 Euros for his daily food requirements. This is where the fun begins as his first meal in Bolgna set him back 25 Euros. How do you stay frugal when you've blown more than 80% of your daily budget on one meal? Fortunately Matt skimps and saves in other areas and makes up for the shortfall as he tries to stay on track.

There's some great reading in his articles and his full trip, including the updated map, can be sourced here. [Note: It does require a free subscription to avail yourself of these].