Vacation Budget Calculator
Plan your dream vacation with confidence by estimating costs, creating a detailed budget, and tracking expenses along the way.
Vacation Budget Calculator
Plan your trip budget and track expenses for your perfect vacation
Total Trip
$5,050
Per Person
$2,525
Per Day
$721
Cost Breakdown
Planning Your Travel Budget
Average Trip Costs
Travel costs vary dramatically based on destination, travel style, and timing. Here are rough daily budgets per person (excluding flights):
- Budget Travel: $30-60/day (hostels, street food)
- Mid-Range: $100-200/day (hotels, restaurants)
- Luxury: $300-500+/day (resorts, fine dining)
- Domestic Road Trip: $75-150/day (hotels, gas, food)
Major Cost Categories
- Transportation: 20-40% (flights, car rental, trains)
- Accommodation: 25-35% (hotels, Airbnb, hostels)
- Food & Dining: 15-25% (restaurants, groceries)
- Activities: 10-20% (tours, attractions, experiences)
- Shopping: 5-15% (souvenirs, gifts)
Cost Estimates by Destination
Southeast Asia
$30-80/day
Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia. Great value with $5 meals, $20-50 hotels, and cheap local transport.
Western Europe
$150-300/day
France, Italy, UK. Higher costs but world-class sights, food, and experiences. Book ahead to save.
Caribbean Resort
$200-500/day
All-inclusive resorts can simplify budgeting. Include all meals, drinks, and activities in one price.
Japan
$100-250/day
Rail pass saves on transport. Mix budget ramen with occasional splurges on sushi and ryokans.
US National Parks
$100-200/day
Camping cuts costs dramatically. Budget for gas, park passes, and occasional hotel stays.
Cruise Vacation
$100-400/day
All-inclusive with hidden costs. Budget extra for shore excursions, drinks, and gratuities.
Money-Saving Travel Tips
Before Your Trip
- • Book Early: Flights are cheapest 1-3 months ahead
- • Travel Off-Peak: Shoulder season saves 20-40%
- • Use Points/Miles: Credit card rewards for free flights
- • Set Price Alerts: Google Flights, Hopper for deals
- • Compare Accommodations: Hotels vs. Airbnb vs. hostels
- • Get Travel Insurance: Protects against cancellations
During Your Trip
- • Eat Like Locals: Street food and markets save big
- • Use Public Transit: Skip taxis when possible
- • Free Attractions: Museums, parks, walking tours
- • No-Fee Cards: Avoid foreign transaction fees
- • Happy Hour: Drinks and apps at reduced prices
- • Cook Sometimes: Airbnb with kitchen saves on meals
Hidden Travel Costs to Budget For
Often Forgotten Expenses
- • Airport parking or rideshare to airport
- • Baggage fees for checked luggage
- • Travel visas and entry fees
- • Vaccinations and health certificates
- • Pet sitting or house sitting
- • Phone/data plan for international use
- • Tips and gratuities
Budget Buffer
Always add 10-20% buffer to your estimated budget for unexpected costs, spontaneous experiences, and emergencies.
Common surprises include weather-related changes, must-see attractions you discover on arrival, and replacing lost items.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I budget for a week-long trip?
For a mid-range international trip, budget $2,000-4,000 per person including flights. Domestic trips typically run $1,000-2,500 per person for a week. Budget and luxury options can be 50% less or 2-3x more.
Should I exchange money before traveling?
Get a small amount for arrival ($100-200), then use ATMs abroad for better rates. Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees for most purchases. Avoid airport currency exchanges — rates are poor.
How can I track expenses while traveling?
Use our expense tracker above, a spreadsheet, or apps like Trail Wallet or TravelSpend. Keep receipts and log expenses daily while details are fresh. Categorize spending to see where money goes.
When is the best time to book flights?
Book domestic flights 1-2 months ahead, international 2-3 months ahead. Tuesday and Wednesday are often cheapest days to fly. Be flexible with dates — flying mid-week saves significantly.
Important Note
These estimates are based on typical travel costs and may vary based on season, booking timing, exchange rates, and personal travel style. Prices change frequently — always verify current costs when planning. This calculator is for planning purposes and should be adjusted based on current market rates and your specific itinerary.