travel budget plan

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How to Make a Travel Budget in 2023 [Free Template]

Amar Hussain

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Keri Stooksbury

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Director of Operations & Compliance

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Countries Visited: 10 U.S. States Visited: 20

Table of Contents

Can you afford to travel, the 2 approaches to travel budgets, travel budget template worksheet, travel budget considerations, websites to help research travel costs, the best apps for travel budgets and expense tracking, saving for your vacation, final thoughts.

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Creating a travel budget isn’t all about boring spreadsheets and searching for low budget bargains — a finely-crafted budget it is designed to maximize your total travel experience.

Let’s start out easy here. You may have dreams of globetrotting and living your best life in distant lands, but can you actually afford it?

The amount you have to spend on your trip will need to be proportionate to the place you are visiting. By that, we mean that some destinations can be done on the cheap, while others will be a bit more of an investment.

Where you want to stay, what you intend to do when you get there, and physically how far away you will be from home can all have a considerable bearing on how deep your pockets will need to be.

Before you book yourself silly, really break down the potential costs of your dream trip and tally it up with the amount of money you will realistically have to fund it.

Bottom Line: Sometimes, it may be better to put your plans on hold until you have saved up enough cash to really experience a place, rather than rushing to get there and missing out on some of the best bits.

Whether you are a plan-well-in-advance sort of traveler or more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of person, there are different ways to approach setting out your budget based on what works best for you.

Plan Your Adventure Well in Advance

The most traditional way to book a vacation is to think of somewhere you want to go, plan your vacation dates, and decide how long you want to stay. This kind of advanced planning is the usual go-to for most travelers, as it allows you to book time off of work or plan trips around school semesters, and gives you the opportunity to firm up plans before you leave.

Knowing when and where you are going also has another key advantage — it gives you plenty of time to save up all the cash you will need to really enjoy your time there. Booking in advance also means you get your choice of cheaper accommodation at better rates.

Book months in advance and you can research your planned itinerary and potential expenditure, and maybe even save enough extra for upgrades of luxuries to make your adventure truly special. This kind of planning is a great incentive for saving hard.

Travel Based on Your Bank Balance

If, on the other hand, you want to take your cash and get the hell out of dodge, you can work backward to identify the most amount of fun you can have for your money. If you are feeling lucky, and you know how much you are willing to spend, the world really is your oyster.

The awesome power of the internet has made impulse traveling even easier, as you can simply hit up any number of booking sites to find an exciting destination, as well as suitable flights, accommodation, and excursions in just a few clicks.

Another great way to make your budget go further is to think outside the box. Visiting popular destinations out of season, taking shorter vacation times, or even looking at places away from the main tourist trail can all make your money go further.

A trip to the legendary Yosemite National Park during April or May, for example, is a great way to experience some of the most iconic open spaces in America before the schools let out, or hit the beaches of Miami or the Florida Keys during September and October when tourists shy away from the increased risk of stormy weather.

You can also look at alternatives to the more traditional resort destinations to get more bang for your buck. Consider a trip to Reno instead of Las Vegas, hit the slopes in Winter Park instead of the sky-high prices in Vail, or take in the history of Williamsburg and avoid the price tags of New York or Los Angeles on your next city break.

To help you plan and keep track of your travel budget we have created a free, handy Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.

📋  Click to Download Our Travel Budget Template >  📋

When planning your travel budget, there are lots of different things to consider. Break down your budget into subsections to make it easier to plan and stick to:

Passport and Visas

One of the most essential elements of your travel plan will revolve around the legal and local requirements for travel to and from your destination. You must research any visa requirements and restrictions before you fly, and be sure to have all the documentation you need before you leave.

Most countries will have their own individual and very specific entry requirements, and there may be restrictions on how much local currency you can bring with you, as well as how long you can stay.

As a very rough guide, some examples of the requirements for U.S. citizens could include:

• Travel to Europe — If you are traveling to or through any of the main 26 European countries, you must know the requirements of the Schengen Agreement, which eliminates borders and assumes that travelers will be able to enjoy up to 3-months of visa-free travel. This will change in January 2021 with the introduction of the ETIAS .
• Travel to Australia — You must have a valid U.S. passport and an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enjoy up to 90 days of travel in Australia.
• Travel to Central America — You will not need a visa to visit most Central American countries, but you may need a tourist card for some destinations (~$10) to allow stays of up to 90 days visa-free.
• Travel To South Africa — You must have a valid U.S. passport, but do not need a visa for stays of 30 days or less.

Check out our guide to tourist visa information on over 100 countries.

Travel Insurance

There are many great reasons why you should always buy travel insurance coverage for your trips overseas, and only 1 reason not to. Trust us. If the worst should happen while you are away, you will wish you hadn’t tried to save money by skipping on the insurance, so make sure you always make space for travel insurance in your travel budget .

The best travel insurance policy does not necessarily have to be the most expensive one you find, but it probably won’t be the cheapest either. With this in mind, shop around and speak to a variety of providers before committing to any 1 product.

There will be different levels of coverage available to suit the requirements of every type of traveler, from lone backpackers to family vacations, but at the very least you should try to include:

• Emergency medical expenses
• Repatriation expenses
• Cancellation or curtailment coverage
• Lost baggage coverage
• Travel delay/missed departure coverage
• Journey disruption coverage
• Personal liability coverage
• Legal expenses coverage
• Electronics loss/theft and damage coverage

Depending on where you go, what you’ll be doing, and the nature of your trip, you may want to also consider dedicated financial protection that could include specific coverage for:

• Winter sports coverage
• Terrorism disruption coverage
• Cruise coverage
• Business coverage
• Sports equipment coverage

It is important to remember that the domestic health insurance that you use at home will not necessarily cover you if you get into medical trouble overseas . Don’t leave it to chance — invest wisely in your travel insurance and never skimp on the coverage just to save yourself a few bucks before you go.

You should also look into insurance coverage for your prized electrical items and personal belongings, too . While we would recommend leaving the diamonds at home, unless you are going somewhere exceptionally glamorous, many of us will take expensive electronics with us everywhere we go.

Find coverage that offers repairs or replacement for damaged, broken, lost, or stolen items before you go.

Hot Tip: There are some credit cards with travel insurance , so you might already have some coverage without knowing it!

Vaccinations

Some parts of the world pose more of a risk to our health than others. By ensuring that you have all the travel vaccinations you need before you go, you can reduce the risk of developing serious diseases that your immune system may not be used to.

You can pretty much be vaccinated against all of the world’s most common communicable diseases at your local doctor’s office, health care center, or health department, and there will be medical professionals who will be able to provide you with useful information for your trip.

You will need to do your own research before you travel and speak to healthcare providers about the risks. But, as a rough guide to keep in mind when planning your travel budget, here are some of the most common travel vaccinations and their approximate costs:

• Cholera — A single-dose oral vaccine costs around $45.
• Hepatitis A — A single-dose vaccine costs around $115.
• Japanese Encephalitis — 2 doses given 4 weeks apart costs around $290 per injection.
• Meningococcal Disease — This single-dose vaccine is recommended from pre-teenage years and costs around $135.
• Rabies — A series of 3 or 4 injections into the muscles over the course of 4 weeks costs around $3000 for the entire course.
• Typhoid Fever — A single oral dose for anyone over 6 years old costs around $60.
• Yellow Fever — This vaccine is not stocked everywhere, but if you can find a clinic that offers it, you will need a single shot costing as much as $350.
• Malaria — There is no single vaccine, but antimalarial tablets can be taken to reduce the risk of contracting the disease by 90%. These may need to be taken as far as 3 months in advance and can cost anything from $20 a pack up to $260 per pack.

Clothes, Gear, and Toiletries

What you need to take with you will depend very much on where you headed. Whether you choose to travel light or max out your luggage allowance is up to you, but there are plenty of ways to help keep costs down when it comes to packing for your next adventure.

Compile a Capsule Wardrobe

Travel guides always bang on about the legendary “capsule wardrobe” — but it literally is a real thing. By taking 7 or 8 items of clothing with you that can be worn in a variety of ways you can dress for days at a time without worrying about overfilling your luggage or maxing out your travel budget.

Choose 2 pants, skirts or jeans, 3 tops, 1 sweater, 1 dress or a smart shirt and a coat or jacket, and you should be pretty much good to go. Throw in beachwear, sports gear, or thermals as-needed and some socks and underwear to see yourself sorted for the duration of your stay.

Another way to keep costs down is to avoid buying new stuff for every vacation . Your favorite bikini, flip flops, party dress, or even hoodie should be shown off time and time again, so never feel the need to replace your vacation clothing unless you really need to.

Here are some destination-specific packing lists:

• Beach Vacation Packing List
• Cruise Vacation Packing List
• Disney Vacation Packing List

If you want to take your travel camera with you, your GoPro for awesome live video, your phone, tablet, laptop, headphones , or any other bits of kit — think carefully about whether or not you really need it.

Taking more expensive gear with you increases the risk of stuff getting lost, broken, or stolen, as well as weighing your luggage down and tying you to charging ports and electrical sockets.

Keeping Clean

Most people like to have their favorite toiletries with them, but save money and space in your luggage by not taking full-size products.

You needn’t even worry about wasting money on cute little travel size products either. Simply decant your full-size bottles and pots into smaller travel containers instead . This is super easy to do, meets with TSA regulations, and saves you a few dollars here and there.

Alternatively, buy what you need when you arrive. Most destinations and airports will have plenty of shops to choose from. One area where you shouldn’t cut costs, however, is sunscreen. Buy the best you can, ideally from a trusted brand, before you leave.

Finally, check if the airline you are using charges extra for checked baggage and if so, see if you can get away with just a carry-on case instead.

The amount you pay for your flights will vary widely depending on a wide number of variants, including:

• Your destination
• Who you choose to fly with
• Whether you fly direct
• Whether you fly return or one-way
• The day of the week and time of day that you fly, and even the time of year
• Where you fly from
• When you book

There are many different ways to fly around the skies, but here are some ways to bag cheaper flights :

• Use Points and Miles — If you aren’t accumulating points to fly, read this beginner’s guide to get started.
• Book as Early as You Can — Flights often significantly increase in price within 3 weeks of the departure date.
• Stay Flexible — Flights leaving on different days or at times of day can be cheaper than others.
• Don’t Dismiss Discount Airlines — Short journeys, internal flights, and even some international journeys can be way cheaper on discount, no-frills airlines.
• Sign Up and Shop Around — Sign up with airlines direct to be notified of discounts and flash sales, and be sure to check in on all airlines that fly to your preferred destination.
• Use Aggregation Sites — Sometimes this is a winner, sometimes it isn’t — but don’t be afraid to try. Sites like Kayak or Skyscanner can be good, but don’t just accept the first price they give you.
• Buy Connecting Flights — It can be cheaper to buy 2 separate connecting flights than a direct 1. Check your destination and see who stops where along the route.

Accommodation

Again, how much you spend on where you stay is entirely up to you. Keeping costs down can be harder in large cities or expensive beach resorts, but there are ways to rest your head without losing your mind over the cost of it all.

Whether you are going for an all-out 5-star luxury or a family-friendly motel room, there are always deals to be had. Book direct through the hotel, include weeknights or a Sunday night in your stay, and be flexible on location.

Hot Tip: A hotel just outside of town, for example, will offer more attractive nightly rates and free parking and will usually represent better value for money than a downtown hotel will.

Renting a private home or vacation apartment on a short term basis can be much more affordable than a hotel. You can also find some superb properties for rent, complete with everything you need to enjoy your stay.

Fully-equipped kitchens, parking, TVs, and even pools often come standard and depending on your destination, there are lots of great Airbnbs and other holiday rental websites available.

If you are heading to the coast, the backcountry, or just getting out into the great outdoors, camping can completely transform your experience. Many campsites come complete with showers and cooking facilities and even pools, sports facilities, and fitness centers. You can take your own tent or rent one.

Another great way to save money on accommodation is to look at hostels in the area. A far cry from old fashioned student accommodation, many modern hostels are clean, bright, and modern and offer a combination of dorm-style bedrooms and private double or family rooms with en-suite facilities.

Hot Tip: Hostels are a great way to stay right in the middle of some of the most expensive cities in the world.

Rent a Recreational Vehicle

Another great choice if you are heading out on the open road, RVs can save you a fortune as you literally take your accommodation with you. RV trips are fun, family-friendly, and provided you aren’t always in a gas station, a great way to save money on where you stay.

RVshare and Outdoorsy are 2 companies that rent out campers and RVs.

You can pretty much rent any kind of vehicle , anywhere in the world. Although if you are staying in a city, public transport is a much more useful and affordable proposition.

The same rules also apply to some intercontinental trips, as well. For example, it can be easier and cheaper to travel through Europe using trains and buses than worrying about having to take care of a car when you get there.

If you want to explore out of the way destinations, hard to reach beaches, or just like the idea of being free to come and go as you please, car hire is readily available in most corners of the world.

Before you commit to it, think about the rental fees, fuel costs, and other potential expenditures and compare the costs of using public transport in your chosen destination.

Car hire here in the U.S. will vary depending on the type of car you choose and how long you intend to hire it. Small city cars are the most cost-effective, and big SUVs, 4x4s and luxury cars can also be hired if you have deep pockets.

When it comes to car rental, keep your costs down by:

• Booking your vehicle in advance
• Looking outside the airport as you may get a better deal in town
• Choosing a practical vehicle to suit your needs, not your dream supercar
• Being aware of mileage limits and one-way fees
• Use a credit card with car rental insurance , so you can be ready to turn down unnecessary add-ons and cross-sells that you don’t need
• Making sure the vehicle is checked for damage before you take the keys
• Only hiring it for as long as you need it
• Keeping your eyes out for deals on particular types of car, and better prices for longer-term rentals

Local Transportation

Most tourist hotspots, big towns, cities, and even some iconic landmarks will offer a wide range of public transport options to get you around. There will be more choice and more frequent services in highly populated areas, while services may become more restricted further out in the countryside or suburbs.

If you are clever, you could save yourself a small fortune by grabbing good deals on public transport, leaving you with more cash to spend on the fun things in life.

Try these to tips for traveling around town on the cheap:

• Buy daily, weekly or even monthly travel passes in advance
• Bulk buy tickets online or via an app
• Take advantage of student passes or discounted fares for families, seniors, or children
• Avoid traveling during peak commuter times
• Services like Greyhound offer cheaper fares for mid-week journeys
• Sign up for early notification of flash sales and other promotional codes and discounts

Attractions and Activities

Wherever you are headed, there will no doubt be plenty of things to do and places to see when you get there. The key to not missing a single thing is researching everything before you leave.

Have a plan in place of all the activities you want to take part in and the attractions you want to see and integrate the potential entrance costs, additional fees, and other expenses into your initial budget.

With a bit of luck, you will be able to find plenty of local discounts, city passes, and money-saving ways to see all of the very best attractions at rock bottom prices.

Pick up a copy of the local listings magazine or newspaper and check out free events , as well as using the coupons and discount codes they supply for all kinds of attractions. You can also subscribe to online discount sites like Groupon to find discounted ticket prices.

Historical landmarks, museums , art galleries, theme parks , sporting events, concerts, and many more attractions often offer reduced entrance prices at off-peak times or group discounts to entice visitors in. Some even have a free entrance day once a month.

Big cities often have lots of free entertainment on offer, too. Check out the artsy districts of major cities for street entertainers and free shows. If you are heading to the beach, research costs such as sunbed rental, locker rental, and even the menus at local restaurants to gauge an idea of how much a day on the beach could potentially cost you.

If you want to try your hand at surfing, sailing, or other kinds of water sports, you may want to get back on the internet and find reduced price lessons or discounts for group bookings.

Walk-Around Money

While you may have budgeted every dollar down to the last cent, you should also keep a contingency plan for some pocket money . Days out in the town, lazy afternoons on the beach, or even a trip on a planned excursion can present you with lots of little unknown expenses.

Whether you need to buy an extra bottle of water, some sunscreen for your face, or entrance to additional attractions, keeping a little cash on you is a good way to be prepared.

Large amounts of cash should never be carried about your person while you are out exploring, but a couple of dollars stashed into your pocket or travel wallet and can be incredibly useful.

In order to keep your money safe, you should:

• Never flash wads of cash
• Keep your notes and loose change somewhere safe like your inside pocket or in a money belt
• Carry small denomination notes and coins
• Understand the local currency you are carrying, so you known how much to give over when paying

Walk-around money is simply a little buffer to keep you going, but set yourself a daily budget and stick to it.

Gifts and Souvenirs

These days, almost everyone travels at some point. This means that those unusual and unique products that we used to buy as souvenirs are no longer as sought after as they once were.

Nearly every tourist destination on earth will be able to sell you tacky bits and pieces for you to take home, but savvy travelers bypass these and look for more personalized and unique mementos to take home with them instead.

Bottom Line: A t-shirt here, a guide book there, and lots of little bits and pieces in between can soon add up. Spend wisely, and if you must buy gifts and souvenirs, choose ones that have a special meaning to you, that you can treasure forever.

To help make your research easier, some clever folks who have traveled before you have made websites that can help you to research and plan every single aspect of your next big adventure and what the costs involved may be.

Budget Your Trip

Budget Your Trip is a huge repository of travel costs that have been hand-gathered from thousands of travelers, and now provides an incredibly comprehensive guide to how much your trip will really cost you.

You can create and personalize your very own travel budget once you register with the website. You can also pick up tons of top travel tips and advice for both new and experienced travelers alike.

Nomad List offers a heap of resources and information for remote workers, digital nomads, and travelers, Nomad List is designed to help users navigate the world. Find information on thousands of destinations, places to work, neighborhoods to stay, and even make new friends before you go.

A great site for anyone who wants to work and travel for longer-term adventures, you can ask questions and arrange meet-ups to touch base with other like-minded wanderers.

This clever little website has 1 goal in mind — to let you know exactly how much money you really need to stay at your dream destination. Expatistan offers direct comparisons between different locations and the website is essentially a giant cost-of-living database that is updated and improved on a regular basis.

Using collaborative information garnered from expats from all over the world, this website really will give you the lowdown of where you can, and can’t, afford to be.

Keeping track of your expenses using your bank balance alone can be a real pain. A dedicated travel money app will help you to keep control of your finances, even when you can’t check the internet. Here are some of the best:

Trail Wallet

This easy to use expense tracker is a great way to keep an accurate record of your finances on the go. Designed to be incredibly intuitive and easy to use, you can make a note of all your expenses in a way that makes the best sense to you. Set up daily spending limits, view records of your recent outgoings, and upload images of receipts for multiple trips with custom start and end dates.

Perfect for use both at home and away, this clever little app will even let you input amounts in local currencies from over 200 countries , and you can update the app with the current exchange rate.

Trail Wallet can be used on both iPhone and iPad and is free for up to 25 items, or unlock unlimited amounts for continuous travel with the $4.99 upgrade.

Trabee Pocket

Trabee Pocket is available on both iOS and Android, and you can choose between the free version or additional services in the paid-for version. Even with the basic version, you can add the details of as many expenses as you like, covering various trips and destinations. You can choose your currency, and there are 8 basic categories to file your virtual expenses under.

You can add images of the physical receipt and produce an expense report and breakdown of expenditure using the data from each category . The upgrade costs around $2.49, and you can add multiple currencies and additional customized categories.

All in all, Trabee Pocket is sleek and an easy to use app that helps you to see how much you are spending and where you are spending it.

TripCoin is a concise and easy to use app that is available on iOS only. It is free to download , and there are no upgrade options at the present time. This smart app allows you to keep tabs on your spending at the touch of a button while making is super easy to add new entries when you need to.

Summary reports can quickly be compiled to let you see progress reports and spreadsheets, and you can even export the data to Excel, Numbers, Open Office, or Google to keep your inner accountant happy anywhere in the world.

Wally was designed to help anyone to manage their finances, anywhere in the world easily. It promises to offer a simple, seamless tool that works in an intuitive way, making it super easy to keep track of your money on the move.

The basic version allows you to add details of all of your regular incoming and outgoings as well as inputting your day to day expenditure, creating groups to manage joint accounts, and splitting payments with your friends when you need to.

It can be set to your local currency and lets you divide your outgoings into easy to find pre-set categories. Available on both iOs and Android, you can upgrade to the paid-for version for $24.99 a year to enjoy unlimited trips and categories.

This is a brilliant invention for anyone traveling with friends. Available on both iOS and Android, you can download it for free, but an in-app upgrade is available to Splitwise Pro. No more scrambling around with a pen and paper to split the bill, this app allows you and your buddies to keep track of your shared expenses and balances at the touch of a button.

You can add a bill, and choose how to split it, or send text or email requests to remind your friends and family that payments are now due. You can also categorize your expenses, calculate amounts in over 100 different currencies, and even sync all of your expenditures with the Cloud.

If you want to keep a more detailed record of your accounts, this little app will also export the data into easy to read CSV reports.

Before you worry about how to manage your finances while you are away, you will need to devise a plan that gives you the funds to get you there in the first place. Unless you have been blessed with a sudden windfall or a lottery win, you will need to save your cents to achieve your goals.

Set a Savings Timeline

If you receive a regular wage, or you are able to forecast your earnings accurately, you can start to set a timeline on how long it will take you to save up for your vacation . If you put aside just $100 a month, for example, you will be able to have $1200 to play with in just a year. This amount may not pay for a new life abroad, but it could you buy a week by the ocean.

Bottom Line: Think of where you want to go to, find out how much it will cost, and then set a monthly savings goal and stick to it. Some months you may have to sacrifice on your social life or shopping habits, but it will all be worth it in the end.

Multiple Savings Accounts

Once you know how much you need to save each month, be sure to physically remove that money from your day to day bank account. Set up at least 1 separate savings account and electronically move it , or set up an automated payment to leave your regular account on payday.

Visualization

Re-train your brain to save instead of spend, and you will be able to tally up every cent you save with something amazing . Your first $150 saved, for example, could mean that you have those tickets for that boat party in Miami in the bag, or that you are on your way to paying for a 4-star hotel instead of a mid-range one.

Whether you are dreaming of trekking up the Himalayas, backpacking around Asia, Interailing through Europe , or a long-awaited family vacation, seeing what your savings can afford will super motivate you to save more.

Wherever you are planning on traveling to, being in control of your finances will make your experience even more amazing. Worrying about getting into debt on your credit cards or not having the cash in your pocket to really explore the region will ruin your adventures.

Save hard, spend well, and look for ways to save money across every aspect of your trip. Plan your spending before you go and keep track of your expenditure while you travel. There are deals to be had on flights, accommodation, food, attractions, and almost every area of your next vacation. Plan in advance and enjoy knowing that you are having the best time for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can i travel with a low budget.

There are plenty of excellent places to travel on a low budget. Here are some great options:

• South Africa

How much should I budget for a trip?

There are lots of factors that make up how much you should budget for a trip. Where you are going, the time of year, your travel style, what you want to do, and how long are you going for are just some of the considerations. It’s best to work out exactly what the trip would cost, cut out anything you can do without, and go from there.

How do I stick to a budget while traveling?

The best way to stick to a budget while traveling is to keep track of all your expenses so you know exactly where you are against your budget. The easiest way of doing this is to use a travel budget and expenses up like Trail Wallet, Trabee Pocket, or Tripcoin.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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Travel Budget Calculator

Share it with your family and friends, your ultimate guide to smart travel planning.

Planning a trip can be exhilarating, but it often comes with the stress of managing finances. Fear not! With the Travel Budget Calculator, you can embark on your dream journey with confidence. In this guide, we’ll delve deep into the intricacies of budgeting for travel, empowering you to make informed decisions and maximize your experiences.

Understanding the Travel Budget Calculator

Embarking on a journey starts with meticulous planning, and the Travel Budget Calculator serves as your trusty companion. This tool revolutionizes the way you approach travel expenses, offering a comprehensive overview of your financial landscape. By inputting essential details such as number of nights, duration, accommodation preferences, and activity interests, the calculator generates a personalized budget tailored to your preferences and constraints.

Vacation Budget Planner is the ultimate tool for travel budgeting! Easily estimate your trip expenses and budget your journey with precision using our user-friendly Travel Budget Calculator. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, our tool helps you plan every aspect of your trip, from accommodation to transportation and meals.

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Travel Budget Calculator: Your Key to Financial Freedom

In conclusion, the Travel Budget Calculator empowers you to embark on unforgettable journeys without compromising your financial stability. By leveraging its capabilities and implementing savvy budgeting strategies, you’ll unlock a world of possibilities and create cherished memories that last a lifetime. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure today and let the Travel Budget Calculator be your guiding light.

FAQs About Travel Budget Calculator

Below are some basic questions that arise while using a travel budget calculator.

Q. How does the Travel Budget Calculator work?

A. Calculating a travel budget isn’t rocket science; it’s just simple math. As we know, if we have exact numbers in front of us, decision-making becomes much easier. A Travel Budget Calculator simply provides us with all the expense numbers.

Q. Is the Travel Budget Calculator suitable for all types of travelers?

A. Absolutely! Whether you’re a budget-conscious backpacker, a luxury seeker, or somewhere in between, the Travel Budget Calculator adapts to your preferences and constraints. Simply adjust the parameters to align with your unique travel style and embark on your adventure with confidence.

Q. Can I trust the accuracy of the Travel Budget Calculator?

A. Yes, the Travel Budget Calculator is designed to provide accurate and reliable estimates based on the information provided. However, it’s essential to factor in unforeseen expenses and fluctuations in prices to ensure comprehensive budget planning.

Q. Can I save my budgeting preferences for future use?

A. Unfortunately, the Travel Budget Calculator does not currently offer a save feature but you can download it. However, you can easily recreate your budgeting preferences each time you plan a trip by inputting the relevant details into the calculator.

Q. How frequently should I update my travel budget?

A. It’s advisable to review and update your travel budget regularly, especially as your trip approaches and circumstances change. Factors such as fluctuating exchange rates, last-minute bookings, and unexpected expenses can impact your budget, so staying proactive is key to financial planning success.

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A beginner's guide on how to plan your travel budget

Learn how to plan a budget for any vacation, including what to plan for in your budget, how to determine your daily budget, and how much money you should have available in case of emergencies

Sep 24, 2023

What's the best way to ruin an amazing vacation? By running out of money before it's over! 

Let's face it: budgets are a boring, yet necessary part of the travel planning process. You do not want to be in a foreign country and realize that you have no money left for food for the last three days of your trip. 

Put in a little thought and effort before you leave, and you'll save a whole lot of worry while you're there! 

There's so much to consider when planning a trip budget , and it can feel overwhelming at first. No worries, though, because I'm here to help! Today I'm going to share my approach to creating a travel budget.

How to budget for your travel

When creating a travel budget, I separate expenses into three categories:

• Preparation Expenses
• Actual Vacation Expenses
• Emergency Funds

You might also like:   The greatest travel hacking guide you need for a stress-free trip

1. Preparation Expenses

Preparation Expenses include all the money you must spend before you leave for your trip . Here are some examples of what will be included in your preparation expenses:

Passport and Visa 

These costs will vary greatly, depending on where you live and where you are traveling, but there's no way around them so be sure to do your research and make room for your passport and necessary visas in your budget.

Travel Insurance 

While travel insurance is not, strictly speaking, required, it is definitely a good idea. Especially if you will be traveling long-term, you should at least research your options. If you're traveling for more than a week, I highly recommend at least purchasing health insurance. 

You never know what might happen when you're abroad, and you certainly do not want to come home with thousands of dollars owed to a foreign country, all because you slipped on a rock while hiking or drank some unclean water. There are plenty of affordable options available.

Vaccinations 

Vaccinations  are usually relatively cheap, but they can save a whole lot of trouble later so go ahead, look up which ones are recommended for the areas you'll be traveling, and add them to your to-do list and budget.

Luggage/Travel Gear 

This is a very broad category, and it will depend entirely on what you already have and what you personally deem necessary. Suitcases, backpacks, money belts, cameras, international phone plans, activity-specific gear (for example, hiking boots, sleeping bags, etc.), neck pillows, basically whatever you need to make your life easier/more enjoyable while traveling goes in this category.

Transportation 

Here you will include the cost of planes, trains, and automobiles to get you where you want to go. Include major travel routes, not inner-city transportation here.

This list seems quite extensive, but the good news is you likely already have many of the more expensive items on the preparation list, such as a passport, luggage, and camera. Even if you don't, they can be considered investments for future travel as well.

More useful tips on Adventure planning: the best guide for your backpacking trip .

2. Actual Vacation Expenses

The next category, Actual Vacation Expenses, will look like this:

Accommodations 

Where will you be sleeping? Luckily, you're on Worldpackers, so there's  plenty of opportunities to keep this expense at $0 through work exchange.

Otherwise, this will be one of your biggest expenses. When planning, look up actual rates for your exact dates and destinations, as this can vary hugely depending on the time of year and other factors.

Food and Drink 

There is a lot of great information on how much you should budget for this, depending on your destination, on the internet.  Consider whether and how much alcohol you plan to consume and whether your accommodations offer free breakfast when planning your meal budget.

Tours/Activities 

The best way to plan for this is to make a list of all the activities and tours that you would like to do while you're vacationing and how much they cost

Small Transportation

Consider whether you'll be walking or whether you'll require a taxi or other means of transportation within your destination city and how much that will cost. Other options could include bicycle or motor scooter rentals.

This will depend on how many souvenirs you plan to purchase and what types. Familiarize yourself on Customs Duty regulations so there are no surprises upon reentry to your home country.

The upside is: this part of your budget should be much more fun to plan! 

Once you have a total for this part, divide it by the number of days that you will be traveling. 

For example: if I am vacationing for 10 days and the Vacation Expenses part of my budget totals $600, my math would look like this:

$600 total/10 days = $60/day

By dividing your budget into a set amount per day, it will be easier for you to keep track of your travel budget . 

There will likely be days where you spend a little more or a little less than your daily budget, but as long as they balance out there's no need to worry.

3. Emergency Funds

Finally, we have Emergency Funds. This is the money that you will have available but separate in case of emergency: stolen or lost credit cards, unforeseen but unavoidable expenses, etc. 

I recommend keeping emergency funds in cash and separated into two to three different stashes, kept in separate places during your trip. 

The reality is, unexpected expenses come up more often than not, and you should always have a backup plan! I recommend budgeting at least enough money for a couple days' meals and a couple nights' accommodations, as well as an emergency plane ticket back home, should you need to leave early.

Extra: money saving tips!

If your budget is coming out to be too expensive, consider these money saving tips:

• If your accommodations are too expensive, have you considered work exchange ? Hostels ? Airbnb ? Couchsurfing ?
• A good way to save money on food and drink is to lower your alcohol intake and shop for food at markets that you can prepare for yourself instead of eating out for every meal.
• Are you traveling during the high season? If so, that can affect the price of transportation, especially flights, accommodations, even activities and food sometimes! Consider visiting during a quieter time of year to save money.

Take your time when budgeting your trip. Plan carefully and be aware of how much you spend each day , and you will have a great time with no money worries! If you still need more help on how to lower your budget, check out my article about 7 actionable ways to save money while traveling!

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Kimberli Brown

I recently quit my day job to chase my dream of traveling full-time.

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Aug 01, 2020

Nov 08, 2020

Very needful advice! Loved it!

May 04, 2023

Jul 18, 2023

So helpful. Definitely going to plan how much I’ll spend per day to help budget!

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How to Make a Travel Budget in 5 Easy Steps (Free Planner)

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Creating a travel budget may seem like a hassle, but it’ll actually make your vacation more enjoyable. Knowing that you’ve already planned out how you’re going to pay for everything will help you relax and have a good time.

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Many people enjoy traveling the world, exploring new places, or just relaxing in a tranquil environment.

Taking a vacation is a great way to reduce stress and improve productivity, but traveling can be costly. Making a travel budget will make a big difference while planning your next getaway.

Those who love to travel should incorporate it as a line item in their monthly budgets. Each month, set aside a certain amount for travel in its own separate account.

Earmark that money specifically as a vacation budget so that it can be spent guilt-free. Money that is put toward trip expenses can simply be reimbursed from the travel account.

With that said, if there is outstanding debt that is difficult to pay off, planning an immediate vacation may not be a good idea. In this case, the priority should be to set up an emergency fund that includes three-to-six months’ worth of living expenses.

Why Is Budgeting for a Vacation Important?

While it is good to get into the habit of setting aside vacation funds every month, it is also important to create a budget for each individual trip. This will help determine how long it will take to build up enough money in the vacation account to pay for that trip. It will also allow for logistics to be planned out, while staying on budget.

Scheduling and budgeting for vacations can be very enjoyable. Researching hotel accommodations, restaurants, and free things to do helps to build up anticipation. It can be fun for the whole family to spend time together, figuring out the different parts of an upcoming trip.

How to Budget for A Vacation in 5 Simple Steps

When it comes time to map out those vacation expenses, a few key steps will help lead to success and worry-free traveling. Begin by drafting a well-rounded vacation budget, focusing on expenses in the following five main categories. Once these are figured out, the rest of the details will fall into place.

1. Choose a destination and preferred date

Start by picking a destination and nailing down travel dates. Remember that some locations are more expensive to visit than others. The time of year can also make a difference in pricing. Traveling done at peak tourist times usually costs more than off-season trips.

Be flexible

Being flexible is one of the easiest ways to save when budgeting for a vacation. Check out multiple travel destinations and compare prices before settling on options for lodging and airfare. Since these are two of the largest expenses in any travel budget, keeping them in check will go a long way toward helping to keep the overall cost down.

Be willing to look at alternative accommodations or stay at a place that is a little farther away from the tourist areas. Remember that most vacation time is spent outside the hotel room – so there is no reason to put a large chunk of the budget toward nice accommodations that will be used only for sleep.

Also, be flexible when choosing a travel date. Many travel search engines have a “flexible dates” option that can be used to research the lowest prices for airfare and lodging. Plan around these dates for added savings in the travel budget.

Consider the season

The time of year can really impact a travel budget. A lot of people have begun to plan weddings around their honeymoons, and not vise versa. For example, if the goal is to travel to Italy without spending a fortune or facing large crowds of tourists – while still enjoying nice weather – get married in early autumn, which is known as the shoulder season. It’s a great time of year to travel, because the weather is still nice, but the crowds have thinned out. Most people with children travel during the summer. Once the kids are back in school, prices for airfare and accommodations tend to drop, allowing people with more flexibility to travel cheaper.

Related: Make Money Renting Your Home with Airbnb While You’re on Vacation

2. Make a list of your major expenses (use a travel budget worksheet)

When drafting a travel budget worksheet, plan for the biggest expenses, including transportation, accommodations, and food, first. Getting those out of the way will greatly aid in putting together the overall vacation budget.

Research cheap travel deals (transportation)

Transportation costs for trips that are taken close to home will not be very high. But when airfare comes into the picture, the transportation line item will increase dramatically. Research multiple airlines for cheap travel deals, and consider taking connecting flights to cut down on the cost. If it’s feasible, check out the price of flights leaving from airports in nearby cities.

Flights on airlines to and from major airport hubs are usually lower in cost. For example, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines are both headquartered in Dallas. Flights on those airlines tend to be the cheapest travel to and from that area.

Research accommodations

Another large expense in any travel budget is lodging. There is a wide range of options to consider when it comes to picking out a place to stay, including hostels, hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, or apartments. Or, if a trip includes camping, those accommodations can include cabins and tents.

Rather than being brand-loyal to a particular hotel, utilize travel sites like Hotels.com to compare costs at different chains. After all, most travel time is spent sightseeing and exploring, not inside the room.

The closer accommodations are to major attractions, the more expensive they will be. Consider staying somewhere off the beaten path to save money.

When traveling with a group of people, split the cost of accommodations. For example, rent a house or condo with multiple rooms and divide the costs. If your destination is more remote, consider renting an RV. For as low as $175 per night, you can comfortably sleep 10 adults and still come in under $20 per person per day.

Budget for food

One of the trickiest line items in a vacation budget is food. To save some money in this area, choose a place to stay that has a kitchen – or at least a refrigerator and microwave. Eat some meals there, and then splurge a few times by going out to eat at local restaurants.

Another great way to save money on food is to stay in a bed and breakfast or a hotel that includes breakfast. Some chains like Homewood Suites or DoubleTree offer both a kitchen area and a hot breakfast, which helps in saving money . Drinks bought while eating out can quickly add to a bill, so buy wine or beer for the room to keep that travel budget in check.

When budgeting for meals, try going out for lunch instead of dinner. Lunch is usually cheaper than dinner, and many of the same options are offered for less. It is also usually not as tempting to order pricey alcoholic beverages during lunch.

Related: How to Find Cheap Gas Nearby (When You’re On the Go)

3. Make a list of smaller expenses

Once the larger expenses are planned out, figure out the extras, like sightseeing, entertainment, and gifts.

Research potential vacation activities and local places to visit. Go online to get an idea of the associated costs, and budget accordingly.

Don’t forget to plan for any necessary vaccines if traveling abroad, as well as gifts to take back home. Build a buffer into the budget to account for any surprise expenses. It’s always best to plan for more, and then spend less.

4. Determine the monthly savings

Once a rough vacation budget has been established, it’s time to figure out how to pay for it. Take the total amount and divide it by the number of months left until the trip. For example, if the vacation date is in nine months and the cost of the trip is approximately $2,700, $300 must be set aside every month.

If that amount seems too large, there are two options: adjust the timeline or make some extra money.

If necessary, push the trip out by a few months until enough money can be saved, or figure out how to bring in some extra income. There are many different ways to make money on the side, and help to reach that savings goal.

5. Vacation budgeting doesn’t end there

Those travel budgets won’t do much good if they aren’t followed. It is important to track costs and stay on top of spending while on vacation. Don’t stress out over every penny, but don’t go overboard, either. It wouldn’t be fun to see some nasty surprises on the bank or credit card statement later.

One of the easiest ways to track expenditures while traveling is with a budgeting tool like Personal Capital. Alternatively, keep on top of spending with an Excel spreadsheet or even with a pen and paper. Whatever the method, keep it updated and check it regularly.

Bonus Tip: Draft an itinerary

While it’s not necessary to create an itinerary when budgeting for a vacation, it really helps stay on track. The best way to do this is by using an Excel spreadsheet. Make a rough outline with a separate entry for each day of the vacation. Fill in all of the travel information and any scheduled activities like sightseeing tours.

Make a separate column to the side and list out all potential vacation activities. Group together any events that are in the same area of town and write down approximately how long each one would take. Now slot them in under the different day headers for either the morning or afternoon.

Try to group together activities or sightseeing that will occur in the same part of town. Food and restaurant options can be added in after the schedule is roughed out.

Itineraries are meant to be flexible, not restrictive. Move things around to find the right balance. Note the associated cost of each entry on the list.

Add all of the expenses together at the bottom of the spreadsheet to estimate the total travel budget. Remember that it’s not necessary to follow the itinerary word for word. Use it as a planning tool and focus on enjoying the trip.

Creating a Travel Budget Is Well Worth the Time

Even though it may seem like creating a travel budget can be a hassle, in the long run, it will make vacations far more enjoyable.

Having a vacation budget means not stressing about money after the trip. It allows for advanced planning and time to save up enough money. Budgeting for a vacation means that it will be easy to relax and have a good time, knowing that everything is in the budget and ready to be paid for.

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Free Travel Budget Calculator: Easily Make Your Vacation Budget

Packed for Life contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my Disclosure policy for more info.

Ready to take the hassle out of planning and managing your vacation budget? Our online Free Travel Budget Calculator is  simple, and easy to use, and can help you plan and track your vacation expenses in just a few clicks.  

I’ve used these same methods and categories of expenses for every trip I’ve taken over the last 25 years. From multiple  3 month solo adventures through Europe and South America, to weeks long trips to Cuba and Vancouver Island, Canada with my family. 

Now online with automatic calculations, so you don’t have to mess around with spreadsheets or hand write in printables that clutter up your home. 

In this post you’ll get access to this free tool, plus, you’ll get my top tips for planning your budget effectively for your trips and how to save money on travel. All the advice you need for smarter travel planning is right here.

Table of Contents

How to Use the Travel Budget Calculator & Try It Out!

Make sure to bookmark this page so you can come back to it anytime you need to track your vacation expenses and make travel plans.

This free vacation budget calculator will give you an estimate of total travel costs for your trip and whether your budget is enough to cover what you want to do.

It can help you identify areas you can potentially save money on trip expenses. Whether it’s choosing more budget-friendly hotels, walking or taking the bus instead of taxis, or prioritizing your top not-to-miss activities.

You can also start with your budget.

Then play around with the length of your trip, how much hotels, flights etc will cost to help you determine your price range for each travel expense as well.

• Enter 0 (zero) if there are certain categories you don’t need . The calculator will output an error ($NaN) if you don’t.
• Instructions for the calculator are below the Travel Budget Calculator, to give you an idea of what you should include under each budget item.

Vacation Budget Calculator

Calculator instructions.

Enter all your estimated expenses you’ve gathered during your vacation research.

Make sure it’s actually a realistic travel budget. For a  family trip with young kids, you’ll also need to factor other things like diapers, baby wipes etc.

• Travel Budget : Enter your overall vacation budget you have for this trip.
• Number of Travellers: Enter the number of people you are paying for on this trip
• Number of Nights: Enter the number of nights you will need accommodations for. This will be used to calculate hotel costs.
• Number of Vacation Days: Enter the number of days you will be on vacation. Include travel days to be safe . This will be used to calculate your overall food & drink, daily transportation and activity costs.
• Total Flight Costs: Enter the estimated total of flight costs for everyone travelling. Be sure to include any baggage fees.
• Transportation Costs: Enter the total transportation costs for the trip. This is for any major transport costs that aren’t flights like trains, city transfers, car or RV rentals.
• Daily Transportation Costs: Enter your anticipated daily transport costs. This is for things like taxis, buses, Ubers, parking costs etc, you might need to get around every day.
• Hotel Costs (Per Night): Enter the amount your accommodations will cost each night. Don’t forget to include any tips for housekeeping staff etc. you may need to pay.
• Total Tour Costs: Enter your overall total budget or cost for tours, including guide tips.
• Activity Costs (Per Day) : Enter the amount you expect to spend on activities daily (do not include tours). These are for things like seeing movies, souvenirs, shopping, trips to a rec centre / pool, bowling, seeing a hockey game or a concert etc.
• Food & Drink Costs (per Day): Enter your overall daily food & drink budget or expected costs for everyone. Don’t forget to include tips.
• Miscellaneous Expenses: Enter an amount of money you will have overall for unexpected expenses or miscellaneous costs that pop up. Be sure to also include extra travel expenses not covered elsewhere.
• Travel Insurance: Enter the overall amount of money you will pay for travel insurance for everyone. This is for things like travel health insurance, trip cancellation insurance etc.

Budget Outputs

Currency Note: While the output is in dollars (uses the $ symbol), you can really use any numerical currency you’d like. Just ignore the $ symbol.

Once you hit the calculate button, you will get 4 pieces of info based on the numbers you provided:

• Total Vacation Costs : This is the estimated cost for your vacation based on the info you provided.
• Over Budget / Under Budget: This is the amount you are either over or under budget. If your expenses are over your vacation budget, it will say Over Budget and the number will be negative. If it says Under Budget, that is the amount you are under your estimated budget.
• Travel Costs Per Day: This is the amount of money your trip will cost you each day.
• Cost Per Person Per Day: This is the amount of money your trip will cost you per person, each day.

Make sure to review your results. If your over budget are there things you can do to bring the costs down? Or is there a way you can save or make more money before your trip?

Why You Need A Travel Budget

Listen, I am all for spending a little extra to do things our family doesn’t get to do at home. 

But there is nothing more anxiety-inducing than running out of money on a trip, or having to pay off huge credit card bills at 28%  interest because you didn’t plan ahead.

This is where a vacation budget can really help. 

It doesn’t mean you can’t have fun or spend money.

Creating a budget will actually help you be able to afford your dreams. Plus be able to relax & have fun on your vacation knowing you won’t be in debt when you get back home.

The trip budget calculator will make financial planning fun, and easy.

How To Set Your Travel Budget & Determine Expenses

1. determine your overall travel budget.

First things first. Decide on your overall vacation budget or the money you are willing to spend on this trip.

When determining your overall vacation budget, you’ll want to consider a few things:

• How much money are you willing to spend on this trip?
• How much have you already saved?
• How long do you plan to go for? (more or less time can impact your budget)
• How many people will be travelling? (some places like Europe limit 4 people to a hotel room, this can significantly impact cost)
• When do you want to travel and how much time do you have to add to your vacation fund?
• How much extra can you afford to put away every week / month on top of your regular bills & household expenses?
• Is there any way you can decrease household expenses, or increase your income to add to your vacation fund faster?

Just make sure it’s a realistic budget. It doesn’t do anybody any good to use too low or too high numbers as a starting point. 

2. Do Your Research

The type of trip you want to take, the length and the type of activities you want to do, will really impact your budget.

For example a week long trip to Thailand will be much different than a week in Japan, or a trip to Disneyworld.

Do some intial research to give you an idea of what your basic travel expenses will costs, so you can have ballpark figures to enter in the travel cost calculator.

You can always google average costs of living / travelling at your destination.

Careful planning is an important part of any travel budget. 

3. Find Ways to Cut Costs

Unless you have a rich benefactor, or suddenly won the lottery, it’s a good idea to consider ways you can cut costs, save money and use your travel budget wisely.

Besides using our holiday budget calculator, our favourite ways to save money on travel expenses.

Transportation & Accommodation

• Find flight deals & error fares : The best way is with Going (Formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) Flight tickets can be a big expense and make up a good portion of the total cost usually. 
• Consider housesitting: is our go-to site for housesitting around the world.
• Rent a place with a kitchen : Save money on food with a vacation rental . They can also be cheaper than renting multiple hotel rooms if you have a large family or group.
• Compare car rentals: Using Discover Cars can help you save up to 70% by quickly comparing rental cars options.
• Book early: Hotels, flights and trains are generally cheaper booked in advance. You won’t want to risk paying significantly more waiting until last minute.
• Take public transportation: If it’s safe to do so, take the local bus, or walk instead of relying on expensive taxis all the time.

⭐️ Also check out our list of the best ways to save money on flights .

General Money Saving Tips

• Travel off season or peak season: Not only is it usually much cheaper, there’s usually fewer tourists.
• Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees : Those transaction fees can really add up. Also consider if travel credit cards with points are for you.
• Eat where the locals eat : Avoiding the touristy restuarants, and eating where the locals eat will not only save you lots of money, it will give you a more authentic look into their local cuisine and culture.
• Avoid popular destinations:  The most popular touristy destinations  often cost a lot of money, compared to smaller, lesser known destinations.  
• Consider using travel agents: Sometimes a travel agent can find you a great deal, with much less work on your part. 
• Adjust your travel style: Luxury resorts may be out of your price range. Road trips, camping trips can be just as memorable for for a family vacation.
• Plan free activities : Pick some free activities to do in between your more expensive tours, theme parks, & day trips to ancient ruins. 
• Check out these ways to save on flights

Final Thoughts Using The Vacation Budget Calendar

Creating a vacation budget might seem challenging, but don’t worry! Equipped with the right tools and a bit of strategic planning, your next epic adventure is closer than you think.

Using a vacation budget calculator can help guide you to make smart, affordable choices, allowing you to experience the journey you’ve always dreamed of, without stressing about expenses.

Travel can be exciting and enjoyable at all budget levels. So here’s to making memories with your family, and friends.

Related travel planning resources:

• Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist
• Family beach vacation tips
• Tips for saving money on road trips
• Easy ways to build a travel fund
• Save money on attractions: Where to buy online tour tickets

Donna Garrison is the founder of Packed for Life, an ever curious traveler with a passion for making memories with her family. With a unique perspective on travelling on a budget gathered over 30 years, 20 countries and 5 continents she gives families the tools & resources they need to experience the joys of travelling more for less through practical solutions. She helps over 20,000 families a month plan & take the family travel, camping and road trip adventures of their dreams in Canada, the USA and around the world. Contact her at: Donna [at] packedforlife.com

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Travel Budget Worksheet

Are you planning a major trip? Will you be able to stay within your budget? Rather than just spending without a plan and then dealing with the debt for the next few years, use our travel budget template to list your travel expenses. It will help you estimate your total travel costs and see if you will be able to take your trip without going over budget.

License : Private Use (not for distribution or resale)

Authors: Jon Wittwer and Jim Wittwer

Description

This travel budget template makes it easy to enter your travel expenses for your next trip. The top section allows you to set a total budget, and as you enter your travel costs you can quickly see where the money is going, how much extra you'll have, or how much you'll need to add to your budget.

The worksheet is set up to let you enter a quantity and unit cost for each item. For example, for lodging you can enter the number of nights you will be staying and the cost per night. If you will be driving rather than flying, you can enter the total miles and the cost per mile. Remember to include both fuel and wear as part of the cost (see the link below for what the IRS uses as the standard mileage rate - $0.56/mile in 2014).

Additional Resources

• Be sure to check out our Travel Itinerary and Packing List templates.
• IRS Publication showing Standard Mileage Rates at irs.gov - You might consider using the standard mileage rate if you are estimating the cost of driving.
• Tips for Creating a Budget for Travel at wikihow.com - This article is actually a really good resource to help you remember what to consider when budgeting for a trip.

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Travel Budget Calculator

Your total travel cost, basic information, daily expenses, other expenses, custom expenses, frequently asked questions, what is a travel budget calculator, how do i use this calculator, what should i include in my travel budget.

When planning your trip, it is essential to include all potential expenses such as airfare, local transportation, accommodation, meals, entertainment, excursions, shopping, and emergency funds. Also consider smaller costs like tips, visas, and travel insurance, which can add up.

For local transportation, carefully evaluate your options. Are you renting a car at your destination to get around? Or perhaps you're considering taxis, riding the subway, or local buses? Using services like Uber might also be an option. Each choice comes with its own set of considerations and costs. For instance, if you’re renting a car, remember to account for additional taxes and fees, as well as the cost of parking, which can be particularly high in downtown areas. Conversely, if you're staying at a hotel in the city center, you might save on transportation costs by walking or utilizing the hotel’s complimentary shuttle services from the airport and then relying on public transportation to explore the area.

Furthermore, it's important to research the sights you want to see and plan your transportation accordingly. This preparation can help you determine the most cost-effective and convenient way to travel during your trip. Whether you choose a rental car, public transit, or another method, understanding the full scope of your transportation needs and costs will ensure a smoother, more enjoyable travel experience.

Can I add my own expenses to the Travel Budget Calculator?

Can i use this calculator for international trips, is the travel budget calculator suitable for planning group holidays, what strategies can help me save on vacation activities expenses.

To economize on vacation activities, here are some strategic tips you might consider:

• Purchase Tickets Early : Securing your tickets before your trip can lead to significant savings, as pre-booking often comes with discounts. This also helps you avoid long waits at attractions, allowing more time for enjoyment.
• Research Local Opportunities : Before your vacation begins, take the time to look into local activities and attractions. This not only builds anticipation for your trip but can also uncover less-known, cost-effective options.
• Utilize Discount Brochures : Keep an eye out for discount brochures available in hotels or local tourist centers. These brochures are filled with coupons and special offers for local attractions and day trips that might not be widely advertised.
• Opt for All-Inclusive Packages : When the cost of individual activities starts to accumulate, consider all-inclusive options. Resorts or theme parks that offer these packages include various activities at a reduced rate, giving you a clearer understanding of the total expense of your trip from the outset.

How can I bring my own food for the flight to save money?

What tips can help me save on the cost of food per day during my travels.

When aiming to reduce daily food costs while traveling, consider the following strategies:

• Avoid Airport and In-Flight Purchases : Airports are notorious for high food prices. To counter this, pack your own snacks and meals for your flight. This not just cuts costs but also ensures you have healthier and more satisfying options.
• Steer Clear of Room Service and Minibars : These are among the most overpriced services in hotels. Planning your meals ahead and avoiding the convenience of direct hotel dining can save a significant amount of money.
• Eat Like a Local : Instead of dining in tourist-centric restaurants, find where the locals eat. Local markets, grocery stores, and small eateries often offer delicious food at a fraction of the cost. Look for pre-made meals or food counters that sell regional specialties.
• Explore Local Beverages : Instead of indulging in expensive drinks at the hotel bar, try local breweries or wineries. Purchasing local brands can be cheaper and add a unique cultural experience to your trip.

By employing these tips, you can enjoy a rich culinary experience without splurging excessively, allowing you to indulge in other aspects of your journey.

How can I leverage personal connections to secure affordable lodging options?

Leveraging personal connections can significantly reduce lodging costs when planning a vacation. Start by reaching out to your network to inquire if anyone owns a vacation home, a lake house, or a rental property that might be unoccupied, particularly during the off-season. Such properties can often be made available to you, sometimes at a reduced cost or even for free, if the timing is right.

Additionally, consider proposing a vacation swap with friends who live in another part of the country. This arrangement involves you and your friend swapping homes for a period, which not only gives you both free accommodations but also the opportunity to explore a new area. You might also offer to house sit or pet sit for your friend during their vacation, providing them peace of mind and yourself a cost-effective place to stay. Such creative arrangements can lead to enjoyable and affordable vacation experiences by maximizing your personal relationships.

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Travel Planning Guide

So, you want to take a trip, but perhaps you're not sure where to begin? Are you planning a long-term trip? Or a trip to a foreign country that you've never visited before? Or maybe you're trying to figure out how to make your next trip much less expensive?

Either way, you've come to the right place. Here in this comprehensive travel planning guide, we cover every topic about travel imaginable. So, if you're just doing a weekend trip or if you're thinking about a serious year-long "around the world" trip, or even somewhere in between such as a 2-week vacation, then we've covered it here.

Use the contents to navigate your way through this guide, or just head straight to the sections that are important to you.

Planning Ideas for Everyone

Our overall travel guide is great for anyone planning any type of trip. After that, we get specific to people with different travel styles.

Our Itinerary Planning section will help you figure out the best way to plan a route.

Our Estimating Costs setion will help you figure out your budget and how to save money.

The sections on Visas and Travel Safety provide plenty of important logistical information for your travel plans. Stay safe, everyone!

If you're thinking about an Around the World Trip or a Long Term Trip , we have some detailed advice for that, too. We've done this ourselves, so all of our advice is from the heart and filled with first-hand experiences.

Finally, we have sections about finding cheaper tickets for airfare , buses and trains , as well as finding cheaper accommodation . Everyone needs this, for sure!

Helpful Links

In the meantime, here are a few quick and important links.

We regularly post travel discounts, sales, and special deals that come from a variety of travel companies. You can find that list here , or you can subscribe to our email newsletter to have them sent to your inbox.

To find the average daily cost of countries and cities around the world, you can use our location search to find your next destination.

If you're interested in saving money on accommodations, we often recommend hostels and budget hotels. You can use our hostel search for that, too.

And if you're interested in tours and cruises instead of independent travel, you can always use our tour search or browse our list of suggested tours and recommended activities .

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How to Budget for a Trip

Plan ahead, save up, and make the most of credit card rewards

Plan for the Big Expenses

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The Balance

Whether you’re planning an international vacation or a long-weekend road trip, the idea of escaping your daily life for the promise of relaxation and adventure is intoxicating. But while planning a big trip can be exciting, it can also be overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to figure out how much it’s going to cost.

We’ve created a simple Google spreadsheet to help you plan and budget for your next trip. The Balance’s Travel Budget Worksheet includes common expenses (large and small), plus space to enter credit card or other loyalty program rewards that defray some of the cash costs. It’s free to download and use (but you will need a Google account).

The last thing you want is to arrive at your destination and realize you’re out of money. That’s why it’s important to make a travel budget that includes everything from rental car costs to seat selection fees. As part of “ Our Money’s on Travel ”—our series on getting back to travel—we’re taking a look at how to budget for a trip, whether it’s the big costs or the small, plus a few travel hacks to help you save money along the way. 

Most trips involve significant expenses such as transportation and lodging. How significant they are depends on your plans—transportation could include plane tickets or gas for your car, and lodging could mean a five-star hotel or a cabin in the woods. Websites such as Budget Your Trip can help you plan for these costs, but don’t factor in any tips or tricks for saving money. So while this kind of budgeting site can be a good starting point, there’s a lot more that goes into planning your travel budget. Here are a few strategies for saving money on these major travel expenses.

• If you have access to multiple airports, like New York City residents, check prices out of all of them: LaGuardia (LGA), John F. Kennedy (JFK), and Newark (EWR). 
• If you only have one local airport, consider booking a separate, cheaper ticket to a major hub, which may offer cheaper flights.
• Be flexible with your dates and aim to travel during off-peak times. 
• In pre-Covid times, there was evidence that you could get the best fares by booking 20-115 days in advance and flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. But those bets are off because airlines’ pricing formulas are in transition as they cautiously ramp up for more travel. For now, you’ll just have to look for deals and grab them when you see them.   
• Follow airfare deal sites such as Scott’s Cheap Flights , Secret Flying , and Dan’s Deals to find out about cheap flights as soon as they’re available. 
• Check multiple sources before booking hotels to find the best rates and deals. For example, Hotels.com offers a free night for every 10 nights you book. Large hotel chains often advertise best rate guarantees and will give you up to 25% off your stay if you find a better rate elsewhere.  
• Consider shared lodging, such as a private room or dorm in a hostel or a private room in a local’s house on Airbnb, rather than renting an entire home. 
• Take advantage of any deals through membership programs such as AAA and AARP. 

Transportation

• If you’re planning to rent a car, use sites like Autoslash to compare rental car costs across a wide variety of programs and get a quote for the cheapest rates available. 
• Train passes, like the Eurail Pass , offer discounted or unlimited travel for a fixed price so you’ll never be surprised by last-minute ticket costs. 
• Electric scooter companies such as Bird and Lime allow you to purchase daily or monthly ride passes in certain cities. 

Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

Travel insurance protects you in case of unexpected delays, cancellations, or medical costs in covered situations. But before you buy it from your airline or another carrier, check to see whether you’re covered by the credit card you’re using to book your trip. 

In addition, many airlines have eliminated change fees for flights, while many hotels have begun allowing flexible cancellations on their bookings. If you won’t face financial consequences for changing those big-ticket bookings, travel insurance may not be worth the cost.

The big costs aren’t the only ones to consider beforehand. Your travel budget should also consider expenses like tipping, entertainment, souvenirs, food, and even cellphone fees.

Plan for as many of these costs in advance as possible so you aren’t surprised during your trip—or when you return home to larger-than-expected bills. 

Watch out for these costs and minimize or eliminate them with these smart strategies:

• Rental car additional driver fees : If you need a second driver on your booking, book through a service that includes them for free, such as Costco Travel . 
• Rental car insurance : If you already have car insurance, check to see whether it extends to rental cars. If you don’t own a car, look into a non-owner car insurance policy that will cover you when you drive a rental, which generally costs far less than traditional rental car insurance policies. Also, check whether the credit card you’re using offers its own rental car insurance. 
• Debit card holds : Hotels and rental car companies will put a hold on your card when you arrive. If you’re paying with a debit card, the money they put on hold will not be available to you until the hold drops, which could take some time. If possible, make your bookings with a credit card instead, or include the hold in your travel budget.
• Cellphone coverage : If you’re with Google Fi or T-Mobile, you’re in luck, as most locations are covered for free by your cellphone plan. Otherwise, consider purchasing a local prepaid SIM card, which can cost significantly less than the international roaming fees charged by most cellphone companies. Or plan to leave your phone on airplane mode and only use it when connected to Wi-Fi.
• Entertainment costs : Many major cities offer tourist cards, which bundle tickets to a number of attractions onto a card that’s valid for a set number of days. If you plan to hit all the highlights, these cards could save you a bundle over individually purchased tickets.

After diligently earning rewards on your travel credit cards, now’s the time to cash them in for free flights and hotel stays. You can choose to redeem points directly through your card’s travel portal, or transfer them over to hotel or airline chains to book awards. 

We recommend crunching the numbers to find the best way to redeem credit card points . For example, hotel chains such as Hilton and Marriott offer the fifth night free on award bookings, so it may make sense to transfer your points to your hotel rewards account. This can also be a good strategy for buying expensive flights, as airlines will sometimes charge a set amount of miles for a ticket even if the cash price is high. 

Now that you’ve got a handle on how to save money on travel expenses, it’s time to do the heavy lifting: actually saving money for your trip. Consider these ways to save up for your trip:

• Set up an automatic transfer from your checking account into a dedicated “travel fund” account. This strategy keeps your travel budget separate, so you’re not tempted to spend it elsewhere before your trip.
• If you receive a tax refund, put as much as you can straight into your travel fund.
• If you have extra cash left over from the stimulus checks, move it into your travel fund. 
• Work bonuses or side hustles could offer unexpected ways to boost your travel account.
• If your family exchanges gifts, consider letting them know that you’re saving up for a vacation. Cash is always an option, and gift cards for hotels, airlines, and restaurants can also make a significant contribution to your travel budget. They could even give you frequent flyer points if they’d like.

CheapAir.com. " CheapAir.com’s 5th Annual Airfare Study Reveals the Best Time to Buy Airline Tickets ."

Hotels.com. " Instant Savings. Reward Nights. And more ."

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Hilton Honors. " What Is an Example of How the 5th Night Free Is Calculated? "

How to Budget for a Trip: The Easiest Travel Budgeting Method (+ Tips!)

Here’s a silly secret: I love budgeting travel… and I also think that most guides to creating a travel budget make it entirely too complicated.

I initially wrote this guide on how to budget for a trip almost 7 years ago, when we were prepping for what we were then calling a 6 month round the world trip (spoiler: depending on your definition of “trip”, it never actually ended).

50+ countries and the better part of a decade later, I’m still using the exact same, simple formula for calculating our budget while traveling–even if our definition of “on a budget” has changed over the years.

Planning to hit the road soon and wondering how much money you need for your trip?

Whether you’re headed off on a 2-week Europe trip or you’re planning to live out of a backpack for years like we did, our simple method for budgeting travel expenses has you covered.

Here’s the travel budget strategy that we swear by to this day!

Table of Contents

Our Formula for Creating a Travel Budget

Why we like this travel budgeting system, example of how to budget for a trip, tips for travel budgeting, planning a trip.

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Here’s our incredible simple calculation for travel expenses:

(Money Saved – Major Expenses) / Number of Days Traveling = D aily Budget

That’s it–simple, easy to remember, and allows you to easily translate your savings from a pile of money into an actual travel budget.

Some long term travelers prefer to divide by the number of weeks instead of the number of days, on the premise that some days you may blow a large amount, and then have cheaper days to make up for it.

While that is 100% true and Jeremy and I definitely balance expensive days with inexpensive ones, I still prefer to think in terms of days.

In my experience, smaller numbers tend to be more easily tracked, and are less overwhelming as a result.

How to Define Major Travel Expenses

“Major expenses” can be somewhat of an ambiguous term, but I tend to use this for pricey plane tickets, travel insurance, and large monthly bills that you’re still responsible for during your trip (say, a car payment or health insurance). 

If you’re headed to any destinations that require a visa, be sure to include those costs as well!

For shorter trips, I also like to include lodging and certain cheaper transportation costs (night trains, budget airline flights, rental cars) here, but for long-term travel, that’s obviously not practical.

The point of the major expenses category is simply to remove the money that is allocated for specific expenses from play before determining how much you have to spend.

This is to avoid either a) running around feeling like you have more money than you do and overspending or b) anxiously fretting about the upcoming expense (like a plane ticket home) and saying no to things that you want to do because you’re needlessly stressed about not having enough money.

Personally, we’re much more likely to do the second.

Looking back on almost 7 years of travel, I can now definitively say that there have been more experiences than we’ve said no to when we should have jumped at the opportunity than times we splurged on an experience that wasn’t worth deducting from our calculated travel budget.

Luckily, thanks to this travel budgeting system, those experiences have been few and far between.

For us, this method of creating a travel budget works perfectly.

Thanks to careful tracking, we have never overspent on a trip, and we’ve also never worried much about money during our travels.

The worst that will happen is that we have a couple of pricey days in a row and follow it up with a day of inexpensive hiking or laying on the beach to make up for it (hardly a tragedy).

While I tend to track our daily expenses via mental estimates, I will write out cash expenses daily and credit card/more easily tracked expenses a couple of times a week–yes, even 7 years later.

It may seem like a drag, but 10 minutes of work can relieve a lot of stress and fear of the unknown that can come with just letting your money slip to the back of your mind.

(At least, it will be in the back of your mind until you start panicking over the thought of where your checking account balance might be when trying to fall asleep at night!).

Let’s say that a couple traveling is traveling to Paris from the USA for one week, and wants to calculate their travel budget.

In the interest of not searching too deeply for a pretend trip, I’ll say they buy the first flights they search for don’t stress about that too much. They’re also cautious and want travel insurance for their trip.

Our pretend couple has a $4000 travel budget, in total.

Major Travel Expenses for Our Mock Paris Trip

Round-Trip Flights to Paris: $2000

Travel Insurance : $150 

Hotel Room, $130/night for 7 nights: $910

($4000 total budget – $3060 major expenses) / 7 days = $134.28/day to spend, or $67.14/per person, per day.

I would round those down to $134 or $67, both for the ease of math and to build in a slightly conservative slant to the budget.

This would need to cover activities/tours, souvenirs/shopping, transportation while in Paris, and food/drinks.

That’s not only doable but completely comfortable in Paris, as long as our pretend couple is not hoping for luxury travel.

Know what’s worth it to you.

If you’re a major foodie, skimping on dining probably isn’t going to work for you–and if you’re a SCUBA lover, suggesting you limit dives on a beach trip may sound miserable.

Whatever your priorities are, focus on those and skimp on other areas, instead–even if other travelers consider the things you skip to be must-see sights.

Check in on your budget regularly.

Even if you don’t check in daily, be sure to track your budget at least every few days.

This will help keep you from blowing off course in either direction and also relieve any anxiety you have about not knowing the status of your budget.

Remember that traveling on a budget doesn’t mean having less fun!

Some of our favorite travel experiences cost little to nothing.

Browsing local markets, enjoying a beach day, going for a hike, wandering aimlessly through cities, sampling street food, and more all make for wonderful and incredibly memorable travel days.

Travel budgeting can be daunting when you get started, but once you get used to it, it enhances, rather than detracts from your experiences.

Not only are there wonderful travel experiences to be had at all budgets, but knowing where you are in your trip financially is much less stressful than constantly worrying that you’re over your travel budget… without having the concrete data to confirm either way.

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

11 thoughts on “How to Budget for a Trip: The Easiest Travel Budgeting Method (+ Tips!)”

Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed!

Extremely useful information specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was looking for this particular information for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

Thank you! Appreciate you stopping by! 🙂

bookmarked!!, I love your site!

Another small thing to consider would be to convert your daily budget amount to local currency.

Great point, thanks for stopping by! 🙂

This is by far the best travel blog I have come across. Thank you!!!

So happy to hear that, DeElla!

Great info!

Good info. Thanks we will be traveling Italy for 28 days. The last 7 we are staying with friends. We don’t want to rent a car but use trains between towns and subway/buses in the cities. How do I budget for that? Are there month long passes for each? Excluding airfare we have $7000 food/transportation/entrance fees. Does that sound doable? We are flying into Rome, then Florence and take day trips from there, then ending up in Ugento. Any recommendations?

Thanks, Brenda!

You can definitely get around Italy without a car, that’s not a problem at all. $7000 for for 28 days on the ground also sounds reasonable (I’m assuming you’re traveling as a couple).

Trenitalia does have a monthly pass of sorts for trains, similar to the Eurail pass but for Italy only. However, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it without knowing your schedule. Most likely, booking each leg individually is fine.

For short distances in rural areas that you travel by bus, you won’t need online tickets or anything like that. Same for any “local” trains you take, like the slow train between Florence and Bologna. You can buy those tickets step by step as you go, as the prices are set.

Where the prices get higher and you’ll need to budget in advance is for the high-speed train routes around Italy, like from Florence to Lecce, for example. Those trains have dynamic pricing, so if you can book your tickets in advance, you’ll both spend less and be able to budget more easily.

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How to travel on a budget: Here are our 22 top tips

Editor's Note

"How can I travel on a budget?" is one of the top questions we receive at TPG.

There's no question that travel is expensive right now as millions satisfy the itch to travel more. Demand has been through the roof. Inflation and correspondingly high hotel, rental car and airline ticket costs have many would-be travelers throwing up their hands in frustration.

However, there are still many ways to save. In addition to using reserves of points and miles to book hotels and airfare, TPGers have many budget travel tips to help stretch your dollars when traveling.

Here are 22 ways to travel on a budget.

Use membership codes to save on car rentals

If you're a member of AAA or AARP, have a Costco membership, are a veteran or work for a large company with a car rental discount code, pull all of these levers. You might be eligible for discount codes you didn't even know about. A few examples from AARP include 30% off a car rental at Budget or Avis.

Related: How to never pay full price for a rental car

Look beyond traditional car rental companies and locations

Most people search for rentals at the airport with standard companies like Hertz and Avis. If you don't find good results, consider off-airport locations or try alternatives like Kyte , Turo and Silvercar.

Related: Delta and Turo launch partnership, allowing travelers to earn 2,000 SkyMiles on 1st rental

Check credit card merchant offers

Before booking your trip, review your credit cards' special merchant offers. Multiple issuers offer this option (although American Express is a leader in the category).

Every program works similarly: Log in to your card account online or through your banking app, review the offers available to you, add the ones you want and make a qualifying purchase using the card for which the offer is registered.

There are no promo codes to enter at online checkout or coupons to print to take to the register. There are likely offers you can activate that will provide discounts on dining, gas and entertainment.

Related: How credit card merchant offers can save you hundreds of dollars every year

Take advantage of free days at national parks

Every year the U.S. National Park Service sets aside several days when entry is completely free ; options include Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January, the first day of National Park Week in April, National Public Lands Day in September and Veterans Day in November.

Visiting a national park on one of the NPS' free-entry days can save you up to $35 per vehicle at some of the most popular national parks, such as Glacier National Park and the Grand Canyon .

Stay outside the national parks

You might dream of a night in a rustic cabin inside a national park, but getting that reservation could be challenging or costly — especially if you can't pay for it with points.

However, just beyond the park, there's probably a hotel you can book with points. For example, you could stay at the Holiday Inn in West Yellowstone with IHG One Rewards points; the SpringHill Suites just outside of Zion National Park is a great property if you have Marriott Bonvoy points to spend.

Related: The best campgrounds, hotels and lodges near Yellowstone National Park

Download the T-Mobile Tuesdays app

If you're a T-Mobile user, you're in luck: This app is a major perk that will put money in your pocket just for checking your phone on Tuesdays.

To participate, download the T-Mobile Tuesdays app , check the app on Tuesday and claim your discount code. We've seen weekly discounts on everything from rental cars to gas, hotels and theme park tickets.

Related: T-Mobile expands travel-focused 'Coverage Beyond' benefits

Get discounted gas at Shell through the Fuel Rewards app

At TPG, we love to stack savings. The Shell Fuel Rewards app is a good one to pile on the discounts.

You can link it to other loyalty programs — including American Airlines AAdvantage, Giant Food, Stop & Shop, Advance Auto and more — to receive extra discounts. Also, if you purchase through Fuel Rewards, link to partner retailers such as Petco, Bed Bath & Beyond, Office Depot/OfficeMax and many others to save even more.

Don't forget to use a credit card that gives bonus points or discounts at gas stations for even more savings. TPG likes the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express , which gives 3% back at U.S. gas stations.

Related: These are the best credit cards for gas purchases

Save on theater tickets in New York and London

Check TodayTix for cheap Broadway and West End tickets if traveling to New York City or London.

The TodayTix app has discounted tickets to various shows available. Prices vary, but most of the top shows currently playing are available on the site and the app.

While not all shows are hugely discounted, TodayTix often runs no-fee promotions. Keep in mind that for some shows, you won't be able to choose your precise ticket location. Instead, you will pick a section you'd like to sit in.

Related: On with the show! How to get a great deal on Broadway tickets

Save on entrance fees with Bank of America

Bank of America cardholders can enjoy free general admission to more than 225 cultural institutions in dozens of U.S. cities on the first weekend of every month just by showing their cards. It's through the Museums on Us program that's been going on for 25 years. It's open to Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank (U.S. Trust) credit or debit card holders.

Related: 5 reasons to get the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card

Use your library card for museum entry

Another way to get free museum admission is with a library "lending ticket" — a program where libraries will lend museum passes for a set amount of time.

Also, check if your local museum's membership comes with ROAM (a reciprocity program across North America). It's an easy way to get maximum value from a regional (and usually less expensive) membership.

Take a free walking tour

Sign up for a free walking tour on your first day in a new city. It's an inexpensive way to learn about the city and orient yourself.

Look online for options before traveling and sign up in advance if necessary. Then, all you need to do is show up with comfortable shoes and enjoy your free tour.

Although tipping is suggested, you'll spend much less, even after generously tipping your guide, than you would with a standard tour option. You will likely also meet other like-minded travelers, which can be welcome if you're traveling alone or looking to make new friends.

If you're interested in seeing what's available on your next trip, Google the city you'll visit and the phrase "free walking tour" to see what comes up.

Dine on the cheap with Seated

Here's a fun one: The Seated app allows you to dine out and get paid for it.

The app rewards diners who sign up and eat at designated restaurants with cash they can redeem through gift cards. All you have to do is let the app know you'll be dining at a location before you take a seat. You can also get gift cards for Uber, Amazon and Starbucks.

Fly on weekdays

Flexibility on which days you fly is one of the keys to getting the best airfare prices. Leisure travelers most commonly book weekend flights, while many business travelers fly on Monday. So, the midweek days — Tuesday and Wednesday — have lower demand and are often the best days to travel for lower prices.

Related: When is the best time to book airfare?

Book vacation packages

Airlines that bundle airfare and hotels as vacation packages can offer better deals thanks to their vast buying power and inventory. These bundles can offer savings of up to 40% off. Savings on business-class plane tickets and high-end hotels can offer some of the best deals.

Also, purchasing directly from the airline gives you a one-stop shopping experience. You can even add a car and activities to your trip at the same time. Plus, you'll often be able to take advantage of special sales and bonus points and miles offers.

Related: Everything you need to know about saving money with vacation packages

Use a price monitoring tool

Airline fare monitoring sites such as Hopper and Google Flights ensure you get notifications when your trip's best and lowest prices become available. Set up as many combinations as you're considering, including different departure and return dates, so that you can get alerts for all possible fare reductions.

Be flexible on destination

If you're not locked into a fall or winter vacation location (like you would be for a destination wedding or family reunion that you can't change), try an alternative to find better prices. For example, consider subbing Quebec City in for Paris if you want Old World charm. For scuba diving enthusiasts, skip the expensive long-haul flight to Australia and the Great Barrier Reef and instead head to the second-largest barrier reef in the world in easy-to-access Belize.

Related: 5 key tools and tips for cheap airfare

Hold your deal

If you see a great deal but are not yet ready to book, hold it . For example, Hopper's Price Freeze allows you to lock in the price of a flight for up to seven days to take more time to finalize plans before you book. Some airlines will also let you hold flights for a small fee. (Remember that all U.S. airlines, by law, allow you to hold and cancel a flight booking within 24 hours without penalty as long as you book more than seven days in advance.)

Re-price your flights and hotels

As long as you've booked a hotel, car or flight that can be canceled without penalty, you should make it part of your weekly routine to check for price drops. If you find a lower price, rebook. You can use these same rebooking strategies with points to make dynamic pricing work in your favor for hotel stays so you can save on award nights.

Related: How I saved 33,500 points on upcoming hotel stays

Consider alternative airports

With prices high, now is the time to be flexible and check all nearby airports. For example, Houston and Chicago have two airports, while the New York City area has three, including Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey . In Southern Florida, you could easily fly to West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale or Miami. It works internationally too: Try Gatwick Airport (LGW) instead of Heathrow Airport (LHR) when flying to London.

It may even make sense to get to one city by flying to another city and then taking a short train ride for the rest of the journey. For instance, you could fly into Philadelphia and catch a train to New York. Strategies like this can help you get to your destination on a flight with better pricing or award availability.

Use positioning flights

Positioning flights are unrealistic for every situation or trip, but they can often offer better award availability or pricing than those from your home airport. Can you reach your destination for a lot less by starting in Seattle or Chicago? Would adding another flight to a different airport save you money or miles? Just ensure you leave enough time between flights to avoid unnecessary travel headaches.

Related: Use positioning flights to get amazing deals

Use points and miles when appropriate

Since you are reading TPG, you may also want to earn points or miles through your everyday spending that you can use to pay for part of your trip. Some credit cards — like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card — can help you earn airline miles or hotel points that you can redeem directly with the airline or hotel. Cards such as the American Express® Gold Card earn transferable points you can redeem for travel or transfer to various travel partners.

If you have a stash of points and cash fares are high, it makes a lot of sense to use those points instead. For example, I recently priced a trip to San Francisco and found a flight over the Fourth of July weekend; it should normally cost about $400, but for this particular weekend, it was going to cost me at least $621. I used 46,000 Delta SkyMiles instead. While it wasn't the best redemption in the world, it was better than shelling out all that cash. Most of those SkyMiles came from credit card spending on my Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card .

Related: Why I'm keeping my Delta Reserve card even when I'm flying less

There are many strategies for getting the most out of your credit card . You'll generally get the most value when redeeming for premium-cabin flights or luxury hotel stays. However, you may prefer to book economy award flights or lower-category hotel stays using your points to stretch your points further.

You can join AARP for discounts even if you are not retired. The advocacy group for older adults offers all kinds of cool discounts, including $60 to $200 off British Airways flights and 10% off Hilton hotels.

Related: How to use AARP discounts on travel

Bottom line

Spending a small amount of time researching the best ways to travel on a budget could easily make a dream trip, like a Paris vacation, more attainable.

It's possible to take an excellent vacation on a budget. You just need to put in the time to plan your trip, budget your expenses, download a virtual wallet of money-saving apps and consider using points and miles to decrease your out-of-pocket costs.

Some of our top budget travel tips include shopping around, signing up for deal alerts through websites like TPG and using points and miles. Opening a credit card or two for the sign-up bonus once or twice every few years could make your trips even cheaper. Don't forget to sign up for our daily newsletter , where we teach you how to travel better for less. At TPG, we make traveling on a budget easy.

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a beginner or expert traveler
• The best travel credit cards
• The 18 best places to travel in 2023
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without

Additional reporting by Melissa Klurman.

• Expense tracking
• Planned Payments
• Cash Flow insights
• First month
• Bank to sync

Think of how you’ll be moving around

Every destination is different, so is every traveller. So the next step is to think about and find out what’s the best way to move around once you’ve reached your destination. Some of you may like to explore your destination by foot, others by cycle, public transport or taxis. Whatever be the best available option that suits your tastes, arrive at an estimate of how much you would need to set aside to freely move around the place you’re in.

Our top tip:  Look out for public transport ticket options. It is very likely that you might find cheaper tickets if you book them in advance or book them for a longer period of time. In case, you need to book taxis, research about the best services that locals use on Quora or Facebook Groups to avoid being ripped off.

Think of what you’ll be eating

No, we’re not asking you to list out all what you plan to eat during your two-week long trip. Instead, have an idea of what a meal costs in the places you’ll be travelling to. Some people already have a number in mind on how much they would spend on food in a day. It is best to arrive at this number with some research. Online resources like Lonely planet travel guides , travel websites like Trip Savvy or blogs like Nomadic Matt are good places to start looking. Or try out apps like Zomato and TripAdvisor to find latest, updated prices.

If you have no time to research, then, budget a minimum of at least 2 to 2.5 times the price of your accommodation per night for one day’s worth of food . This rule of thumb works well for budget travel.

Our top tip: If you’re on a longer trip, try to cook at least one meal a day. You’ll be surprised how much money you would save. Also, always opt for natively consumed and seasonal items. Or, try meeting up with locals and eating home-cooked food through meal sharing apps to get an affordable taste of local culture.

Think of what you’ll be doing

Have at least a vague plan on what you intend to do for the large part of your trip. For instance, chilling by the beach or a hiking trip would be different from a city tour or a music festival crawl, cost wise. So depending on this, know what major activities you’ll be spending on during the trip . Some people make a list and prioritise them according to time and cost. Go ahead and do whatever works for you. What is important is that you have some idea about the entry fees or cost of these attractions or activities.

Our top tip: Most often, by booking some activities in advance can save you money and sometimes even can help you skip long lines at tourist attractions. Many countries have specially designed tourist cards catering to different interest groups (like for art lovers, sports enthusiasts etc) with special discounts and offers on such activities.

Think of what you’ll be buying

Gifts and souvenirs are a huge part of travel. Most often than not we like to bring back a little something from the places we visit. You may not be able to have a clear picture about how much things would cost unless you get to the destination, but keep aside some money to be spent on things you want to buy while travelling.

Our top tip:  Making a list of people for whom you want to pick up gifts for will save you time, help you stay organized and stop you from overspending or buying things on impulse. You could use a simple notepad or if you don’t want to carry an additional weight, just use Wallet’s Shopping Lists and create a digital list, ticking off names once you buy each item. Simple and effective, isn’t it? 

Think of emergencies

So why do we have a plan? To be prepared to face come what may. Then wouldn’t it be foolish to not budget for unforeseen circumstances or emergencies? This is the final step or item in your budget. Keep aside some money for things you forgot to budget for , medical emergencies, extra expenses, or even happy accidents, like an impromptu event you may be invited for, while you’re on the road.

Our top tip: If you aren’t sure how much to put aside, two to three days worth of living expenses per person would be good to start with.

How to create a travel budget on Wallet

Now that you’ve arrived at an estimated total amount you plan to spend on your trip, you can make the process of sticking to your budget so much more easier by using Wallet.

Combining two of Wallet’s most powerful features, Budgets and Labels, creating and sticking to your travel budget will be a cakewalk!

Labels allow limitless customizations which will help you manage your money in a way that makes sense to you.

Say, for instance, you’re planning a trip for two to Italy. You’ve gone through the steps we listed above and arrived at a figure of $6000. Create a travel budget with this figure and with a label called, say, Italy. Now, every time you spend money, you just need to label it Italy for it to be counted in this budget. In this way, you can easily see how you are faring with regards to the budget you set for yourself. Wallet will also forecast your spending and alert you if you need to make changes, thereby making it easier than ever to stick to your budget better .

If you want to dig in a bit more, you could create different budgets for different categories of expenses you want to track on the trip, say food and daily expenses, or just taxi (helps if you would want to claim it back later) and so on. Just create a new label for it and create a Budget with the respective label.

You could also create different budgets for each place you’ll be visiting on a long trip . The choices are limitless. Wallet gives you tools that can be customized as you wish to simplify the process of money management for you.

And, if you don’t want to track your expenses on the go, but still want to compare your expenses with your budget, you could just Import your transactions once you’re free during the trip or after the trip as per convenience.

Coming up with a realistic travel budget is the first and basic step towards planning a great vacation. It gives you a clear idea of what exactly you’ll be able to afford, sets guidelines for how much you need to save for and lets you be in full control of your money. So get a budget and take that vacation now!

Over to you…

Do you create budgets before you travel and track your expenses while on the road? What are your tips for a financial stress-free vacation? We would love to know. Share your ideas, thoughts and suggestions with us in the comments section below.

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How To Create A Solo Travel Budget (Free Calculator Included!)

By Jessie Festa & Dale P. This guide to creating a travel budget contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Wondering how to create a solo travel budget ? Need some help understanding how to save money on travel and manage your trip expenses?

Then you’re in the right place!

For many people, the idea of traveling somewhere new is exciting. I mean, who wouldn’t love to be regularly flying off to new destinations?

The problem: travel can be extremely expensive; luckily, there are ways to set a travel budget and explore the world on the cheap while still having a memorable experience.

In this guide, we’ll lay out step by step how to create a budget for solo travel and stick with it. Additionally, we’ll share savvy tips for saving money on travel expenses like flights, hotels, tours, and more.

Quick tip: Flights are often the most expensive aspect of your trip. Luckily, there are platforms that can help you easily find flight deals and error fares like Going (formerly Scott’s Cheat Flights) and FareDrop . In terms of accommodation, search Hostelworld for hostels (many of which have private rooms), consider housesitting through Trusted Housesitter s , book a rental with a kitchen to save money on food through VRBO , or stay on free couches through Couchsurfing . And when it comes to car rentals, Discover Cars can help you quickly compare your options and save up to 70%! These are just a few of the many ways to save money on travel. Keep reading for more!

Table of Contents

Free Travel Budget Calculator

And that’s not all! To help you set and stick with your solo travel budget, I’ve created a handy dandy Free Travel Budget Calculator .

Enter your intended trip budget at the top and then your expenses in the following rows. The calculator will tally up your expenses and let you know if you’re over or under your budget – and by how much. You’ll also get a pie chart visually showing you where you’re spending the most money.

Note: if there is a category where you’re spending is $0, please put “0” in the line field. Otherwise, you may receive an error.

• If there is a category where you’re spending $0, please put “0” in the line field. Otherwise, you may receive an error.
• This calculator looks at your per day, per person costs (unless otherwise noted). If you’d prefer to calculate by the total costs for each category, click here .
• If you’d prefer to just calculate the trip costs for yourself, enter “1” for the Number of Travelers.
• Want more travel calculators? You can grab my full suite of trip planning calculators – plus other goodies – in my free Travel Resource Library !

Travel Budget Calculator

On that note, let's discuss how to set a solo travel budget and stick with it.

Is Solo Travel Expensive?

Solo travel doesn't have to be expensive. There are pros and cons when it comes to traveling solo and how it relates to your budget.

When you travel solo, you have complete control over your itinerary, which can help you save money. You can stay wherever you want, eat wherever you want, and do as many or as few tours and activities as you'd like.

How much you spend is totally in your control. This is one of the biggest benefits of solo travel .

However, there are some areas where you may end up spending more as a solo traveler. For example, you won't have anyone else to split the cost of hotels or taxis with. This is why it's crucial to understand how to set a solo travel budget and also save money on travel.

Considerations When Setting A Solo Travel Budget

Before you start to set a solo travel budget, there are several important factors to consider.

Determine available funds

Before you can plan your travel budget, you will need to determine the funds you actually have available for this trip. It's possible to travel solo to most destinations around the world - even notoriously pricy ones - as long as you're prepared and realistic.

If you don't have enough funds for your trip yet, determine the amount you'll spend and then set a timeline for saving money to achieve your goal.

You can use a website like BudgetYourTrip to get an idea of travel costs in destinations around the world.

Set realistic budget goals

Building off of the step above, you'll need to set realistic budget goals if you want to end up successfully sticking to your travel budget.

When setting budget goals, think about your own personal interests and travel style.

Are you a huge foodie who doesn't care as much about museums and tours? Is staying in a luxurious hotel room your top priority? Whatever the case is, you'll want to pinpoint your priorities and budget accordingly.

Budget categories

Dividing your travel expenses into categories can help you effectively budget for a trip. The main categories you'll want to budget for include:

• Transportation
• Travel Insurance
• Miscellaneous

You might want to build in a 10% buffer to your total travel budget to account for miscellaneous costs. It can also be a good idea to set aside some money for emergency expenditures. This will help you stay prepared and travel solo successfully .

How To Set A Solo Travel Budget

Are you ready to learn how to plan a travel budget? Here are seven simple steps to follow to budget solo travel effectively.

1. Plan your itinerary. In order to successfully budget for your trip, you'll want to plan your itinerary first so you can accurately budget your expenses. For short trips of a week or two, it should be easier to get specific. For long-term trips like a multi-month backpacking trip, you may have to plan more broadly.

2. Identify transportation costs. How much will your flights cost? How much will transportation on your trip cost? Will you be taking additional flights, trains, buses, boats, taxis, or public transportation? This should all be factored into your travel budget.

3. Estimate food costs. Food is another key part of your solo travel budget and one that is fairly consistent. Set a reasonable daily spending limit for food. You may decide to eat one meal out per day and cook the rest of your meals at your accommodation. Additionally, opting for street food meals can be a smart way to save money. Whatever you choose, work it into your budget.

4. Identify activity costs. If you're taking a short trip, you may plan to pre-book tours and activities. If so, be sure to add these to your budget. For longer trips, you might allot yourself a certain amount for activities and tours each day or each week.

5. Don't forget travel insurance. If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. Just check out these travel horror stories to see why it's so important. Covering your trip is more affordable than you might expect. Two of the best travel insurance providers are  SafetyWing and  World Nomads .

6. Add a buffer. After you've calculated your total travel budget, add a buffer for miscellaneous expenses. If your total budget is $1,500, you may want to add an additional $150 for spontaneous expenses that might crop up and another $150 as an "emergency fund" for your trip.

7. Commit to keeping yourself accountable. Finally, commit to checking in with your budget during your trip. It only takes a few minutes a day to track your expenses and make sure your expenditures are in line with what you planned for. You can use an app like Trabee Pocket to help with this.

Tips For Managing Travel Expenses

Planning your travel budget is one thing, but actually sticking to it is an entirely different matter!

Fortunately, there are travel budgeting tools you can use to track your travel expenses and ensure you are sticking to the travel budget you set.

Use a travel budgeting app

There are a number of ways you can manage your travel expenses. You can use a simple spreadsheet or a general budgeting app like Mint or You Need A Budget .

There are also (free!) travel budgeting apps like Trabee Pocket , Tripcoin , and TravelSpend that allow you to track your travel expenses across various categories.

Make budgeting a priority

You don't need to fixate on your budget the entire time you're traveling, but take a few minutes at the end of every day to tally your expenses and make sure you're on track.

Many travelers don't do this, which can lead to major overspending and regrets.

Choose the right payment methods

Before your trip, do some research on which payment methods you'll use. Some destinations are still very cash-dependent while others have gone almost totally cashless.

If you'll need cash, make sure you have an ATM card with no fees. For Americans, Charles Schwab's Investor Checking bank account allows you to withdraw money from any ATM in the world with no fees. Basically, any fees that are charged are reimbursed to you at the end of the month.

For credit cards and debit cards, you'll want to make sure your cards have no foreign transaction fees. While certain cards will have an annual fee - though this often comes with lots of travel perks - there are also credit cards that are $0 per year, like the SavorOne Rewards card from Capital One .

Choosing A Destination That Fits Your Travel Budget

If you're on a tight budget, choosing the right destination can help you stretch your money further. You can get more for your money in destinations like Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and Central America than you can in Western Europe, North America, or Oceania.

Other factors to consider when choosing a destination include:

Seasonality

Traveling in the off-season is a great way to save money on your trip. Prices for everything - accommodation, transportation, and tours - are generally lower outside of the peak tourist season. Plus, as an added bonus, you can enjoy many destinations with much lower crowds.

There are some tradeoffs to traveling during the off-season. For example, it might line up with the rainy season or colder weather; but for many travelers, it's worth it for the savings.

You can also travel in "shoulder season," the month or two before or after the high season. This usually gives you the best of both worlds: good weather but lower prices and lower crowds.

Type of trip

Do you want to city-hop across European capitals, explore jungles, volcanoes, and ancient ruins in Central America, or explore beaches and rice paddies in Southeast Asia?

Depending on the type of solo vacation you want to take, this can factor into where you go and how you budget for your one-person vacation accordingly.

Budget-friendly destinations

Here are some of the best destinations worldwide for cheap vacations to take alone where your dollar will stretch further:

• Southeast Asia: Indonesia , Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia , Philippines, Vietnam
• Europe: Portugal , Romania, Poland, Czech Republic, Albania, Montenegro
• Latin America: Mexico , Guatemala, Nicaragua, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru

This is by no means an all-inclusive list, but it gives you an idea of countries where you can have inexpensive solo vacations for as little as $50 a day - or less, if you take the following money-saving tips to heart.

How To Save Money On Flights

Flights can be one of the biggest expenses for any solo trip, especially if you are traveling internationally. Here are some ways to take inexpensive solo trips by saving money on flights.

Travel during the off-season

Traveling during the off-season is a great way to save money on all aspects of your trip, especially airfare. For example, flights to Europe from the U.S. may be as much as 50% lower during the months of October and November compared to the peak summer months of June through August.

Be flexible with your travel dates

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you can score some great deals on airfare. Leaving or returning a day or two earlier or later may result in massive fare differences.

Of course, sometimes this means traveling at strange times (like leaving mid-week instead of at the start of a weekend) but if you can afford to be flexible, it can pay off massively.

In terms of how to tell which days are the cheapest for travel, Google Flights has a visual calendar with prices showing for each day.

Set fare alerts

Can't be flexible with your travel dates? Set a fare alert on Google Flights and be notified when airfare drops for your specific dates. This can help you score seriously cheap flights.

It's a good idea to set a fare alert well ahead of time and keep in mind that the "sweet spot" for booking a domestic flight is 60 days in advance and 120 days in advance for an international flight.

Get notified about deals & error fares

If you want to find the absolute cheapest airfare possible and find error fare deals , there are a few tools you can use.

The first is Twitter . You can set alerts to receive Tweets from fare deal accounts like @TheFlightDeal and @SecretFlying.

There are also services like Going (formerly Scott's Cheat Flights) and FareDrop that send deals and error fares right to your inbox to help you save hundreds of dollars on flights.

For the above strategies, just make sure to book your flight right away, as typically the deals showcased change quickly. You might even make finding a great flight deal your method for choosing your destination!

How To Save Money On Accommodation

Your solo travel costs can skyrocket quickly depending on where you stay. Luckily, there are several ways to save money on solo travel accommodation.

Stay in hostels

One of the best ways to save money on accommodation for single travelers is by staying in hostels. Staying in a hotel can get very expensive if you don't have anyone to share the cost with.

Hostels are an affordable alternative for inexpensive solo travel. And if you think that hostels are only for young people or for backpackers on an extreme budget, think again!

Many hostels cater to travelers of all ages. There are also tons of hostels that resemble boutique hotels more than your typical hostel, and many have private rooms that are comparable to hotel rooms.

Of course, for travelers on a tight budget, staying in a shared hostel dorm room is one of the best ways to save money on your accommodation costs.

You can search a site like Hostelworld to compare the hostel options in your preferred destination. Once you search by location, date, and number of travelers, you'll be given a list of properties and will be able to see right away the rate as well as if private rooms are available.

Use travel credits & points

If you prefer to stay in hotels, using travel credit cards and redeeming points can be a great way to save money or even get a totally free hotel stay.

Many hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton offer co-branded credit cards with sign-up bonuses that can be earned after spending a certain amount of money within a few months of opening the card. These points bonuses can typically be redeemed for several free hotel nights.

You can also use a general travel rewards credit card, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card , which offers similar sign-up bonuses in points that can be redeemed towards hotel stays and other travel. Just note that this card does have an annual fee, though it also comes with many travel perks.

Try housesitting or couchsurfing

If you're looking for a way to travel very cheaply and spend zero dollars on accommodation costs, housesitting and couchsurfing are two unconventional methods of travel to consider.

Housesitting involves staying in someone else's home and taking care of their pets and house while they are away. You may be responsible for feeding, walking, and playing with pets, watering the plants, keeping the house tidy, and generally taking care of the place while the owners are away.

Trusted Housesitter s is the best platform for finding housesitting jobs. It's a great way to live like a local in a new destination and save money on accommodation.

Another option is couchsurfing. The official Couchsurfing website will help you connect with locals who offer free accommodation to travelers around the world.

As the name suggests, you might be sleeping on someone's couch, so it's not the most glamorous way to travel. But it's great for budget travelers who want to connect with locals.

Important solo travel safety tip : solo female travelers should be especially careful when couchsurfing. It can be a good idea to only stay with female hosts or to vet potential hosts by making sure they have positive reviews from other couch surfers first.

Speaking of safety, you might also consider packing a few travel safety essentials - like a She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm , which is TSA-approved and can help scare away potential attackers. Other recommendations include Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments and Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves .

How To Save Money On Food While Traveling Solo

Food is an area of your budget that can get eaten up quickly (no pun intended) while traveling if you aren't careful. Here are some ways to save on food while traveling solo without sacrificing the fun of eating out and discovering new cuisines:

Go grocery shopping

One of the best hacks for inexpensive solo travel is grocery shopping and cooking meals on your own while you travel. Most hostels offer communal kitchens, or you can be sure to choose an Airbnb , VRBO , or other rental that includes a kitchen.

You don't have to cook every meal on your own, but even just cooking for yourself a few times on your vacation instead of eating out can save you a lot of money.

Choose accommodation with free breakfast

Many hostels and budget hotels offer free breakfast every morning, which can be a great way to save money on one meal per day.

Before booking your accommodation, check to see which places offer free breakfast. You can fill up on a complimentary buffet breakfast in the morning, and then you'll only have to spend money on lunch and dinner.

Eat where locals eat

Finally, eating where locals eat is one of the best ways to save money on food while you travel. Restaurants that cater to tourists are often overpriced and don't even serve the best food.

However, if you get off the main tourist trail and seek out the spots where locals eat, you'll most likely find much better prices — and much better food.

Do some research before you travel to find the best local eats in the destinations you're visiting, or better yet, ask a local for recommendations once you arrive.

How To Save Money On Activities While Traveling Solo

Many activities, such as visiting museums and tourist attractions, will not cost you anything extra as a solo traveler. However, some activities do run the risk of incurring the dreaded "single supplement."

Here are some tips for cheap solo travel activities:

Research free activities

Free activities are one of the best strategies for how to travel solo on a budget. You'd be surprised at how many free things to do there are in most destinations.

For example, in New York City, there are dozens of free viewpoints you can visit rather than paying $50+ to go to an expensive observation deck.

Moreover, activities like solo beach days and solo hikes are almost always free.

Consider purchasing a city pass

Many popular destinations around the world, particularly major cities with lots of tourist attractions, offer city passes.

These passes give you access to many popular museums, attractions, and experiences for a discounted price compared to buying entry to each activity individually. They can also help make solo travel more fun by introducing you to a destination's top attractions.

If you're someone who enjoys visiting many museums and tourist attractions, this can be an excellent way to save money on activities. You can check the official CityPASS website to see if your destination is listed, though keep in mind there are other brands of discount passes too.

Avoid solo travel supplements

Unfortunately, some activities carry a single supplement for solo travelers. For example, cruises and tours that are priced based on double occupancy often carry a supplement for solo travelers.

When it comes to group tours, you can often agree to share a twin room with another traveler to avoid having to pay for a single supplement.

On cruises, you can sometimes find solo travel deals where the single supplement is waived or greatly reduced.

How To Save Money On Transport While Traveling Solo

When it comes to how to travel solo for cheap, managing your transportation costs is another important element for sticking to your solo travel budget.

One of the drawbacks of traveling solo is that you don't have anyone to split transportation costs with. When traveling with others, you can save money by splitting a taxi, Uber, or rental car.

But on your own, here are some ways to save money:

Use public transportation

Public transportation is one of the best ways to save money while traveling solo. Taking a taxi or an Uber all the time can quickly get pricy, but public transportation typically costs a couple of dollars or less per ride.

If you'll be staying in a destination for an extended amount of time (more than a few days) and plan to use public transportation frequently, it may also be worth purchasing a weekly transit pass compared to buying single tickets.

Research transportation in advance

Another way to save money on transport is to come prepared to your destination. Research the best ways to get around in advance of your trip.

In some places, renting a car may actually work out to be a cheaper option, while in other places, you might save money using rideshare services, buses, or trains.

Stay in a central location

Staying in a central location is a great way to save money on transportation in your destination. You may find a hostel that's $10 cheaper outside the city center, but what if you have to spend $10 a day on transportation costs to get where you want to go?

Choosing a central location means that you'll be able to walk around more and spend less money on transport costs. You may also want to choose accommodation that's close to the train station or public transportation in your destination.

Where To Get Travel Insurance

Before heading off on a solo trip, it's wise to get travel insurance.

One of the  best travel medical insurance for travelers  is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Post-Travel Budget Review

After your trip, it's a smart idea to do a post-travel budget review. Find an hour to sit down and closely review how much you spent during your travels.

Take a look at your initial budget and your actual expenditures and see how well you stuck to what you planned to spend. Were there any areas where you went over budget?

Maybe you spent way more money than you expected on going out to eat, or maybe you ended up splurging on Ubers or taxis more often than you took public transportation.

Identify these areas of improvement for future travel planning purposes, but don't get down on yourself too much for a little bit of overspending. Money will come and go, but the memories from your travels will last a lifetime, and that is priceless!

Planning A Solo Trip On A Budget: Final Thoughts

Hopefully, these tips can help you confidently travel the world solo on a budget! While travel can certainly be expensive, it's also possible to book travel at a reasonable price.

It's helpful to look at the biggest costs to determine how you can get them down, like traveling outside of peak season, such as during shoulder season, and making use of strategies to keep big ticket items like flights and hotels low.

Using the steps above, you'll be able to create a travel budget for your solo vacation - and stick with it!

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The 12 Best Budgeting Apps for Travelers

Ashley Rossi

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.

Ashley's stories have been featured online on USA Today, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Jetsetter, and Yahoo! Travel, as well as other publications.

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While you’re stuck daydreaming about your next bucket-list vacation, why don’t you get a hold of your finances and make it a reality by first budgeting out your travel expenses? Whether it’s a road trip or international vacation that you’re planning, easily forgettable items like parking fees can add up. That’s why you should use a travel-specific budgeting app to help streamline your costs on your next trip. Here are 12 budget apps to help you plan your expenses.

PocketGuard

Link all of your financial accounts and cards to this app, and it will automatically update and categorize your spending in real time. It then tells you what spending money you have with the “in my pocket” feature. It also automatically builds you a spending budget based on income, bills, and the goals you set. It even finds ways to lower some of your monthly bills for you … sign us up.

Download: iOS | Google Play

Tripcoin lets you enter in your expenses per day and even works offline. It then processes your spending to give you a spending summary of your trip, which you can export for other uses. This lets you see how much you’re spending on each category of your trip, broken down by day, so you can monitor your vacation expenses in real time.

Download: iOS

9 Sneaky Travel Costs You Might Forget to Budget For

Trip Expense Manager

The Trip Expense Manager app is ideal for large traveling groups that need help planning and monitoring travel expenses. For each trip you take, you can add Google users, a list of places to go, and expenses, and even mark who paid which bill.

Download: Google Play

TravelSpend

I love TravelSpend for its easy-to-use features and simple design. How it works: You add expenses as they happen (the app works offline and even converts foreign currencies) and the app tracks your spending by total and by day. You can even follow your spending on a map throughout your vacation.

Wally connects to your current financial accounts and tracks your spending so you can get a handle on your cash flow and spending by category. Wally is useful because unlike some of the other budgeting apps, it lets you use private groups for managing trip spending or other budgets. You can even add reminders, notes, lists, documents, and comments.

Users love TripMate for its simplicity and easy-to-use features, plus it’s all free. This travel expense tracker app lets you create a trip and then add and remove users as needed. You can add expenses, receive a personalized summary, and even get hotel, and other booking-related information.

Trail Wallet

If you’re looking for a travel-specific budget tool and expense tracker, this is your best bet. Input your expenses into Trail Wallet and the app will split them up based on category so you can get a closer look at your spending. Note that only the first 25 items you enter are free.

11 Budget Travel Lies You Should Stop Believing Right Now

This travel expense app makes splitting costs a breeze. Simply invite your travel partners to the trip you’ve created on the app, and each person can enter in his or her expenses. Once the trip is over (and all expenses have been entered) you can see who owes whom what amount.

Splitwise is another useful cost-tracking platform that easily lets you split group expenses while traveling. You can split by percentage or shares, and it’s even available in offline mode. It’s great for international trips, too, as the app is available in seven languages and over 100 currencies. Plus, it’s integrated with Venmo and PayPal for easy payback.

Mint is so much more than just a travel expense app—it connects with all of your bank accounts to give you an overall summary of your cash flow. You can then easily create a budget for different categories, like saving for a vacation.

30 Essential Non-Travel Apps for Travelers

For those who have been involved in the planning of a bachelor or bachelorette party, you know the trials and tribulations that come with splitting large group expenses. This app was created specifically for those organizing large group trips and includes building an itinerary, polls, and chat features as well as ways to track payments and bar tabs within your group.

YNAB (You Need a Budget) is a popular software used for budgeting. While it’s slightly pricey ($84 annually), the positive reviews are endless. On the app version, you can set savings goals and itemize your vaca expenses. There is a free 34-day trial to get you started.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Single Travel: Essential Tips for Planning a Solo Trip
• 5 Ways to Stay Sane When Planning a Trip with Friends
• The 7 Best Trip Planner Apps for Travelers

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on  Twitter   and  Instagram   for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Travel Budget Templates in Google Sheets and Excel

Get the most out of your trip using our travel budget templates in google docs, sheets, word, and excel formats. plan all your expenses, including plane tickets, apartment or hotel booking, visas, car rental and others. choose from dozens of editable and printable designs in different colors.

Cute Travel Budget

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Traveling is always fun and interesting. However, travel is always associated with various kinds of expenses, which are best foreseen in advance. If you want to always be sure that you have chosen the right budget for your trip, then we recommend using any travel budgeting template from TheGoodocs . Our amazing Google Sheets templates are always the best option to save time and money.

Just imagine that you won't need to understand spreadsheet functionalities and built-in instruments, but you'll still get a professional, well-structured, and well-designed budget plan. We have a traveling budget template for any personal or business need. It does not matter if you work in a travel agency or just going on vacation and want to calculate its cost in advance. You will definitely find the right option only with us.

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How to Create a Travel Budget

Last Updated: December 7, 2023 References

This article was co-authored by Laura Krueger & Michelle Donson . Laura Krueger (right) and Michelle Donson (left) are Travel Specialists and the Founders of LM Media Worldwide, a free service that sources and negotiates contracts for hotel rooms and meeting space needs. With a combined 30 years of experience, they specialize in hospitality sales, contract and rate negotiations, room reservations, and wedding planning. Laura holds a BS in Business Management with High Honors from Rutgers University and has directed several sales teams, negotiated thousands of contracts, and consistently exceeded national sales goals for hotel chains such as Wyndham, Radisson, and Starwood. Michelle holds a BS in Hospitality Management from the University of Delaware and has worked in group sales and banqueting for Marriott and directed several sales teams with InterContinental Hotel Group, Wyndham, and Starwood. Michelle has also earned the prestigious “Salesperson of the Year” award twice consecutively for Wyndham Hotel Group’s national sales team. LM Media Worldwide is trusted by Kleinfeld Hotel Blocks, Marriott, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Melia Hotels & Resorts, Gaylord Hotels, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Wyndham Hotel Group, and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 181,445 times.

Traveling is a great way to clear your mind and find memorable experiences. However, travel can be expensive and may require you to save up and budget your costs ahead of time. By taking time to consider your costs thoroughly, both for necessities and for leisure, you will have a working budget ready for your trip.

Budgeting for the Basics

• You can compare plane ticket costs with Google Flights, SkyScanner.com, Expedia, FareCompare.com, or Kayak. Always research price comparisons before making your purchase.

• Use your preferred search engine to research public transit at your destination. Not all cities will have all of the options mentioned above.
• You can compare rental car prices SkyScanner.com, Expedia, or Kayak as well. Always research price comparisons before making your reservation.
• If you are renting a car, you should also consider what rental agencies are close to your airport or hotel.

• Pick a hotel that is located near the attractions you’re seeking. This will prove convenient and save you in local travel costs.
• Consider amenities like televisions in the rooms, internet access, and access to a swimming pool. You should also consider the quality and size of available beds and bathrooms, the availability of air conditioning, and whether or not they serve a complimentary breakfast. If you have any questions that aren’t answered by their website, call the front desk.
• Check customer reviews on Google and Yelp. Keep in mind that nearly every hotel has some excellent reviews and some that are terrible. Read as many as possible to get a comprehensive idea of the quality. [4] X Research source
• Some locales will have hostels where you can stay at little or no charge in exchange for doing some chores. [5] X Research source

• If you need to save some money on food, consider getting a hotel room with a kitchenette or at least a microwave and then purchasing some easy-to-make meals at a local grocery store.

• Allianz, World Nomads, Travel Guard, and InsureMyTrip.com are some websites that offer standalone travel insurance.
• You can also get travel insurance from general insurance providers like Geico and State Farm. You may be able to get a discount if you purchase auto, life, or home insurance from these providers already. [9] X Research source

Budgeting for the Extras

• Look up pre-packaged sight-seeing tours in your destination. They may be the most cost-efficient and thorough way to see a locale’s major sights. [10] X Research source

• Use sites like Yelp and TripAdvisor to research local entertainment and get an idea of the costs ahead of time.
• Consider getting a AAA membership. They offer travel discounts at restaurants and entertainment venues.

• Make a list of the people you intend to purchase gifts for ahead of time and try to assign a rough dollar amount.

Creating an Initial Budget

• Ask questions like “What does a meal cost there?” or “What are some cheap things to do there?”

• Try sites like BudgetYourTrip.com, SavingForTravel.com, and IndepdentTraveler.com. Set up an account and enter the details of your budget and travel expenses.

Doing Budget-Friendly Planning

• You may also need to set aside money from your typical day-to-day expenses so you’ll have enough. Work out a regular amount of money to set aside for your travel expenses and begin saving as soon as possible.
• If you need some extra money to make your travel budget, consider a part-time or temporary job like driving for a ride-sharing program or writing for an online publication. Search for temporary jobs on websites like Craigslist, Indeed.com, or FlexJobs.com. [14] X Research source
• If you’re a frequent traveler or have travel benefits from your credit card company, you may be able to defray the costs of airfare or travel. [15] X Research source

• Use the website https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/ to determine the exchange rate. Simply enter the amount of money in your travel budget and then change the second box to the currency of your destination country.

• Check out organizations like funjet.com, Expedia, and Apple Vacations to find package deals.

Community Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/29/travel/cheap-flights-budget-travel.html
• ↑ https://internationalcenter.umich.edu/sites/default/files/Sample_Student_Budgets_Europe.pdf
• ↑ https://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/hotel-and-b-and-b/choosing-a-hotel
• ↑ https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-tips/finding-cheap-accommodation/
• ↑ Laura Krueger & Michelle Donson. Travel Specialists. Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.
• ↑ https://www.valuepenguin.com/average-cost-vacation
• ↑ https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/travel-guides
• ↑ https://www.budgetdirect.com.au/travel-insurance/travel-destinations.html
• ↑ https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/money/thrifty-50-tips
• ↑ https://www.moneycrashers.com/how-to-find-cheap-entertainment-on-vacation/
• ↑ https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/cut-your-expenses/
• ↑ https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/countrylist.php
• ↑ https://www.nextavenue.org/10-great-sites-find-gigs-and-part-time-work/
• ↑ https://www.frugaltravelguy.com/2016/04/how-to-use-credit-card-rewards-as-a-companion-to-your-travel-budget.html
• ↑ https://transferwise.com/gb/blog/dollarization-why-so-many-countries-use-the-us-dollar
• ↑ https://www.libertytravel.com/travel-article/your-all-inclusive-guide-all-inclusive-vacations

About This Article

To create a travel budget, start by adding up your usual expenses, like rent and food, to see how much you have left over to spend on a trip. Once you have a dollar amount in mind, budget for important details first, like tickets to your destination, and lodging costs once your there, and set that money aside. Then, research fun entertainment ideas to enjoy on your trip, like sightseeing tours or a play, and decide which of these things you’ll like to do with the money you have left. For more tips on how to travel on a budget, like how to find free entertainment while you’re traveling, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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18 Effective Money-Saving Strategies For Families Traveling On A Budget

Posted: May 30, 2024 | Last updated: May 30, 2024

Just because you and your family are on a budget, it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun on your travels. With careful planning and some savvy strategies, you can make the most of your trip without breaking the bank. From booking in advance to taking advantage of free attractions, there are plenty of ways to stretch your dollar and create unforgettable memories for your and your loved ones.

Here are 18 money-saving tips to help you enjoy a fantastic family vacation without compromising experience or comfort:

Plan and Book in Advance

Planning and booking your travel arrangements well in advance can save your family a significant amount of money. Early bird discounts on flights, accommodations, and attractions are often available. Use comparison websites to find the best deals and set alerts for price drops.

Additionally, booking in advance gives you more time to budget and save for your trip. Last-minute bookings tend to be more expensive due to higher demand. Always check the cancellation policies to ensure flexibility.

Travel During Off-Peak Times

Traveling during off-peak seasons can drastically reduce costs on flights and accommodations. Popular destinations tend to be less crowded and more affordable outside of school holidays and peak travel times. Research the best times to visit your chosen destination for lower prices and favorable weather.

Off-peak travel can also mean shorter lines and a more relaxed experience. Consider mid-week travel, as weekends are typically more expensive. Flexibility in your travel dates can lead to significant savings.

Use Public Transportation

Instead of renting a car or relying on taxis, use public transportation to get around. Many cities offer affordable daily or weekly passes for buses, trains, and trams. Public transit is often more convenient and cheaper than parking and gas expenses. Research the public transportation options available at your destination before you arrive. Some cities offer family or group discounts on transportation passes.

Walking and biking are also great ways to explore and save money.

Stay in Budget Accommodations

Consider staying in budget accommodations like hostels, budget hotels, or vacation rentals. Websites like Airbnb and Booking.com offer a wide range of affordable but safe and quality lodging options. Look for places with kitchen facilities to save on dining costs by preparing your own meals. Many budget accommodations provide family-friendly amenities like free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and laundry services.

Reading reviews and checking ratings can help you find a comfortable and safe place to stay. Also, consider home exchanges for a unique and cost-effective lodging experience.

Pack Light and Smart

Avoid additional baggage fees by packing light and strategically. Create a packing list to ensure you only bring essential items and avoid overpacking. Utilize travel-sized toiletries and versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched. Packing efficiently not only saves money but also makes travel more convenient.

Consider bringing snacks and reusable water bottles to avoid high costs at airports and tourist spots. Packing light can also reduce the risk of lost luggage and make it easier to move around.

Take Advantage of Free Attractions

Research free attractions and activities available at your destination. Many cities offer free museums, parks, festivals, and walking tours. Check local event calendars for free events during your stay. Exploring outdoor attractions like beaches, hiking trails, and public gardens can provide hours of entertainment without spending a dime.

Taking advantage of free attractions allows you to enjoy the local culture without breaking the bank. Plan a mix of paid and free activities to balance your budget.

Cook Your Own Meals

Eating out for every meal can quickly add up, especially for a family. Save money by cooking your own meals in your accommodation if it has a kitchen. Visit local markets and grocery stores to buy fresh, local ingredients.

Not only is cooking at home cheaper, but it can also be a fun family activity. Preparing meals together can give you a taste of the local cuisine without the high costs of restaurants. Pack lunches and snacks for day trips to avoid expensive dining out.

Look for Family Discounts and Deals

Many attractions, transportation services, and accommodations offer family discounts. Research and ask about special rates for families when booking tickets or making reservations. Some destinations offer family passes for multiple attractions, providing significant savings.

Look for coupon books, online deals, and group discounts that can reduce overall costs. Memberships to organizations like AAA or AARP often come with travel discounts. Taking advantage of these deals can stretch your budget further.

Set a Daily Budget

Establish a daily budget for your trip to keep spending under control. Allocate funds for accommodation, food, transportation, and activities each day. Using cash instead of credit cards can help you manage your budget more effectively. Keep track of your expenses daily to avoid overspending.

Adjust your budget as needed, prioritizing essential expenses. Sticking to a daily budget ensures you won’t run out of money before the end of your trip.

Limit Souvenir Spending

While it’s tempting to buy souvenirs at every stop, these expenses can add up quickly. Set a budget for souvenirs and stick to it, focusing on meaningful and affordable items. Consider purchasing practical souvenirs like local snacks or small, useful items that won’t take up much space. Encourage children to choose one special item rather than multiple small trinkets.

Another option is to collect free souvenirs like maps, brochures, or postcards. Prioritizing experiences over material items can create lasting memories without breaking the bank.

Use Apps and Websites for Deals

Take advantage of apps and websites that offer deals and discounts for travelers. Apps like Groupon, LivingSocial, and Travelzoo often feature discounts on dining, attractions, and activities. Download city-specific apps that provide information on free events, happy hours, and local deals. Some travel apps offer exclusive discounts on accommodations and transportation.

Subscribe to newsletters from travel deal websites to stay updated on special offers. Utilizing these resources can uncover hidden savings and enhance your travel experience.

Avoid Tourist Traps

Tourist traps are often overpriced and crowded, offering little value for money. Research and seek out local favorites and hidden gems that offer a more authentic experience at a lower cost. Ask locals for recommendations on dining, shopping, and activities. Use travel blogs, forums, and social media to find off-the-beaten-path attractions.

Avoiding popular tourist areas can also lead to discovering unique cultural experiences. Prioritize experiences that are meaningful and representative of the local culture.

Use a Travel Rewards Credit Card

A travel rewards credit card can offer significant benefits and savings for your trip. Look for cards that offer sign-up bonuses, cashback on travel purchases, and no foreign transaction fees. Using a travel rewards card for everyday expenses can accumulate points or miles to use for travel-related costs. Some cards offer additional perks like travel insurance, airport lounge access, and rental car discounts.

Pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges. Maximizing the benefits of your travel rewards card can enhance your travel experience while saving money.

Opt for Multi-Destination Travel Passes

When visiting multiple cities or attractions within a region, consider purchasing multi-destination travel passes. These passes often provide significant discounts compared to buying individual tickets. For example, rail passes like the Eurail Pass in Europe or the JR Pass in Japan allow unlimited travel within a specified period, saving money on transportation costs.

City passes can also offer free or discounted entry to numerous attractions, public transport, and other perks.

Leverage Loyalty Programs and Subscriptions

Join loyalty programs offered by airlines, hotel chains, and travel companies to accumulate points or miles that can be redeemed for free or discounted travel. Consider subscribing to memberships like Costco, Sam’s Club, or travel-specific services that offer discounted rates on vacations, flights, and car rentals.

Being part of loyalty programs and memberships often comes with exclusive deals and early access to promotions that can significantly cut travel expenses.

Exchange Houses or Use House-Sitting Services

House swapping or using house-sitting services can be a cost-effective way to secure free accommodation. Websites like HomeExchange or TrustedHousesitters connect you with homeowners looking to exchange homes or need house sitters.

This arrangement can offer a home-like experience and the opportunity to live like a local, often with additional benefits like free use of household amenities and sometimes even cars.

Plan Activities Around Deals and Discounts

Before you travel, research and plan activities around available deals and discounts. Websites like Groupon, LivingSocial, and Travelzoo offer discounted rates on a variety of attractions, dining options, and experiences. Signing up for newsletters from these sites can keep you informed about current promotions and flash sales. Additionally, some cities provide tourist cards that bundle multiple attractions at a reduced price.

By planning your activities around these deals, you can significantly cut down on costs while still enjoying a wide range of experiences. Always read the terms and conditions to ensure the deal fits your travel dates and preferences.

Consider Alternative Airports and Routes

When booking flights, check if nearby airports or alternative routes offer cheaper options. Smaller or secondary airports often have lower landing fees, which can translate to cheaper flights. Additionally, consider flying into one city and then taking a budget airline, train, or bus to your final destination.

Using tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak, you can compare prices across different airports and routes to find the most cost-effective option. This approach may take a bit more time and planning but can lead to significant savings on airfare.

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Top tips for visiting Austria on a budget

May 29, 2024 • 7 min read

Austria may not be a budget destination, but with some savvy planning there are many ways to make your euros go further © Patrick Daxenbichler / Getty Images

Despite its monarchically lavished cities, alpine villages at the foot of gondola-gliding peaks, and enchanting lakeside hangouts, you don’t need pockets as deep as an emperor to enjoy Austria .  

Much like its Western European neighbours, Austria is a far stretch from being a shoestring destination. But public transportation is inexpensive, guest cards bundle together a staggering stack of discounts, you can wander the grounds of grandiose sites and climb every mountain without spending a cent, and street food balances out the splurge on schnitzel.  

Here’s how to make your budget stretch further on your visit to Austria.   

Daily costs 

• Dorm bed in a hostel: €30
• Basic hotel room for two: €100
• Daily travel card on public transport: €8
• City card, 24 hours: €70
• Museum entry: €15
• Cup of coffee: €4.50
• Three-course restaurant dinner for two: €80
• A glass of Austrian wine: €4
• A pint of beer at the bar: €4
• Average daily cost: €150 

Fly into Vienna for the best choice of budget air fares 

While Salzburg , Innsbruck , Klagenfurt and Graz have airports, Vienna International Airport is Austria’s biggest, serving more flights from budget airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air and Eurowings. 

Travel in the shoulder seasons for cheaper room rates

The winter ski season (December to April) and summer (June to August) are the busiest times to visit Austria. In the spring and autumn shoulder seasons (May, and September to November), you’ll be more likely to snag better-priced rooms, score tickets on popular transport routes and find fewer crowds to make the most of your time at museums and other major sights.  

Book train tickets in advance to get around for less 

The cheapest way to get around Austria is by purchasing advance train tickets. Save half or more on the cost of a standard ticket by booking a bargain fixed-departure-time Sparschiene ticket with national rail operator  ÖBB . But before you book, compare prices with private rail operator WESTbahn , which connects Vienna to Salzburg, Innsbruck and Bregenz with supersaver and flexible tickets. And, depending on your plans, consider whether a  Eurail Austria pass  – which starts at €144 for three days – might be more cost-effective.

Read more:  Everything you need to know about getting around Austria

Get a 24-hour pass for unlimited public transportation 

In big cities, a single ride on public transport might cost as little as €2.40, but don’t pay as you go if you plan to travel several times over the course of a day; you’ll save money with a 24-hour pass, which costs less than €10. 

Plan your days – a city tourist pass could save you money

Palaces, museum complexes and tempting day trips – traveling on a budget shouldn’t mean having to max out on one highlight per day. Depending on your plans, you could save money with city tourist passes in 24-, 48-, or 72-hour variations, which include public transportation and discounts for attractions. 

The  Vienna City Card includes a 20% discount on participating hotels and restaurants.

You’ll get the Innsbruck Welcome Card with a stay of two nights at partner hotels and it includes weekly guided hiking and e-biking tours

The  Graz Card adds on free travel on the Schlossbergbahn and the Schlossberglift, as well as an old town tour.

The Linz Card grants free museum entry, a €10 voucher redeemable on concerts and river cruises and throws in a trundle on the mountain tramway Pöstlingbergbahn.

The Salzburg Card  represents the best value for money. It offers one night of accommodation and free admission to every city tourist attraction and museum that you can squeeze in.

Book at partner hotels with regional discount cards 

If you're roaming a region you can look out for guest cards offering unlimited transport, entry discounts and access to outdoor activities.

If you book a room at a partner hotel in Tyrol , Vorarlberg,  Salzburgerland , Upper Austria and Burgenland and you’ll get a card for free at check-in.

In areas without partner hotel links you can buy regional money-saving cards, such as Carinthia ( Kärnten Card ), Styria ( Steiermark-Card ) and Lower Austria ( Niederösterreich-CARD ), 

Seek out attractions that cost nothing (nature is free) 

UNESCO-protected old towns are open-air museums, and the landscaped gardens of opulent abodes – including those at Schönbrunn and Belvedere  in Vienna and Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg – are public-access enchantments. Beyond the gilded halls, several film and music events across the country don’t require a ticket, including Vienna’s Summer Night Concert in Schönbrunn Palace (June), the Vienna Film Festival (June to September) and Salzburg’s Mirabell Gardens Sunday Promenade Concerts  (May until August). 

For the pinnacle of budget exploration, skip the cable car ticket and pick a hiking route for valley and vineyard highs. And if you don’t find yourself scrambling for a deck-side spot at one of Austria’s bathing lakes, swim in Vienna’s Alte Donau or Salzburg’s Almkanal, instead of pay-for-entry lidos. 

Visit museums for free 

Ticket costs to see Vienna’s assemblage of art and heritage quickly stack up, but more than one million objects are showcased for free at the Wien Museum Karlsplatz , giving you a taster of the city’s millennium of history. There’s also free admission every first Sunday of the month at Hermesvilla  (former escape of Empress Elisabeth, the wife of Emperor Franz Joseph I) in the  Lainzer Tiergarten , the artifact-loaded Römermuseum (Roman Museum) and six houses that were once home to the composers Beethoven, Haydn, Schubert, and Strauss.

Max out the value of your ticket on late-night open days – Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien and Leopold Museum are open until 9pm on Thursdays; the Naturhistorisches Museum until 8pm on Wednesdays; and Salzburg’s Museum der Moderne  stays open until 8pm on Thursdays.  

Across Austria for one night in October, the Long Night of the Museums offers the chance to culture-cram as many museums as you like from 6pm until 1am for the cost of a single €15 ticket.  

Look out for discounts for children, students and over-60s 

From transport to theatre shows, museums to mountain lift passes, showing the relevant ID can get you free or discounted admission.  

Join free walking tours and greeter programmes 

Join walking tours with locals who will introduce you to their city on a “for-tips” basis. Vienna has nine free tours  to choose from. Check out the first free walking tour in Salzburg and Innsbruck’s greeter network . Or guide yourself through Austria's splendor with apps like GPSMYCITY , which currently covers 13 destinations in the country. 

Eat breakfast at a bakery and not your hotel 

Swap pricey continental breakfasts for bakeries with flavorful bread, pastries and coffee. Ströck, Anker, and Der Mann are fresh-out-of-the-oven chains, and neighborhoods are dotted with independent bake shops. 

Scour supermarkets for end-of-day deals

Whether in a Dorf (village) or a Stadt (city), you'll find a supermarket like Billa, Spar, Hofer or MPREIS for a quick, on-the-road fill-up or a budget-friendly at-home feast. For farm-fresh produce, meander mouthwatering markets like Naschmarkt and Brunnenmarkt in Vienna, Kaiser Josef Markt in Graz, and the Market Hall in Innsbruck. 

Download the Too Good to Go app and grab last-minute food bundles from grocery stores, supermarkets, bakeries and take-outs. Some generous goodie bags are under €5.   

Snack on street food 

A rite of passage in Vienna, but found in other cities too, the typically late-night snack stop of a  Würstelstand (sausage stand), is where you can pick up a  Käsekrainer (a sausage stuffed with tiny cheese cubes)   and a beer for less than €10. Thanks to the multicultural crossover, kebab and shawarma vendors abound, as well as Balkan street food like the bosna (hot dog) and ćevapčići (grilled meat).  

Bring a reusable water bottle

Stay hydrated with the purest water straight from the mountains. Vienna’s 1300 drinking fountains bring fresh mountain spring water from the Lower Austrian Styrian Alps to the streets, and 27 of Salzburg’s 49 water fountains flow with the mountain spring elixir dubbed the “ Untersberg Champagne .” All tap water in Austria is safe to drink, thanks to its alpine freshness. This is why the coffee and Spritzer (wine and sparking water) taste so good here. 

Keep planning your trip to Austria:

• Save these top places to visit to your profile
• These road trips in Austria  will take you to all the highlights
• Find the best time to visit Austria for your perfect vacation

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Budget Day protests: Police warn of road disruptions amid plans for strike action across New Zealand

Related video: Rawiri Waititi speaks to AM from a nationwide day of action in December. Credits: Video - AM; Image - Newshub

Police are urging motorists to allow extra time for travel on Thursday, with planned Budget Day protests being organised around Aotearoa. 

The Coalition Government will release its first Budget on Thursday, with protesters marching to Parliament to coincide with the day. Other events will also be taking place around New Zealand. 

Toitū Te Tiriti, alongside Te Pāti Māori and the party's co-leader Rawiri Waititi, shared a post on Instagram that said: "We are being attacked for being Māori."    

The post asked people to take strike action for the day "to prove the might of our economy by disconnecting entirely from it". 

More from Newshub

Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson said police were preparing for planned hīkoi and public gatherings in various locations around the country on Thursday. 

"Hīkoi travel is scheduled to take place from 6:30am around the country and is likely to disrupt traffic in a number of areas through the morning," Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson warned. 

"Officers will be highly visible across the roading network throughout the morning and, in some locations, will put measures in place to prevent participants putting themselves and motorists in harm's way." 

Johnson said police were also working with protest organisers to provide advice on lawful behaviour around roads and public places, as well as any health and safety implications. 

"Police recognises the right to peaceful protest. Unlawful behaviour will result in enforcement action, either at the time or following the event if safety issues prevent immediate action. 

"Motorists in areas likely to be affected are advised to plan ahead to mitigate any disruption to their travel. Anyone travelling for time-sensitive commitments are advised to allow more time for their journey," he advised. 

Areas that will be affected: 

• Motorways across Tāmaki Makaurau 
• Port Waikato 
• Hawke’s Bay 
• Palmerston North 
• Wellington 
• Christchurch 

"We are aware that gatherings are planned for Aotea Square in Auckland City from 11am and Parliament Grounds in Wellington from 12 noon which are expected to continue in to the afternoon," Johnson said. 

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How to Get the Best Car Insurance

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For a lot of people, buying car insurance is like buying sliced bread. It’s not the most exciting purchase, and the options all seem similar. So thrifty shoppers might simply reach for the cheapest thing on the shelf. But like cheap bread, cheap car insurance may leave you wishing you spent a little more on quality.

“The cheapest is not always the best,” warns Jessica McNally, an agency owner with Goosehead Insurance in Dallas. That’s because there are lots of factors that make up a car insurance company. And while price is one of them, it’s best to look at the bigger picture.

Here’s what to look for when picking the best car insurance company.

1. Choose a financially stable company

The best car insurance companies have plenty of money on hand to pay for customers’ claims. It’s important to check an insurer’s financial stability before buying a policy, especially if it’s a smaller insurer you’ve never heard of.

There are several independent agencies that evaluate the financial strength of insurance companies. One example is A.M. Best. You can use its online search tool to find an insurer’s financial strength rating. Companies with a rating of A or higher are considered to have an excellent ability to pay out customer claims.

2. Check customer satisfaction ratings and reviews

Not every insurer is customer-first. That’s why it’s important to research the customer satisfaction of insurers you’re considering.

You can turn to surveys from companies like J.D. Power to find insurers with the best customer satisfaction scores [0] J.D. Power . Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction Plummets as Rates Continue to Surge, J.D. Power Finds . Accessed May 21, 2024. View all sources . Or, if you don’t mind doing a little detective work, you can compare customer complaints against insurers by using the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ website . But take other people’s emotionally charged comments about companies or agents you might read online with a grain of salt, McNally advises.

3. Look for convenience

A great auto insurer should offer multiple ways to manage a policy. For example, some insurers allow customers to use a mobile app to file and track claims. But it’s hard to tell how simple it’ll be to file a claim or perform other essential tasks, like paying your premium, before becoming a customer.

Some telltale signs that an insurer will be easy to work with are high mobile app ratings, flexible customer service hours and an easy-to-use website with helpful content. Consider asking a company representative to walk you through the claims process to learn what you’ll need to do if you have to file a claim. And pay attention to how the company communicates with you. "If they don't properly communicate, well, that's a warning sign," says Michael DeLong, a research and advocacy associate for the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America.

4. Pick an affordable company

Car insurance premiums are stretching to record-breaking heights [0] U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS . Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) . Accessed May 21, 2024. View all sources , and almost half of U.S. consumers shopped for a new car insurance policy in the past year, according to an April 2024 report by J.D. Power [0] J.D. Power . Half of Auto Insurance Customers Currently Shopping for New Policies, J.D. Power Finds . Accessed May 21, 2024. View all sources . The best car insurance companies offer competitive rates and a variety of potential discounts.

It’s not hard to get car insurance quotes online from many companies. Make sure you compare the same coverage options throughout the quote-gathering process. And don’t forget to look for car insurance discounts, like breaks for being a good driver, paying your premium in full or driving a new car.

More tips to find the best car insurance

When shopping for the best car insurance, keep the following tips in mind.

Assess your needs. Before buying car insurance, take a moment to reflect on what’s important to you and your family. For example, maybe you prioritize affordability and a well-polished mobile app, but don’t need accident forgiveness .  

Consider small insurers. There are lots of small insurance companies you’ve probably never heard of. These regional insurers may provide lower rates and better customer service than the big companies you see advertised on TV.

Work with an independent agent. While it may be easy to get quotes yourself, independent car insurance agents and brokers can streamline the process. These experts vet companies and compile quotes from small and large insurers on your behalf. Independent agents and brokers can especially come in handy if you have a less-than-perfect driving record and can’t find insurance on your own.

Do your research. Search online for recent mentions of a company in the news before buying a policy, recommends DeLong. If you find a company has lots of recent lawsuits against it, you may want to think twice about signing on the dotted line. “And if they've had to pay out settlements, that's an even bigger red flag,” DeLong says.

Shop around once a year. Make a practice of shopping for car insurance every year — especially if price is important to you. Insurers adjust car insurance rates regularly, so what might have been the most affordable option last year may no longer be a bargain.

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