However, total Cost Per Flag expenditures are actually higher when you take into account: alcohol. Most socializing/flirting happens in bars and/or involves alcohol. What would those numbers come out to if you averaged a 6-pack a night, 7 nights a week, taking into consideration that some nights you'll drink no beers and other nights easily 12 beers?

The good news is that it also reduces the time you'll spend collecting them all – now only one year, seven months and four days!!

If you're a casual flagger collecting as you enjoy your travels then the cost is encompassed in your adventures so don't be put off by this insight – it's only extreme flagging that will incur this kind of investment – casual flags are FREE!!!

Oh – Al, by my reckoning you've spent a minimum of $7980 on your flagging exploits (19 at the last count?)

:o)

I did a few sums of my own to calculate the cost of a flag. Sure, you might stumble by a few flags at your local supermarket but I'm sure you'll agree that a true flagger is one that is willing to travel and actively seek the flag. I've calculated that the actual cost of a flag is $420.33, which is about 330 Euros.

Sounds expensive eh? Relax!! – this figure is based on a flagger actual trying to obtain the flags of every nation in the world (256 at the last count, excluding his/her own flag #257 ).

Yes, if you wanted to decorate your flagpole with all the colours of the world then you can expect tohave to pay for. . . .

FLIGHTS: Averaging $221.23 per flight to each country

DAILY EXPENSES: Averaging $66.58 per day – I think it's reasonable to expect to spend 3 days per country on average to secure flags (some counries more, some less but an average).

CONDOMS: If you're flagging YOU'D BETTER protect yourself and others – on good quality condoms you can expect to spend around $256.00, dependent on brand and texture preference!!

And how much time will you spend?. . . . Approximately 2 years, 2 months and 8 days.

There are obviously tons of variables you can apply to this, i.e. securing two (or maybe three) flags in one swoop, or obtaining cheaper than average flights or accomodation – but I reckon that this is a fair estimate for a flagger planning to backpack around the world in a reasonable timeframe with the usual spending.

So there you have it. . . . . . $420 per flag.

http://flaggingheadquarters.com/2009/11/18/god-save-the-brits-by-atlas-al/

http://flaggingheadquarters.com/2009/11/18/god-save-the-brits-by-atlas-al/