How to Budget for Your Vacations
Published Monday, May 17th 2021
Is it overwhelming to decide your budget for a vacation? Here I list the major components of an itinerary for you that will be helpful when thinking about the cost of your next vacation. Travelers often overlook some of these when budgeting for a trip. It is not just flights and accommodations. There are other costs to your vacation experience that add to the total budget.
Getting There
Consider the cost of your international flights. It’s always beneficial to have some flexibility with your dates. Flying out one day earlier or later can result in significant savings. Also, take a look at nearby airports as there are often major price differences.
Transportation During Your Trip
This can be airport transfers, rail for a multi-destination trip, car rental, or local flights. Depending on the type of vacation, you may need to take short flights or trains to get from one city to another. Scheduling your airport transfers is so important. After a long flight you will want to be whisked away by your driver to your hotel without roaming around the airport looking for a taxi service. In some destinations, the cost of these private transfers adds up quickly. For example, a water transfer to your hotel in Venice is quite pricey.
Accommodations
Your accommodations are a huge factor in your overall budget. The cost varies significantly depending on where you’re traveling. Always ensure you know what the rate includes. I always try to work with properties that include breakfast. Renting a villa is also a great way to have more space and save on meals as you have a full kitchen for meal preparation.
Activities
Excursions and experiences are by far what you will remember most from your vacation. The activities during a trip allow you to soak in your destination's culture, history, and vibe. Whether it’s a private winery tour and tasting, a cooking class, or a truffle hunting experience, it's the experiences that create memories. Private or small group excursions offer so much more than what you get with a large group. Do you want to spend your vacation with a group of 40 travelers following a guide with a placard? Ensure you factor in the cost of a few private activities and excursions that will make your vacation so much more memorable.
Other Costs
Lastly, these are the costs that many don’t ever think about: travel insurance, renewing passports, visas, vaccinations, etc. They are not as fun to think about as the other components but they are just as important.
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