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

Amar Hussain

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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.

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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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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.

Simply input your desired budget and our calculator will provide you with a detailed breakdown of estimated expenses, including flights, hotels, meals, and activities. Planning a trip for 4 days with a budget of $2000? No problem! Our tool helps you allocate your budget efficiently to make the most out of your travel experience.

With features like the Trip Expense Calculator and Vacation Budget Estimator, you can plan your itinerary with confidence, knowing exactly how much you’ll spend. Plus, our tool caters to every budget, whether you’re a backpacker on a shoestring budget or a luxury traveler looking for premium experiences.

Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to stress-free travel planning! Try our Travel Budget Planner today and make your dream trip a reality.

Benefits of Using the Travel Budget Calculator

Planning your itinerary can be overwhelming, but the Travel Budget Calculator simplifies the process. Here’s why incorporating this tool into your travel planning arsenal is a game-changer:

• Efficiency in Planning: Say goodbye to tedious spreadsheets and guesswork. The Travel Budget Calculator streamlines the planning process, providing instant insights into your projected expenses. With a few clicks, you can fine-tune your budget and allocate resources efficiently, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.
• Financial Transparency: Transparency is key to effective budgeting, and the Travel Budget Calculator offers just that. By breaking down expenses across various categories such as transportation, accommodation, dining, and activities, you gain a clear understanding of where your money is allocated. This transparency empowers you to make informed decisions and prioritize experiences that matter most to you.
• Flexibility and Customization : No two travelers are alike, and the Travel Budget Calculator recognizes that. Whether you’re a budget-conscious backpacker or a luxury seeker, this tool adapts to your preferences and constraints. Adjust parameters such as accommodation standards, dining preferences, and activity intensity to tailor your budget to your unique travel style.

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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How to Travel on a Budget for Beginners

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Wondering how to travel on a budget? While it may seem like traveling is exclusive to those with cash to spare, you don’t have to overspend in order to get out of town. There are plenty of ways to travel on a budget — including using reward points or miles and traveling during ideal times— that can end up saving you a lot of money. Here's travel guide for beginners on a budget.

Start planning early

If this is your first big trip, odds are you’ve already started planning. That’s good — the sooner you start, the more time you have to save money . Travel prices rise and fall with demand, and the cycle fluctuates as your travel dates get closer.

Beginning your planning early gives you the best chance of finding discounted hotel rooms, cheaper flights and other less-expensive activities. Although you won’t find the cheapest prices far out in advance (as we mentioned, it’s a cycle) keeping an eye on rates will allow you to jump on them and book when they drop.

» Learn more: How to account for inflation in your travel budget

Book at the right time

This bears repeating. Why? Because when you book and when you travel can make a huge difference in the price of your vacation. This applies to flights and hotels.

Confused about when the "right time" to book will be? There are multiple free tools available online to help you.

One of the easiest to use is the price tracking tool available via Google Flights. This service lets you know how the fare you’re looking at purchasing compares with past pricing. It also lets you know if rates are high or low compared with average costs.

If the flight you’re considering does appear to be expensive, Google Flights also features a price tracker alert system that will email you when fares drop. You can toggle this feature on within the search bar.

According to Expedia, the best day of the week to buy your airline ticket is on Sunday.

Skip overpriced tours

There’s nothing like getting out into a new city to explore. But how much of that exploring can you do on your own? With the information available online, it’s simple and easy to conduct your own tour for free rather than paying for a guide.

If this doesn’t sound appealing to you, consider instead one of the many free tours that many major cities offer. These walking tours will give you tons of information about the area completely free of charge, though gratuities are welcomed.

Otherwise, apps such as Spotted By Locals , Tripadvisor and Rick Steves offer comprehensive information for many large cities. Often this is free, but sometimes you’ll need to pay a nominal fee.

Use reward points

One of our favorite ways to save money includes redeeming reward points for travel. Some of your biggest expenses, such as hotels and flights, can be wiped away by using reward points during your trip.

This type of travel takes planning; you’ll need to accrue enough points to make a travel redemption. Much of the time, this is accomplished through welcome bonuses earned when you open a travel credit card .

For example, a round-trip flight from Los Angeles to Paris costs $1,255 at the beginning of November 2022.

This same flight can be booked using 45,000 American Airlines miles .

While 45,000 miles may seem like a lot, you can earn this amount of miles with ease. For example, you can earn more than enough miles needed for this flight with the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after making your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days. The first purchase could be a stick of gum or a cup of coffee — it doesn’t matter.

Many co-branded airline credit cards also offer perks like free checked bags and priority boarding, saving you time and money.

The same can be said of hotel credit cards . Most major hotel chains have co-branded credit cards, including Hilton , Marriott , IHG , Hyatt , Choice and Wyndham . These credit cards — and their sign-up bonuses — can go a long way toward cutting costs on your vacation.

Even better, many of these credit cards offer complimentary elite status . Elite status can grant you perks such as free breakfast, room upgrades, free WiFi and late checkout.

It’s a good idea to consider booking hotel rooms using points, especially for budget family travel. Sometimes hotels charge more for additional people in your room, but these costs won’t translate to reward redemptions. You’ll generally pay the same standard price as long as you can all safely occupy the room.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Travel in the off-season

Along with using reward points, taking your trip during the offseason is another excellent way to save money. Each destination has a peak period of demand during which prices will be inflated.

This will include flights, hotels, tours and even dining, making traveling on a budget difficult. In Europe, the high season is in the summer, when most people come to visit.

During this time, flights will be at their most expensive. Remember the above example featuring that flight to Paris for $1,255? A similar flight during peak season will cost $2,070 round trip.

As you can see, even if you’re paying cash for your flights you’ll be saving over $800 by taking your trip when demand is lower.

» Learn more: Why "shoulder season" is the best time to travel

If you want to travel on a budget

Vacations don’t have to be expensive. Whether you’re a vacation veteran or a travel newbie, it’s easy to save on trips by starting planning early and keeping an eye on prices.

More importantly, taking advantage of reward points can significantly cut down on flight and hotel costs. Otherwise, traveling during the offseason can help drop expenses and allow you to travel on a budget.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options

75,000 Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel.

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.

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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Privacy Overview

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.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

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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Free Travel Budget Calculator To Help You Set A Trip Budget

By Jessie Festa. This budget calculator for travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Looking for a free travel budget calculator to help you set a trip budget and stick to it?

Then you’re in the right place!

If you’re dreaming about your next vacation but feel overwhelmed by the financial planning it entails, don’t fret; I’ve got a solution that can help you manage your trip expenses in just a few clicks.

Welcome to my free Travel Budget Calculator – a simple yet powerful tool that takes the guesswork out of budgeting for your vacation, ensuring that you’re financially prepared for every part of your journey.

With escalating costs and numerous variables to consider, planning a budget for travel can often seem like navigating through a maze; however, my travel calculator simplifies this process, helping you create a comprehensive budget tailored to your unique travel needs.

And, that’s not all. Along with the free budget calculator for travel, I’ll also be sharing advice on how to properly create a trip budget as well as save money on travel.

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 vacation 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 score the best deals on travel. Keep reading for more!

Free Budget Travel & Planning Resources

But first, before we map out how to budget your trip, I invite you to grab access to my free  Ultimate Travel Planning Kit  — which includes 40+ travel resources — from printables to quizzes to itineraries — all meant to help you explore the world beyond the guidebook!

Some highlights of the kit include:

• Trip budgeting calculators for road trips, backpacking, cruising & more
• Free “Where Should You Travel Next?” personality quiz
• Pre-plotted Google Maps for 45+ destinations
• Printable travel journal with writing prompts
• Packing lists for different types of trips

Once you’ve grabbed your copy , keep reading for tips on creating a travel budget as well as the vacation calculator.

Why Use A Travel Budget Calculator?

While travel is incredibly fulfilling, trip expenses can certainly add an element of stress. From airfare and accommodation to meals, sightseeing, shopping, and miscellaneous costs, managing finances effectively can become a daunting task.

That’s where the role of a travel budget calculator becomes crucial. While there are many reasons to use a budget calculator for travel, here are some of the main benefits:

1. Stress-free travel planning

First and foremost, a vacation budget calculator can dramatically ease your planning process. Instead of manually listing out and totaling all possible vacation expenses, the calculator does the heavy lifting for you. It’s an efficient tool that streamlines the entire budgeting process, helping you plan your trip without getting lost in a sea of numbers.

2. Customized trip budgeting

Not all travelers are the same, and neither are their budgets. For instance, creating a solo travel budget will look different than creating a budget for a luxury trip. By accounting for your unique needs and spending habits, it helps you make informed financial decisions that fit your travel aspirations.

3. Avoid spending surprises

Unanticipated costs can be a traveler’s worst nightmare. My trip budget calculator helps you avoid unpleasant financial surprises on your trip. By considering a comprehensive set of potential costs, it provides you with a realistic budget that takes into account everything from essential travel expenses to leisure activities and even potential emergency costs.

4. Financial control

By providing a clear financial roadmap for your journey, a vacation budget calculator enables greater financial control. You can track your expenditures, identify areas where you might be overspending, and adjust your budget accordingly.

5. Facilitates travel savings

When you have a clear understanding of your travel expenses, it becomes easier to identify areas where you can save money. A travel budget calculator can help pinpoint these opportunities, whether it’s choosing more budget-friendly accommodation, opting for public transport over taxis, or prioritizing your must-do activities.

Factors To Consider When Planning A Travel Budget

When it comes to travel budgeting, knowing what to include in your calculations can make all the difference. Here are some key factors that the below holiday budget calculator takes into account, providing you with an accurate and realistic travel budget:

1. Transportation

Transportation costs are often one of the largest expenses. Consider all forms of transportation you will need: flights, trains, buses, taxis, car rentals, or even ferries. Don’t forget to account for transportation to and from airports or train stations.

For instance, I know personally that taxis to and from JFK add up to about $200, which is a pretty solid dent in my travel spending.

2. Accommodation

Lodging costs can vary greatly depending on location, time of year, and the level of luxury you prefer. From budget hostels to luxury resorts, your accommodation choice plays a big role in your travel budget.

3. Food & Drink

Consider both dining out and grocery costs. Remember, touristy areas often have higher prices for meals, and don’t forget to include a budget for trying local delicacies or more upscale dining experiences if that’s your preference. Additionally, keep in mind that alcohol can increase your bill considerably.

4. Activities & Sightseeing

Whether it’s museum entrance fees, guided tours, or adventure activities, these trip costs can add up quickly. Research the costs of the attractions you want to visit and add them to your budget. If it makes sense, consider weaving in some free experiences.

5. Local Transportation

Consider the costs of getting around your destination. This might include public transportation, taxis, or the cost of gas or car rental for a road trip .

6. Shopping & Souvenirs

Whether it’s a postcard, a t-shirt, or local crafts, make sure you have a budget set aside for souvenirs and shopping if it makes sense for you.

7. Emergency Funds

It’s always a good idea to have some money set aside for unexpected costs. This could include anything from a sudden health issue to a lost passport or unplanned extra nights.

8. Travel Insurance

While it’s an added expense, travel insurance can save you a significant amount of money in the event of trip cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies. Personally, I recommend SafetyWing , which is budget-friendly while still providing robust coverage.

9. Tips & Gratuities

In many cultures, tipping is customary, and not accounting for it can lead to awkward situations. Research the tipping etiquette for your destination and include it in your budget. You might also download an app like Global Tipping to help.

10. Connectivity

Depending on your destination, you may need to consider the cost of local SIM cards or portable Wi-Fi devices to stay connected. Luckily, buying a SIM card in your destination is typically budget-friendly, as is buying an eSIM from a company like Airalo .

Free Travel Budget Calculator (With Instructions)

Now let’s go over the vacation cost calculator itself and how to use it.

Step 1. Enter your intentended budget. Start by entering your intended trip budget at the top – as in, the total budget you plan to spend – and then your expenses in the following rows.

Pro tip: when creating your trip budget, I recommend considering what aspects of travel are most important to you as well as your unique travel style. For instance, if you’re like me and think experiences are what make travel special, you might allot more of your budget to the Activities category.

Step 2. Pay attention to travel category instructions. You’ll also want to note which categories ask you for your total spend, like Flights, and which ask you for your per day spend, like Food and Lodging.

Step 3. Adjust for how many people you’re traveling with. Finally, make sure to note how many travelers you’re calculating for, which will change the “per day per person” totals. If you only want to calculate the trip budget for yourself, enter “1” as the number of travelers.

Step 4. Calculate your vacation budget. Once you hit “Calculate,” 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.

Step 5. Adjust your budget. With this information, you’ll be able to see exactly where you may be overspending as well as where you have some wiggle room. Adjust accordingly.

Instructional notes:

• If there is a category where you’re spending $0, please put “0” in the line field. Otherwise, you may receive an error.
• This holiday cost calculator looks at your per person, per day costs.
• If you’d prefer to calculate by your total spend for each category – or if you’d like this calculator on its own standalone page to bookmark for later – please grab access to my free Travel Resource Library here . The library also includes other types of vacation spending money calculators for road trips, cruises, backpacking trips, and more!

Travel Budget Calculator

How to save money on travel.

One thing that makes sticking with a trip budget easier is knowing how to lessen your travel costs. A few important tips:

1. Choose your destination wisely

Calculating travel expenses typically begins with choosing your travel destination - which is one of the most important factors in your travel budget. Different locations have varying costs of living, affecting the price of accommodations, food, and activities. Research typical costs in your chosen destination to establish a baseline for your budget.

2. Consider your travel dates

Before you calculate vacation costs, realize that the time of year can also significantly impact the cost of your trip. Off-peak or shoulder seasons often offer reduced costs for flights and accommodations, while the high season can be much more expensive.

3. Use tools to find flight deals

Along with following flight deal accounts on social media - like @TheFlightDeal on Twitter - you can use platforms like Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) and FareDrop to find low fares and error fares to save big.

4. Book accommodation beyond hotels

For instance, you can snag free accommodation through CouchSurfing , where you'll sleep on local couches, and TrustedHousesitters . Just note that with the latter you'll be expected to do something in return, such as housesit or pet sit.

Additionally, hostels offer affordable accommodation, and many even feature private rooms. You can peruse the Hostelworld website to quickly find great options.

5. Travel like a local

While a vacation mindset tends to lead to overspending, living in your destination like a local means being more savvy with your finances by taking public transportation, eating at non-touristy restaurants, or even cooking your own meals if you book a place with its own kitchen through a site like VRBO . This can really help you keep food costs down.

6. Get savvy with travel credit cards

First off, you'll definitely want to get a credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. From there, you'll also want to consider whether you want a card with no annual fee, or if an annual fee makes sense for the additional travel perks - such as miles and points that you can redeem for free travel.

These strategies can bring your totals in the vacation budget calculator down quite a bit.

7. Book early

In general, booking airline tickets and hotels in advance can significantly affect your spending. You'll typically pay a lot more when leaving these big expenses until last minute.

8. Compare your rental car options

9. Research airport transfers

Instead of simply arriving at the airport and hopping into a taxi, do your research to see what is the best option for getting to your hotel. While typically public transportation is the most budget-friendly, it's wise to factor in how long the trip will take and if you'll need to switch bus/train lines. In some cases, it'll make more sense to take a car or book an airport transfer even if it costs a bit more.

Final Thoughts On Using A Travel Budget Calculator

Using a calculator to budget for travel can help you create an intentional budget and stick with it.

That being said, it's important to remember that the goal is not just to save money, but to make the most of your trip within your financial means.

Travel can be enjoyed at any budget level, so focus on creating memorable experiences rather than feeling obligated to do everything.

At the very least, you'll learn skills for keeping your total cost down so you can better plan ahead for your next trip!

Have you ever used a travel budget calculator?

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How to Budget for a Trip

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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.

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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% cash back at U.S. gas stations (cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout).

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.

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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22 Budget Travel Tips: Wise Advice on How to Travel Cheap

Last Updated: August 31, 2024

Seeing the world doesn’t have to be expensive.

In fact, if you stick to our time-tested budget travel tips, you can take longer trips while minimizing damage to your savings account.

From using VPNs to find the cheapest flights to seeking out the lowest ATM fees, there’s a lot you can do to bring your travel costs down to a minimum.

Best of all, you can do all this without compromising on the quality of your trip.

It’s tempting to throw caution to the wind now and again, but my advice is to look at a budget vacation as an investment in your future.

The smarter you spend, the more places you’ll get to visit down the line.

Isn’t that what we’re all after here?

Budget Travel Tips

• Research Affordable Destinations

Travel in the Non-Peak Seasons

• Perfect the Art of One-Bag Travel

Travel Closer to Home

House sit in exchange for free accommodation, book your plane tickets far in advance, use a vpn when searching for flights, get a travel credit card & book with rewards points, consider staying in hostels, stay in accommodations that offer free meals.

• Travel With a Partner or Friend
• Pack Camping Gear

Consider Van Life

Pay in local currency on credit card transactions.

• Withdrawal Local Currency for Trusted ATMs

Use Public Transportation Instead of Taxis & Ubers

Walk as often as possible, focus on free activities, go on a free walking tour, indulge in street food & other cheap eats, consult with locals for budget-friendly recommendations.

• Take Advantage of Grocery Stores and Local Markets
• Final Thoughts: Budget Travel Tips

Preparing for Your Trip

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail (or so I’ve heard).

Before packing your bags and setting out, you can save a small fortune by following a few logical pieces of advice.

Carefully planning and savvy trip-booking will save you heaps of money in the long run.

Research Affordable Destinations that Fit Your Budget

While this might seem like a no-brainer, it’s arguably the number one rule for planning an affordable vacation.

You need to set reasonable expectations for a budget trip, which might mean going off the beaten path and trying something different.

Destinations like Paris and Bora Bora will always be in vogue, and by all means, cross them off your bucket list if you have the money.

That said, visiting budget-friendly destinations like Mexico, Portugal , Eastern Europe, or Southeast Asia can be equally rewarding.

Traveling to a popular hub during peak tourist season is a big part of the appeal, but it is also the most expensive time to visit.

Visiting during an unconventional season is a great way to see all the sights while saving significant money.

Not to mention, If you’re the type of person who prefers a little peace and quiet, vacationing out of season is a great way to avoid noisy flocks of tourists.

Many destinations shine their brightest without the background noise, which could be true for yours too.

Perfect the Art of One Bag Travel & Avoid Baggage Fees

There are plenty of reasons to consider traveling light – mainly the privilege of mobility.

Beyond that, though, it also helps on the spending front – chances are you need far fewer supplies for the average trip than you might think.

Baggage fees have been known to take large bites out of travel budgets, but with a bit of personal item carry-on magic, you can save significant money that would be better spent elsewhere.

Just be sure you buy a properly-sized bag that’ll fit underneath the seat in front of you.

Everyone wants to see the world outside of their little bubble, but that might not be possible without a proper budget.

The good news is that you can cut down on expenses and discover some hidden gems if you stay closer to home.

Remember, traveling farther away doesn’t always mean having a better time.

Traveling closer to home will inevitably be more streamlined if you have a car or camper van of your own.

As we discuss later on, a reliable vehicle is more than just a means of transport when you’re out on a road trip, which is excellent news for you and your precious budget.

Chances are, the price of lodging makes up the bulk of your travel expenditures, but there are ways to put a roof over your head without spending a penny.

By offering to house-sit for a local and watch their pets, you can score a bed, a warm meal, and maybe even some extra cash.

If this reminds you too much of all the housework waiting back home, there are plenty of alternatives.

Workaway offers lodging in exchange for a wider variety of services, while Couchsurfing lets you find strangers who’ll let you crash with no strings attached.

I’m all for being spontaneous and adventurous, but if you’re traveling by plane, waiting until the last minute to book tickets is usually a bad idea.

Plane prices can vary wildly from day to day, and they almost always peak a few days before takeoff.

Booking a few weeks or even months in advance can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run.

The downside is having to commit to a game plan far in advance, but that’s part and parcel of traveling on a tight budget.

If you use VPNs to watch Netflix shows that aren’t available in your region, you’re not alone.

But did you know that you can use the same trick to land an even better deal on your flights?

Needless to say, the less money you spend on tickets, the more cash you’re left with at the end of the day.

Switching your location to another country (like Mexico, Malaysia, or Myanmar) will often result in a reduced ticket price.

The process is relatively straightforward , and it only takes a few extra minutes of prep work for potentially significant savings.

Why not give it a try?

Airline companies and hotels often partner with a specific credit card provider to offer special deals for users.

If you play your credit card game right and do some research, you could snag a nifty welcome bonus and accumulate points that can lead to free or heavily-discounted travel.

One of the best ways to track these offers is through DailyDrop’s best travel credit cards roundup .

This post has come in handy for thousands of travelers, and it’s probably the best way to keep track of which cards are best for your travel style.

While a swanky hotel room is a welcome luxury for any traveler, it’s far from essential if you want to save money.

If you don’t mind sharing a room with a handful of strangers, staying in a dorm room or a hostel is a great option to stretch your budget further.

There are a few important strategies to master if you opt for a hostel over a hotel . Still, if you prepare accordingly, hostel life should be a more rewarding and money-saving experience.

Whatever you do, always bring a pair of quality earplugs for the inevitable snorers or sleeptalkers.

Eating out on the town is a great way to get a feel for how the locals live, but it can also get a bit pricey.

An excellent way to get around that reality is to find accommodation that includes at least one free meal daily to keep things cheaper.

You can find these kinds of deals all over the world, and if you’re staying for an extended period, the savings really start to add up.

For example, this hostel in Krakow lets you enjoy a whopping two meals a day for free while offering a super-comfortable bed to lay your head down.

Travel With a Friend or Partner to Split Expenses

When traveling, countless little expenses are constantly nibbling away at your bottom line.

Heading out with your friend or partner can help stop the bleeding since you can split hotel rooms, gas money, grocery bills, and other essential costs.

Besides, it can get a little lonesome out there without anybody to share your experiences with.

There’s nothing wrong with a bit of me-time if that’s what you’re after, but the longer your trip, the more you might wish you had somebody to share it with.

Pack Camping Gear & Sleep Under the Stars

We’ve reviewed several cheap lodging options, but if you enjoy the outdoors, you might not need to pay anything at all.

Camping is a great way to connect with nature without investing much beyond a simple tent and inflatable mattress.

This might not always be an option since you’ll need good weather and a nice campsite to set up shop.

That said, if the name of the game is saving money, it doesn’t get much more affordable than camping out for free in the cozy confines of your tent.

Buying a camper van is a significant investment, but it will pay off in the long run if you travel a lot and even make it your primary residence.

Why overspend on “affordable” NYC hotels when you have something like the Brooklyn Van Alley to fall back on?

If you have zero experience with mobile homes, there will be a bit of a learning curve .

Besides the vehicle, you’ll also need to set some money aside for essential supplies .

Still, if you can survive that initial investment, a camper van might just pay for itself in due time.

After You Arrive at Your Destination

Planning the trip is just the beginning – there’s arguably even more clever maneuvering once you reach your destination.

Here’s what you need to keep in mind after you’ve arrived:

Poor currency conversion rates might not seem like the biggest deal, but they add up over time.

A few cocktails and into your trip, you may fall into the bad habit of pressing the button to be charged in your home currency on the credit card reader rather than the local one.

Hate to break it to you, but the conversion rate is never in your favor.

To avoid the conversion fees imposed by most credit cards, paying in the local currency is always a good idea.

These fees apply whether you’re at a restaurant or a retail store, so be mindful before reaching for your wallet.

Use Well-Reviewed Money Exchange Businesses & Withdrawal Currency from Trusted ATMs

When you arrive, you might feel too tired to stress over where you withdraw local currency, but you mustn’t jump the gun.

Not all exchange desks will give you the best deal, so always check Google reviews before blindly handing your money to the first money changer you see.

The same goes for ATMs, too – depending on the bank or the machine itself, you may get charged an unreasonable fee, even if you withdraw the local currency.

Dynamic Currency Conversion isn’t as helpful as it sounds, so use your best judgment.

Taxis and Ubers can be very convenient in a time crunch but are also quite expensive.

Often, a taxi driver will pick you up knowing that you’re a tourist (even if you speak the local language) and charge you a higher price than what’s fair.

The safer bet is usually to rely on public transportation whenever possible.

On top of it being cheaper (and often free), it’s easy to keep track of where buses, trains, and trams take you if you use Google Maps to plan your route.

Even if you aren’t on a budget, walking is almost always preferable to driving when visiting a new location.

Besides being free, it’s also great for your health and lets you see more of what the region has to offer at your own pace.

Also, a vacation is the perfect time to pick up the habit of walking or hiking back home.

The physical, psychological, and emotional benefits of walking large distances daily can be life-changing, so lace up your walking shoes and give it a shot.

The only thing better than “cheap” is “free,” and in the digital era, all it takes to find a free activity is to look it up online.

From annual events at parks to free museum days and other meetups , there are almost always free activities to discover in major cities.

Remember, though – just because something is free of charge, it doesn’t mean you should go out empty-handed.

Your activity of choice may feature some “hidden” fees now and again, or it could lead you to a pricey detour down the line.

Knowing nothing about your destination is a surefire way to spend more money than you need to.

Thankfully, most major tourist hubs offer walking tours that help you immerse yourself in the local culture and discover some fantastic spots.

You’re likely to meet other like-minded budget travelers on a walking tour, so you might even leave with an extra friend or street food buddy.

Just be sure to tip your guide for their trouble – think of all the money they helped you save by showing you around.

One thing to remember about tourist traps is that they often know they can overcharge curious travelers from faraway lands.

It’s okay to indulge in an expensive meal in the heart of town, but if you’re looking to save money, try out some delicious street food for a fraction of the price.

In some ways, street vendors can give you a better idea of the ins and outs of the local cuisine.

On that note, don’t be afraid to head out to the outskirts, either – this is usually where you’ll find some more affordable eateries unknown to most tourists.

If anyone knows the restaurants and attractions that offer the best value for money, it’s the locals.

Relying on Google reviews is all well and good, but an insider’s advice can be way more helpful and rewarding.

Depending on where you go, it’s not uncommon for a friendly local to invite you into their home for an authentic, home-cooked meal.

Putting the money aspect aside, this is one of the most wholesome vacation experiences you can hope to find.

Chat up a friendly local and see where the conversation might lead you.

Take Advantage of Grocery Stores & Local Markets

If push comes to shove, remember that going to a restaurant is almost always more expensive than whipping up the same meal yourself.

Even if you don’t have a kitchen to work with, you can always grab some affordable food from the grocery store and enjoy a simple picnic.

This is also a great way to connect with the local culture.

There’s no better way to get a feel for how the natives eat than by walking the same grocery store aisles they do.

You might even get hooked on some new flavors you never knew existed.

Budget Travel Keeps You on the Road Longer

And that concludes our list of the best budget travel tips to keep in mind before planning your next trip.

We’ve laid out our best advice based on many years of affordable travel, and we hope it’ll serve you well on your adventures.

The devil is in the details regarding saving money, so if you take advantage of a handful of clever travel hacks, you can rest assured that you’ll maximize your budget.

Whenever I check my bank statements after a long trip, I’m always amazed at how far a few good decisions were able to stretch my money.

There’s a dollar to be saved around every corner, and if you’ve been around as many corners as we have, you know how important that can be.

Learning to appreciate the simple pleasures of travel really goes a long way.

The bottom line is this: while the best things in life might not be free exactly, they can cost less than you might think.

The sooner you learn how to travel cheaply, the more the world will open itself up to you.

Noel Krasomil

Affiliate Disclosure : Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate links help support this website and keep it 100% ad-free.

5 thoughts on “22 Budget Travel Tips: Wise Advice on How to Travel Cheap”

A must-read for wanderlusters looking to maximize their travel experiences without compromising on fun and quality. Happy travels on a budget!

I agree! Thanks for the kind words.

also this app is a life saver : ATM Fee Saver. i used it in mexico and colombia and it saved me a lot of money. it shows atms around with no or low fees for withdrawing money. super helpful 🙂

Thanks for the tip, Charlie! Will definitely check out the app for my next trip.

hi there, what a great article, amazing tips. can i also suggest on your point of using trusted ATMs – completely agree, those non-bank independent ATMs are so ridiculous in charging fees. I land up using the ATM Fee Saver mobile app – it gives a list of bank ATMs with ATM fees and withdrawal limits, what a life saviour. ive been able to find so many zero fee atms like this!

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• 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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The Best Budget Travel Tips — From Saving Money on Air Travel to Spending Less on Hotels

The finance and travel pros have you covered.

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It’s clear that people are thinking about travel this year, and if you’re reading this, you’re probably one of them. Whether a weekend getaway, staycation, cruise, or faraway excursion, a trip is in the plans (and/or wishes) for many Americans. According to an IPX1031 survey with 1,000 participants, more than 90 percent of Americans plan to travel in 2023. The majority (86 percent) are planning a trip out of state, and nearly 30 percent expect to vacation abroad.

RetailMeNot asked 1,000 U.S. consumers about their spring and summer travel plans and found that 96 percent hope to take at least one trip between March and May. Their survey also revealed that price is the most important factor when it comes to deciding on vacation experiences and activities. Two-thirds of the respondents agreed that inflation is impacting where and how they travel, especially the high cost of transportation.

Even with budget concerns, though, travel is still possible. Getting away from the daily routine, even briefly, provides relaxation, enjoyment, enrichment, and health benefits . To help make those travel plans come to fruition, we gathered some ideas on budget vacations from travel and finance expert.

How to Plan Travel Within a Budget

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"Don’t let Instagram influencers make you think you can’t travel on a budget, and don’t believe travel isn’t worthwhile just because you don’t have a lot of money to spend," Samantha Brown , travel expert and host of PBS’s Emmy-winning series, Samantha Brown’s Places to Love , told Travel + Leisure .

With that encouragement, Brown offered some suggestions: " Road tripping saves on both costs and stress because so much travel anxiety can be attributed to airports and airlines." She continued, "Take more road trips in your own car and explore your own state. Travelers rarely think about their own backyard, but they should."

Along those lines, Brown suggested checking out the National Wildlife Refuge System , with more than 560 refuges, including 100 urban national wildlife refuges located near metropolitan areas. There’s also access to hiking and biking trails, wetlands, and a thriving animal population. 

Brown added, "Think in terms of opposites: If it’s summer and everyone’s going to the beach, head to a city and enjoy all their free events such as outdoor concerts." Consumer financial advocate Courtney Alev of Credit Karma echoed Brown’s suggestion to avoid popular spots during their high seasons, when prices are guaranteed to be more expensive. Instead, look into alternative, similar destinations. Alev added, "A fun getaway doesn’t always involve a flight. Look at destinations that are within driving distance of home and see where you can go close by."

T+L A-list advisor Jonathan Alder agreed that travelers should seek out the shoulder and off-season periods when costs are lower. He suggested considering destinations outside of the U.S. "Many people might assume it’s less expensive or a greater value to travel within the U.S., although that is far from true for the last few years. Consider destinations that might not be your first thought as there are so many amazing countries out there."

Saving Dollars on Air Travel

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Kristin McGrath, shopping expert for RetailMeNot, suggested signing up for email alerts from tools like Expedia, Travelocity, and Google Flights to get early access to coupon codes. "Experiment with different travel dates," she said. "If your travel plans are flexible, check alternative flight dates to see if you can dig up a lower fare. You may be able to trim your ticket price by changing your dates by as little as one day."

Alev added, "When your travel plans are flexible it’s usually easier to find cheap flights. Traveling during the week, tolerating a longer layover, or taking a red-eye flight often provides the best deals. Also, book somewhat in advance so you aren’t paying last-minute prices."

A travel trends report from Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo suggests Sunday is the best day to book and Wednesday is the best day to depart. They recommend one month lead time for booking domestic flights and six months for international flights. Of course, advice on this topic varies, but it’s a good idea to compare and learn as much as you can before booking. 

Spending Less for Hotels

"Spend no money on accommodations. Think of house swapping or housesitting. You can stay all over the world for free," Brown told T+L, recommending TrustedHousesitters and Home Exchange as two sites to explore.

McGrath, meanwhile, advised, "For vacation rentals, book your stay as early as possible. Whether you’ve been dreaming of a tropical vacation or are planning to head home for a specific holiday or event, book early. Vrbo, Airbnb, and other vacation rental prices tend to be less expensive when booking months or even weeks ahead."

McGrath also suggested booking bundled vacation packages that include flights, hotels, and car rentals. In addition to saving money, you’ll know the price of your entire trip at the time of booking, rather than getting a cheap flight only to be surprised by the cost of hotels and car rentals. 

The Expedia travel trends report points out a boom in more affordable three-star hotel stays. "Fewer stars don’t equal lower standards ... Many properties still offer excellent amenities, stylish interiors, and unique vibes...just at lower rates." The report continues, "As nearly a quarter of global travelers plan to be more frugal in 2023, added value without compromised quality is vital.” 

Budget Travel Without Debt

According to a study from Accrue Savings , one in five consumers have gone into debt for travel, with 81 percent incurring more than $500 worth of debt. Instead of facing payments for a past vacation, the company recommends saving in advance for a trip. 

Alev advised creating a separate savings account to give your money a purpose. "Dedicating that account to a specific getaway will make it easier to see how your savings are growing over time, and will help you avoid accidentally spending that money on something else." She also suggested setting up automatic withdrawals from your checking account or having part of your paycheck automatically deposited into your savings account.

Retail and shopping expert Kristen Gall of Rakuten understands it’s hard to resist buying items to have a piece of that memory at home. "However, it’s important to remember you don’t need every souvenir that catches your eye. I recommend only purchasing items that you simply can’t get back at home or that are small enough to not impact your luggage weight."

With these expert suggestions and your own creative approach to budgeting, this may be the time to start planning a well-deserved vacation.

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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.

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How to Create a Travel Budget

Last Updated: June 17, 2024 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 184,294 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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8 best travel budget apps for your next vacation

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Key takeaways

• These travel budget apps are built to help you track expenses, set budgets, plan trips and split costs across your travel group.
• Choosing the right travel budget app for you will depend on your travel purpose, who you’re traveling with and your individual expense tracking needs.
• For planning group travel budgets, the best apps are Batch app, Splitwise and TravelSpend.
• Work travel apps include Expensify and SAP Concur.
• To plan solo travel budgets use PocketGuard, Trabee Pocket, TravelSpend and Tripcoin.

We’re in the height of summer travel season, and that means you’ll likely spend more on booking hotels, airfare and other travel necessities. At the same time, more than 1 in 3 (36 percent)  people planning a summer vacation in 2024 are considering taking on debt to cover the costs , according to Bankrate’s Summer Travel Survey . Even if you’re using one of today’s best travel credit cards to offset some of the costs, it’s important to set a budget for your travel expenses.

Whether you’re traveling alone or with a group, tracking your vacation spending with one of the best travel budget apps can help you avoid overspending and even split expenses equally between your travel partners. Find out which of the top travel budget apps you should be using for your next trip.

Best travel budget apps

With so many great travel budget apps on the market, you might be wondering which one to get. It really comes down to your travel style and needs. Are you traveling solo or with a group? Do you need a simple budget tracker or do you want planning tools? There’s something out there for everyone, but here are the best options:

Work travel budget apps

Managing your expenses when you’re traveling for work can be challenging. Expensify lets you track your travel expenses easily. Instead of ransacking your luggage for that missing dinner receipt, just snap a picture of the receipt with the Smart Scan feature, and share it with your accounting team for reimbursement.

If you’re merely tracking expenses for tax purposes, Expensify offers several handy tools. The GPS calculator automatically tracks your eligible mileage for you, so you don’t have to enter it manually. This work travel budget app also lets you create expense reports by scanning receipts or entering time worked, for billing purposes.

Sign-up is super easy. All you have to do is provide your email address to set up an Expensify account. You can start using the app immediately, which is free for most users. A “Collect” account, which includes accounting and payroll tools, costs $5 per month. Meanwhile, a “Control” account costs $9 per month and allows for multiple approvers, setting expense policies and custom reporting tools.

If you use Expensify regularly for work travel, look into the Expensify Card, which simplifies the process of importing business transactions. You can also import card transactions into Expensify directly.

If you’re a seasoned business traveler, you may already be familiar with the Concur suite (and in some cases, you may be required by your employer to use it). If you aren’t, get ready to meet one of the most robust, full-featured business travel solutions available today.

Within the SAP Concur suite, you’ll find separate modules for managing travel plans and submitting reimbursement requests for travel-related expenses. Concur Expense’s ExpenseIt app for travel expenses makes it easy to take pictures of your paper receipts and automatically categorize them to submit as expense reports. Meanwhile, Concur Travel lets you book your own business travel or make arrangements with your company’s preselected airline carriers , hotels, and other providers.

SAP Concur offers travel management solutions for organizations of all sizes — from small businesses to enterprise leaders. Business owners and managers can try Concur Expense and Concur Travel for free; individual users who have access to these tools through their employer can download the iOS or Google Play app to get started.

Solo travel budget apps

Pocketguard.

PocketGuard markets itself as the “#1 budgeting app for college students and overspenders,” but it’s actually a great vacation budget planner as well. That’s because the app uses the “in my pocket” feature to calculate how much disposable income you have available. You can then allocate this towards your travel budget.

All you have to do is provide your income and spending information. PocketGuard will calculate your disposable income accordingly. If you’re one of the 36 percent of summer vacationers who are willing to go into debt to travel this summer, according to Bankrate, then PocketGuard might be able to help with that too. This impromptu travel budget app will recommend a strategy for paying off debt in the most efficient way. You can use PocketGuard to set financial goals, save money and plan for future travel as a reward.

Trabee Pocket

The Trabee Pocket app provides both travel budgeting and expense tracking in a user-friendly interface. Trabee lets you set a vacation budget and then enter your expenses to track how much you’re spending in different categories. The app also provides currency conversion, so you can get an accurate sense of your spending.

At the end of your trip, you can even export your expense data to a PDF or CSV file for future budgeting and tax purposes. Overall, this is a solid vacation budget planner app if you’re looking for a free option. Trabee is available on iOS and the Google Play store.

The great thing about Tripcoin is that you can use it without an internet connection, which is especially important if you’re traveling through remote areas. The app’s Dropbox integration also makes it possible to back up your data in case you lose your phone.

Tripcoin’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to set up a trip and break down your spending each day by expense category. You can find out how much you’re spending on transportation, meals, activities and other travel expenses, making it a great way to stay accountable and on top of your budget at each destination.

Tripcoin supports over 150 currencies, converging your spending automatically based on current exchange rates. This ensures accuracy in your budget tracking and ensures you don’t have to perform this tedious task yourself.

Group travel budget apps

If you’re traveling with a group, it’s not always practical for each person to pay for their own expenses. Pulling out multiple credit cards to cover the group dinner bill is possible, but booking group tours and even airfare can be a hassle when done individually.

That’s where Splitwise comes in. The app lets users track shared expenses and the balance owed by each person. This transparency can make it much easier to determine who owes what at the end of a group trip. Frequent traveler and UX Specialist, Christian Castillo has used Splitwise across multiple group vacations to split expenses evenly with friends.

“The app makes it easy to input expenses as they occur and I’m able to send it to the group that I’m traveling with all at once,” says Castillo. “So no miscommunication has been had because with ferry rides, dinners, and excursions, we all agree to split the cost evenly.”

He touts Splitwise’s ability to load expenses as you go and even scan receipts with the paid pro version of the app. One of the biggest advantages he shares is having everything on one platform.

“Splitwise connects to your Paypal, Venmo, or bank account where you can pay back your friends quickly. It doesn’t stop you from adding a gaggle of people. Create the group, add expenses — it’s all tracked in one area. You’re also able to remove people just as easily if one of your friends decided they did not want coffee that day, but everyone else did.” — Christian Castillo Frequent traveler and UX Specialist

The one downside Castillo shares about using the Splitwise app is the limited capability of the free version,

“One downfall about Splitwise is that you do get capped on how many expenses you can input in one day unless you have the pro version.”

Check out Splitwise’s “simplify debts” feature, which balances debts across group members to minimize the total number of payments needed to settle up. It doesn’t change the amount each person owes, but it does make it easier to pay everyone back across the group.

This one is for the planners. Planning bachelor or bachelorette parties are notoriously challenging on both budget and group logistics. But the Batch app simplifies things with budgeting and planning tools designed to make a variety of parties and vacations less stressful. Users can budget, plan and book all activities for a dinner party, group trip, birthday or bachelorette party. You can even add your friends to the app to communicate and make planning decisions easier, as well as divide up expenses in the app.

While Batch is primarily marketed around bachelorette parties, you can use it to book any type of group activity in participating cities. Although you can do just about all of your trip planning through this app, this one doesn’t handle payments. It only helps track group expenses through its Ledger feature, so you can see who owes what. The Batch app is free to use, though there is a processing fee when you book events.

TravelSpend

In my own experience, one of the best travel budget apps is TravelSpend . It’s simple to use, automatically converts spending to your home currency and lets you add friends so you can track expenses together. Plus it gives you a breakdown of which categories you’re doing most of your spending in. I recently used it to track expenses on a trip to Toronto, and it helped me stay within my budget.

It took no time at all to enter my spending as it occurred and it was immediately deducted from my set budget for the trip so I could see how much was left to spend at a glance. It was also nice to see what categories I did most of my spending in which would come in handy for those using a rotating category credit card .

You can also export your spending to a csv or excel file to integrate it with your other budgeting methods. With the premium version (which costs $4.99 per month) you get added functionality such as:

• Creating custom categories
• Attaching GPS locations to your costs
• Adding income
• Creating your own exchange rate
• Seeing and settling debts

Even without the added features of the premium version, using TravelSpend for free is powerful on its own. The primary drawback for me is that even though you can track shared expenses, there are no payment integrations within the app. So you’ll have to switch over to Venmo, Paypal or Zelle once it’s time to settle up, and then switch back to TravelSpend to mark the debts as paid.

The bottom line

With the summer travel season on the upswing, having a travel budget app is more important than ever. Sticking to a budget at home can be challenging in itself, but once you add the thrill of a vacation, budgeting can quickly snowball if you don’t have the right tools or apps to help you reign it in. By utilizing one of the best travel budget apps, you can stay on budget, cut down on unnecessary expenses and plan your travels more efficiently .

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Jaipur's Walled City will undergo conservation and development with a ₹100 crore budget, focusing on infrastructure enhancement while preserving its architectural heritage. The 400-year-old Man Sagar...

Sweeping Raids, Giant Camps and Mass Deportations: Inside Trump’s 2025 Immigration Plans

If he regains power, Donald Trump wants not only to revive some of the immigration policies criticized as draconian during his presidency, but expand and toughen them.

Donald Trump wants to reimpose a Covid 19-era policy of refusing asylum claims — this time basing that refusal on assertions that migrants carry other infectious diseases like tuberculosis. Credit... Doug Mills/The New York Times

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By Charlie Savage Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan

• Nov. 11, 2023

Former President Donald J. Trump is planning an extreme expansion of his first-term crackdown on immigration if he returns to power in 2025 — including preparing to round up undocumented people already in the United States on a vast scale and detain them in sprawling camps while they wait to be expelled.

The plans would sharply restrict both legal and illegal immigration in a multitude of ways.

Mr. Trump wants to revive his first-term border policies, including banning entry by people from certain Muslim-majority nations and reimposing a Covid 19-era policy of refusing asylum claims — though this time he would base that refusal on assertions that migrants carry other infectious diseases like tuberculosis.

He plans to scour the country for unauthorized immigrants and deport people by the millions per year.

To help speed mass deportations, Mr. Trump is preparing an enormous expansion of a form of removal that does not require due process hearings. To help Immigration and Customs Enforcement carry out sweeping raids, he plans to reassign other federal agents and deputize local police officers and National Guard soldiers voluntarily contributed by Republican-run states.

To ease the strain on ICE detention facilities, Mr. Trump wants to build huge camps to detain people while their cases are processed and they await deportation flights. And to get around any refusal by Congress to appropriate the necessary funds, Mr. Trump would redirect money in the military budget, as he did in his first term to spend more on a border wall than Congress had authorized.

In a public reference to his plans, Mr. Trump told a crowd in Iowa in September: “Following the Eisenhower model, we will carry out the largest domestic deportation operation in American history.” The reference was to a 1954 campaign to round up and expel Mexican immigrants that was named for an ethnic slur — “ Operation Wetback .”

The constellation of Mr. Trump’s 2025 plans amounts to an assault on immigration on a scale unseen in modern American history. Millions of undocumented immigrants would be barred from the country or uprooted from it years or even decades after settling here.

Such a scale of planned removals would raise logistical, financial and diplomatic challenges and would be vigorously challenged in court. But there is no mistaking the breadth and ambition of the shift Mr. Trump is eyeing.

In a second Trump presidency, the visas of foreign students who participated in anti-Israel or pro-Palestinian protests would be canceled. U.S. consular officials abroad will be directed to expand ideological screening of visa applicants to block people the Trump administration considers to have undesirable attitudes. People who were granted temporary protected status because they are from certain countries deemed unsafe, allowing them to lawfully live and work in the United States, would have that status revoked.

Similarly, numerous people who have been allowed to live in the country temporarily for humanitarian reasons would also lose that status and be kicked out, including tens of thousands of the Afghans who were evacuated amid the 2021 Taliban takeover and allowed to enter the United States. Afghans holding special visas granted to people who helped U.S. forces would be revetted to see if they really did.

And Mr. Trump would try to end birthright citizenship for babies born in the United States to undocumented parents — by proclaiming that policy to be the new position of the government and by ordering agencies to cease issuing citizenship-affirming documents like Social Security cards and passports to them. That policy’s legal legitimacy, like nearly all of Mr. Trump’s plans, would be virtually certain to end up before the Supreme Court.

In interviews with The New York Times, several Trump advisers gave the most expansive and detailed description yet of Mr. Trump’s immigration agenda in a potential second term. In particular, Mr. Trump’s campaign referred questions for this article to Stephen Miller, an architect of Mr. Trump’s first-term immigration policies who remains close to him and is expected to serve in a senior role in a second administration.

All of the steps Trump advisers are preparing, Mr. Miller contended in a wide-ranging interview, rely on existing statutes; while the Trump team would likely seek a revamp of immigration laws, the plan was crafted to need no new substantive legislation. And while acknowledging that lawsuits would arise to challenge nearly every one of them, he portrayed the Trump team’s daunting array of tactics as a “blitz” designed to overwhelm immigrant-rights lawyers.

“Any activists who doubt President Trump’s resolve in the slightest are making a drastic error: Trump will unleash the vast arsenal of federal powers to implement the most spectacular migration crackdown,” Mr. Miller said, adding, “The immigration legal activists won’t know what’s happening.”

Todd Schulte, the president of FWD.us, an immigration and criminal justice advocacy group that repeatedly fought the Trump administration, said the Trump team’s plans relied on “xenophobic demagoguery” that appeals to his hardest-core political base.

“Americans should understand these policy proposals are an authoritarian, often illegal, agenda that would rip apart nearly every aspect of American life — tanking the economy, violating the basic civil rights of millions of immigrants and native-born Americans alike,” Mr. Schulte said.

‘Poisoning the Blood’

Since Mr. Trump left office, the political environment on immigration has moved in his direction. He is also more capable now of exploiting that environment if he is re-elected than he was when he first won election as an outsider.

The ebbing of the Covid-19 pandemic and resumption of travel flows have helped stir a global migrant crisis, with millions of Venezuelans and Central Americans fleeing turmoil and Africans arriving in Latin American countries before continuing their journey north . Amid the record numbers of migrants at the southern border and beyond it in cities like New York and Chicago, voters are frustrated and even some Democrats are calling for tougher action against immigrants and pressuring the White House to better manage the crisis.

Mr. Trump and his advisers see the opening, and now know better how to seize it. The aides Mr. Trump relied upon in the chaotic early days of his first term were sometimes at odds and lacked experience in how to manipulate the levers of federal power. By the end of his first term, cabinet officials and lawyers who sought to restrain some of his actions — like his Homeland Security secretary and chief of staff, John F. Kelly — had been fired, and those who stuck with him had learned much.

In a second term, Mr. Trump plans to install a team that will not restrain him.

Since much of Mr. Trump’s first-term immigration crackdown was tied up in the courts, the legal environment has tilted in his favor: His four years of judicial appointments left behind federal appellate courts and a Supreme Court that are far more conservative than the courts that heard challenges to his first-term policies.

The fight over Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals provides an illustration.

DACA is an Obama-era program that shields from deportation and grants work permits to people who were brought unlawfully to the United States as children. Mr. Trump tried to end it, but the Supreme Court blocked him on procedural grounds in June 2020.

Mr. Miller said Mr. Trump would try again to end DACA. And the 5-4 majority of the Supreme Court that blocked the last attempt no longer exists: A few months after the DACA ruling, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died and Mr. Trump replaced her with a sixth conservative, Justice Amy Coney Barrett.

Mr. Trump’s rhetoric has more than kept up with his increasingly extreme agenda on immigration.

His stoking of fear and anger toward immigrants — pushing for a border wall and calling Mexicans rapists — fueled his 2016 takeover of the Republican Party. As president, he privately mused about developing a militarized border like Israel’s, asked whether migrants crossing the border could be shot in the legs and wanted a proposed border wall topped with flesh-piercing spikes and painted black to burn migrants’ skin.

As he has campaigned for the party’s third straight presidential nomination, his anti-immigrant tone has only grown harsher. In a recent interview with a right-wing website , Mr. Trump claimed without evidence that foreign leaders were deliberately emptying their “insane asylums” to send the patients across America’s southern border as migrants. He said migrants were “ poisoning the blood of our country .” And at a rally on Wednesday in Florida , he compared them to the fictional serial killer and cannibal Hannibal Lecter, saying, “That’s what’s coming into our country right now.”

Mr. Trump had similarly vowed to carry out mass deportations when running for office in 2016, but the government only managed several hundred thousand removals per year under his presidency, on par with other recent administrations. If they get another opportunity, Mr. Trump and his team are determined to achieve annual numbers in the millions.

Keeping People Out

Mr. Trump’s immigration plan is to pick up where he left off and then go much farther. He would not only revive some of the policies that were criticized as draconian during his presidency, many of which the Biden White House ended, but also expand and toughen them.

One example centers on expanding first-term policies aimed at keeping people out of the country. Mr. Trump plans to suspend the nation’s refugee program and once again categorically bar visitors from troubled countries, reinstating a version of his ban on travel from several mostly Muslim-majority countries, which President Biden called discriminatory and ended on his first day in office .

Mr. Trump would also use coercive diplomacy to induce other nations to help, including by making cooperation a condition of any other bilateral engagement, Mr. Miller said. For example, a second Trump administration would seek to re-establish an agreement with Mexico that asylum seekers remain there while their claims are processed. (It is not clear that Mexico would agree ; a Mexican court has said that deal violated human rights .)

Mr. Trump would also push to revive “safe third country” agreements with several nations in Central America, and try to expand them to Africa, Asia and South America. Under such deals, countries agree to take would-be asylum seekers from specific other nations and let them apply for asylum there instead.

While such arrangements have traditionally only covered migrants who had previously passed through a third country, federal law does not require that limit and a second Trump administration would seek to make those deals without it, in part as a deterrent to migrants making what the Trump team views as illegitimate asylum claims.

At the same time, Mr. Miller said, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would invoke the public health emergency powers law known as Title 42 to again refuse to hear any asylum claims by people arriving at the southern border. The Trump administration had internally discussed that idea early in Mr. Trump’s term, but some cabinet secretaries pushed back, arguing that there was no public health emergency that would legally justify it. The administration ultimately implemented it during the coronavirus pandemic.

Saying the idea has since gained acceptance in practice — Mr. Biden initially kept the policy — Mr. Miller said Mr. Trump would invoke Title 42, citing “severe strains of the flu, tuberculosis, scabies, other respiratory illnesses like R.S.V. and so on, or just a general issue of mass migration being a public health threat and conveying a variety of communicable diseases.”

Mr. Trump and his aides have not yet said whether they would re-enact one of the most contentious deterrents to unauthorized immigration that he pursued as president: separating children from their parents , which led to trauma among migrants and difficulties in reuniting families. When pressed, Mr. Trump has repeatedly declined to rule out reviving the policy . After an outcry over the practice, Mr. Trump ended it in 2018 and a judge later blocked the government from putting it back into effect.

Mass Deportations

Soon after Mr. Trump announced his 2024 campaign for president last November, he met with Tom Homan, who ran ICE for the first year and a half of the Trump administration and was an early proponent of separating families to deter migrants.

In an interview, Mr. Homan recalled that in that meeting, he “agreed to come back” in a second term and would “help to organize and run the largest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.”

Trump advisers’ vision of abrupt mass deportations would be a recipe for social and economic turmoil, disrupting the housing market and major industries including agriculture and the service sector.

Mr. Miller cast such disruption in a favorable light.

“Mass deportation will be a labor-market disruption celebrated by American workers, who will now be offered higher wages with better benefits to fill these jobs,” he said. “Americans will also celebrate the fact that our nation’s laws are now being applied equally, and that one select group is no longer magically exempt.”

One planned step to overcome the legal and logistical hurdles would be to significantly expand a form of fast-track deportations known as “expedited removal.” It denies undocumented immigrants the usual hearings and opportunity to file appeals, which can take months or years — especially when people are not in custody — and has led to a large backlog. A 1996 law says people can be subject to expedited removal for up to two years after arriving, but to date the executive branch has used it more cautiously, swiftly expelling people picked up near the border soon after crossing.

The Trump administration tried to expand the use of expedited removal , but a court blocked it and then the Biden team canceled the expansion. It remains unclear whether the Supreme Court will rule that it is constitutional to use the law against people who have been living for a significant period in the United States and express fear of persecution if sent home.

Mr. Trump has also said he would invoke an archaic law, the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 , to expel suspected members of drug cartels and criminal gangs without due process. That law allows for summary deportation of people from countries with which the United States is at war, that have invaded the United States or that have engaged in “predatory incursions.”

The Supreme Court has upheld past uses of that law in wartime. But its text seems to require a link to the actions of a foreign government , so it is not clear whether the justices will allow a president to stretch it to encompass drug cartel activity.

More broadly, Mr. Miller said a new Trump administration would shift from the ICE practice of arresting specific people to carrying out workplace raids and other sweeps in public places aimed at arresting scores of unauthorized immigrants at once.

To make the process of finding and deporting undocumented immigrants already living inside the country “radically more quick and efficient,” he said, the Trump team would bring in “ the right kinds of attorneys and the right kinds of policy thinkers” willing to carry out such ideas.

And because of the magnitude of arrests and deportations being contemplated, they plan to build “vast holding facilities that would function as staging centers” for immigrants as their cases progress and they wait to be flown to other countries.

Mr. Miller said the new camps would likely be built “on open land in Texas near the border.”

He said the military would construct them under the authority and control of the Department of Homeland Security. While he cautioned that there were no specific blueprints yet, he said the camps would look professional and similar to other facilities for migrants that have been built near the border .

Such camps could also enable the government to speed up the pace and volume of deportations of undocumented people who have lived in the United States for years and so are not subject to fast-track removal. If pursuing a long-shot effort to win permission to remain in the country would mean staying locked up in the interim, some may give up and voluntarily accept removal without going through the full process.

The use of these camps, Mr. Miller said, would likely be focused more on single adults because the government cannot indefinitely hold children under a longstanding court order known as the Flores settlement. So any families brought to the facilities would have to be moved in and out more quickly, he said.

The Trump administration tried to overturn the Flores settlement, but the Supreme Court did not resolve the matter before Mr. Trump’s term ended. Mr. Miller said the Trump team would try again.

To increase the number of agents available for ICE sweeps, Mr. Miller said, officials from other federal law enforcement agencies would be temporarily reassigned, and state National Guard troops and local police officers, at least from willing Republican-led states, would be deputized for immigration control efforts.

While a law known as the Posse Comitatus Act generally forbids the use of the armed forces for law enforcement purposes, another law called the Insurrection Act creates an exception. Mr. Trump would invoke the Insurrection Act at the border, enabling the use of federal troops to apprehend migrants, Mr. Miller said.

“Bottom line,” he said, “President Trump will do whatever it takes.”

Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Eileen Sullivan contributed reporting. Kitty Bennett contributed research.

Charlie Savage writes about national security and legal policy. He has been a journalist for more than two decades. More about Charlie Savage

Maggie Haberman is a senior political correspondent and the author of “Confidence Man: The Making of Donald Trump and the Breaking of America.” She was part of a team that won a Pulitzer Prize in 2018 for reporting on President Trump’s advisers and their connections to Russia. More about Maggie Haberman

Jonathan Swan is a political reporter who focuses on campaigns and Congress. As a reporter for Axios, he won an Emmy Award for his 2020 interview of then-President Donald J. Trump, and the White House Correspondents’ Association’s Aldo Beckman Award for “overall excellence in White House coverage” in 2022. More about Jonathan Swan

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