How To Budget For Vacation
Updated: Jul 11
Have you ever had the post-holiday blues, not because you miss sipping piña coladas on a beach, but because your bank account is waving the white flag?
Let's change that, shall we?
Here's your ultimate guide to budgeting for your next vacation so that your memories are soaked in sunshine, not clouded by money troubles.
Why Should You Make a Vacation Budget?
Think of it like your trusty GPS, steering you clear of financial potholes and taking you straight to the fun parts. No one likes nasty surprises, especially on a trip, and having a budget is your best bet against those unexpected "Oops, I spent how much?!" moments.
And the cherry on top? It frees you up to spend a little extra on that fancy dinner or spontaneous adventure because you've planned your funds smartly.
Budgeting Basics
Here are some tips to keep you on track:
Plan Ahead - Way Ahead
Begin your financial prep just like you'd snag tickets to that sold-out gig - months in advance.
Take a long, hard look at your income, savings, and commitments.
Dedicate a vacation fund that won't have you subsisting on instant noodles for months after you return.
The List is Your Friend
Construct a comprehensive list of all potential vacation costs. This includes:
Transportation
Accommodation
Food
Activities
Personal Expenses,
The All-Important Emergency Fund
Now let's talk about each category when it comes to creating a vacation budget!
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Transportation & Accommodation
Travel expenses are a major player in any vacation budget. Whether you're jet-setting or hitting the open road, plan for all possible costs!
Air Travel:
Air expenses could include:
Plane Ticket
Checked bag: (round-trip, of course!)
The average cost of a checked bag is $30 for one, $40 for two, and $150 for three
Pro Tip
Seek out discounts and off-peak deals to help your budget breathe.
Road Trips:
Road Travel expenses could include:
Gas – calculate on average how much you think you would spend
Food Stops – this expense can be lowered by packing food prior to the drive (i.e sandwiches, fruit, snacks, drinks)
Traveling via car services can range on average from $10 - $30 daily
The average price for car rentals varies depending on the supplier. Apps like Turo and Kayak provide cars you can rent for as low as $25 per day.
Pro Tip
Research whether rentals or ride-share services (Uber/Lyft) are the more economical choice for your journey.
Accommodation:
Lodging expenses can make or break a budget.
After transportation, accommodations will be your next major expense. Often times it is the first depending on the number of nights you stay.
Whether you choose to stay in a hotel, Airbnb, or other housing services, make sure to allocate all possible costs
(deposits, taxes, additional fees, etc).
Pro Tip
Try to find accommodation near both the airport and main attractions to save on additional transportation costs.
Food & Dining
Tasting local flavors is part of the travel experience, but it shouldn't leave a bitter taste in your bank account. Design a daily food budget - set a price for daily food costs in your budgeting plan.
$50 - $75 is a good range to set
Make sure to account for tips and gratuity
You can save money by looking for affordable dining options, such as local eateries or street food, to experience the local cuisine without breaking the bank. Packing snacks also come in handy to satisfy those small pangs of hunger without sparing a few dollars
Pro Tip
​Balance your fancy feasts with affordable local eats and packed snacks to curb impromptu indulgences.
Activities & Entertainment
What's a vacation without a bit of fun? Allocate funds for the experiences that will bring your vacation to life.
Setting a budget for entertainment does not require you to know every activity you want to partake in. Rather, account for the cost of popular activities at your destination or activities you have researched that intrigue you and account for those in your budget.
Pro Tip
​​Look for free or low-cost activities at your destination. You'll be surprised at how much joy a budget-friendly bike ride or local festival can bring!
Clothing & Personal Care
Retail therapy might be an essential part of your vacation, and that's okay. Simply include it in your budget - a recommended limit is $200 for pre-trip purchases and $100-$200 for shopping while traveling.
Make sure to account for any personal care items you may buy during your trip like:
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Band-Aids
Vitamins
Also, remember to account for personal care and grooming - looking good is feeling good!
Emergency Funds
Since life can throw curveballs, always have a backup plan. Reserve about 10% of your vacation budget for unforeseen circumstances.
Better to return home with surplus funds than surprise debts!
You've created your budgeting roadmap. Now let's stay on course:
Track Your Expenses
Keep a watchful eye on your spending. Use an expense tracking app or recruit a travel buddy for accountability.
Expect the Unexpected
Plans change, and that's part of the adventure! Keep some funds flexible for spontaneous fun.
Don't Compromise on Joy
Budgeting isn't a fun spoiler. It's about making smart choices so you can enjoy a guilt-free holiday
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Enhance Your Budgeting Success with My Wealth Planner
The Wealth Planner is an undated roadmap to turning your dreams into reality by breaking them down, writing them down, and getting them accomplished.
The Planner is undated and includes:
Notes Pages
QR Code to financial education videos
Monthly To-Do Checklist
Weekly Wealth Affirmations
Annual, Monthly, and Weekly goal-setting pages
Long-Term/Short-term Financial Goals Page
Monthly Budgeting Worksheet Pages
Financial Tips & Tax info
Debt Reduction Plan Worksheet
Annual and Monthly Expenses Worksheets
Subscription and Account Information Pages
Monthly Review/ Reflection page
Lines on weekdays to better plan out days
Smart layout to allow you to review daily tasks and weekly goals/ notes
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Apps to Ease Your Budgeting Journey
Let's leverage the power of technology for budgeting
Here are some user-friendly apps to help make your financial planning effortless and even enjoyable:
Mint
​A free, personal finance app that's perfect for overseeing your vacation expenses.
Expensify
An excellent tool for managing receipts and expenses during your trip.
XE Currency
An essential app for when you're abroad, offering live exchange rates and easy currency conversion.
GasBuddy
An absolute gem for road trippers, offering real-time information about the cheapest gas stations on your route.
Remember: these apps are just tools; the real secret to a successful budget-friendly vacation is smart planning and mindful spending.
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