3000 budget trip

10 Terrific Travel Ideas for a Couple on a $3,000 Budget

Recently someone shared my favorite online discussion forum, “We live in Florida and would like to take a five-to-seven-day trip this May, but since I don’t get to travel much, I’m having a hard time coming up with some interesting places to go on our $3000 budget.”

“I would love an out-of-country experience, but my budget may limit that. Still ok with somewhere in the U.S., but I would like it to be way different than Florida.”

The internet responded to deliver this list of suggested destinations. 

1. Portugal 

“Forget France. It’s going to be out of your budget. Portugal , however, might be in your budget. Look at TAP Air Portugal airlines into Lisbon from Miami. You can find lower-priced hotels if you get out of Lisbon’s main tourist area. Also, ensure they are on a public transit line so you can get around cheaply,” someone suggested. 

Portugal is a place where many expats are heading. What is the appeal of Portugal? You have California weather with budget-friendly prices. Accommodations are cheap, and wine and delicious food flow at great prices. The friendliness of the people, the weather, and fantastic food allow so many people to see this country and will enable them to travel more by saving. 

Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, is a fascinating city with a mixture of modern and old and plenty of things to do – good and cheap food, good weather, several cultural and historical landmarks to visit, and fantastic beaches to relax in. So if you feel like everyone you know is traveling to Lisbon or Portugal, you’re not alone!

Paris ranked as one of the Safest Places to Visit in 2023. 

Several people disagreed with the first person’s assessment of France. “I disagree. If you travel before the summer months, use public transportation, rent rooms instead of hotels, and among other cost-saving tips, you can go to France,” one argued.

“Flights are 1500€ for both. You can rent a cheap place for 500-800€ a week depending on when and where you go. Food is expensive, but you can cook or eat baguettes daily—a rental car for a couple of days, maybe, and rental bikes. I also think it is doable,” another agreed. 

“We loved the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris. They had a military parade, fireworks, and parties all over. Many people were just dancing in the streets,” said Karen Kelly, Founder of Seasonal Cravings. “Les Deux Magots is the most fun coffee shop, a perfect Parisian Cafe. I think we went every day!” 

“Le Loyo is an African, Cajun, and Creole restaurant located in Montmartre. The fritter Samoussas & Braised Chicken were terrific, said Jason Butler, Founder of Money Chronicles.

3. Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico, a non-incorporated United States (US) territory, is perfect for Americans looking for a tropical escape without a passport. The delightful climate and stunning scenery make Puerto Rico a great candidate for weddings, honeymoons, and family trips. 

“Puerto Rico,” another suggested. “Flights from Florida are cheap. It has an almost European feel in the capital, with a rainforest out east and many fantastic areas to explore.”

“It is also convenient for Americans: easy to rent a car, they have a great road system, they use AT&T, and a lot of people speak English. So you could easily book the flights, a couple of Airbnbs, rent a car, and explore the island for $1500/person.”

4. European Trip

“My wife and I spent $5000 total on two weeks in Europe without being frugal,” another shared. “We stayed in lovely Airbnb locations, did all the tourist stuff, ate a lot of food, etc. So with your budget, you could do a week there.”

“Spend time looking at the cost of everything and making a rough itinerary for a specific trip. What will one week in Paris, London, Madrid, and more look like on your budget? Don’t discount a trip like that yet!”

Spain’s Andalusia region is an increasingly popular destination for travelers from around the world. Located in the southern part of the country, this vibrant province is known for its Moorish-inspired architecture and sunny beaches, along with incredible tapas and sherry wine. 

5. Take a Cruise

One user asked, “Have you considered a cruise? Lots of cruises out of Florida that will easily fit that price point and leave you some for excursions, which can be as active as you want them to be.”

“You can get a seven-day for like $1,800 (less if you go with an inside cabin). It allows you to go a few places and see which one you want to visit for longer later.”

One of the benefits of going on a cruise from the United States is that you can potentially drive to the port or quickly fly there from within the country. Don’t forget to check if you need a passport if your cruise heads to other ports outside the USA.

US cruise ports are plentiful! There are dozens of ports over the coastal United States, from California and Florida to Maryland, New York, and South Carolina.

Five of the most popular ones that are all near major airports and highways are the cruise ports of:

• Seattle, Washington
• San Diego, California
• Los Angeles, California
• Miami, Florida
• Fort Lauderdale, Florida

“I would recommend Mexico! Your budget will go very far there. It also allows you to have a relaxing beach vacation or explore famous sites like Chichen Itza,’ one stated. 

“I second Mexico,” another said. “Super cheap flights in and out of Cancun. Don’t rent a car there; get a local tour guide once you get there if you want to explore outside the well-beaten tourist traps. Airbnb is very cheap, especially if you are ok being off the beach.” 

Or consider, the charming city of Merida is the cultured capital of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. It is characterized by its opulent, grand colonial mansions and ornate, colorful houses.

During the hennequin boom and the days of the haciendas, Merida was one of the richest cities in the world. Today, it makes an excellent base for a wider exploration of the Yucatan region. The city is a great choice if you want to escape the tourist crowds that flock to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the beach towns of Quintana Roo.

7. Costa Rica

One person shared, “My husband and I spent eight days in Costa Rica this past September for $2500, so you could make your budget work! We did La Fortuna, Monteverde, Paquera and Tango Mar.”

“La Fortuna had a volcano, waterfalls, and hot springs. We did a coffee/chocolate night tour and saw many animals. Monteverde was chilly, a nice break from the heat and humidity, and had the rainforest.”

“We did zip lining and the hanging bridges at Selvetura and made a detour at Rio Celeste on our way from La Fortuna. Paquera isn’t very touristy. We only stopped there for the bioluminescent kayaking. And Tango Mar was a beach resort-beautiful and relaxing!”

With international travel restrictions loosening, travelers are increasingly booking international trips. A recent analysis of online searches shows that Costa Rica is the third most searched international destination by Americans.

8. Medellín

One user confessed, “I’d save Europe for a more extended trip. How about Medellín? There are plenty of cheap, short, non-stop flights from South Florida, which will be significantly different than Florida . I haven’t been, but it’s definitely on my list of places to visit.” Others agreed it’s a beautiful city in Columbia. 

“Spain is also doable depending on how much you get your flight for and if you are willing to cook some of your own meals throughout the trip,” another suggested. Others agreed to dine out a few times but to cook the rest of the trip.

If you’re looking for a reliably warm European destination, look no further than Costa Del Sol, Spain. In the province of Malaga, this region is home to 103 towns and villages and boasts more than 320 days of sun a year, one of the highest in Europe.

With a diverse range of cities, landscapes, food, traditions, in-land villages, and even mountains, there’s a wide range of things to do in Costa Del Sol Spain besides soaking up the sun on their 100 miles of beaches.

10. The Carolina States in The U.S.

A less popular suggestion was the Carolinas. One user asked, “Does that include airfare? That alone could eat half or more of your budget, leaving very little for the rest. How about South or North Carolina? They are close to Florida and have incredible scenery and mountains.” 

No wonder Myrtle Beach has long been a go-to destination for generations of Americans. More than half of the country can drive to its 60 miles of beaches and other world-renowned attractions.

Another one of those family vacation spots that is also a  golfing mecca, Myrtle Beach , has more than 90 golf courses and 50 mini-golf courses so that you can play a round no matter your age and skill level.

The Carolina Core region, consisting of Greensboro, Winston-Salem, & High Point, is at the center of 4 state highways. Explore each city’s distinct personalities and a long list of outdoor activities. Families can enjoy Wet-n-Wild Water Park , obstacle course & ziplining at Safari Nation, The North Carolina Zoo, All a Flutter Butterfly Farm, and Piedmont Environmental Center.

It’s not hard to see why it’s ranked one of the best places in the state for outdoor activities. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, and horseback riding options in the region’s expansive state parks, local public parks, and outdoor recreation facilities.

Where Will You Go First?

We hope you enjoyed this Reddit picks list of travel ideas for a couple on a $3,000 budget, and it inspires your last-minute 2022 travel plans or 2023 vacations.

Mary Elizabeth is a self-taught finance nerd and money master. At the age of 21, she bought her first house, and by the time she was 30 had paid off all student debt and saved 100k. She founded MeMoreMoney.com to help others achieve their own financial goals with uncomplicated advice that works for everyone from just starting out to those who have been saving for decades.

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12 Affordable Vacations for Couples on a Budget

From the U.S. to Mexico, these getaways come at a price you'll both love.

Kent Nishimura/Getty Images

Sharing experiences as a couple can make travel more enjoyable, whether it’s your first trip together, a honeymoon, or a babymoon. Sometimes, however, the motivation is there, but the budget doesn't allow for a lavish getaway.

With some strategic planning and calculations, it’s possible to create an affordable vacation. You might look for off-season or less popular destinations, or choose cities known for great free attractions. Shop for the best airfares on sites like Hopper or Skyscanner . It also pays to be flexible on timing or travel days.

Travel experts advise putting together a budget and itinerary to estimate costs for hotels, activities, transportation, food, and other purchases. They also suggest booking a hotel with a kitchen, so you can prepare some of your own meals instead of dining out. Consider all-inclusive hotels , too, but only after evaluating what is actually included and how much you would take advantage of the amenities.

Recognizing that “affordability” is a relative term, we’ve aimed for places in North America where couples can have an enjoyable vacation while staying within the budget they create for themselves. We looked for free or low-cost activities and took into account the availability of less costly lodging. With that in mind, here are some of the most affordable vacations for couples.

Mazatlán, Mexico

Travel_Bug/Getty Images

Mazatlán offers golden beaches, delicious restaurants, vibrant nightlife, history, a 13-mile seaside promenade, reasonable prices, and lots to do at little or no cost. In the downtown historic district, couples can explore the romantic old square of Plaza Machado, stroll along cobblestone streets, and stop for a drink or ice cream. You could spend an entire day along the Malecón de Mazatlán, browsing souvenir stands, watching cliff divers, or grabbing a snack from one of the vendors. Rooms at the all-inclusive Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán Beach Resort start at less than $200 a night. Plus, guests can access the restaurants and amenities at the upscale Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort & Spa , including a 16,500-square-foot wellness facility with hydrotherapy pools, steam rooms, spa treatments (available at an additional cost), and fitness classes.

New York City

Stefan Tomic/Getty Images

You might be surprised to find New York City on a list of affordable vacations, but once you get to the Big Apple, there’s so much to do without spending a dime . While the city has begun cracking down on Airbnbs , you can still find vacation rentals and hotels for around $200 a night. Meals out don't have to be expensive, either. Enjoy an iconic (and affordable) New York bagel breakfast, grab a slice of pizza, or try a hot dog from one of the street stands. Many of NYC’s museums are free or accept a donation for visiting. Couples can also take the subway to Long Island City’s Gantry Plaza State Park , which offers gorgeous views of the NYC skyline, or ride the Roosevelt Island Tramway (about $3 each way) for an aerial view of the city.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Courtesy of The Twin Fin

If you have your heart set on a vacation in Hawaii, you can manage to arrange one within a limited budget, especially with the help of some airline miles or points . Spending time on the beach and hiking are among the free things to do in Honolulu, as is touring the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the USS Arizona Memorial. Oahu's bus system is an inexpensive and efficient way to explore the island beyond the state capital. Food is a fun part of travel, so look for farmers markets and sample saimin (noodle soup), poke, and shave ice at local spots. Rooms at The Twin Fin , a surf-inspired beachfront hotel, start at $199, and nightly entertainment includes DJs, live music, stargazing, and more.

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

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Located in northwest Idaho, on the northern shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene, this year-round destination is ideal for couples who love the outdoors. Hiking, biking, boating, and visiting wineries and breweries are among the top things to do, in addition to enjoying the gorgeous scenery. Explore the downtown area near the waterfront, browse the boutiques, and stop for a bite at one of the restaurants. Places to stay include hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and campgrounds. The Coeur d’Alene Resort , known for daily scenic cruises plus sunset and dinner sailings, offers rooms starting at around $199.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

larrybraunphotography/Getty Images

Sandy shores, warm Gulf of Mexico waters, great food, and lively nightlife make the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area an economical romantic getaway. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel or head to The Track Family Fun Park to drive a go-kart, ride a roller coaster, and play some mini golf. You can hop on the Mobile Bay Ferry for less than $10 to enjoy the scenic bay. Choose from more than 200 restaurants , and try the local seafood that includes shrimp, oysters, crab, and snapper. Hotels, resorts, bed-and-breakfasts, and campsites offer many affordable lodging options .

Fort Worth, Texas

Courtesy of Visit Fort Worth

Around a half-hour drive from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Fort Worth is a fast-growing city known for its Western culture and cowboy legacy, now preserved in the Stockyards National Historic District . Explore the streets that once were home to the cattle trade, and learn about the area’s past with a walking tour . Don't miss the cattle drive when the Fort Worth Herd of longhorns passes by with drovers who are available to answer questions. Shops, saloons, restaurants, rodeo events at Cowtown Coliseum , and music and dancing at famed Billy Bob's Texas provide plenty to see and do. Stay at the Kimpton Harper Hotel for under $200 a night, and check out the upscale Hotel Drover, Autograph Collection on Mule Alley for a beverage in the outdoor Backyard lounge.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

If beautiful beaches , great food, and history are what you're after, consider visiting Puerto Rico — no passport needed. Instead of an expensive resort, look into locally owned boutique hotels or glamping sites. Taxis and Uber are available to get you around the San Juan area, so you don't have to spend on a rental car.

In Old San Juan, you can visit 16th-century fortresses, watch street performers along the Paseo de la Princesa promenade, and go salsa dancing at cocktail bars like La Factoría . Visit museums with low admission fees like Museo de Las Americas , or head to the nearby Santurce neighborhood to see dazzling street art for free. Less than an hour's drive from the city, El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rain forest in the U.S. National Forest System. Hike to a waterfall and enjoy a picnic lunch in the beautiful surroundings.

Palm Springs, California

ballyscanlon/Getty Images

The desert of Greater Palm Springs is a year-round destination, though hot summers often have visitors heading for pools or air-conditioned venues. No problem, there are plenty of both, plus other things to do without spending a lot. Visit art galleries along Palm Canyon Drive in the city of Palm Springs, take a self-guided tour of the midcentury architecture or celebrity homes, and hike past rock formations and palm trees on the trails in Indian Canyons . The Palm Springs area has many budget-friendly hotels and vacation rentals. About an hour's drive away, Joshua Tree National Park features stunning rock formations, native vegetation, cacti, and romantic stargazing opportunities.

St. Petersburg and Clearwater, Florida

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Known for its white-sand beaches and warm waters, this area is a great choice for an affordable vacation, especially if the goal is sunshine, swimming, and water sports. There’s plenty to experience after sunset as well, from restaurants to clubs to dive bars. Stroll around town to view the more than 600 murals or join a street art tour. The Dalí Museum is set in a unique building on the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront and offers discounted tickets on Thursdays after 5 p.m. And with a variety of places to stay , including B&Bs, the area has lodging options for almost any budget.

Washington, D.C.

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The nation’s capital , with its many free monuments and museums, can be an affordable destination. The Smithsonian museums are free to visit, and there’s something for every couple's interest, from space travel and technology to art and natural history. Just remember to apply for timed entry passes (required for the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture) in advance. Touring the White House is also free, but you'll need to request a reservation at least 21 days in advance. The public transit system, including its easy-to-navigate Metro, offers a convenient, low-cost way to get around. For an affordable meal, head to a fast-casual spot like chef José Andrés' vegetarian restaurant Beefsteak or try the famous chili half-smoke at historic chain Ben's Chili Bowl . Hotels in the capital might be pricey, but staying in nearby Alexandria, Virginia , can save you some money and allow you to explore another charming city.

Toronto, Canada

Istvan Kadar Photography/Getty Images

This pedestrian-friendly city is known for its diversity, reflected in its vibrant culture and food scene. Stroll down the cobblestone streets of the Distillery District , which features art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques housed in restored industrial buildings, grab a bite to eat at St. Lawrence Market , or check out Stackt , a shipping container market with pop-up shops, a microbrewery, and special events. Take advantage of the extensive public transportation network or get around on two wheels with Bike Share . You can easily find a hotel room for less than $200 a night, especially if you visit outside of the busy summer season.

Yosemite National Park, California

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

Home to granite cliffs, waterfalls, giant sequoias, and incredible wildlife, Yosemite is one of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S. The budget-friendly vacation destination is a paradise for hikers and photographers, and many trails stay open in the winter. Save on dining and enjoy picnic lunches with views of Yosemite’s wonders. Affordable lodging ranges from camping to cabins, either inside the park or nearby. Even if you don’t stay at the classic Ahwahnee hotel, be sure to stop in to see the decor, art, and architecture of this historic property.

Related Articles

Many Options Available in the $3-5k range– Great Options!

When you break into the budget range over $3k and up to $5k you start opening up some really interesting options.

Resort choices become more luxurious

Cruise options become more abundant

Available destinations begin getting more remote (you can fly farther)

This is probably the average American vacation budget – or at least the most common

Some ideas for a couple with a Budget between $3000 – $5000 include-

• 6-7 Nights at Adults-Only 5 Star All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico, Dominican Republic of Jamaica
• 7-10 Night Caribbean Cruise in Balcony Stateroom
• 7 Nights at Deluxe Disney Resort (including park passes)
• 5-7 Nights at 3-4 Star Hawaiian Resort

Those ideas are based on a typical set of dates including airfare from Chicago. Pricing varies greatly depending on exact dates and point of departure, and obviously your choice of rooms will make a big difference – the small room a long walk from the beach will cost much less than the suite right on the water!

At EZTravelPad we like to think of ourselves as “Your friends….in the travel business” After all, when you seek advice don’t you go first to your friends? The friends that know something about the task at hand?

Think of EZTravelPad as your friend who knows about travel.

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Solo Traveler

Solo travel tips, destinations, stories... the source for those who travel alone.

Best Budget Solo Travel Destinations: Fun, Safe & Affordable for 2024

January 10, 2024 by Janice Waugh

For the 6th year in a row, we're pleased to present our list of the best budget destinations for solo travelers.

For most of us, the desire to do a lot of travel means being smart with our travel dollars. This requires choosing the destination carefully. 

To create our budget destinations list, we:

• review our favorite trips to budget destinations.
• consult fellow travelers, including members of the Solo Travel Society , our Facebook community to get recommendations from passionate travelers.
• consider suggestions from other publications, eliminating those that do not meet our safety standards. We're a lot more careful when it comes to safety than many other travel publications.
• deselect any on Fodor's No Travel list , 

We then put every destination on the list through a solo travel filter to come up with our top 5 budget destinations of the year. 

More importantly, we provide a lot of detail with each of our cheap solo vacation destinations. You get:

• why it's a great destination at any price
• the value of US and Canadian currency at the destination
• how expensive the destination is compared to Toronto and New York City
• what it costs to get there from the two cities above
• links to two affordable hotels/hostels
• the safety rating by the US and Canadian governments
• a short list of things to do

It should be noted that we haven’t visited all these destinations so they are not necessarily personal endorsements. Before you get too far in your planning process read Solo Travel Planning Guide with Trends, a Checklist, and Insider Tips . It will help in a variety of ways to make your planning easier and your trip more enjoyable.

Table of Contents

Our Criteria for Cheap Solo Vacation Destinations

To choose our recommended destinations for a cheap solo vacation, we consider the following criteria.

• Affordability at the destination . Naturally, the affordability of a destination depends upon your home currency. Most of the information below is given in US dollars, unless it says otherwise, as most of us know our exchange rates in relation to the US dollar.
• Cost to get there . If the trip is short, the cost to get there is very important. If you’re planning a month or two in a destination, that cost is less significant as it will be prorated over a longer period of time.
• Safety . I’ve listed the US and Canadian government advice as of January 2024 for each destination. Safety is especially important when traveling solo.
• Will it be interesting and fun?  A great destination offers access to a new culture, fun things to do, or both. I’ve given you a very brief overview of both for each recommendation.

The 2024 Shortlist of Budget Destinations for Solo Travelers

Note: For consistency, all flight prices listed were found on Google Flights and depart from Toronto or New York during the last week of February, 2024 with a return date two weeks later. Use your own home airport to see what you’d have to pay for flights. The room rates listed are for the same time period and were found on booking.com. All were checked during the week of this post’s publication. The hotels and hostels are not personal recommendations. They were chosen based on their price, review scores, and central location and are intended to give you an idea of what you can get for your money.

Europe's Cheap and Oh So Cheerful Destination is Porto, Portugal

It may be the second largest city in Portugal and also second to Lisbon in terms of fame but Porto surely deserves equal billing for its beauty and culture and as an entrance way to the wonderful Douro Valley.

The city's historic center was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. Porto is reputed to be the city from which Portugal got its name and is definitely the city from which Port wine got its name. The beautiful waterfront along the Douro river, the winding streets, and the tiles on the houses and public buildings make the city so amazing.

Affordability : The local currency is the Euro. As of writing, one Euro costs USD$1.10. According to Expatistan, Lisbon (they don't cover Porto, which I suspect to be less expensive than Lisbon) is 33% less expensive than Toronto and 50% less than New York City. 

Accommodation : There are many options in affordable hotels in Porto. Here's a  centrally located hotel on Booking.com with an overall rating of 8.5 for USD$55 . Hostels are even cheaper. The Passenger Hostel has a rating of 9 and starts at USD$26 per night.

Cost to get there : From Toronto, return  flights  start at CAD$914 with one stop. From New York City, return flights start at USD$727 with one stop and USD$434 with two stops.

• United States Government: Level 1 Exercise Normal Precautions
• Canadian Government: Level 1 Take normal security precautions

Interesting and Fun

Porto is a small, colorful, seaside city that is also the gateway to the Duoro valley where cruises and wine tours abound. There's the medieval city and the baroque city. Don't miss the Casa da Musica which was conceived to mark 2001, the year in which Porto was Cultural Capital of Europe.

Cheap Caribbean Vacation Solo: Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is an affordable Caribbean destination with beaches and an interesting history. It's a destination to enjoy and one that would benefit from your travel dollars.

Affordability : The local currency is the US dollar so we don't have a conversion to consider with this destination. San Juan, Puerto Rico is 17% less expensive than Toronto and 38% less than New York City. 

Accommodation: There are many options in affordable hotels in San Juan. Here's a  guest house with a 9.2 rating about 10 km from the center of San Juan but only 200 meters from the beach for USD$122. Hostels are not that much cheaper in Puerto Rico but you could check them out for their social value.

Cost to get there : From Toronto, return flights start at CAD$575 with one stop. From New York City, return flights start at USD$324 non-stop.

• United States Government: Exercise normal precautions in Puerto Rico.
• Canadian Government: Exercise normal precautions in Puerto Rico.

Interesting and fun:  The island has enjoyed Spanish, African, Indian, and USA influence, which, according to Puerto Rico's visitor bureau, is mirrored in the food, music, and architecture of the island. San Juan, Puerto Rico's capital, has a free trolley that will take you around San Juan and its National Historic Sites but you could spend a full day exploring the walled city of Old San Juan alone. Beaches are the ultimate budget travel activity and Puerto Rico has many wonderful beaches to relax on or explore. Puerto Rico is on the migration path of humpback whales. January to the end of March is the best time for whale watching.

Georgia is the Affordable Solo Destination at the Crossroads of Europe and Asia

Georgia is likely the most popular country in the South Caucasus. Travelers enjoy Georgia for its culture, history, and stunningly diverse landscape. It's for hikers, adventure seekers, and urban travelers as well. Tbilisi is the capital and known for its hipster culture, techno scene, and general air of cool.

Affordability : The local currency is the Lari. 1 Lari costs 50 cents Canadian or 37 cents USD. Tbilisi is 51% less expensive than Toronto and 73% less than New York City. 

Accommodation: USD$50 per night for hotels is common in Tbilisi. At the top end, you can find some hotels at $200/night. International chains typically run just over $100 per night. With a 9.5 average rating, this hotel is just $36 per night . The Sheraton Grand Tbilisi has an 8.5 rating and is $135 per night. Of course, it has many more amenities than the first hotel.

Cost to get there : From Toronto, return flights start at CAD$1,653 with one stop. From New York City, return flights start at USD$885 with one stop.

• United States Government: Exercise normal precautions in Georgia.
• Canadian Government: Exercise normal precautions in Georgia.

Sea, mountains, and cities in one relatively small country. The big outdoors is truly on a grand scale offering skiing, hiking, rafting, and more. The cuisine combines eastern and western influences as well as unique cultural dishes like ajarian khachapuri. Their wine-making history dates back 8,000 years so a tasting is necessary.

Argentina Number 1 for Cheap Solo Travel Destination in South America

Argentina has spectacular natural wonders including Glaciers National Park, El Chalten, and Iguazu Falls (pictured above), all bucket list destinations for the adventure travelers. But, of course, there's Buenos Aires and the tango! And then there are gauchos, Argentinian cowboys. Yes, there's much to make Argentina an exciting destination for any traveler, budget or otherwise. While other countries in South America may be cheaper, Argentina is one that has the safety rating I was looking for.

Affordability : CAD$1 buys 609 Argentinian pesos. USD$1 buys 815 Argentinian pesos. Buenos Aires is 67% less expensive than Toronto and 75% less than New York City. 

Accommodation

There are many options in affordable hotels in Buenos Aires. Here's a  centrally located hotel on Booking.com with an overall rating of 8.1 for USD$90  including breakfast. Here's a  hostel with a rating of 8.9 for US$31 , which also includes breakfast. If you'd like an  apartment, I found this fabulous, 5-star unit on VRBO  for USD$88/night.

Cost to get there : From Toronto, return  flights  start at CAD$1655 with one stop. From New York City, return flights start at USD$1144 non-stop.

• United States Government: Exercise normal precautions in Argentina.
• Canadian Government: Exercise normal precautions in Argentina.

Interesting and fun:  There are lots of free and cheap things to do in Buenos Aires. There are, of course, free tours to enjoy but plenty more as well. Go to the Mataderos Fair, a gaucho market on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, and see the gauchos show off their skills; take a walk through the 80 hectare woods at the Bosques de Palermo; or explore the graffiti in the northern suburbs. If you're in the neighborhood of Belgrano on a Sunday, go to the bandstand at Barrancas de Belgrano park for the free tango lessons from 7 pm. You can then watch the experts perform for a fee.

Budget Destination for South Korea

With the cost of flights having increased threefold for Seoul, this is an affordable destination as long as you stay in the region for a while. It's a totally worthwhile destination but it's best that you stay more than a week to get good value from your expensive flight.

Affordability : 1 US dollar is about 1,300 South Korean Won (SKW). 1 Canadian dollar is about 1,000 Won. According to Expatistan , Seoul is 31% less expensive than Toronto and 49% less than New York City. 

Accommodation : There are many options in affordable hotels in Seoul. Here’s a sample of a 8.4-rated hotel you’d get for about USD$88 that's in the center of the city . Here’s the central hostel with an 8.3 rating for USD$30.

Cost to get there : From Toronto, return flights start at CAD$1,972. From New York City, return flights start at USD$1,279.

• United States Government: Exercise normal precautions in South Korea.
• Canadian Government: Exercise normal precautions in South Korea.

Interesting and fun:  While I based the above information on Seoul, there is so much more to South Korea than its capital city. There are mountains and beaches, great diving, and hiking for outdoor enthusiasts. And, of course, there's a fascinating history over many centuries to be found in modern cities and more traditional villages. A little bit of research and you'll know why it's a great destination.

Top Tools for Planning an Affordable Solo Trip

This list includes resources that help plan budget travel regardless of your budget. You might want to read How to Plan Your Travel Budget: Luxury or Frugal .

1. Skyscanner's Everywhere Button

If you have a lot of time for your trip, the cost of the flight is not that signifiant a factor. However, if you only have a week or so, that flight could be the most significant cost. Using Skyscanner's Everywhere Button , you can narrow down destinations that have reasonable airfare by country. Put in your home airport, choose Explore Everywhere in the destination field, add your dates and you'll be served up options by country with the cheapest airfare showing first.

2. Rome2Rio

This site/app lets you learn how to get to anywhere from anywhere. Rome2Rio gives you all the options from car rental, flights, bus and train and let's you know the approximate cost you can expect and how long each mode of transport will take. When it comes to planning a trip on the move, this is an indispensable resource.

3. HomeExchange.com

There are two ways to book accommodation on HomeExchange . You can trade your place for someone else's or you can use points. You start earning points as soon as you sign up. I have booked 4 nights in New York City with points earned during the sign-up process which cost US$175. So, even if you don't intend to have someone stay in your home, by signing up, you can earn enough points for some great accommodation.

4. House Sitters

There are a number of sites that will help you find house sitting gigs. There's also a lot to learn to be truly successful at house sitting. Read this post on Successful Solo House Sitting Tips for Travelers or go directly to International House Sitting Academy to learn about their program.

Understanding Government Travel Advice and Advisories

Governments create travel advice and advisory alerts for the sake of their citizens who are planning to travel to other countries. Both Canada and the United States have a 4-tier rating system. While a country may receive one overall rating, specific areas within it may receive a different rating to indicate regionally specific concerns. These may be related to natural disasters, safety and security, health hazards, etc. This allows you to avoid areas that may pose a higher risk.

While the language varies slightly between the two countries, basically, the four levels are:

• Exercise normal security precautions . There is some inherent risk in any international travel, but there are no significant safety and security concerns here.
• Exercise a high degree of caution . There are identifiable safety and security concerns, or the safety and security situation could change with little notice. (To put this in perspective, Canada currently rates 92 countries as Level 2, and both countries rate the United Kingdom as Level 2.)
• Avoid non-essential travel . There are specific safety and security concerns that could put you at risk.
• Avoid all travel . There is an extreme risk to your personal safety and security.

Levels 1 and 2 are considered travel advice while levels 3 and 4 are considered travel advisories.

This distinction is important as there is a possibility that the validity of your travel insurance could be impacted if your country issues a travel advisory for the country to which you are traveling. Always read the fine print of your insurance policy and check your government’s advice before leaving home. You can easily find this by searching “government of (your home country) travel advice” then searching within that site for your destination country. Also read A Complete Guide to Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers .

The Shortlist of Destinations for Solo Travelers on a Budget 2023

Best Budget Solo Travel Destination for a European Experience: Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is a small city, rich with a wide range of architecture that reflects both its current state and its diverse past. It’s a city that is not yet inundated with tourists.

In Ljubljana I felt like I was in Italy 50 years ago. It has all the charm but few of the tourists. The historic center of Ljubljana includes a castle that dates back to the 11th century though the buildings you'll see are more from the 16th century. In the city center is an extensive pedestrian zone that winds through buildings that are hundreds of years old. A walking tour of the city is a must.

There is also the Alternative District that has graffiti everywhere and people just hanging out or playing music. If you want a feel for how some of the youth of Ljubljana live, and where young travelers gravitate, Hostel Celica Art  is worth a look, or a stay.

Affordability : A beer in a neighborhood pub will cost about USD$3.15. A 5-mile taxi ride will be roughly $10.00. A basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district will run about $13.00.

Accommodation : Here is a hotel for USD$58.00, very close to the center with a 9.4 rating. Here is a hostel, the Hostel Celica Art which I have stayed at. The rate for our dates is $29.00.

Cost to get there : From Toronto, return flights start at CAD$901.00. From New York City, return flights start at USD$590.00.

Top Budget Solo Travel Destination North America: Savannah, Georgia

I always like to include one North American destination and this year it is Savannah, Georgia.

Savannah’s Historic District is famous, but there is also the architecture in the Victorian District and the hip Starland District, all within the downtown area. Venture a little further to Savannah’s quiet Lowcountry in the Moon River District.

In an exchange with members of the Solo Travel Society about travel inspiration, Christy said: “I read  Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil , set in Savannah, Georgia. I’ve always had an interest in the South. This book was full of eccentric characters. I was so intrigued, by both the people and the town of Savannah, that I went!”

Affordability : It's the low cost of getting to Savannah and the low cost of hotels compared to other US cities that makes Savannah affordable as a destination for solo travelers on a budget. A beer in a neighborhood pub will cost about USD$6.00. A 5-mile taxi ride will be roughly $22.00. A basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district will run about $18.00.

Accommodation : While the hotels/hostels are more expensive in Savannah than other destinations listed, the cost to get there is much lower for most readers. If you drive, you won't need accommodation as central as I have chosen and can definitely save a lot per night. Here is a hotel in the historic district for USD$140.00. I did not find a hostel in Savannah.

Cost to get there : From Toronto, return flights start at CAD$515.00. From New York City, return flights start at USD$118.00.

• According to Travellers Worldwide , there are parts of the city to avoid.

Solo Travel Budget Destination for Adventure: Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is a perfect launching point for travel in Morocco.

The city itself is both modern and very traditional. The walled medieval city dates to the Berber Empire. There are mosques, palaces, gardens, and, of course, the Medina which is where I bought both a painting and a wall hanging. Don't miss the Majorelle Garden and Yves Saint Laurent Museum.

Once there, it is certainly worth exploring beyond Marrakech. There is an affordable train service to take you far beyond the city limits to the town and beaches of Essaouira as well as all the major cities along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts.

Affordability : A beer in a neighborhood pub will cost about USD$3.79. A 5-mile taxi ride will be roughly $3.92. A basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district will run about $5.29.

Accommodation : In Marrakech you have a lot of options from affordable stays for golf to more cultural experiences in the city center. Here is a fairly central, modern hotel for USD$68.00 that has an 8.6 rating. Here is a hostel with an 8.8 rating, rooftop dining, and more.

Cost to get there : From Toronto, return flights start at CAD$1,022.00. From New York City, return flights start at USD$668.00.

• United States Government: Level 2 Exercise Increased Caution
• Canadian Government: Level 2 Exercise a high degree of caution
• Both countries advise to avoid travel in border regions of Western Sahara.

Best Southeast Asia Budget Destination for History and Nature: Taipei, Taiwan

Taiwan is one of the few countries in southeast Asia that is safe according to our governments as well as inexpensive. Singapore is actually less expensive than Taiwan and equally safe but does not offer travelers the same diversity of experiences. This is why I went with Taiwan.

A movie, I can't remember which one, turned me on to Taiwan's natural beauty. An article on BBC Travel increased my interest in this island nation. In fact, they wrote “Taiwan's East Coast Highway is easily one of East Asia's most beautiful spots for cycling.” That says a lot! The country also offers Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian temples, hot springs, and a cuisine influenced by the culinary traditions of Taiwan's aboriginal people, Chinese settlers, and the Japanese who ruled the island for 50 years. The city of Taipei is your point of entry, offering dramatic buildings, amazing shopping, and night markets.

Affordability : A beer in a neighborhood pub will cost about USD$6.00. A 5-mile taxi ride will be roughly $8.00. A basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district will run about $7.00.

Accommodation : Here is a hotel in Taipei city centre with an 8.6 rating for USD$54.00. Here is a hostel in the city center with a 7.3 rating for $29.00.

Cost to get there : From Toronto, return flights start at CAD$1,418.00. From New York City, return flights start at USD$1,023.00.

• United States Government: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

The Shortlist of Destinations for Solo Travelers on a Budget 202 1/2022

Top Budget Destination for Solo Travelers Africa: Windhoek, Namibia

I have friends who have fallen so in love with Namibia that they return again and again and now lead tours there for friends and acquaintances.

When asked if Namibia would qualify as a safe, interesting, inexpensive (once you get there) destination for a solo traveler, Jan said, “Absolutely! It has been a democratic country for almost three decades. With high unemployment, there is petty crime in Windhoek and one should exercise caution after dark, take taxis, etc., as in any large city. The country is safe for driving holidays; has a good infrastructure, water as well as roads; and one can drink water from the faucet.”

Affordability : One US dollar will buy you about 11.70 Namibian Dollars. A basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district will cost approximately $13.00. A beer in a neighborhood pub will set you back roughly $2.25. A 5-mile taxi ride runs about $8.50.

Here is a hotel for USD$99.00, including breakfast, with a terrace and swimming pool, located in the former Austrian embassy. Here is a hostel for $24.00 in a 4-bed dorm or $47.00 for a private room.

Cost to get there : From Toronto, return flights start at CAD$1,247.00. From New York City, return flights start at USD$1,074.00.

• United States Government: Exercise normal precautions in Namibia.
• Canadian Government: Exercise a high degree of caution in Namibia due to the high level of crime.

Top Budget Destination Asia: Yerevan, Armenia

I have wanted to travel to Armenia for a very long time, ever since falling in love with the films of Atom Egoyan.  Armenia has a lengthy, interesting history, incredible landscapes, and delicious cuisine – not to mention being home to the world’s oldest known winery.

Take a walking tour of the city to see and hear about the history, architecture, art and culture of Yerevan, including Republic Square, the Blue Mosque, the Opera House, the National Gallery and the History Museum of Armenia. Climb the stairs of the Cascade for sweeping views of the city. Picnic in Lover’s Park; tour the Ararat distillery and taste the famous brandy; visit the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute; take a day tour to Geghard to see the medieval monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site; and in warm weather, take a seat on an outdoor patio to enjoy the atmosphere and a delicious dinner.

Affordability : One US dollar will buy you about 470 Armenian Drams. A beer in a neighborhood pub will cost about $1.83. A 5-mile taxi ride will be roughly $3.00. A basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district will run about $3.87.

Here is a hotel for USD$55.00, very close to the center, but set back from the main road, and including breakfast. Here is a hostel with a 9.8/10 rating for $8.00 in an 8-bed dorm or $16.00 for a private room.

Cost to get there : From Toronto, return flights start at CAD$1713.00. From New York City, return flights start at USD$874.00.

• United States Government: Exercise normal precautions in Armenia.
• Canadian Government: Exercise a high degree of caution in Armenia due to occasional demonstrations and protests.
• Both countries advise against travel to the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Top Budget Destination for Solo Travelers Europe: Tirana, Albania

Declared “ The City Poised to Become Europe’s Next Affordable Creative Haven” by The New York Times , Tirana is the capital city of Albania .  Art galleries and museums, including the intriguing House of Leaves; Ottoman, Fascist and Soviet-era architecture along with modern glass structures; the 289 hectare Grand Park; and bars and restaurants featuring a mixture of Greek, Turkish and Italian along with traditional Albanian cuisine are just some of the reasons to visit this fascinating city surrounded by castles, ruins, and Mount Dajti National Park.

Affordability : One US dollar will buy you about 101 Albanian Leke. A basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district will cost about $8.92. A cappuccino in an expat area, roughly $1.56. A monthly ticket for public transportation runs around $16.70.

Here is a boutique hotel for USD$43.00, including breakfast, within walking distance of downtown. Here is a hostel for $12.00 in a 4-bed dorm or $43 for a private room, with breakfast available for $3.00.

Cost to get there : From Toronto, return flights start at CAD$1,135.00. From New York City, return flights start at USD$904.00

• US Government: Exercise normal precautions in Albania.
• Canadian Government: Exercise normal precautions in Albania.
• Both countries advise avoiding travel to the southern city of Lazarat due to crime.

Top Budget Destination North America: St. John’s, Canada

Newfoundland and Labrador , Canada’s most easterly province is home to friendly people, rugged coastline, and gorgeous scenery. The capital of St. John’s, one of the oldest cities in North America, is colorful, with its jellybean houses, vibrant arts community, tasty culinary scene, and personality to spare.

Affordability : One US dollar will buy you about $1.27 Canadian Dollars. A beer in a neighborhood pub will cost about $5.50. A 5-mile taxi ride will be roughly $10.20. A basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district will run about $15.00.

Here is a hotel for USD$70.00, including breakfast, within walking distance of downtown. Here is a guest house for $48.00, including breakfast in a centrally located restored mansion.

Cost to get there : From Toronto, return flights start at CAD$782.00. From New York City, return flights start at USD$623.00. Note: these prices are almost double last year.

• United States Government: Exercise normal precautions in Canada.
• Canadian Government: Sit yourself down while I make you a cup of tea.

Top Budget Destination South America: La Paz, Bolivia

This description from The Guardian sealed the deal for me in terms of placing La Paz on this year’s shortlist of destinations for solo travelers on a budget.

An amalgam of architectural styles, cultures and beliefs, it has everything from offerings to the goddess Pachamama to incense-filled colonial churches, food stalls to trendy cafes, bowler-hatted cholitas to hipsters among its theatrical street life. It’s frenetic, chaotic, often frustrating but never dull. More than ever, it’s championing its culture, from local artists to age-old crafts. There’s a gastronomic revolution under way, with restaurants that use only Bolivian produce and bars that mix homegrown spirits. And Mi Teleférico, the world’s longest and highest urban cable car network, is making it easier to get around the city.

Affordability : One US dollar will buy you about 5.41 Bolivian Bolivianos. A basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district will cost about $12.75. A beer in a neighborhood pub will be roughly $3.88, and a 5-mile taxi ride, $17.37.

Here is a centrally located boutique hotel for USD$37.00, with breakfast included. Here is a hostel for $9.00 in a 4-bed mixed dorm or female-only dorm, with breakfast included.

Cost to get there : From Toronto, return flights start at CAD$1100.00. From New York City, return flights start at USD$845.00.

• United States Government: Exercise increased caution in Bolivia due to civil unrest.
• Canadian Government: Exercise a high degree of caution in Bolivia due to the continuing political and social tensions and frequent illegal roadblocks throughout the country.

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Can you afford to travel?

This is the first question you should ask when budgeting for a trip. Vacations are a luxury and by no means a necessity. If you have any outstanding consumer debt, then you should probably rethink your travel plans. It makes no sense to take a trip if you’re currently carrying a balance on your credit card and paying 19.99%+ in interest. Even if you don’t have any debt, you should ask yourself if this money can be put towards something else more important such as your emergency fund or retirement savings. You might “need” a vacation, but it shouldn’t be your #1 priority.

Another trap people fall into is convincing themselves to travel because they found a really cheap airline ticket. Sure, you may have saved a few hundred dollars on that flight, but do you have the money to pay for all the other expenses related to your trip such as hotels, attraction tickets and meals?

Even though travel is part of my job, I often turn down opportunities because it doesn’t make financial sense.

How much to budget

Many guides will tell you to figure out how much you need for your trip so you can start saving, but I like to take a different approach. I personally recommend setting aside a fixed amount every month. By doing this, your vacation budget is built right into your monthly budget. 

For example, my family budgets $650 a month for vacations which works out to $7,800 annually. This allows us to visit almost anywhere we want as long as we’re willing to have some flexibility. Now, if you only have $2,000 – $3,000 to spend, your choices may be more limited. If you’re estimating that trip to Italy will cost you $5,000 but you have only $3,000, then obviously, you need to save more or consider a different destination. Keep in mind that this is a total budget for the year, so you can take one big trip or multiple shorter ones.

Creating a budget

It doesn’t matter where you’re travelling to these days it’s really not that hard to accurately estimate how much you’re going to spend as long as you’re realistic about it. The main things you need to budget for are as follows:

• Transportation
• Accommodation
• Local transportation
• Attractions
• Upfront costs (vaccinations, visas, luggage)

The general idea when budgeting for a trip is to consider all your costs. If you’ve never travelled before, it’s probably a good idea to budget extra since there will always be unexpected expenses that come up. The last thing you want is to miss out on an experience because you don’t have the money for it. Keep in mind that for every category you need to budget for, there are usually ways to save money. 

During your research, you may find out that a destination may be more expensive than you anticipated or more affordable than you had thought. This shouldn’t matter too much, but since you’ll have a better idea of how much things will cost you, you can plan accordingly.

It’s always a good idea to research a few different destinations at the same time just to see how much things will cost you. For example, a few years back, my wife and I were planning to go to Budapest, Vienna and Prague. During my research, I realized for the same cost of that trip to Europe, we could go to Jordan and Egypt instead. Seeing the Pyramids was always a bucket list thing to do for the both of us so we went there.

Starting to save

Once you have all your costs down you can start saving towards that goal based on your timeline. For example, if you’re estimating that a trip to Thailand will cost you $6,300 and you want to depart in 9 months, then you need to save $700 a month ($700 X 9 months = $6,300). If you’ve determined that this savings goal is a bit too hard, you need to adjust your travel plans or timeline accordingly.

With that savings goal in mind, you can now start saving. How you come up with that money is entirely up to you. Personally, I cut out excessive spending a long time ago so I would have more money to travel. I’ve also heard of people who will work more hours or pick up another job just to save more money for travel. This might sound a bit extreme, but it’s a lot better than putting your travel expenses on your credit card and paying interest later.

In my opinion, you should separate your vacation budget into an individual savings account so that money is always set aside. With a separate account, you can set up automatic transfers so your vacation budget is always growing. Psychologically, you’ll also be less tempted to spend your vacation fund on other things since you’ll be taking money away from your travel dreams.

The best place to put your vacation savings is in a high-interest savings account (HISA) with a digital bank. This benefits you because digital banks don’t charge monthly fees and have no minimum balance requirements like traditional banks do. They also pay you a decent amount of interest hence the name high-interest savings accounts. If you’re Canadian, the two following banks are who I recommend.

• 2.00%* everyday interest rate
• No monthly fees
• Unlimited day-to-day transactions
• No minimum balance required
• Unlimited free Interac e-transfers®

EQ Bank  is the digital bank I use for all my savings goals because they consistently have a high-interest rate. They allow you to create multiple accounts within your main account so you can use them for other goals that you may have too. Opening an account only takes a few minutes so do it now and start saving.

Check out other parts of the series below

Part 1 : Budgeting for a trip Part 2 :  How to pick a vacation destination Part 3 :  How to find cheap flights P art 4 : How to save money on hotels Part 5 : How to eat cheap when travelling Part 6 :  The best way to exchange money Part 7 : The basics of travel insurance Part 8 : Sticking to your travel budget

About Barry Choi

Barry Choi is a Toronto-based personal finance and travel expert who frequently makes media appearances. His blog Money We Have is one of Canada’s most trusted sources when it comes to money and travel. You can find him on Twitter: @barrychoi

[…] out other parts of the series belowPart 1: Budgeting for a tripPart 2: How to pick a vacation destinationPart 3: How to find cheap […]

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How to Plan a Disney World Trip for Under $3,000

It’s no secret that planning a Disney World vacation isn’t cheap — and with inflation impacting nearly every aspect of the consumer market , you might be wondering if it’s even still possible to plan a trip to the parks on a budget.

Where should you stay ? How many parks will you be able to visit? Can you afford to squeeze in a table service meal ? We’ve done the research and planned out an example vacation to show you how to plan a Disney World trip for under $3,000!

Before we get down to the nitty-gritty, we need to go over the parameters chosen for this hypothetical trip. In this scenario, we’re planning a 3-night, 4-day stay in Disney World for a family of four — 2 adults, and 2 kids (we picked ages 6 and 10 just for fun).

We decided to take this imaginary vacation from September 9th to 12th, 2022, and have carved out three park days and one rest day to spend at the hotel pool. We haven’t included travel costs in this trip, as your mileage may vary (literally). It’s also important to note that we’re using standard prices for everything here — no Annual Passholder, Florida Resident, Military, or DVC discounts. Just good ol’ Disney World pricing.

Now let’s plan our vacation!

Since we’re trying to be budget-friendly on this trip, Value Resorts are going to be the name of the game. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort , All-Star Resorts , and Pop Century Resort can be great options for staying on Disney World property at a lower rate.

For our hypothetical family vacation, we chose Disney’s Pop Century Resort at $202 per night. This rate is for a standard room with no stellar views, but we’ll be so busy at the parks we won’t even have time in the room for anything but sleep (and showering hopefully!).

A standard room at Pop Century can sleep up to four adults, so two adults and two kiddos can make do just fine. Keep in mind that Disney World Resort hotel rates can change based on the time of year and guest demand, so you may find the price varies a bit.

Park Tickets

We chose 3-day base tickets with no park hopper option for this trip — saving money is the name of the game, so if it works for your family to skip a park in order to still be able to go to Disney World at all — do it! We often find that back-to-back park days WITH park-hopping can be exhausting, so choosing this option will help our budget and most likely our attitudes as well.

This will also leave us room for a day of lounging by the pool — it is possible to relax a bit on your Disney World trip! Since Disney allows guests to bundle hotel reservations and park tickets, we made our selections (Pop Century Resort and 3-day base tickets) which brought our total so far to  $2,151.22.

Hotel? Check. Park tickets? Check. Let’s find out what we’re going to EAT on this budget vacation.

To keep things easy and convenient on park days, we’ve planned to eat breakfast at the Everything Pop Food Court at the hotel. We’re also bringing our reusable water bottles so we don’t have to pay for drinks at every meal. This saves valuable time that could be spent in the parks, and it’ll most likely save money too. The total comes to just under $40 for two adult entrees, two kids entrees, and two coffees.

We’re heading to Magic Kingdom for our first park day, and now that we’ve already had breakfast and gone on our first few attractions, we’ve worked up quite the appetite. Magic Kingdom can be hectic, so we’ve planned a mid-day lunch break at Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen . We’ve budgeted about $110 for one appetizer, two adult entrees, two kids entrees, one dessert, and a tip. Dinner will be at Casey’s Corner (because we love corn dog nuggets, ok?) — for two adult entrees, two kids entrees, and two drinks (treat yo’ self) we’re looking at just under $45.

For our second park day, we’re planning on starting off at Everything Pop! again before heading to Disney’s Hollywood Studios — bringing our breakfast total for the day to about $40 again. We’re heading over to Woody’s Lunch Box for lunch where we can get two adult entrees, two kids entrees, and two lunch box tarts for around  $50.  We decided to dine at another quick-service location for dinner so that we would have room in the budget for a character breakfast, so for dinner, we’ll spend about $55 on two adult entrees, two kids entrees, and one dessert at Docking Bay 7 .

We’ve decided to take a break from the parks on day 3, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be any excitement — we’ve planned a character breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace ! Since Pop Century and Disney’s Riviera Resort are both on the Skyliner, we’ll be able to pop on over and back easily. For two adult meals, two kids meals, and tip the total is around  $163. 

We’re mobile ordering lunch poolside today from Everything Pop! and for two adult entrees, two kids entrees, and two drinks we’re spending just under $50. After a long day at the pool, we’re hopping on the Skyliner to have dinner at Sebastian’s Bistro at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort for around $100.

Since we planned for a rest day, we’re ready for our final park day — this time we’re heading to EPCOT! But not before having our favorite  $40 breakfast at Everything Pop! The Food & Wine Festival is going on during this imaginary September trip, so instead of sitting down for a meal at lunch, we’re noshing on some tasty festival treats. We’ve budgeted  $100  for this, as many of the festival items are around $7 on average.

Despite eating all day around the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival, we’ve even planned for dinner at La Cantina de San Angel just in case we haven’t had our fill. For two adult entrees, two kids entrees, and one dessert, we’re spending around $54.  And that’s it for our budget Disney World vacation!

Total Trip Cost

So, did we make it happen? Is it possible to plan a Disney World trip for under $3,000? Well, yes — but there are some caveats. Our grand total for everything was $2,998.22 , so technically we did stay under budget. But, our plans didn’t factor in any sort of travel costs, souvenirs, extras, or alcohol. Depending on where you’re traveling from your costs could increase significantly, and if you’re going to need that cocktail in EPCOT you might want to see if you can squeeze that into your budget.

At the end of the day, this is a hypothetical Disney World trip that might not work for you and your family — so keep that in mind. We’re always looking out for ways to help you save on your Disney World trip without compromising your overall experience, so be sure to stay tuned to AllEars for more!

These Are the 8 NEW Things to Plan for in Disney World in 2022

Now is a great time to head to Disney World — Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are right around the corner, and don’t forget that the 50th anniversary celebrations are still going strong!

Join the AllEars.net Newsletter  to get the free list of the 10 Best Secrets of Disney World! Click here to get started!

Are you planning a Disney World vacation in 2022? Let us know in the comments!

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2 Replies to “How to Plan a Disney World Trip for Under $3,000”

Yes we fly out on 27th of this month September.For 3 adults flights from Scotland and hotel on I-Drive for 2 weeks nearly £6000 but that’s our 14 day park passes.( hotel is room only.)

Thanks for breaking this down. You still need to add, as mentioned in this article, transportation which can be a lot. I don’t like planes so the last two years I’ve gone down by Amtrak. It’s about $1300 for a sleeper compartment for two, which includes meals and takes two days each way to get to Orlando. Then we have to book Mears Orlando for about $100 each way to get to our Disney hotel from Amtrak Orlando. Plus transportation from home to get to our closest Amtrak which is about $500 round trip. So for me it’s 2k just for transportation alone. Then add on refillable mugs, magic bands, memory maker, behind the scenes tours – it costs 7k to 8k for a week for two adults.

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Bucket list travel on a budget: Expert tips for airfare, loyalty programs, credit card perks and more

Many travelers have their sights set on summer getaways , but with everything from baggage fees to fuel costs impacting the price of a ticket, "Good Morning America" is asking travel experts to share tips for booking bucket list destinations on a budget and finding savings along the way.

Travel expert Nicky Kelvin, senior director of content for The Points Guy, offered his tips for affordable travel techniques.

Where to find the best flight deals

Kelvin encourages travelers to utilize Google Flights and other free price-tracking tools to compare fare prices and snag the best deal.

He also suggests using both the calendar and map features within Google Flights to see which airports, dates and destinations how the lowest fare.

From the Google Flights homepage on a computer, click "explore destinations" and select a departure city without adding a destination. Then zoom out on the map to see the best prices for destinations all over the world.

Get the most out of free travel loyalty programs

Travelers should be earning points for anything and everything that they are buying or booking from airline and hotels to car rentals, Kelvin said.

In addition to the points that can can help travelers earn free flights and hotel stays, Kelvin said to look for extra perks just for joining.

Hyatt rewards, for example, offers all guests free breakfast.

For Thrifty Car Rental and Dollar Car Rental, he said you can add your spouse or domestic partner as an additional driver for free.

Loyalty programs are great for airlines too. JetBlue, for example, allows enrolled customers -- even if they don't have enough points for a flight -- to use points for discounts. Plus, with any airline, as you accumulate points to earn status, you can get free seating upgrades.

Travel credit cards with cash back perks

Along with earning points, travel credit cards give you protection for your trip like insurance to help with lost or damaged baggage and trip cancellation protection

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As for credit cards, The Points Guy team suggests the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card as an all-around pick -- you get 75,000 miles after meeting your minimum spend in the first three months. Which Kelvin said is a value of over $1,300.

If you're looking to earn the most miles, he said look to the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.

"You'll earn the most points on all your purchases with this one," he said.

Finally, if you want a credit card with no fee, Kelvin suggested the Bilt Mastercard, which he said is particularly great for renters because you can earn points on what's likely someone's biggest expense.

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If someone's trip is taking them out of the country, using a cell phone internationally can cost $10 to 15 per day. For a family of four, that's more than $400 for a week.

If your phones support eSIM, Kelvin suggested purchasing a data plan for your destination through an app such as Airalo, Truphone or GigSky.

For example, one of Airalo's global SIM plans costs $9 for one week, which could save a family close to $350 dollars, depending on their existing international coverage.

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Visiting Hawaii on a budget (2023): all the tricks and tips you need to know

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Most people think that “Hawaii” and “budget” don’t belong in the same sentence. After all, it’s supposed to be a splurge to visit a gorgeous tropical paradise… right?

We’re here to tell you that traveling to Hawaii on a budget is possible and can be even more rewarding than what the brochures from expensive resorts show you. There are so many opportunities for how to do Hawaii on a budget in every category – from airfares to discount accommodations in Hawaii to saving money on activities. Keep reading for our best tips to save money on a trip to Hawaii.

And listen – please only share this post with people you really like, because I’m sharing all of our very best secrets for visiting Hawaii on a budget. It’s very long because I don’t want to leave anything out, so you may want to save or bookmark the post to come back to later!

Finding the cheapest way to go to Hawaii

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Trying to plan a Hawaii vacation on a budget? Make sure you don’t blow it before your feet even touch the sand! If you’re traveling from mainland US to Hawaii, there’s a very good chance that you can score an awesome deal on your airfare to Hawaii and there are lots of ways to do it. Read on for insider tips on how to go to Hawaii on a budget.

First, be flexible about your dates and which island you visit – within reason. Since airfare and lodging are the two biggest components of your Hawaii trip cost, you’ll want to balance those two to minimize your costs. Second, weigh the many options you have for using cash or points to book those plane tickets. Here are just a few ways to save money on airfare to Hawaii:

Find the cheapest airfare for cash payment

Sometimes the simplest thing to do is pay cash for a plane ticket, and with the great deals you can often find from America’s west coast it just might make sense. The first place to start your search is on Skyscanner .

We love using Skyscanner to find flights because it allows us to reflect our total flexibility – we can allow nearby airports on both ends and search for whole months at a time to land the best rate. Even if you don’t end up paying cash, it’s always important to know the going rate for flights when evaluating whether or not an award redemption is worthwhile.

Look for special deals

In early 2019 Southwest launched their much-anticipated service to Hawaii. Introductory fares were as low as $49 each way from select airports and eligible for Companion Pass! Now fares have settled in higher, but still cheaper than plenty of mainline carriers. Southwest’s Companion Pass only requires that you pay taxes, so it can be a really great deal. The fastest way to earn your companion pass is by opening a Southwest credit card – even faster if you open a personal card and a business card.

The catch is that they don’t have an extensive route map if you live outside of the West Coast: currently they only offer non-stop service from California, Phoenix and Las Vegas to Hawaii, with the most extensive service to Oahu in Maui . Some US cities also get flights to Kauai and Big Island . There are also inter-island flights, but it’s definitely worth comparing prices versus local carrier Mokulele Airlines to find the cheapest option.

Still and all, the Companion Pass is such an amazing value that I recently opened two Southwest credit cards in anticipation of a return visit to Hawaii. I only have to pay $5.60 to bring another family member with me! See the latest Southwest credit card promotions to get your Companion Pass.

❗ Learn more: How to get the Southwest companion pass

Many frequent flyers have heard of Southwest’s Companion Pass that you can earn through credit card sign up bonuses , but did you know that Alaska Airlines offers a similar one too? Alaska’s is a little different (only one per year and generally $99 per companion ticket plus taxes, but the base fare is often waived in the first year with promotions) but Alaska Airlines has tons of flights to Hawaii ! You can earn one with an Alaska Airlines credit card .

And it’s not one of those gimmicks where you have to pay an exorbitant price for the first ticket in order to use a companion fare on the second one (as with some old Amex promotions), you can just buy any regular ticket on the website. Especially for west coasters who already have access to bargain plane tickets to the Aloha State, this might be one the cheapest way to travel to Hawaii.

Book with frequent flyer miles

Obviously the cheapest way to go to Hawaii is not to pay for it! When your friends ask you how to go do Hawaii on a budget, this is usually the first trick you’ll want to tell them about. “Free” is the cheapest way to get to Hawaii and one we’ve taken advantage of many times.

We recommend targeting at least 2 cents per mile, but sometimes it makes sense to redeem for as little as 1.5 cents per mile if you really don’t want to spend the money out of pocket (after all, if you’re buying four plane tickets to pretty much anywhere you’re looking at a minimum of a thousand dollars). While many airlines now offer dynamic (= more expensive) point redemptions, here are the major airline baseline award redemptions for from the continental US to Hawaii as of October 2022 (economy class for us, folks):

American Airlines – 45,000 peak; 40,000 off-peak

United Airlines – 45,000

Delta Airlines – 45,000

Alaska Airlines – 40,000

British Airways – 26,000 from west coast , 51,500 from east coast (operated by AA)

From the chart above, it’s clear where the value in frequent flyer tickets to Hawaii lies. Alaska Airlines and sometimes British Airways can offer far better value than the mainline US carriers. British Airways offers a distance-based award chart, so passengers coming from the west coast only need 26,000 miles for a round trip, while east coasters would need a whopping 51,500 miles!

Ok, so how can you earn enough British Airways Avios points as an American? Simple: open up a Chase Sapphire Preferred , Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Ink Business Preferred card and once your sign-up bonus hits, do an instant transfer to your Executive Club account! Then redeem here through your account BA account. As of August 2023, the Sapphire Preferred sign up bonus is 60,000 points as is the Chase Sapphire Reserve sign up bonus , while small business owners get a 100,000 point sign up bonus with the Ink Business Preferred. That’s almost enough to get a family to Hawaii and back from the West Coast. You can also follow our lead and get both personal and business cards for each adult in the family cards to really juice up your award travel options.

Southwest’s frequent flyer redemption is fare-based so it varies a ton, but you can combine it with your Companion Pass discussed above to get two tickets to Hawaii for just the miles you’d need for one ticket. If you can find an affordable time of year using their low fare calendar, it’s a dynamite option to fly to Hawaii for cheap. Apply for a Southwest credit card here to start earning your Companion Pass. If you also have the Chase cards I mentioned above, know that you can transfer those Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest as well if you’re a little short.

If you’re in a city with lots of United flights, the most straightforward option might be to grab a United Mileage Plus Explorer credit card . The usual fee is $95 per year (though sometimes the first year fee is waived) and it comes with 50,000 bonus miles – enough to cover your ticket. We love that it includes free checked baggage when you use the card, even if you’re just covering taxes on an award ticket redemption, and you’ll get two passes to the United Club lounge. We carry this card and use it whenever we’re booking United flights.

Redeem Chase Ultimate Reward Points

Wondering how to go to Hawaii on the cheap? The final way to save money on plane tickets to Hawaii is actually how we picked up three of our four tickets on one trip to Hawaii. Since we’ve accumulated a ton of Chase Ultimate Rewards points through our Sapphire Preferred , Sapphire Reserve and Ink Business Preferred cards, we’ve sometimes taken advantage of their flexibility to buy our tickets.

One of our favorite features of Ultimate Rewards points is that you can redeem them for almost any travel expense through the portal; your redemption rate is 1-1.25 cents per point with most Chase cards and 1.5 cents per point if you have the Sapphire Reserve card (even if the points were earned on a different Chase card and transferred or pooled).

In our case tickets on Alaska were $445 each if purchased with cash, so we redeemed almost exactly 30,000 points for each. Ultimate Rewards points do not transfer to Alaska Airlines, but by purchasing through the portal we had no out of pocket expense – not even taxes. Pretty sweet!

Want to plan the ultimate Hawaii vacation? Click here for step-by-step Hawaii travel planning help!

Save money by going carry-on only!  Check out our full (but minimalist) women’s packing list for Hawaii .

Hopefully we’ve gotten you to Hawaii without putting too big of a dent in your wallet. The other huge chunk of the cost of a Hawaii vacation is accommodation. If you really want to plan a budget trip to Hawaii, consider a home exchange.

Check out this map to find (slightly) more budget-friendly options:

Vacation Rentals in Hawaii

Vacation rentals can be a great option in Hawaii, but it’s important to know what you’re getting in to. In June 2019, the mayor of Honolulu enacted strict limits on unhosted short-term vacation rentals on Oahu – essentially stifling the market for Airbnb on Oahu outside of designated tourist zones like Waikiki, Ko Olina and Turtle Bay. Newer restrictions are even tougher.

Other areas will still have some vacation rentals available, but limited in number and they have to be licensed. Likewise, other parts of Hawaii have limits on short-term rentals. Vacation rentals can be one of the best options for how to do Hawaii on the cheap, but check listings carefully!

If you find an awesome legal rental in Hawaii, that can be a great way to stay! You’ll be able to save money on groceries, parking and more while also enjoying a different kind of feel.

Here are some great options to consider for each island (though “cheap” is a relative term and varies somewhat by island):

• Cheap vacation rentals on Oahu
• Cheap vacation rentals on Maui
• Cheap vacation rentals on the Big Island
• Cheap vacation rentals on Kauai

Hotels in Hawaii

Would you rather just stay in a hotel in Hawaii? There are so many to choose from, even if you’re planning a trip to Hawaii on a budget!

The cheapest way to stay at a hotel in Hawaii is for free, obviously. We recently grabbed a World of Hyatt credit card so that we can use the sign-up bonus for an upcoming trip to Kauai and Maui! While there are tons of hotel loyalty programs out there, Hyatt has the most generous award chart and often requires only half as many points per night as competitors like Marriott and Hilton. In addition, award stays pay no resort fee and still count toward achieving elite status. We really love the Hyatt program!

If that all sounds great, I have even better news for you. The Chase Sapphire Preferred , Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Ink Business Preferred cards credit cards that our family uses can transfer their points to Hyatt as well! Obviously you need to use your credit cards responsibly and pay the balances every month, but if you’re strategic about your sign up bonuses you can land a mostly free trip to paradise by combining one of the airline programs I mentioned above with the Hyatt hotel program.

Another budget-friendly hotel option for Hawaii is to try to look for ones that offer a kitchen and laundry to avoid pricey meals out and laundry services. You’ll still get the resort amenities like beautiful pools, on-site restaurants and quality staffing. Check out these great options on each island:

Oahu : – Beach Villas at Ko Olina – Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club (also check here for deals ) >>> Check out this area-by-area guide to where to stay on Oahu

Maui : – Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas (this is where we stayed during our first trip to Hawaii with a baby and it was wonderful!) – Honua Kai resort

Kauai : – Plantation Hale Suites (***bargain alert!) – Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club – Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons – Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas – Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu We haven’t visited Kauai yet, but check out this detailed guide to the best of kid-friendly Kauai !

Big Island : – Inn At Kulaniapia – Orchid Tree B&B – Hilo Bay Oceanfront Bed & Breakfast – Kilauea Lodge & Restaurant – Hilton Waikoloa Village – Waikoloa Village vacation rentals (we stayed in one of these on our last visit and it was wonderful) – Mauna Lani Point Villas – The Islands At Mauna Lani – Mauna Lani Resort (I felt so pampered when I stayed here many years ago!) – Westin Hapuna Beach Resort – Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (we love the beach here, arguably one of the Big Island’s best)

Read more: Check out these simple tips for saving more on your reservations!

If you or a loved one is a member of the US military, make sure to check out the Hale Koa Hotel on Waikiki Beach. As a “thank you” to service members, this fairly basic hotel offers a world-class location and comfortable amenities as prices that can be half or even a third of the price of surrounding resorts. Find more details here about this wonderful option for service members wondering how to visit Hawaii on a budget.

Home Exchange in Hawaii

There are so many reasons why we love home exchange, and a few that are extremely relevant to planning a Hawaii family vacation on a budget.

First, your cash expense to do a home exchange in Hawaii will be less than one night in a hotel .

Second, having a real home with a kitchen means you can avoid pricey restaurant meals – and they sure are pricey in Hawaii!

Third, being away from the main tourist areas means almost everything will be less expensive (not to mention less crowded) – groceries are cheaper, our long-term Home Exchange house on Oahu had its own parking and the house even came stocked with boogie boards and snorkel gear so that we didn’t have to rent.

Beyond the economics, doing a home exchange in Hawaii had other amazing benefits. Everyone had plenty of space to stretch out. We had our own laundry facilities. We hung out at “locals only” spots rather than the crowded tourist beaches. There was a second fridge for all our Costco supplies. Oh, and we even had enough space that both grandmas came to join us for a few weeks during our slow travel on Oahu! Want more tips for planning a multigenerational vacation ?

Camping in Hawaii and RV in Hawaii

Another option for the truly budget-minded is camping on Hawaii. Every island has some wonderful, gorgeous places to pitch your tent though the amenities vary tremendously by site. Check out this helpful roundup of where to camp on Kauai .

If you want to combine your accommodations and your transportation, consider renting an RV in Hawaii . There are tons of beautiful campgrounds on every island and you’ll save money overall compared with renting a car and a hotel room.

Renting a car in Hawaii seems, like many things, to be more expensive than on the mainland. In some places like Honolulu and Waikiki you can stay amidst the tourist throngs and get by without a car – walk to popular beaches, walk to mini marts, walk to tourist restaurants, and rely on hotel concierges to book activities on other parts of the island that include transportation. You can take buses to some places on Oahu, but they can be very time consuming.

Read more: 10 things you NEED to know before renting a car in Hawaii

If you are a solo traveler in Hawaii, it might make sense to go stay in one of the cities the car-free route since all of those small (or large) premia are only impacting one traveler. For couples or families, though, you’ll more than make up the cost of a rental car by saving money on pretty much everything else . You’ll also gain the freedom to explore beautiful, peaceful spots that most tourists don’t get to see. Moreover, in many parts of Hawaii you absolutely need a car to get around.

Bringing the kids? Save money on your rental by bringing your own travel car seats . Click to read all the best tips.

We have a few favorites for finding deals on car rentals in Hawaii (and everywhere else). The most straightforward is good old RentalCars.com . You can quickly search for the type of car you want across tons of providers of all sizes and reserve without any upfront payment . Nearly every reservation can be cancelled, so we often check back weekly leading up to our travels and rebook if we see a better rate.

A great local option is Discount Hawaii Car Rental . They work with all of the major Hawaii car rental companies and have Hawaii-based customer service in case an issue comes up. That can be especially helpful if you’re arriving when it’s late in the day on the mainland.

Another option to consider is joining AARP . The membership costs about as much as a Starbucks run but can save you up to 30% on rental car rates (in addition to discounts on some hotels)! Surprisingly, you don’t have to be a senior or retired to join AARP.

Our rental car ended up being by far the most expensive component of our 5 week trip to Hawaii. We needed a minivan for part of our trip, but it would have been the same price as renting one compact car for five weeks and a second compact car for a week and a half in the middle when we were joined by a few grandmas.

Though the minivan was pricey at $1600 for five weeks, it was handy to have for hauling around a big stack of boogie boards, beach towels and cases of food from Costco (more on that below). If you plan to shop at Costco and haul around lots of beach gear, you may want to consider sizing up from the smaller options. For reference, the quote we received for an intermediate car for 10 days was just shy of $500. Thanks to rental car shortages after the pandemic, rates may be significantly higher if you’re booking a shorter rental period.

What’s the best place to get gas in Hawaii? It’s often Costco. Seriously, folks. On average gas was 70 cents cheaper per gallon at Costco than at other local gas stations during our last visit. That’s more than $10 saved every time you fill up! That said, other local gas sellers have upped their game by lowering their prices so it’s worth peeking at Safeway and Sam’s Club prices when you drive by, as the Costco gas lines can be long. My favorite tip for comparing gas prices in Hawaii is that on the store detail page for each Costco warehouse you can expand the “Gas Station” section to see hours and the current price! (Note that Hawaii Kai does not have gas, but all other Costco warehouses in Hawaii do.)

Not sure which island to pick? Find the best Hawaiian island for your family vacation.

If you prefer simplicity in your travel arrangements, one option to consider for Hawaii vacations on a budget is a package deal. That’s how we went on our first Hawaii vacation!

Before booking a package deal, you need to carefully consider the value of everything that’s included to make sure it’s actually the cheapest way to vacation in Hawaii for the dates you want. We booked ours as a Black Friday special, so it was deeply discounted.

Here are some great places to look for discount Hawaii vacation packages:

• Expedia (that’s where we booked ours)
• TravelZoo (we’ve gotten great deals for other destinations)
• Costco Travel

If you’re planning a budget Hawaii vacation, you’ll need to think carefully about how and where you’ll eat. Many items have to be transported to Hawaii by ship, so food prices in Hawaii can be anywhere from a few cents to a few dollars more than on the mainland. Having a plan for food is one of the keys to how to travel to Hawaii on a budget.

Of course the best way to save money on food in Hawaii is to book a vacation rental with a kitchen and prepare food yourself. But even if you plan to make all your meals at your home away from home, you’ll have to be judicious in you grocery purchases. But we’ve done some scouting for you and have a few suggestions to help you through since grocery prices in Hawaii can be quite daunting.

First, let’s discuss Costco. If you already have a membership and you’ll be visiting Hawaii with a few other people, Costco in Hawaii can be a great value ! Prices are nearly the same as at Costco on the mainland, and prices are much cheaper than local grocery stores for items like dairy, eggs and meat. There are seven Costco locations in Hawaii, including four on Oahu.

In addition to food and pantry staples, you’ll find some beach gear, Hawaiian shirts and other handy items. While you’re there, grab a meal at Costco – it doesn’t require membership and the whole family can eat for less than $10! It’s not a nutritious choice to make every day, but if you’re going to Costco in Hawaii once every week or two it’s a great way to save a little money without cooking at home.

Pro tip: If you don’t have a Costco membership but know someone who does, have them buy you some Costco Cash cards (gift cards). You can use these without a membership!

All that said, before you dive in on a Costco membership for your cheap trip to Hawaii consider whether or not you’ll actually make it through a 20 pound bag of rice during your vacation. And where will you store all that food? What should you do if you’ll only be in Hawaii for a short time or you aren’t bringing an entire football team? Head to Target!

That’s right, the big red bullseye of value has made it to paradise! You’ll find locations on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island and the stores are full of all your favorites from the mainland – plus some local specialties in the “Aloha Shop”. Since Target carries groceries – both house brand and national brands, it might just be the best place to do your grocery shopping in Hawaii. Similarly, if you prefer to shop at Walmart you’ll find tons of stores on Oahu and one or two on the other islands.

You may notice that prices in those stores are a little higher than what you’d find on the mainland, but fear not: both stores offer price match guarantees . Just pull up the item you want on your phone from the store’s website – or another major website – and they’ll give you the lower price right there at the register! I saved 20% on our sunscreen that way. Target will definitely be your friend when you travel to Hawaii on the cheap.

Another local option is Foodland. We found many items there that were only a little more expensive than at our local grocery stores on the mainland, though some things (like dairy and eggs) were much more expensive than we found at Costco. Sign up for their Maika’i card for extra discounts and make sure to check out the poke counter in the back of the store – we got an inside tip that many locals hit Foodland for their own poke fixes.

One of the great things about a vacation in Hawaii is that there are so many amazing things to do for free that take full advantage of what makes the Aloha State special. You can relax on the beach, hike to a waterfall , go on a scenic drive and even attend a hula performance – all for free! It’s one of the best places to travel to without a passport if you’re American.

We’ve had plenty of days in Hawaii when we didn’t spend a dime (except on shave ice, but that’s a different story). But what about big ticket paid activities? Can you still do them even if you’re visiting Hawaii on a budget? Here are a few ideas for how to have those special experiences without busting your budget.

Read more: 10 things to do on Oahu under $10

Go Oahu Card

The Go Oahu Card by Smart Destinations bundles multiple activities together to save you money. There are two different options to choose from: All-Inclusive or Build Your Own.

With their All-Inclusive pass you pay a fixed rate based on the number of days you’d like to use the card (which can be spread over a two week period) and then you can do as many of those activities as you can squeeze in! There are options ranging from luaus to catamaran snorkeling trips to hikes to movie tours, and many activities offer free transportation from Waikiki in case you don’t have a car.

You can choose cards for 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days – cards for 3 days or more include your choice of one “premium” activity like a luau, a sunset dinner sail, snorkeling with wild sea turtles or even a semi-private surfing lesson.

If you’re visiting Oahu for a week, we think the 3 day card is the sweet spot for value at $219 per adult and $189 per child. Why? In addition to great activities like the Polynesian Cultural Center, you’ll get to choose one premium activity like a snorkel boat tour. There are plenty of other high-value activities included for the other two days so that you’d easily get plenty of value from the 3-day card .

Read all about the Go Oahu card and how to make the most of it when you’re traveling to Hawaii on a budget.

Check out just a few activities you can do with your Go Oahu card :

Entertainment Book

Remember the Entertainment Book that our families all used to buy during fundraisers in the 1980s? They’re still around. And they actually offer some pretty good deals in Hawaii on several islands!

As with most deals in the Entertainment Book , you’ll generally find 2-for-1 type coupons. You’ll find coupons for plenty of restaurants, but also coupons for wonderful attractions like the helicopter tours, snorkel rentals, Twogood Kayaks, the Bishop Museum, the Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor and more. If you use it for even one or two activities in Hawaii, it’ll pay for itself. You can even choose a digital book to have all the deals at your fingertips!

>>> See all the deals available in the Hawaii Entertainment Book.

Check out more awesome things to do on Oahu with kids

Admission to National Parks in Hawaii

If you plan to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island or Haleakalā on Maui, you can get in  FREE with your America the Beautiful annual pass . For just $80 per year, you can get into nearly all federal government-run recreational lands. It will generally pay for itself in just three or four uses (or even two if you’re visiting some of the popular/expensive parks). Pick up your pass today.

Shopping for someone else? Consider these great National Park themed gifts !

Groupon and Living Social

Other great resources for saving money in Hawaii are daily deal sites like Groupon and Living Social. You can find discounts on sailing trips, helicopter rides, parasailing and more. If you’re looking for things to do in Hawaii on a budget, make Groupon your first stop! Check out the deals here.

Use your memberships

You might have the key to cheap and free activities right in your wallet! If you’re a AAA member, always ask when booking hotels or activities if they offer a special rate.

And if you are a member of a science center back home that participates in the ASTC Passport program, bring your card to the wonderful Bishop Museum in Honolulu to receive free admission. We went twice (for free!) and even considered a third visit. It’s the perfect free activity if you’re trying to visit Hawaii with kids on a budget!

Military discounts

There are almost 50,000 US military personnel and their dependents living in Hawaii (population around 1.5 million). Military families vacationing in Hawaii will find discounts almost everywhere on admission to attractions. You’ll also benefit from lower hotel rates and access to four commissaries on Oahu, plus an exchange where you can buy discounted gifts. Thank you for your service!

There are two schools of thought about “island hopping” in Hawaii as it relates to the cheapest way to visit Hawaii.

First, the “pro island hopping camp”: Flights from mainland US to Hawaii are generally long and expensive. It’s cheaper to fly to Hawaii once and visit several islands while you’re there than it is to pay for separate roundtrip airfares. This is especially true if you’re coming from the east coast or if Hawaii is a once-in-a-lifetime splurge for you! The cheapest way to travel between Hawaiian islands is to look for a deal on Southwest and use companion pass if you have it, especially if you’ll need to check a bag.

Second, the “anti island hopping camp”: If you’re trying to plan a trip to Hawaii on a budget, you’ll economize more by staying in one place. Many vacation rentals offer a weekly rate. Rental cars are much cheaper by the week – often 5 days cost more than 7 days ( see the difference here ).

If you visit two islands (or more!) you’ll have to either eat out all the time or buy small, expensive quantities of food – and then buy them again on your next stop.

Plus you have to pay to get from one island to another, often around $75 each way. You can limit that to one segment if you book an “open jaw” into one island and out of another, but check that pricing versus a regular roundtrip plus an inter-island roundtrip.

Where do we fall? We suggest that you sit back and enjoy the aloha on one island at a time! Hawaii will always be waiting for you to return. The exception is if you’ve already been to some of the islands and want to visit a new on, but flight availability isn’t great. Now that we live in the Midwest it might work out better for us to stop on Oahu or Maui en route to Kauai since it has fewer inbound flights from the mainland.

If you’re planning a family vacation to Hawaii on a budget, some of the tips we’ve already mentioned will be extremely helpful! Here’s a quick roundup:

• Look for companion pass deals for airfare
• Grab an Airbnb with a kitchen – make sure it has a decent sized fridge if you plan to shop at Costco in Hawaii
• Encourage your kids to eat fresh, local food rather than food that’s packaged and sent from the mainland (you can bring a box of cereal in your luggage if that’s a must-have)
• Bring your own car seat to avoid paying for one with your rental car
• Use your science museum membership from home for free admission to the Bishop Museum
• If possible, avoid major school break times

Obviously prices vary a ton depending on where you’re coming from and style of travel. As a baseline, domestic plane tickets to Hawaii cost $400-1200 per person in 2022. Hotel or Airbnb accommodations cost $150-600 per night. The cost of food varies tremendously, but budget at least $40 per person per day if you’ll be eating all your meals at restaurants. Even “cheap trips to Hawaii” aren’t really cheap by true budget travel standards unfortunately.

Oahu can be very inexpensive thanks to abundant choices for lodging and food, and staying in Waikiki can remove the need for a rental car. The Hilo side of the Big Island also offers good value for the money, as it’s one of the less popular tourist areas. All things considered, the Big Island is probably the cheapest island in Hawaii.

We’ve found great deals almost anytime outside of school breaks! Fall is the quietest (and thus, cheapest) time for tourism in Hawaii. January and February can also be inexpensive times for flights as long as you avoid the end of winter break and the long weekends during the season.

If you’re flying at an off-peak time of year, you can often snag deals just a week or two in advance from the west coast. For flights over holiday periods or from the east coast, you’ll want to buy your tickets several months in advance for the best deals.

Prefer a visual version? Check out our Hawaii on a budget web story !

See all of our Hawaii travel planning resources in one place Travel planning resources: Compare rental car prices for Hawaii Buy a top-rated travel insurance policy 5 simple money-saving tips for booking.com General Hawaii resources: How to visit Hawaii on a budget Renting a car in Hawaii: 10 things you NEED to know What to pack for Hawaii Is a cheap GoPro knock-off worth it? Hawaii with kids: What’s the best Hawaiian island for families? Is it worth visiting Hawaii with a baby? Ultimate packing list for Hawaii with kids Top 10 things to do with kids on Oahu The best snorkel gear for kids of all ages Oahu resources: Best Oahu travel guide book Perfect 7 day Oahu itinerary Where to stay on Oahu Family-friendly Oahu vacation rentals Cheap Places To Stay On Oahu 10 Fun Things to do on Oahu for $10 or less Getting the most bang for your buck on your Go Oahu discount card Insider tips for visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center The best beaches on Oahu (and why to visit them) Where to find the best shave ice on Oahu The best easy hikes on Oahu North Shore Oahu complete visitors guide Kayaking to the Mokes with Twogood Kayaks Family-friendly kayaking with Holokai Adventures Visiting Pearl Harbor Maui resources: Best Maui travel guide book Perfect 3 day Maui itinerary Cheap Places To Stay On Maui Big Island resources: Best Big Island travel guide book Perfect 5 day Big Island itinerary Cheap Places To Stay On the Big Island Kauai resources: Best Kauai travel guide book Perfect 3 day Kauai itinerary Cheap Places To Stay On Kauai

What are your secrets for how to do Hawaii on a budget?

Many thanks to our awesome partners in paradise, including Home Exchange, Smart Destinations, Polynesian Cultural Center and Twogood Kayaks; all opinions are my own.

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13 thoughts on “visiting hawaii on a budget (2023): all the tricks and tips you need to know”.

Yayyyyyyy!!! We went for our honeymoon, so I’m loving this! Now I know we can actually go back with the kids one day and not break the bank… so cool that you were able to be there for so long!

Out of all the states I have visited the only state I still have to go to is Hawaii. I always thought it is super mega expensive. Your post proves the opposite and I think it’s the time to start planning a trip. Can’t wait to go!

This is such a great post. We live in Aus and spent a month in Hawaii on our honeymoon back in 2016. Your photos took me right back. We did find accomodation so expensive, even through Airbnb- I wish we’d known about the house exchange back then! Thats such a good way to save some money while seeing the world.

I hope to visit it one day! great post #fearlessfamtrav

I’d love to visit Hawaii, but have always been turned off by the potential price! This post was awesome for me. Saving it for the future. ##fearlessfamtrav

Great tips! We loved Hawaii but not the cheapest #fearlessfamtrav

I love posts like this! Showing how seemingly expensive places are accessible for budget travellers. Good call on the Costco card, although great tips all round. Thanks for linking up to #fearlessfamtrav

Amazing tips, we are going to Hawaii on a home exchange so will already save a bit of money but these tips will be really helpful.

That’s so exciting! Which island are you visiting?

Thank you for these budget tips you shared to us. Hawaii is the best place for vacation lots of delicious foods and shopping center their. I hope i can go their next year.

I was under the impression that Hawaii is very expensive but your article proved me wrong.I would love to visit Hawaii soon

This is a great page. It’s very engaging and well written. I’ll come back from time to time for more posts like this one.

This is a really cool page. One of the best posts I’ve come across in quite a while. I hope to see more.

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Vacation Budget Calculator: How Much Does the Average Vacation Cost?

By: Author Kim Tate

Posted on Published: January 5, 2023

We’ve all heard that taking a vacation is great for our mental health. It’s a chance to get away from our stressful daily lives and go on an adventure. In addition to figuring out where you’ll go on your next vacation, you need to start saving for vacation expenses. Before we can figure out what you need to save, we need to know, how much does the average vacation cost ?

In this article:

How Much Does an Average Vacation Really Cost? 

I’m using my own experience with vacation costs to get a basic idea of what the average vacation cost is for a family. Of course, these numbers are just averages to help you with your planning. I will say that in the past year, vacation costs have skyrocketed

I’ve researched the average cost for most standard vacation expenses. These numbers can easily be used to calculate the vacation cost for one person or a couple, but for a family of four, the average cost of vacation will be between $4,100 and $5,100.

Wondering “how do I create a vacation budget?” Use the calculator at the bottom of this post as a personal vacation cost estimator based on your family size and destination. And print off my vacation budget planner to keep track of your estimates.

How Much Does the Average Person Spend on a Vacation?

An estimate of what the average person spends on vacation is approximately $350 per day plus transportation costs.

This is based on spending $200-$300 a night on your accommodations and $75 a day on meals. For meals, I’m estimating $15 for breakfast, $25 for lunch, $30 for dinner, plus $5 for a snack.

Of course, this is just an estimate! Personally, I think $200 a night for accommodations is low, but it will depend on the destination and what type of hotel you like. Based on my vacations I’d estimate spending $250-$350 per night in a hotel. Especially lately! I recently saw rates for basic chain hotels hitting $600 a night in New York City in December.

Traveling during a peak holiday or event? Expect your hotel costs to be one of the biggest expenses. A friend recently paid $400 for a Residence Inn off the highway for Christmas Eve. Hotel costs are no joke in 2023, but many are starting to see the prices come back down from the 2021 highs.

The average person will spend about  $1800-$2500  on a one week vacation. That’s estimating $210-$310 a day for hotel and food, and just under $400 for airfare. That doesn’t include car expenses or attraction tickets and tours.

And be sure to read my best tips for how to save for vacation !

How Much Cash Should You Carry on Vacation?

In these days of credit cards, I’ll be the first to admit that I forget about carrying cash. You do want to have cash on hand for vacation. In my experience, you should estimate carrying about $25 a day in cash.

Again, this will vary based on your destination and what activities you have planned. It’s also a good idea to carry a variety of bills. You’ll need some lower denominations for tipping valets, housekeepers, and/or bellmen.

You’ll need to do some research in advance to find out how widely credit cards are accepted at your destination. For most places in the US, credit cards are widely accepted and cash will mainly be used for tipping hotel staff and tour guides.

You might need cash for some smaller shopping spots, like food carts or farmers’ markets. You could also need to have cash on hand for taxis as some will offer you a deal to pay in cash instead of credit.

You’ll also want to determine how easy it will be for you to get more cash while on vacation. Are you traveling to a destination that has ATMs that partner with your bank?

Or perhaps you want to get a no-fee ATM bank account like SoFi to save on ATM fees while traveling abroad. Be sure you know your ATM pin code and if chips are required.

Also, make sure you’ve notified your bank of your travel plans as part of your vacation preparation , although more and more banks no longer freeze cards when used out of the country.

The Complete List of Typical Travel Expenses

When it comes to planning for your vacation, here are the typical travel expenses you can expect.

• Transportation (airfare, gas, shuttles, taxis, parking, etc)
• Accommodations (hotels, home rentals, etc)
• Dining (meals, beverages, snacks)
• Activities (attraction tickets, tours, etc)
• Shopping (souvenirs, boutiques, etc)

Average Transportation Costs: How will you travel there & how will get around once you’ve arrived at your destination?

This can be one of the largest expenses for a vacation. Driving can be a great way to keep costs low. Of course, driving will take you longer which means less time at your destination. You’ll need to decide whether flying or driving is best based on your distance, budget, and timeline.

How Much Does a Plane Ticket Cost?

$397 pp / $1,588 for a family of four (domestic)

These prices will be all over the board. According to the Dept of Transportation , the average cost of a domestic (US) plane ticket is about $397.

International airfare is going to vary greatly based on your outbound city. You can often find international deals from major coastal hubs that will get you an international ticket for $500-$800. Consider subscribing to Scott’s Cheap Flights if you’re flexible on where you want to go and just want to get a deal!

You can also consider credit card points to help lower your transportation costs.

Driving Instead of Flying to Save Money

$3.29 per gallon of gas

If you do choose to drive instead of flying, AAA has the current gas price averaged at $3.29. Keep in mind that the west coast will be higher, and many larger cities will have higher gas prices.

To calculate your gas costs use this formula: total distance of your trip and divide it by your miles per gallon to get the number of gallons of gas you will need on your trip. Then multiply that number by the current price of gas ($3.29), and the result is your estimated cost of gas.

(Distance / MPG) x Gas Gallon Price = Cost of Gas

Rental Car / Rideshare? What is More Cost-Effective?

$60 per day / $420 / week

This can be an easy expense to cut if you plan a trip to a walkable city or are driving to your destination. However, even the best cities will often require you to get to and from the airport.

And, if you’re traveling to somewhere like Oahu or Southern California, you’ll likely want to have your own car for exploring.

Car rental costs have skyrocketed lately, so it is something to research. There are so many factors to determine this expense, but based on my experience, for 2023 I’d calculate $60 a day. Rideshares can save you money if you’re mainly using them for airport runs or only a trip or two.

However, rideshares don’t always work well for families because of the luggage considerations to and from the airport and because of car seats. Families might be better off renting a car. But then keep in mind you’ll need to pay for gas and parking when renting.

Parking / Shuttles Add-on Additional Fees

If you’ll be parking at the airport for your flight, don’t forget to add that expense to your vacation cost planning. And if you’re driving or renting a car, be sure to check to see if your hotel charges parking fees.

In large cities parking fees can be substantial. For example, in downtown Seattle, many hotels charge $50+ a night for parking.

The Average Price Range for Hotel Accommodation Vary Depending on Your Needs

$250 per night / $1,750 for a week

There are two primary values for this expense, your nightly rate, and the hotel taxes & fees. According to the Business Travel Index, the cost of a hotel room in NYC, San Francisco, and Austin are $393, $387, and $215 respectively. These prices include taxes and fees which are typically around 10%-15%.

According to a Hotel Management report, hotel room rates were up 14% in April of 2022 compared to April of 2022. They report that the average daily rate was $149.90 per night. Based on my own experience, this is low for most tourist destinations for 3* properties, so keep that in mind.

For our calculations, we’ll assume you can find a deal and score a room for $250 a night. You can also consider a home rental, which can often cost less, but note that there have been a lot of bad reports lately about the cost and cancellations of Airbnb rentals.

Don’t forget to budget for any daily resort fees and for tipping hotel staff when you’re planning your hotel costs.

How Much to Budget for Food on Vacation?

$75 per day per person

We all know that one of the big perks of a vacation is the food. Not only do we get to try new restaurants and foods, but we also don’t have to do the dishes!

To calculate the food costs you want to budget daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. I estimate a daily food budget of $75 for an adult or $525 for a 1-week vacation.

These numbers are primarily based on table service meals. You can certainly find less expensive dining options in almost any city. And you can also find many restaurants that will cost much more.

Families with young kids can save a bit with kids’ meals, so for a family of four, I’d budget $1610 for a week. With daily budgets of $50 for breakfasts, $70 for lunches, $90 for dinners, and $20 for snacks, for a total daily food budget of $230.

Now that I have two teens, we have to budget as if we’re four adults, so we have a daily food budget of $300 for our family of four or $2100 for a week.

You can seriously shave some of these expenses down if you stay at a hotel with a free breakfast or if you make some of your meals in a rental or hotel kitchen.

• Breakfast = $15 pp / $105 for the week per person
• Lunch = $25 pp / $175 for the week per person
• Dinner = $30 pp / $210 for the week per person
• Snacks = $5 pp / $40 for the week per person

Total = $75 per person per day / $525 per person for one week of vacation

Beer, Wine, and Cocktails

If you enjoy alcoholic drinks while on vacation, be sure to increase your dinner budget (and perhaps lunch, too) to allow for drinks. They’ll run you anywhere from $9-$20 depending on your destination and your drink of choice.

If you plan to have one alcoholic drink a day while on vacation, your daily food budget goes from $75 to $90 per person. If you have two drinks per day then you’re looking at budgeting around $105 a day for food and drinks. Of course, if you’re a beer drinker, it will be a bit less as wine and cocktails typically cost more than a brew.

Calculate the Total Cost of All Activities Per Person Before Your Vacation Starts

Activity costs will all depend on what you plan on doing while on vacation. Some cities are filled with free things to do, while others are museum meccas where you’ll find plenty of admission ticket costs.

Assuming a one-week vacation, let’s estimate that you’ll visit three attractions that have an admission fee of $25. For a family of four, you’ll want to budget $300 for attractions. Of course, the cost of a Disneyland vacation will make this expense much larger than a standard city or national park vacation.

And if you like to get your kids souvenirs on vacation, be sure to allow perhaps another $50-$100 for shopping. I’ll admit that I also like to shop on vacation, so consider adding some shopping budget to your plans if you want to buy something special on your trip.

TIP: For major cities, you can save some serious money on attraction expenses by purchasing a CityPASS or Go City card. Both of these programs are a voucher system where you pay one price for a universal entrance ticket to various popular city attractions.

You can save about 40% on attractions in places like LA, NYC, San Diego, Orlando, Boston, and more! For example, the CityPASS Seattle can save you over 40% on entrance ticket costs for the Space Needle, Aquarium, MoPop Museum, Chihuly Glass Museum, and the Zoo. I’ve also used the NYC CityPASS to visit the Empire State Building and some of its famous museums.

Go City features many international city destinations like Dublin and Rome .

The Cost of Your Vacation Varies Depending on Several Factors

Hopefully, you can see that your vacation cost can vary depending on the choices you make. As stated above, flying typically costs more. However flying also saves you time. If you’re wanting to go across the country, flying could be the best option. And of course, if you’re planning an overseas trip, flying is your only option.

Your vacation costs will also depend on how many people are traveling. Transportation, food, and attraction costs can add up fast for a family, but sharing a hotel room means that one person might pay the same as a family of four for accommodations.

Home rentals are also very popular and can save you money, however, be mindful that service fees can make that nightly rate double in price. You’re also subject to paying more later on if your host decides to cancel your reservation with minimal notice.

Food is also a place you can try to save money and lower vacation expenses. If you find a hotel that offers free breakfast, that’s a great way to save money and get your day started quicker. You might also choose to pre-pack some snacks for your trip or stop by a local grocery store to save on restaurant costs.

Many of the suite-type hotel chains (like Homewood Suites or Residence Inn) will offer grocery delivery services for their guests. You can give them a shopping list and they’ll shop and stock your suite kitchen with your food. Making sandwiches in your room for lunch can save you hundreds. You can also use services like Instacart to deliver groceries to your hotel.

Lastly, keep in mind where you’re traveling to. Popular city destinations are going to likely be more expensive than smaller “suburb” type destinations. National Parks can be great value destinations, but hotel costs can be significant, and will book out early. 

When you travel also can impact your vacation costs substantially. If school is on break, i.e. summer vacation, you can expect costs to be higher. If you can travel in the shoulder or off-season you can find better deals on airfare and hotels.

Let’s look at some common vacations and what the vacation costs might be:

How Much Does It Cost To Go To Florida?

This is probably one of the more popular destinations for families. And the cost of a trip to Florida will depend on whether you’re going for the beaches or theme parks.

Our family has taken quite a few theme park vacations to Florida. While it’s a huge state with so many great places to visit, most families are going in order to visit the Mouse. Be sure to read how much a Disney World vacation costs !

Let’s use our calculations above to help determine what to budget for a vacation to Florida.

• Airfare = $397 per person based on the Bureau of Transportation
• Rental Car = $60 per day + toll fees + parking
• Hotel = $200 per night + resort fees
• Tipping = $35
• Food = $75 per adult per day (children $40)
• Activities = $100 per person per day for theme parks

Based on averages, a one-week trip to Florida will cost about $2,800 for a solo traveler, $4,200 for a couple sharing a car and hotel, and approximately $5,600 for a family of four.

This will vary greatly depending on what your hotel costs are and how many attractions you plan to visit. If you’re staying at a nice hotel on the beach and lounging in the sand you’ll save on attraction costs but likely pay more for the hotel on the beach.

If you’re planning a theme park vacation, you’ll need to budget much more for activities. And if you’re planning to stay on-site at a Walt Disney World hotel, you might need to increase your hotel budget depending on what level of resort hotel you choose. But I scored a deal on our recent WDW Deluxe hotel vacation using Dave’s Vacation Rentals !

Average Cost European Vacation

Traveling to Europe is a bucket list trip for many. It does come with some special considerations for calculating the cost of a European vacation.

• Airfare = $650 per person
• Transportation (train or taxi) = $5-$10 per person per day
• Hotel = $200 per night
• Tipping = $1-2 per day
• Food = $75 per adult per day
• Activities = $25 per person per attraction

The biggest adjustment you’ll need to prepare for when saving for a European vacation is the airfare. Based on my experience you can expect to find European economy flights for between $550-$700 from major cities in the US. Of course, summer is the most popular time to visit Europe from the US, and airfare and hotel costs will be more during those months.

Many hotels can be found for around $150-$200 a night across Europe and you can definitely find cheaper deals. The biggest note here is for families, European hotels are often double occupancy only. If you’re a family of four or more you might need to budget for two hotel rooms depending on the city. Many families choose Airbnb rentals instead of hotels for this reason.

Food and activity costs will be fairly standard as to what you’d pay in the United States. Transportation costs might actually be a place to save money since so many European cities are walkable and have great rail systems. A rail pass can be an economical way to get around a large city.

Based on these averages I’d estimate a one-week European vacation to cost approximately $2,225 for one person, $3,400 for a couple, and $5,750 for a family of four (one hotel room).

Based on my experience, a trip to Portugal can be a great European destination without the high price tag you might find in other popular European cities.

Average Vacation Cost to Hawaii

• Airfare = $525 per person
• Rental Car = $75 per day + parking
• Hotel = $275 per night + resort fees
• Food = $90 per adult per day
• Activities = $75 per person per attraction

Hawaii is another destination that people dream of visiting, and the vacation costs can add up fast. Airfare from the mainland can average in the $500 range, but it will vary depending on where you’re flying from and when you’re traveling. Winter escapes to Hawaii mean airfare is expensive during the cold months.

The cost of a rental car is probably one of the biggest surprises people don’t expect. The cost of a rental car in Hawaii will be about $75 per day. Then you’ll need to add on taxes and budget for parking if your resort has parking fees.

Of course, some may plan to just stay at their resort during their Hawaii vacation, but I think that’s a big mistake. Exploring the Hawaii Islands is easy and well worth it, there’s so much beauty to see. A car is necessary to check out the best things to do in Oahu .

Hotels are another place where your vacation expenses will add up. You can find hotels for under $200 but the average room rate will run around $275-$350 per night. Of course, if you want an ocean view, plan to spend closer to $400-$600 a night.

Food can also be more expensive in Hawaii, which was a surprise for Paul and me on our first visit to Maui. A simple breakfast can run you $20 and dinner can be close to $40. Plan a budget of $90 a day for meals, but don’t forget to add on if you plan to have alcoholic drinks, too.

You can definitely find condo rentals on most of the Hawaii Islands and can save money on meals by cooking in your rental, however, even grocery prices are much higher than we’re used to on the mainland.

Lastly, be sure to plan for any activities or tours you’ll want to do. Hawaii is popular for snorkeling trips, helicopter tours, and boat excursions. Those can all add up fast.

Based on these estimates, a one-week trip to Hawaii will cost $3,500 for one person, $4,750 for a couple, and about $7,000 for a family of four.

How Much Does a Luxury Vacation Cost?

Now that we’ve looked at all the basic costs and expenses, let’s take a peek at what splurging might look like.

If you want to upgrade from economy to first class for your flights, you should be prepared to pay about $1100 for a domestic first-class ticket and about $2500-$3000 for an international flight. This is one place where using travel points can help you upgrade your vacation without spending more money.

If you’re going for luxury, you’ll likely want to stay at a nice hotel. Expect to budget between $700-$1000 per night for luxury hotels. Keep in mind that you’ll likely need to be ready to tip more as well for the bellhop, valet, housekeeping, and concierge services. For one week you could be looking at spending about $5,000-$7,000 on a simple luxury hotel stay. Luxury hotels often have suites that can easily double this number.

For dining costs, you can also plan to splurge on some luxury restaurants. These prices can vary widely, however, I’d say you can expect to spend $75-$120 per person at a fine dining restaurant, plus beverages. A nice restaurant meal for two could cost about $250, but keep in mind that these meals should be treated as an experience, not a fuel-and-go opportunity.

Average International Vacation Cost

You can look at my example above for a European vacation cost to see that the largest expense for most international vacations is airfare. Plan to budget approximately $2,500 for one person, $3,700 for a couple, and $6,000 for a family of four for an international vacation. Of course, this will vary greatly depending on the destination and your hotel choices.

Average Cost of a Vacation for One

The average person will spend about $1800-$2500 on a one week vacation. That’s estimating $210-$310 a day for hotel and food, and just under $400 for airfare. That doesn’t include car expenses or attraction tickets and tours.

A person could save a substantial amount of money by renting a room through Airbnb or splitting a hotel stay with a friend. A solo traveler might also avoid table dining and just grab food to go which could save on food expenses.

Average Cost of a Vacation for 2

The cost of a vacation for a couple will be less than twice that of a solo traveler since you’ll be sharing the expenses for the hotel. However, you’ll still need to budget for airfare and food for each person. I estimate that a couple should budget about $2750 for a one-week trip.

Average Cost of a Vacation for a Family of 4

A one week vacation for a family of four will be approximately $4,500. This amount will vary greatly depending on where you choose to travel to and your hotel nightly rate.  

Average Cost of a Vacation for a Family of 6

For larger families, you’re going to need to budget more money. Beyond the standard increases for airfare and food, you’re also looking at an increased cost for the hotel.

You might need to book two connecting hotel rooms, which will double the cost of the hotel. Or, you could book at a suite hotel that has rooms that accommodate six people. I’d estimate a one week vacation would cost a family of 6 about $6,000.

Vacation Budget Calculator

Simply plug in the numbers and you’ll have an accurate estimate of the total cost of your vacation

Here is a calculator that will help you figure out what a vacation will cost for your family. I’ve done some of the auto calculations for you but you’ll need to look up a few values to get an idea of your expenses.

For your transportation costs, determine what the cost is for your plane tickets either based on what you’ve already spent or using a travel search. If you’re taking a road trip, you could use your gas cost (use my formula at the beginning of this post) instead of inputting airfare expenses.

You can add in if you’re planning to rent a car, or leave it blank if you don’t have a car rental. And don’t forget to add in any parking costs either at the airport or at your hotel if you drive or rent a car.

For your hotel costs, input the number of nights. Then you’ll put in your nightly rate. And use the slider to add in the hotel tax which can add up quickly. Many destinations have an average hotel tax of between 12%-14%. I’ve also included a tipping section here, so add in what you might tip shuttle drivers, bellhops, and housekeepers. Also, include any resort fees your hotel might charge.

The food fields should be fairly easy to understand. Use my food section above to determine a daily budget for your family for each of your three meals and any snacks.

Lastly, determine what your activity ticket costs will be for everyone and add what you expect to spend on souvenirs.

You should be given a grand total vacation cost which will help you budget and save.

The Bottom Line: How Much Does a Good Vacation Cost?

I estimate that $5,000 is how much you should save for a one-week vacation for a family of four. Are you a bit surprised? I know I was when the numbers all came together.

As I’ve said before, this is just an estimate. I’m sure many families can travel for less, and there are plenty who travel for much more, too. The goal is to help you have an idea of the cost so that you won’t be surprised and stressed when the trip is over and the charges start piling in.

Although no two vacations are alike if you take the time to plan & budget you can take a cost-effective vacation that can surpass “average” in the fun department and come in below average in the cost department.

Now that you know how much a vacation will cost, check out these fun ideas to help you save money for your vacation !

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Easy Tips for How to Plan a Trip with Google Maps (Photos)

Wednesday 11th of January 2023

[…] use an app like Gas Buddy to help you find the best towns to fill up for lower prices. Check out my vacation cost calculator for more help planning your […]

Wednesday 20th of October 2021

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING THIS IT GAVE ME A HOPE AND A GOOD IDEA THAT I CAN GO ON VACATION SOON WITH MY FAMILY :)

Mary Drohan

Tuesday 10th of August 2021

thank you so much for the direction...i'm 69 and have never gone on vacation..my best friend, Kim, and i are going to new mexico for 12 days and i was clueless as to what i needed to take. now i have a ballpark figure....thanks again

Monday 16th of August 2021

Great, Mary! I'm glad it was helpful and hope you have a wonderful trip!

Keryn Means

Friday 13th of March 2020

Honestly, I always assume $5000, especially when we go abroad. In the US, we will do it a bit cheaper, but mostly because we drive a lot of places.

This is so on point. When you think how much a coffee and lunch on the go can add up, you can soon save by taking a packed lunch. I also like the concept of ride share- we don’t have that here!

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More From Forbes

9 dreamy trips for under $2,500.

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By Beth Collins

There’s something about the stretch of time between Christmas and spring that feels positively never-ending. Days drag on, the cold weather refuses to leave, and even the most charming things about your city start to annoy you.

The cure: Get out of town. And we’re not talking a quick drive to the nearest B&B. You need a true vacation, complete with some indulgences and brag-worthy experiences.

Of course, one vacation definitely does not fit all, so we’ve rounded up our favorite getaways for 2014—and then grouped them into three categories: destinations for couples, families and friends traveling together.

Each trip offers its own unique perks—and all ring in under $2,500 (exclusive of airfare). Most important? They’re guaranteed to banish those winter blahs, leaving you feeling rejuvenated.

Beach Trip for...Families: Kaanapali Beach Resort, Maui, Hawaii

Anyone who has ever traveled with kids knows that two things can take a trip from fine to fantastic: more than one room to spread out in, and a kitchen for preparing simple meals. That’s one of the many reasons why Kaanapali Beach Resort is ideal for families. Of the 11 lodging options on the property, more than half are condos or villas, giving your crew plenty of room to breathe—although with all of the activities offered at the resort, you’re not going to want to spend much time in your room.

The main attraction, of course, is Kaanapali Beach and its three miles of white sand, where you can kayak, snorkel, scuba dive, body-board and windsurf. On land, several resorts offer  keiki  (Hawaiian for children) programs, which let kids try their hands at cultural activities like making leis and dancing the hula. And don’t miss the atrium at the Hyatt, home to more than 21 species of birds, including Roger the macaw, who will wave and say hello to you (again and again and again). Lodging from $189;  kaanapaliresort.com .

RELATED:  Should You Take the Kids on Vacation?

Adventure Trip for...Families: Kenai Fjords Tour, Alaska

Looking for a vacation that’s going to wow everyone in your household? Head to Alaska for the Kenai Fjords Tours Rail and Cruise getaway, which starts with a memorable ride from Anchorage to Seward on the Alaska Railroad. The base package includes an overnight at Seward Windsong Lodge, and once you settle into the cozy accommodations and see the stunning scenery, you’re probably going to want to extend your stay. Luckily, the package gives you the option to book an extra night.

Once in Seward, you can take a six-hour cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park, where the only thing cooler than the nearly 40 glaciers is the wildlife—sea otters, marmots, birds and, yes, bears. The base package for four people starts at $1,345.64 per person ($1,661.64 with an additional night in Seward); kenaifjords.com/packages/rail-cruise-overnight .

Resort Trip for...Families: Loews Coronado Bay Resort, San Diego, Calif.

Some so-called family-friendly resorts pride themselves on making sure that parents don’t see their kids until bedtime. Others force so much together time that, by the end of the trip, families aren’t speaking to each other. Loews Coronado Bay Resort strikes the perfect balance by offering à la carte options. The Kid’s Club (ages 4 to 12), with activities like sandcastle building and scavenger hunts, is available by the hour, as well as half and full days. The teen lounge, outfitted with a PS3 and TVs, is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., so kids can come and go as they please.

But there are plenty of things families can do together, too, like playing in the outdoor pools (two are specifically reserved for families), going whale watching, taking a sailing excursion or spending the day at Silver Strand State Beach. With so many choices—and so much flexibility—the only thing your family will argue about is who’s having the most fun. From $219 per night; activities extra;  loewshotels.com .

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Beach Trip for...Friends: Now Jade Riviera Cancun, Riviera Maya, Mexico

When you only see your closest friends a few times a year (or less!), the last thing you want is to take a vacation where there’s so much vying for your attention from everyone that you barely get a chance to catch up. The solution: Book a stay at Now Jade Riviera Cancun. Yes, there are plenty of things to do—the region is known for its Mayan ruins—or you can spend the bulk of your time admiring, playing in or having a cocktail alongside the impossibly turquoise waters of the Caribbean—all activities that enhance friend time rather than detract from it.

Even better, the resort is all-inclusive, so there’s none of that awkward who-owes-how-much-to-whom business you inevitably have to deal with on getaways with friends. And while some all-inclusives end up being anything but, this one really does cover your bases, including room, meals, top-shelf spirits, water sports, bungee jumping and big-screen movies on the beach. From $235 per person, based on a double-occupancy room; nowresorts.com .

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Adventure Trip for...Friends: Canyons Resort, Park City, Utah

Do you and your buddies get antsy when you sit still for more than 20 minutes? Skip the beach destinations and head to Park City. We love Canyons for a home base as much for its hard-to-beat rates as for its amenities: rooms with kitchenettes, a spa and health club, and heated pools.

If you're planning to hit the slopes pronto—this is one of the top ski areas in the country, after all—you can text "Canyons" and your email address to 366-98 when you arrive at the airport, and you’ll get $30 off your lift ticket. For dinner, head downtown and settle in at High West Distillery & Saloon, where the hearty food will help you feel less guilty about tossing back a couple of shots of double rye or an artisanal cocktail or two. Looking for nightlife? Jupiter Bowl draws the après-ski set with 16 lanes and three pool tables. Rooms from $285;  canyonsresort.com .

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Quick Weekend Trip for...Friends: Palm Springs, Calif.

Time was when you heard someone say that they were traveling to Palm Springs, you could safely assume they were either over 65—or visiting someone who was. Not so anymore. Over the past several years, the desert oasis has transformed from a gathering place for the senior set to a playground for a younger, hipper crowd—a playground where you can sign up for midcentury architecture tours, shop along El Paseo (the "Rodeo Drive of the Desert"), hike miles of canyons and take a ride on the aerial tram.

There are plenty of hotels that bill themselves as prime friend destinations—like the new, 20-room Sparrows—but we like the idea of renting an entire house, particularly  this midcentury gem . A five-minute drive from both the airport and downtown, the house is quintessential Palm Springs, with a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the 1,800-square-foot back patio. Go for a swim in the saltwater pool, and then whip up dinner in the outdoor kitchen. When the sun sets, light the fire pit, mix some cocktails and talk the night away. House from $249 per night,  airbnb.com .

Romantic European Trip for...Couples: Alegria, Provence, France

Want to hide away from the world without giving up the indulgences that make a vacation special? Head to Aups, a tiny Provencal village in the foothills of the Alps with narrow cobblestone streets and an outdoor market that will make you feel like you’re living in an impossibly adorable movie set. And speaking of that market ... in addition to being known for its large supply of black truffles, Aups is also home to outstanding olive oil, goat cheese, honey and wine.

Bring your spoils back to Alegria, a boutique guesthouse a few minutes’ walk from the center of town, and set up a picnic under one of the many olive trees that dot the property. And once you’ve had your fill of lounging by the pool and playing a game of pétanque while sipping pastis, talk to the owners about arranging a one-of-a-kind local activity, like pressing your own extra-virgin olive oil or truffle hunting. Rooms from $189; alegria.tk .

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Wine Country Trip for...Couples: The Vines of Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina

There’s a time to skimp on vacation, and then there’s a time to splurge. When you and your partner are ready to go for it, book a few nights at the Vines Resort & Spa in the heart of Argentina's wine country. The rooms aren’t exactly budget, but there are so many complimentary things to do once you’re there—gratis perks include mountain bikes, a climbing wall and a Bocce ball court—that you’ll barely touch your wallet during your stay. Another nice bonus: Breakfast is delivered directly to your room each morning.

And then there’s the setting. The 22 villas have floor-to-ceiling windows and private patios that are ideal for kicking back with a glass of rich Malbec and taking in the view of Mendoza's vineyards stretching from the property to the base of the Andes Mountains. (Hint: The sunsets are incredible, so time your relaxation session accordingly.) One-bedroom villas from $560;  vinesofmendoza.com .

RELATED:  Become the Ultimate Wine Connoisseur—In 4 Easy Steps

Quick Weekend Trip for...Couples: Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley, Calif.

Sure, Napa is teeming with semi-budget B&Bs, but as a couple that needs a truly private getaway, do you really want to do the whole good-morning-how-was-your-night drill with overattentive hosts? Our favorite splurge-worthy alternative option for a long weekend: Auberge du Soleil. In 1981, long before chain hotels and opportunists realized what a goldmine Napa Valley would turn out to be, a Frenchman named Claude Rouas opened a little bistro that was as unassuming as it was outstanding. The modest endeavor grew, becoming one of the premier places to stay in Napa, complete with a Michelin-starred restaurant and a spa.

The accommodations range from 520-square-foot garden rooms bathed in California light to 1,800-square-foot “private maisons,” each with its own fireplace, steam shower, espresso machine and—the pièce de résistance—an outdoor terrace with a hot tub and views of the valley. Your days will inevitably be filled with wine tasting—don’t miss Domaine Chandon, which produces some of the best sparkling in the country—but head back to the Auberge for dinner. It may look different from Rouas’ original bistro, but the emphasis on excellence is stronger than ever, with Executive Chef Robert Curry turning out show-stopping dishes made with California’s freshest bounty. From $725 per night; aubergedusoleil.com .

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11 top affordable all-inclusive resorts for 2024.

A stress-free getaway awaits at these affordable all-in-one properties.

Top Affordable All-Inclusive Resorts

Courtesy of Iberostar Selection Cancún

All-inclusive resorts promise a simplified vacation: One upfront fee covers food, drinks and select activities, so you can relax with a cocktail in hand instead of worrying about your spending. However, not every all-inclusive accommodation option offers the same budget-conscious bang for your buck; some end up costing much more than you may be hoping to pay thanks to extra fees for amenities like kids clubs or meals at specialty restaurants.

These U.S. News picks for affordable resorts are properties where two guests can stay in one room for around $250 per night or less. These prices may not be available year-round: You may need to settle for off-peak travel periods or reserve well in advance for peak seasons (usually December to April for warm destinations). Round-trip flights are not factored into these prices, but some resorts may offer packages that include air travel.

Whether you're dreaming of a family-friendly beach trip or an adults-only escape, these reasonably priced all-inclusive resorts across the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America ensure a memorable travel experience that won't break the bank.

The Top Cheap All-Inclusive Resorts

• Iberostar Selection Cancún
• Sunscape Curacao Resort, Spa & Casino
• Catalonia Royal La Romana
• BlueBay Villas Doradas
• Occidental Papagayo
• Bahia Principe Luxury Runaway Bay
• Occidental at Xcaret Destination
• El Cozumeleño Beach Resort
• Paradise Village Nuevo Vallarta
• Hotel Riu Playa Blanca
• Fiesta Resort All Inclusive Central Pacific

Iberostar Selection Cancún: Cancún, Mexico

Starting rate: From $250 per night

Package deals: Iberostar Selection Cancún offers a handful of packages to save travelers extra money, such as a romance package with flowers, sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries, as well as promotions that include golf discounts.

Amenities and activities abound at Iberostar Selection Cancún, one of the best all-inclusive family resorts in Cancún . Your nightly rate covers all of the bases at this five-star establishment: meals and drinks, on-site beach access, Wi-Fi connectivity, 10 pools, a children's program, a FIFA regulation soccer field, live evening entertainment, tennis, parking and a fitness center. Extras like babysitting and salon services are available for a fee.

This Cancún resort's guest rooms include room service, coffee makers, daily minibar service, bathrobes, flat-screen TVs and more. Past travelers commended the caring staff, relaxing pool areas and abundance of things to do for the whole family.

Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino: Willemstad, Curaçao

Courtesy of Sunscape Resorts & Spas

Starting rate: From $220 per night

Package deals: On top of its all-inclusive deals, this Sunscape resort also offers deals allowing kids to stay and eat for free (available seasonally), group discounts and special romance packages.

At this resort, you won't need a wristband to enjoy the property's limitless amenities. That's because rates include reservation-free meals and drinks across six restaurants and six bars, plus access to kids and teen clubs, four pools, and a wide white sand beach. Included activities range from kayaking to land activities such as beach volleyball, rock climbing and bocce ball, with nearby golf and various water sports available for additional fees. There is also a casino and a spa on-site (not included in the rate).

Guests can venture out to downtown Willemstad, a city in Curaçao , should you wish to explore colorful, Dutch colonial-style architecture – a unique draw among the Caribbean islands – off the property. Recent travelers were particularly fond of the beautiful beach and affordable rates at this resort. In-room amenities include minibars, flat-screen TVs, coffee makers and Wi-Fi access.

Read:  The Top Beach Resorts Around the World

Catalonia Royal La Romana: Bayahibe, Dominican Republic

Starting rate: From $240 per night

Package deals: Travelers may save some extra cash by opting for a package that provides discounts at spa, golf courses and more.

Catalonia Royal La Romana is an adults-only , all-inclusive property in the small resort town of Bayahibe, which sits about 45 miles southwest of Punta Cana . With fewer than 120 guest rooms and suites, this resort differs from the larger complexes found across the Dominican Republic. In fact, some vacationers have said it has the feel of a boutique hotel. Accommodations are modern and clean, decorated in neutral colors with pops of sea foam green. All offer amenities like a balcony or terrace, free Wi-Fi, bathrobes, a minibar, a pillow menu, and towels for the pool and beach; some rooms even have swim-up access.

The nightly rate at Catalonia Royal La Romana includes meals, snacks and certain alcoholic beverages at various buffet-style restaurants, a la carte venues and bars, as well as gratuities and entertainment throughout the day and night. You also get access to sports facilities (including a free scuba diving lesson in the pool), a private beach, a swimming pool and a solarium.

BlueBay Villas Doradas: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Starting rate: From $100 per night

Package deals: N/A

Located in Puerto Plata , a beach town on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, BlueBay Villas Doradas is a great spot to unwind away from the kids. Travelers can stay at the adults-only, all-inclusive property for as low as $100 per night, per room. Rates include prime access to the warm sands of Playa Dorada, meals and drinks at four restaurants, and plenty of on-site activities and entertainment options. You'll have access to a swim-up bar, and there is also an 18-hole golf course nearby (additional fees apply). Be aware, however, that certain amenities may come at an extra cost.

Recent travelers were mostly pleased with the resort, noting the top-notch service and abundance of beach and pool chairs.

Read:  The Top Cheap Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts

Occidental Papagayo: Culebra Bay, Costa Rica

Starting rate: From $130 per night

Package deals: To their room rates, travelers can add bonuses like a romance package (which includes sparkling wine, breakfast in bed, a dinner reservation and other treats), round-trip transportation to the international airport and more.

Skip the obvious all-inclusive destinations and consider heading a little further south to this adults-only property on Costa Rica 's Pacific coast. The Occidental Papagayo offers tiled rooms that are simple yet offer all the necessities: Wi-Fi, air conditioning, minibar, and satellite TV. Accommodations with a view over beautiful Culebra Bay are sometimes available for just a few dollars extra per night.

Out in the resort, you can lounge by two pools and choose between a variety of bars and restaurants on the premises. The nearest beach is less than 2 miles away. The activities here reflect Costa Rica's prominence as an ecotourism destination, with options like kayaking and exotic animal tours on offer; cycle tours and a spa are also an option if you're willing to pay extra.

Previous guests have complimented the friendly staff at the resort, particularly the bartenders, as well as the gorgeous natural setting. The resort is best accessed via a roughly 15-mile drive from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (also known as Liberia Airport), which offers direct connections to a number of major U.S. and Canadian cities.

Read: The Top Costa Rica All-Inclusive Resorts

Bahia Principe Luxury Runaway Bay: Jamaica

Starting rate: From $260 per night

Package deals: Lovebirds can add on a honeymoon package free of charge, which includes wine and candy, turndown service, discounts on couples massages and more (just be sure to bring your wedding certificate). An airport transfer package is also available for an additional fee. This resort has wedding packages as well.

Located around 45 miles east of Montego Bay (where you'll find the nearest major airport), Bahia Principe Luxury Runaway Bay offers an upscale adults-only experience without breaking the bank. With 525 rooms, it's on the larger side, and there are plenty of white sand beaches right alongside the property offering hammocks, a bar and waiter service.

This resort in Jamaica also boasts three interconnected swimming pools; for something more lively, enjoy an array of aquatic sports such as kayaking, snorkeling and catamaran sailing. The earthy toned rooms offer comfort aplenty with canopy beds, robes, slippers, a pillow menu, 24-hour room service, a living room space, and a balcony or terrace. Previous guests complimented the Jamaican food – like jerk chicken – on offer at some of the restaurants, as well as the beauty of the resort.

Note: You can find off-peak pricing (such as in October) starting around $260 if you book far in advance and use discounts offered on the resort website, but most of the year the rates tend to be much higher.

Read: Caribbean Islands You Can Fly To for Less

Occidental at Xcaret Destination: Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Courtesy of Occidental at Xcaret Destination

Starting rate: From $200 per night

Package deals: Bonus packages may add perks like free Wi-Fi access and complimentary airport transfers, among other benefits.  

If you're willing to travel at off-peak periods (typically around June, September and October), it's possible to nab a room at a five-star resort like the Occidental at Xcaret Destination for less than $200 per night. Situated just outside Playa del Carmen , the property has a whopping 765 rooms and suites, many of which can accommodate families. In those rooms, expect a king bed (or two doubles) and a regularly restocked minibar, as well as a balcony or terrace looking over the resort's lush, tropical grounds.

Outside the rooms, there's plenty to experience: You can choose between 20-plus restaurants and bars (including a nightclub) that offer everything from tacos to Asian cuisine to Italian food. There's also a private lagoon-style white sand beach for swimming, plus seven pools (including a kids pool). Sporty travelers will be well served by the activities on offer, which include tennis, archery and shuffleboard, plus nonmotorized aquatic sports; there's also plenty of natural attractions in the surrounding area. Past visitors have praised the wide range of activities, including options for children, and the resort's spacious rooms and grounds.

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El Cozumeleño Beach Resort: Cozumel, Mexico

Package deals: Romance packages are available, as are hotel and flight combination deals.

If you're hoping to head to the white sands of Cozumel , a popular island just off the coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, El Cozumeleño Beach Resort is one of the cheapest all-inclusive choices. Choose between rooms facing the garden or ocean (typically more expensive), all of which are fitted with balconies.

Rates include free diving lessons in the pool and snorkel equipment rentals, plus other activities like kayaking, tennis and dance classes. Otherwise, spend your days lounging by your choice of five pools (including one indoor option), two hot tubs and a private beach. Dining venues include the upscale Veranda restaurant, the casual Cocal eatery and an assortment of bars. Recent guests describe El Cozumeleño as a great place to relax, with particularly friendly staff. Per-night costs can dip as low as $130 per room and typically don't rise above $200 per night.

Paradise Village Nuevo Vallarta: Mexico

Starting rate: From $155 per night

Package deals: Travelers can choose between the all-inclusive plan, a breakfast buffet plan, a golf package or specials determined by the length of their stays. A "Kids Stay Free" deal for children ages 2 to 12 may also be available in combination with these packages. On top of that, guests can save time and money by booking their hotel rooms and air travel together.

For an affordable option within reach of Puerto Vallarta , consider Paradise Village Nuevo Vallarta, located just under 10 miles northwest of the center of the popular resort city. The hotel's all-inclusive plan encompasses unlimited food and beverages, gratuities, nonmotorized water sports, Wi-Fi access and more.

You'll enjoy access to two lagoon-style pools with slides, hot tubs and waterfalls – plus another lap pool for workouts and a kids area. Meanwhile, palapas and chairs are available at the beach, and guests will have a long list of sporty activities to choose from, including bocce and kayaking.

Restaurant options include Mexican fare, Italian dishes and sushi, plus the Copan Sunset Sky Bar for drinks with a view. Recent visitors say that Paradise Village is a good bet for family vacations, thanks to the plentiful activities at the property.

Hotel Riu Playa Blanca: Río Hato, Panama

Courtesy of Riu Hotels & Resorts

Package deals: Hotel Riu Playa Blanca lists a variety of "best offers" on its website for select dates throughout the year.

If you'd like to look beyond classic all-inclusive destinations like the Dominican Republic or Mexico, consider Hotel Riu Playa Blanca, located about 80 miles southwest of Panama City, Panama. This modern property, opened in 2014, features a red-and-white color scheme and a sleeker design than your average all-inclusive. Accommodations all come with free Wi-Fi access, a minibar, and a balcony or terrace.

This resort is a good place for a relaxed trip; you'll have access to three main pools (plus another for kids) and the shores of Playa Blanca along the Pacific. Daytime activities include volleyball and a kids club, while live music and dance venues rule the night. In addition to activities and entertainment, the all-inclusive fares cover all meals, snacks and beverages. Dining options include a buffet, an Asian restaurant and a steakhouse, among other options. Past visitors note that the resort is ultra-clean and boasts friendly staff.

Fiesta Resort All Inclusive Central Pacific: Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Package deals: Fiesta Resort offers discounts throughout the year based on the length of your stay.

This all-inclusive resort sits about 55 miles west of Costa Rica's capital city, San Jose, and has the unusual feature of a volcanic black sand beach at its doorstep. Whether you're lounging there or near one of multiple pools, the resort's lush gardens give the feel of a tropical paradise. Activities include hits like water polo and beach volleyball, as well as some more unique options like a coffee class and palm weaving.

The property offers four main restaurants and seven bars, including poolside options. Given Costa Rica's prominence as an ecotourism destination, you may also want to visit the pristine rainforests or tropical islands in the area (however, such excursions aren't included in the hotel rates). Previous guests love the proximity to nature and the option to go on wildlife tours, though some travelers feel the resort caters more to locals.

Note: The property will be renovating its 408 guest rooms in different stages between 2023 and 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions

There's no one agency or website that offers the best deals for every all-inclusive resort. Instead, a solid approach is to use a website like Kayak or Expedia to search for resorts that have cheaper pricing available at the time you want to travel. Then, once you have the names of a few affordable options, you can shop around different agencies or websites to see which one offers the cheapest deal.

If you're on the hunt for an all-inclusive deal, it's important to think about your timing – both in terms of when you're booking and when you want to travel. Better deals tend to involve traveling when there's less demand. According to Laura Sangster, founder of luxury travel agency Caribbean Journey , there's typically less demand for all-inclusive properties in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America during September and October, which are typically part of hurricane season .

"This is when hotels, including all-inclusive resorts, experience the lowest occupancy and thus offer the best deals in an effort to fill rooms. Historically, these have been very active hurricane months. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, so rates within this period are always less than December to May."

While Sangster notes that it's possible to find last-minute resort deals for travel during these more popular months, she doesn't recommend holding out for such bargains.

"While you might benefit from a decreased hotel rate, airfares currently price the other way and will only be more expensive closer to travel," she says. "It's also important to plan ahead to ensure you are able to secure the room category you want."

Sangster advises travelers to book well in advance to get better prices, particularly if you're hoping to travel during peak season. "We saw very few deals during the 2021 and 2022 peak seasons. All-inclusive resorts seemed to follow a trend of increasing as the weeks and months ticked by," she says. "Our clients who didn't book the initial proposal we prepared often faced higher rates when they came back to book weeks or months later."

Read: The Trick to Finding Cheap Flights

Unfortunately, there isn't one easy answer to this question. It's generally possible to find cruise fares at a cheaper price than all-inclusive vacations, but cruises are known for having more hidden costs that can rack up during your trip. For example, not all cruise fares include alcoholic drinks; you may need to purchase a daily beverage package , which can quickly add to the bill. You may also have to pay more to access some restaurants on board or for excursions when the ship docks.

In contrast, all-inclusive resort rates usually include drinks (alcoholic and nonalcoholic) and meals at all restaurants on the property. It's still possible to incur additional charges for services like spa treatments or some activities like a scuba diving trip, but such fees tend to be for much more obvious extras.

The best way to know whether a cruise or all-inclusive resort is right for you is to do your research before booking. Look at what a cruise fare does and doesn't include, and try to figure out how much you'll need to pay in extra fees to have the vacation you want. You can also check out our breakdown of how much a cruise costs and even browse all-inclusive cruise options to see if they're right for you.

You might also be interested in:

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DFB Video: An AMAZING Disney World Trip on a $3,000 Budget

By Stephen Bynum Leave a Comment

The goal? To have the best Disney World vacation EVER. The budget? $3000?

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Can I come up with an itinerary that meets your means and also provides you with an awesome, unique trip that’ll create lifelong memories? Let’s find out together!

Check out our video below An AMAZING Disney World Trip on a $3,000 Budget!

Watch the video and let us know your Disney World budgeting tips!

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Tour Packages Under 3000

Tour packages.

Tour Packages Under 3000 : rated 4.8 /5 (based on 113764 reviews) | Packages starting from ₹999/-

Tour Package Under 3000

Places to travel to on a holiday packages under 3000.

• Rishikesh: Home to the holy river Ganga, this is where you should be headed for your vacation when you want to get laid back in the serene natural surroundings. Rishikesh is famous for its river rafting sports, which is the actual thrill of attracting a throng of visitors to this place. You can get accommodation for as low as 150 and cheap travel tickets for a bus.
• Vrindavan: One of the perfect spiritual best vacations under 3000 , Vrindavan offers a divine stay to its visitors, who come here to explore the vast and rich history of religious sanctity at this place. You can hop from temples to scenic sights and even grab reasonable accommodation for as low as 600. You may also culminate the trip in under a day and head back.
• McLeodganj: The perfect weekend getaway from your mundane city life, McLeod Ganj offers the most attractive respite from the hustle and bustle and the noise, grabbing you in the lap of intense natural views and stillness that never fails to soothe your soul from within.
• Kasol: With a jaw-dropping view of the natural beauty around it, Kasol will thrill your senses and give you an electric surge of excitement with its adventurous trails and breezy mountainous views. With overnight buses running for fares as low as 600, you are going to love your trip on a budget to Kasol.
• Lansdowne: If you are looking for a quiet and still hill station for your next trip, then Lansdowne is the perfect option for you to choose. You can pick a bus to get here for a very reasonable fare and enjoy the unending beauty of nature, emanating from the secluded and less commercialized spaces over here. You can grab splendid accommodation at cottages and hotels, which offer very reasonable fares. Within the hill station, you can travel via local transport.

A trip under 3000 is easy to manage. To know more, browse through the many budgeted packages offered by TravelTriangle.

Best Time to Visit these Places

Rishikesh has a moderate climate, which feels welcoming at all the days of the year. The visit to Vrindavan is best done during the winter season in the months of January to March. If you are headed to any of the hill stations mentioned above, with the trip plan under 3000 you can make your visit during the summer months of April to July.

How to Reach?

These destinations are well-connected by roads. You can head to these places by buses or rail, which will take you up to the closest railway station to these places.

Bestselling Tour Packages Under 3000

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Type Of Destination

Duration ( in Days )

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Showing 19 Tour Packages Under 3000

Most Affordable 1 Night 2 Days Uttarakhand Tour Packages From Delhi

₹ 2,800/- ₹ 3,360/-.

Per Person on twin sharing

• River Rafting
• Hill station
• Watersports

Sightseeing

Hotel included in package:

• Rishikesh (2D)

Upto 2 Stars

Exciting Mount Abu Honeymoon Package

₹ 2,199/- ₹ 2,365/-.

• Ideal for couples
• Hill Station
• Mount Abu (2D)

Your dream Honeymoon vacation comes true as you book this customizable 1 night ....

Upto 3 Stars

• Upto 4 Stars

Summer Deal

Exclusive Deal of WelcomHeritage Traditional Haveli Jaipur

Star Hotels Included

₹ 2,999/- ₹ 4,284/- Per Person on twin sharing

• Luxurious Stays, Complimentary dinner
• Till 30th September 2021

Validity: Till 30th September 2021

• Jaipur (3D)

Jaipur, the vibrant capital city of Rajasthan, is known for its architectural marvels, ....

Exclusive Deal of The Fern Residency Jodhpur with Breakfast

₹ 3,000/- ₹ 4,000/- per person on twin sharing.

• Winter Green Room With Breakfast & Express Check-in & Check-Out
• Till 30th Sept 2020
• Weekend Tour from Delhi

Validity: Till 30th Sept 2020

• Jodhpur (3D)

The grandeur of the palaces will mesmerize you and will also give you a glimpse of the ....

Exclusive Deal of Dew Drop Le Season Beach Resort For 1 Night 2 Days with Breakfast

₹ 999/- ₹ 1,998/- per person on twin sharing.

• Premium Room In a 4 Star Resort With Breakfast
• Till 30th Sept 2020 ( Subject to Availability )
• Weekend Tour from Bangalore

Validity: Till 30th Sept 2020 ( Subject to Availability )

• Candolim (2D)

Dewdrop Le Seasons Beach Resort welcome you to  Goa and have a delightful stay . Y....

Exclusive Deal of Hotel Royal Orchid Jaipur With Breakfast

₹ 2,500/- ₹ 3,333/- per person on twin sharing.

• Couple-Friendly Stay In Deluxe Room With Breakfast (CPAI)
• Till 31st December 2022 (Subject To Availability)
• SBI YONO Packages

Validity: Till 31st December 2022 (Subject To Availability)

Visit the famed Pink City for a short trip with this 2 Nights 3 Days Rajasthan tri....

Exclusive Deal of Dewdrop Mango Bloom Resort with Breakfast

• Couple Friendly Hotel With Standard Room Category And Breakfast
• Till 30th October 2020 ( Subject to Availability )

Validity: Till 30th October 2020 ( Subject to Availability )

• Jim Corbett (2D)

Situated on the bank of the Kosi River in the quiet Mohaan Village, and surrounded by l....

Exclusive Deal of Regenta Resort Bharatpur With Breakfast

• Standard Room With Breakfast Inclusive Meal Plan
• Bharatpur (2D)

Rajasthan is a state steeped in history and culture, and Bharatpur, a district in Rajas....

Exclusive Deal of The Golden Tulip Haridwar Hotel with Breakfast

• Premium Room With Breakfast In A Couple Friendly Hotel
• Haridwar (2D)

Book this well-designed 1 nights,2 days trip to Haridwar for an unforgettable vacation ....

Exclusive Deal of Regenta Resort Varca Beach Goa with Breakfast

• A Pool View Room With Breakfast At This Luxurious Resort
• Till 31st December 2021(Booking Validity)
• Weekend Tour from Mumbai

Validity: Till 31st December 2021(Booking Validity)

Regenta Resort Varca Beach , Goa is just a 45 min drive away from Goa A....

Exclusive Deal of TIH Grand Him Queen with Breakfast

• Superior Room With Breakfast
• Mcleodganj (2D)

Located in Dharamshala, 1.8 miles from HPCA Stadium, TIH Grand HimQueen

Witness The Best Of Guntur In One Day

₹ 1,000/- ₹ 1,087/-.

• Picturesque Views
• Guntur (1D)

Explore The Picturesque Town Of Vandalur

₹ 3,000/- ₹ 3,261/-.

• Vandalur (1D)

1 Day Bhadrachalam Tour Package

₹ 1,500/- ₹ 1,667/-.

• Temple Tour
• Picturesque Landscapes
• Bhadrachalam (1D)

2 Days Srisailam Tour Package

₹ 3,000/- ₹ 3,226/-.

• Scenic Views
• Srisailam (2D)

1 Night 2 Days Shegaon Tour Package

• Shegaon (2D)

A Spiritual Getaway Amid Serenity

₹ 3,000/- ₹ 3,297/-.

• Yadagirigutta (1D)

Weekend With Unforgettable Serenity In Annavaram

₹ 2,000/- ₹ 2,174/-.

• Annavaram (1D)

Bangalore To Kolar 1 Day Tour Package

₹ 1,000/- ₹ 1,111/-, what are some of the best tour packages under inr 3000.

There are various tour packages that come under 3000 and would ideally for travelers’ budget. Following are some fantastic packages that they can consider:

Lansdowne Tour Package For Family @ Rs. 2,700

Rishikesh Tour Package @ Rs 2999

Mount Abu Tour Package From Ahmedabad @ Rs. 999

Are these packages customizable?

Yes, the packages under 3000 offered by TravelTriangle are customizable. Travelers can get in touch with the travel representatives and list out their customizations. These alterations would be accommodated in the itinerary of travelers’ package as per the available possibilities at extra cost if any.

Is it possible to increase the duration of the packages available under a budget of 3000?

Yes, it is possible to increase the duration of the packages available under a budget of 3000. Even though such alterations are possible, it should always be remembered that these changes might incur travelers’ extra money and hence, increase the final costing of the package.

What more destinations can be covered under 3000 for a honeymoon experience?

Places like Mussoorie, Nainital, Mukteshwar, Jaipur, Udaipur, Manali, Shimla, and many other similar places in India can be considered for an amazing budgeted honeymoon vacation.

What other destinations in India can be explored in this budget?

Destinations like Munnar, Alleppey, Kovalam, Kozhikode, Dalhousie, Amritsar, Palampur, and a whole lot of other similar destinations can be explored under 3000.

Are there ATMs available at the destinations mentioned above?

 Yes, there are plenty of ATMs available at the destinations mentioned above. The majority of the Indian banks work at these locations quite efficiently. There are bank branches available here as well for travelers’ other banking needs and requirements.

Would there be vegetarian food options available at the above-mentioned destinations?

 The above-mentioned destinations are quite versatile and have plenty of food options available. There are enough of the vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian food options available at all these destinations.

Which type of food delicacy is famous in Kasol?

 Kasol is sometimes referred to as mini Israel since there are Israelis present here in huge numbers. This is why, there are a number of joints which serve typical Israeli food as well over here, which makes it something that travelers should surely try out.

What are the climatic conditions in Rishikesh?

 Rishikesh experiences summers from March till June, when loose cotton clothes are advised to keep free of the hot climate. This is followed by a season of monsoon and then the winter cold. The evenings here are usually cool.

Is there any shopping arsenal in Vrindavan?

 In Vrindavan, the main shopping hub is known as the Loi Bazaar. Here, sellers are engaged in selling items of handicrafts, incense, clothes for idols and other such items at very reasonable prices.

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Sakshi's 7 days trip to Vietnam

Sakshi Gupta

Vikas's 7 days trip to Bali

Vikas Gaurav

Npchira's 3 days trip to Goa

Amitkmr's 6 days trip to bali, girish's 5 days trip to himachal.

Girish Upreti

Sundar's 3 days trip to Himachal

Sundar Deepika

Delhi railway station

Dwarkesh's 9 days trip to Bhutan

Dwarkesh Soren

Alokmetallurgy's 3 days trip to Himachal

Alokmetallurgy

Bhubaneswar

Ranjini's 5 days trip to Himachal

Prasanna's 8 days trip to bali.

Prasanna Amudhan

Want to have memorable holidays under 3000 but not able to find the right options? Why not check out the best vacations under 3000 with TravelTriangle and find the perfect destination for your next holiday at an economic budget?

What to Do Here?

Here are the best things that you can do while you are at these places:

• Kasol: Head over to the Chalal Trek trail, Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib, hot water springs and more.
• Rishikesh: You can spend your time trekking, camping and visiting the famous tourist attractions in town.
• Vrindavan: Visit the famous Prem Mandir and hop around the different temples which are famous for their legends related to Lord Krishna.
• McLeod Ganj: Plan your treks and camping trails and visit the Manimahesh lake, Indrahar Pass, and much more.
• Lansdowne: Take a trip to The Bhulla Tal, Garhwali Mess, St Mary’s Church and more, while you are here.

Plan your holidays under 3000 with TravelTriangle and get to visit the best excursions on a shoestring budget, which might impress those who will get to see your amazing captures after you return from your trip. Your budget need not define the kind of fun that you can have at these destinations.

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Budget Tours & Trips to Mediterranean

Discover a varied offer of Mediterranean budget adventures that will take you through some of the most renowned destinations such as Athens and Madrid. Each affordable tour will provide you with great experiences for some of the lowest prices on the market.

250+ cheap Mediterranean tour packages with 7,046 reviews

• In-depth Cultural

Zagreb to Athens: Adriatic & Ancient Capitals

Excellent tour with fantastic tour guide (Noddy). It's a tour aimed at younger (under 40) travellers, so the accommodation is mainly hostels and the pace is pretty fast but we still managed to spend a reasonable amount of time in each place. There was a good balance of history/culture and activities, and there is a lot of flexibility with the optional activities and free time to spend more or less time at the beach, museums, etc. Highly recommended as an introduction to the Balkans!

Dubrovnik to Athens: Beachfronts & Fortresses

We were a small group of 7 people, which was great. Our Tour Guide Alice was amazing, totally amiable, knowledgeable and fun. Everytime we wanted to change the trip activities she accommodated our wishes. I most enjoyed the part of the trip in Montenegro, a beautiful country. The overall trip is a well-balanced combination of experiencing nature, cities, culture and party-opportunities.

Croatia Sailing Adventure

Amazing trip, tour guide Dom was sensational, did a very good job at showing us all the landmarks and being an all round good host.

• Coach / Bus

Three Countries

Enjoyed the whole experience. Several things need improvement. You need to offer Versalles entrance as an option. Everyone wanted to go in. It was sold out and we were told we should have bought our tickets ahead, but no one could tell us when we would be there or for how long, till we got there. Everyone wanted more time in Peniscola. A recommendation to come a day early or stay a day later to catch The Lourve or Prago. Nobody liked the Paris hotel. Bad neighborhood. Overall, a wonderful tour and trip.

Essential Turkey

Loved this trip one of the best trips I have done with a lovely group, guide and country

• Christmas & New Year

Italy from North to South

Hotel Santa Constanza in Rome, rooms hasve no good AC and some of them are too smal for two people. Tour in general was good.

Spain, Portugal & Morocco

I could not fault this tour and having returned home sit back and think wow the places I visited, the people I met, the cultures I experienced. Great value for money, easy to book, and great guides all through the trip.

Portugal, Andalucia and Morocco from Madrid

Good for the prize of the tour

• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Mamma Mia! - 13 Days/12 Nights

The Mama Mia tour was well organised and I had a great time throughout. Any hitches due to weather was sorted out , my tour leaders Ginaluca and Elisabetta were fantastic and made the trip fun! Veronica from the team was extremely helpful with all my additional requests. I was a solo traveller but ended up making great friends on the trip. You are with the best with Italy on a budget tours.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Grand Journey of Italy - 11 Days

I really recommend the tour, everything was very well organised. Booking the trip through TourRadar was very easy. Communicating to the agency directly through TourRadar was very smooth, they answered all my questions within 24hours. Stefano (the tour leader) and Franco (the bus driver) were very professional and helpful throughout the trip. We were 12 people on that trip for the first 5 days. As a female solo traveler I am very happy because I made friends for life. As a group we had a great experience and everything that was on the itinerary was spot on! After that I was with a different group to Pompei for that day, but still everything was organised such as my transport from the hotel to the bus where was the meeting point. Rosella ( the tour leader) was very nice, friendly and professional.Then after the trip I had a private taxi from Pompei to Sorrento, where I had 2 nights (FREE TIME). I got in touch with a local guide (Sasha) and he was amazing and very professional. I had great experience in Sorrento, Capri Island and Amalfi coast. All of the hotels were nice, clean and up to the standards, the food was delicious, and the hotel staff was very helpful throughout our stay. The local tour guides throughout our trip were very knowledgeable and helpful, they could answer all of your questions. I REALLY RECOMMEND THIS TOUR ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE SOLO TRAVELER!!! I had an amazing time!!!! 10/10

East of Europe and Venice

Here is my review: - The trip was too tiring, yet interesting.. too many places in such short time, but we knew it and were not surprised. - No internet on board of buses, which is a bit annoying. _ Guides are ok: punctual, knowledgable, and caring. I would like to thank: Damir Kopljar, our tour guide in Zagreb. Maja, our tour guide in Sarajevo, Mostar and Medjugorja. Dolores, our tour guide in Dubrovnik (very caring person). Ivan, our tour guide from Split. As for the hotels, I classified some to be 3 stars, some 4 stars and some 5 stars, as follows: Hotel Rainers, Vienna 3.5 stars Hotel Antounovic, Zagreb 4 stars Hotel Hills, Sarajevo 5 stars Hotel Lero, Dubrovnik 3 stars Hotel Mondo, Split 3 stars Hotel Bristol, Opatija 4 stars Hotel M, Ljubljana 4 stars Lugano Torretta, Venice 3 stars Thank you and best regards, Sherif Guirguis

Greece Classic Tour

The guides were terrific and the hotels were very good. I wish we had some time in Delphi though. We had none in the quaint town on the mountainside. I also think we should have been told before we left that we had to pay for all the entrance fees, which for the two of us was 178 euros, in cash, not by credit card as soon as we arrived. I think the tour should have put that charge plus the hotel fees of 3 euros a stay on the cost of the trip. Also once we reached Athens at the end of our trip, there were close to 20 stops to drop people off at their hotels. It took an hour in the city after an 800 kilometer drive to get to our hotel. Not too well planned.

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Italian Scene (Summer, 10 Days)

Overall the experience was great! We LOVED Susan and Tanino. Some of the hotel rooms were not great. The rush I can see was necessary, but was a little frustrating sometimes when I was taking pictures of things while I was walking to rush to the next thing.

Get Social: Central & Southern Europe Highlights

Incredible! Everything went seamlessly and really got to make the most out of our trip because our guide could help us and tailor our experience to what we wanted to get our of it. Daisy was a key reason for the success of our tour and why we all had such a wonderful time!

• €75 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

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A great fast-paced tour that was well led by our wonderful guide Ivan!

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The Cost of Travel in Peru: A 2023 Budget Breakdown

Peru is such a wonderful country to travel in. 

Cusco embodies European classiness while Lima is bustling and vibrant. Machu Picchu is full of enchantment while Huacachina mysterious and rare. Colca Canyon is stunningly vast while Arequipa is surrounded by volcanoes. But there is one characteristic each Peruvian destination has in common: heart. The Peruvian heart beats loudly and proudly, and I dare you not to fall in love with it, too.

In Peru, there’s something for everyone, no matter the type of adventure you might be craving. 

The most recognizable Peruvian destination is Machu Picchu and let me just start by saying, yes, it’s worth it. But there is so much to see in this bountiful country, so it would be worth your time and money to explore more than just one corner. I found getting around the country easy and cheap to do. 

Peru is on the modest side in the way of costs. Which is exciting because that means you can fit more in for less. 

I mainly stayed in guesthouses, and utilized the public transportation system, including flights, buses, trains, and taxis. Lima was the most expensive stop, with its pricier restaurants, hotels and nightlife, but outside of the capital I found costs to be more than reasonable. 

January, May and June are the busiest months of the year to visit Cusco. Aim to travel outside of these times so your money goes further. But if you find yourself in Cusco during the busy time, go anyway! 

La Ciudad Imperial, or the Imperial City, is a shining star in Peru. Situated in the Inca Region, and adjacent to the Urubamba Valley, this city is the main base for those looking for a Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley adventures. Yet, Cusco is an adventure all its own. The main square is dazzling with standout architecture framing dozens of restaurants, bars and coffee shops overlooking visitors snapping photos and milling about. It’s easy to waste time exploring the cobblestoned streets of Cusco (I sure did!) but eventually you will want to make your way up to the famous mountain. 

The last stop on my trip was Huacachina. It’s an oasis in the middle of nowhere resembling a slither of life where there appears to be none. It’s stunning because it’s peculiar. A small town consisting mainly of hotels, restaurant and bars surrounding a shallow oasis in the middle of sand dunes – It’s a sight to see. 

If you’re not pressed for time, the Gringo Trail hits all the right places across the country. Expect the journey to take two or more weeks (if you aim to hit all the spots). The famed path starts in Lima and follows the curve, stopping in Paracas, Huacachina, Nazca, Arequipa, Puno and Cusco. 

Today, I’m going to be sharing how much you can expect to spend on a trip to Peru.

Peru’s Gringo Trail: Where to Go

If you’re starting to plan your trip to Peru and aren’t quite sure where to go, you may find it useful to know that there’s a ready-made route, set up for you to follow.

Allow me to introduce you to the Gringo Trail. It is, essentially, the main itinerary that most visitors follow around the country, taking you to the very best that the country has to offer. Most visitors will fly into Lima, then follow the route in a counter-clockwise direction over to Cusco. Here’s a map:

If you have two weeks to spend in the country, I recommend breaking up your time as so:

Day One: Lima Day Two: Lima Day Three: Paracas Day Four: Paracas Day Five: Nazca Day Six: Huacachina Day Seven: Huacachina Day Eight: Arequipa Day Nine: Arequipa Day 10: Puno Day 11: Puno Day 12: Cusco Day 13: Cusco / Machu Picchu day trip Day 14: Cusco

The Cost of Accommodation in Peru

You can visit Peru on any budget, from a $10 a night hotel in Cusco that’s rated 9 on Booking to a spectacular $270 a night lodge on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Overall, though, I think you’re going to be pleasantly surprised by the prices of lodging in Peru: it’s inexpensive and high-quality.

In this blog post, I’m going to be focusing on value . Because whether you’re travelling as a solo backpacker on a shoestring, as part of a couple on a mid-range budget, or as a family looking for a little luxury, value is the one thing you’re going to be looking for. That doesn’t mean cheap — it means offering up more than similarly-priced options.

There’s some seriously great value accommodation up for grabs in Peru, so to start with, I’m going to cover the cheapest way to travel the country.

If you’re on the tightest of tight budgets, there are several options that’ll land you with free accommodation  while you’re in the country. Courchsurfing allows you to connect with locals by sleeping on spare sofas in their homes. It doesn’t cost a penny to do so and is a fantastic way to gain an insight into Peruvian daily life away from the tourists. There are over 100,000 hosts in Peru, so there’s sure to be someone who’s right for you.

Housesitting is a more upmarket way to avoid paying for accommodation, as it’s aimed at the mid-range and luxury travellers. You’ll be looking after homes and pets while their owners are on holiday, and the houses can be extremely luxurious. This option works best if you don’t have fixed travel dates, as you’ll be agreeing to dates that the owners set.

Finally, when it comes to free accommodation, you could take a look at WorldPackers in Peru , where you’ll be able to volunteer for locals in exchange for food and board. There are some seriously cool options available on the site, from helping out at a local surf school to lending a hand at building an eco-sanctuary in the rainforest. Readers of this site get a $10 discount for WorldPackers with the promo code neverendingfootsteps .

If you’re not looking to travel for free and just want a clean and comfortable room to sleep in, there are plenty of great options, too.

One of the most affordable ways to explore Peru is by staying in a hostel. I stayed in several over my first visit to the country and was impressed by the quality of the hostels, as well as how many there are to choose from. Let’s look at the best-reviewed hostels in the country.

• The best hostel in Lima is easily Pariwana Hostel , where dorms are priced at just $11 per person , and private doubles come in at $39 per night . As an added bonus, it’s right in the centre of Miraflores: my favourite neighbourhood in Lima!
• In Paracas , you can’t get better than Atenas Backpackers , where double rooms are priced at just $19 a night . In a town where most hostels are rated poorly, this well-reviewed spot is a no-brainer.
• You’ll likely be heading to Nazca while you’re in Peru, and if so, I recommend Nazca Travel One Hostel , which has double rooms for $22 a night . Staff are friendly and can help you with booking your scenic flights, the breakfast is generous, and the rooms comfortable.
• Huacachina is home to Banana’s Adventure Hostel , where dorms are priced at $17 a night and doubles at $28 a night . No wonder it’s the best-rated budget accommodation in town, as it’s home to the most epic swimming pool. It’s well-worth staying here while you’re getting your oasis on.
• What about Arequipa ? Way Kap Hostel is the only place I’d consider staying. Not only is it inexpensive at $6 a night for a dorm, but the beds are comfortable, the rooms are slick and modern, and the staff so friendly.
• And finally, Cusco , where you have to stay at Nao Victoria Hostel (dorms $11 a night ; private doubles $40 a night ). It’s peaceful and laidback, right in the heart of town, and the staff can help you out with anything you need — including leaving your backpacks with them while you hike Machu Picchu.

Overall, then, you can see that you can expect to spend around $10 a night  for dorms in Peru, and around $20-40 a night  for a private double room.

Okay, but what if you’re not a budget traveller and just want to stay in a lovely, well-reviewed hotel or guesthouse that’s good value for money and has all the things you need from a place to lay your head? I’ve got you! When I visited Peru, I opted to spend half of my trip staying in backpacker hostels and the other half in well-reviewed guesthouses. For around $60 a night , you’ll be able to stay in an excellently-reviewed hotel, in a central location with friendly staff.

Where to Stay While Traveling in Peru

When I’m travelling, I’m always conscious to book the absolute best accommodation out there — well, as long as it doesn’t amount to hundreds of dollars a night. I can easily spend several hours researching accommodation for every stop along my way, ensuring I’ve chosen the place in the best location with the friendliest staff, and the greatest value for money.

My biggest tip? When you head to Boo k ing to find a hotel, ignore the results that are sorted under “Our Top Picks” — that’s a list of all of the hotels that pay Booking the highest commission, some of which have some pretty poor write-ups. Instead, opt to sort the properties by “Top Reviewed”. That way, you’ll be able to see which options genuinely have the best reviews.

But all that to say, when I was planning my trip to Peru, I put in the hard work so you don’t have to. Here’s where I recommend staying:

Lima: Ana Frank Hospedaje ($70 a night for a double room) — Kick-off your Peru trip with the best-rated hotel in town! Ana Frank Hospedaje is the most beautiful property with the loveliest owners ever. Ana and Frank will take you into their home, welcome you, and have you feeling like you’re family. The hotel is right in the heart of Miraflores — my favourite neighbourhood — yet still quiet and peaceful, so you can sleep. The rooms themselves are clean, large, and comfortable, and the shower pressure some of the best you’ll encounter in Peru.

Paracas: Casa Paracas (108 a night for a double room) — This is a lovely spot, a block back from the beach, close to the main square, with easy access to the boat tour companies and best restaurants in town. The owner, Francisco, is a gem, whipping up excellent breakfasts in the morning, arranging tours for you throughout the day, and even picking you up from the bus station so you don’t have to walk. With a beautiful view of the ocean from the property, this makes for a wonderful stay in Paracas.

Nazca: Casa Hacienda Nasca Oasis ($65 a night for a queen room) — Nazca isn’t the nicest of areas in Peru, but if you’re keen to see the Nazca Lines, it’s inevitable that you’ll end up spending one night in town. Still, Casa Hacienda is the best option out there for travellers, with a peaceful garden, large swimming pool, and helpful staff. Just ask at reception and they’ll be able to help you arrange safe onward travel, book a tour to see the Nazca Lines for you, and help you explore the archaeological sites in Nazca that are often overlooked.

Huacachina: The Upcycled Hostel ($31 a night for a double room) — It’s all about the vibes in this hostel, as the place is full of the coolest, colourful decorations — all upcycled, of course. It’s in a great location, too, within walking distance to the dunes, but not directly in the party zone, so it’s still peaceful. You also get access to a good-sized swimming pool and some of the best food in the country. Join in with cocktail-making classes, salsa lessons, or simply chill in the beautiful garden. In a place that seems to attract uniformly poor accommodation options, the Upcycled Hostel is easily the best option in town, no matter your budget.

Arequipa: Las Torres de Ugarte ($50 a night for a double room) — This is such an adorable hotel, right in the heart of everything you’ll want to see in Arequipa. The breakfast is fantastic, the rooms are large and spotless, and the owners so sweet. As an added bonus, you’ll have access to the rooftop terrace, which overlooks the city and offers some seriously special views.

Puno: Uros Waliski Lodge ($85 a night for a double room) — I suspect just looking at the photos on the Booking listing will be all it takes it have you committing to stay here. And if the photos don’t? Well, I’d be very surprised. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience; the opportunity to stay on a peaceful island away from all of the Puno day-trippers, experiencing a slice of authentic local life. As an added bonus, all of the excursions on the lake are free! They’re included in your room price. Honestly, this is one of the most wonderful places on Lake Titicaca.

Cusco: MOAF Cusco Boutique Hotel ($60 a night for a double room) — There’s a reason why this hotel is the top-rated in all of Cusco. It’s due to the location, which is close to all of the markets, restaurants, and tourist attractions. It’s due to the friendly staff who go out of their way to ensure you have the best trip ever. It’s due to the ability to easily book all of your tours through them, whether you want to hike to Machu Picchu or see Rainbow Mountain. And it’s due to the delicious, filling breakfast. I wouldn’t consider staying anywhere else in Cusco.

The Cost of Transportation in Peru

Travelling across Peru is super-easy, and there are tons of options to help you do so. While I was in the country, I used planes, buses, trains, colectivos, and taxis, and loved getting to experience such a diverse range of transportation.

If you’re short on time, it’s worth taking a look at the offerings from domestic airlines, like LATAM , as sometimes flights within Peru cost the same as the buses. As an example, I paid just $38 for a flight from Cusco to Lima, at the end of my trip, skipping the 22 hour[!] bus trip and paying just an extra $14 to do so.

If you’re not in a rush and really want to see as much of Peru as possible, you’ll be impressed with the country’s extensive bus network. I recommend Tepsa and Cruz Del Sur as the best bus companies for visitors to Peru, (Tepsa is a bit cheaper), as both are safe and reliable options. I found both of these companies to be cheaper than the alternatives, like Oltursa, and they were so much easier to navigate during the booking process. 

So much can you expect to pay when bussing your way around the country? In 2023, you’ll be looking at the following:

• Bus from Lima to Cusco with Tepsa: $16
• Bus from Lima to Arequipa with Tepsa: $15
• Bus from Lima to Cusco with Cruz Del Sur: $24
• Bus from Cusco to Ica with Cruz Del Sur: $23
• Bus from Lima to Ica with Cruz Del Sur: $5

Not bad, right?

When you’re not travelling from city to city, you’ll most likely utilise the country’s taxis, and yes — Uber is available in Peru.

When hailing a taxi on the street, make sure you agree on a price point before getting in the cab, or make sure the meter is on. And prepare to have an argument over that, as you do in basically every country around the world.

Colectivos (shared taxis) are another option for saving money, and one we utilized often. These colectivos can be a car, bus or minibus, and you can hail them pretty much anywhere in the country. They charge a set fare and are often waiting at popular destinations until they have a certain number of passengers.  

The Tren Eléctrico , or the Electric Train, in Lima is a terrific choice for travel within the city’s limits, with multiple lines linking various sites and districts. You can expect to pay $1.80 for a card that you can use between stations (costs between stations vary) and then reload when needed.

When it’s time to venture outside of Lima, you have plenty of options. 

If you’re not pressed for time, the Gringo Trail hits all the best spots across the country, and most travellers opt to follow its route. This famed path starts in Lima and offers up stops in Paracas, Nazca, Huacachina, Arequipa, Puno, and Cusco. Expect the journey to take two or more weeks (if you aim to hit all the spots) but if you opt for a quicker expedition, you can see the main destinations within a week. Have three weeks? You’ll be able to go slower and ensure you see it all without rushing.

So, what’s the easiest way to traverse the Gringo Trail?

Peru Hop is an awesome company (and concept!) for all of my backpackers out there! They offer the flexibility, convenience, and safety of an upscale tour company but with a decent price tag. A three-day trip across the Gringo Trail starts at $159 and includes a six-stop hop-on hop-off pass, pick up and drop off at hostels, an on-board Peruvian guide, free access to various sites along the route, and more. Seriously, you get so much for your money with Peru Hop, especially as they squeeze in many attractions most tour companies brush past.

Getting to Machu Picchu from Cusco was an adventure! This was the only time I used a train during my Peruvian travels, and it happened to be one of my best ever experiences. The ride is like a dream, surrounded by endless greenery, raging waters, and sharp cliff-sides. 

PeruRail runs from Cusco/Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu for $38. Keep in mind there are bundled options, some guided and some self-guided, that get you to Machu Picchu for a flat price. If you’re not a hiker, taking the train to Machu Piccho is an experience that can’t be missed.

The average cost of transportation is: $17 per day

The Cost of Food in Peru

Peruvians are food geniuses, with a heritage influenced by Spanish, Asian, Italian, and African regions, all blended together in order to create a unique culinary identity. They have perfected the art of contrast within a plate, often mixing hot with cold and sweet with savory. 

Eating out in Peru is an inexpensive way to sample the local delights, so there’s little reason to cook meals yourself. A typical breakfast includes bread and butter with ham or jam, as well as seasonal soups and coffee or tea, and averages just $3. 

Lunch is kind of a big deal here, so much so that its time dictates business hours. Plan your midday meal to take place between 1 and 3 p.m., and prepare to work your way through a starter, main course, drink, dessert, and a siesta . Did I mention I love this country? Lunch will set you back $6, and dinners are similar in cost, depending on your splurge level, but you can expect to between $5 and $10. 

Ceviche, or Peruvian sushi, is the most iconic dish in the country and typically includes sea bass, lime, and various spices. Think of ceviche as Peru’s food mascot, but it’s not the only dish on the menu. Lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), papa a la huancaina (creamy, cheesy and spicy potatoes) and pollo a la brasa (rotisserie chicken) are all staples you should sample while you’re in the country.

Having said that, I practically ate ceviche for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with zero complaints. 

In the bigger cities like Lima, Arequipa and Cusco you’ll find an increase in prices for these dishes. For example, ceviche prices throughout the country range from $3 to $15 while lomo saltado goes from $2 to $11. Pollo a la brasa ranges from $2 to $5. 

Street grills are common in Peru, but you’ll find they’re more abundant in smaller towns and villages. You can get chorizo, marinated chicken breast, or a hunk of cecina for a mere $1.50, so if you’re backpacking around the country, this is an affordable way to stay full.

Pisco sours are a way of life when it comes to alcoholic beverages in Peru. Delicious, but tart, the drink flows in all regions in many different forms. If you’re not into sour drinks, order a pisco on the rocks, it’s most similar to tequila in taste. Pisco cocktails go for about $6. 

Vino in Peru is not revered as top notch, however Vista Alegre offers a respectable selection for the – practically free – price of $1 per bottle. while Tacama’s wines are around $7 a bottle. If you fancy yourself a wine buff, check out an international blend from Argentina or Chile instead. Beer is cheap in Peru. A large bottle will put you back $1.30. Look out for popular Peruvian brews, Pilsen Calloa and Cristal.  

The average cost of food in Peru is: $18 per day

The Cost of Activities and Entrance Fees in Peru

Whether you love the beach, the mountains, or the rainforest, Peru has something for you.

Machu Picchu is, of course , the country’s national treasure, and world-famous for a reason. No matter how you choose to get there (hike, bus, train) you’ll need to devote at least a day to the excursion. I left at 4 am from Cusco and arrived back around 9 pm that same night, paying $38 for the train. It’s a long day but worth every step of the trek.

Sandboarding in Huacachina was a tumbling adventure. The rolling dunes are photogenic, inviting, and surprisingly soft — just in case you take an unexpected dive. For $15, our tour took us out for a half-day trip in the desert, which included transportation in a buggy and hours of shredding the sand.

What if you don’t have much cash to splash?

Hiking is the perfect way to see more of the Peruvian landscape, and you don’t have to spend a penny to do so. Colca Canyon is often overshadowed by Machu Picchu, but it’s ample in trails and thick with stunning terrain and steep canyons. If you’re up for the challenge, try the descent into Colca Canyon from the Cruz del Cóndor lookout — trust me, it’s unbelievable .

Get Your Guide is one of my favourite travel websites — it helps you filter through all of local tour companies to find the cheapest and highest-rated experiences, without having to spend hours trawling through TripAdvisor and forums. I book all of my tours through them these days, and can’t recommend them enough.

The average cost of activities in Peru comes to $36 per day .

The Cost of Travel Insurance in Peru

If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to Peru. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re way cheaper than the competition, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

With SafetyWing, you’ll pay  $1.50 a day  for travel insurance.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Peru?

With all of that being said, it’s time to tally up all of my travel expenses in Peru, in order to give you an idea of how much you can expect to spend while travelling in this wonderful country:

Accommodation:  $37 per day Transportation:  $17 per day Food:  $18 per day Activities:  $36 per day Total amount spent per day: $108  

Planning a Trip to South America?

I have a bunch of budget breakdowns for South American countries for you to peruse:

• The Cost of Travel in Bolivia
• The Cost of Travel in Chile

And don’t forget to check out The Cost of Travel, well, Everywhere : my master list of detailed expense reports, covering the cost of visiting over 50 countries around the world!

Are you planning a trip to Peru? Have any questions? Let me know in the comments below!

Related Articles on Peru 🇵🇪 23 Fantastic Things to Do in Lima, Peru (2023)

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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23 Fantastic Things to Do in Lima, Peru

Didn’t find a better, in depth article on Peru than this… it’s simply brilliant and extremely informative and well written ! You’ve really done a great, great job for all fellow travellers, please accept my sincere compliments and regards🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

I’m from India and my daughter and I plan a 15 days travel to Peru in August of 22. Although your article has almost everything for planning a trip, we have some destinations in mind which you don’t mention hence a request to you for assisting in forming our plan. Our points of interest;

1. Land at Lima. 2. Nazca. 3. Hucachina. 4. Arequipa. 5. Cusco. 6. Rainbow Mountain. 7. Colca Canyon. 8. Manu Nature Reserve. 9. Humantay Lake. 10. Amazon Forest. 11. Lima and return.

Most of the above aren’t in any particular order for the simple reason that we don’t know what the right order is and what are the number of days we’ll need at each place. Also, what transportation we should use for optimising on time but not missing the natural scenery the travel will offer. I know it’s a lot of information I ask for but I‘ll be very grateful if you could provide the necessary assistance.

Hi Lauren, Only just discovered your blog after deciding on Peru to celebrate my 50th birthday with my husband and children who will be 15, 17 and 19 (my daughter is also planning to study Physics and loves travelling:-)). What do you think of renting the car in Peru? I don’t think we will enjoy taking the buses as prefer to have more freedom as a family and somewhere to store our luggage between the places to stay too (will be looking at airbnb as well as all hotels you recommended). Is car a good option in Peru? One more question if I may, would you recommend Amazon Forest? It sounds like an incredible adventure but I am not sure what to expect really. Grateful for your views on this. Many thanks, Ewa (ps we live on London and it will be our first off the beaten track adventure together! :-)).

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Meet Lauren Juliff

Tips to travel Iceland on a budget, plus travel expert-approved gear

Where to get local deals, take a dip in a hot spring and more.

Need some summer vacation ideas that won't break the bank? "Good Morning America" is off to Iceland and packing expert tips to help create the perfect travel bucket list on a budget.

From free dips in hot springs to the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall, ABC News' Ashan Singh explored the Nordic island nation and shared the top ways to enjoy every stop of the trip without overspending.

"Iceland is a tremendous deal from the Boston area in particular -- flights are only about five hours in each direction -- you could take just a long weekend there and still get an action-packed trip," Eric Rosen director of travel content for The Points Guy, told "GMA."

TPG has seen deals for as low as $400 and for travelers who don't care where they're seated on the plane, some fares drop as low as $230.

When it comes to hotels, Rosen offered another simple tip, spend now on credit cards from brands like Hilton or Marriott that, once the spending threshold is reached, offer large bonus points.

"Hilton cards for instance, offer anywhere from 130 to 180,000 points typically as part of their bonus," he said. "And that's going to be good enough for two maybe even three nights at some of these hotels in Reykjavik. And that could be your whole trip right there."

Iceland activities on a budget

Get a taste of the city's culture with the Reykjavík City Card, which gives visitors access to multiple museums, art galleries, pools and even bus transportation for free.

Enjoy going home with a fashionable souvenir? Local knits are quintessentially Iceland, but with handmade sweaters priced up to $500, Singh sought out second hand store, Extraloppan to score a sweater as low as $50.

Rent a car. Singh found deals for as low as $86 a day.

Save on a more extravagant meal by finding a deal through the Dineout Iceland app, which for a small fee offers discounts all over the land of fire and ice.

Looking for a cheap and quick local bite? Try a roadside hot dog for just $4.

Visit the free National Parks and take in sights like waterfalls and geysers, but Singh suggests skipping the Blue Lagoon, which can cost $350 for a family of four, instead opt for taking a dip in a local, free hot spring.

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EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter One International Wall Charger AC Plug Adaptor with 5.6A Smart Power and 3.0A USB Type-C for USA EU UK AUS (TA-105, Grey)

Action Camera 4K 20MP Sport Camera 40M Waterproof Underwater Camera Volg Video Camera WIFI Wide Angle Helmet Camera EIS Stabilization Dual Microphone

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10 Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations for 2024

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

We've reached that time of year when everyone you know seems to have just returned from an incredible vacation or is currently on one -- and is posting up a storm about it on Instagram. With the costs of travel at a record high -- the average cost for a summer vacation has now reached $10,000, according to travel insurance marketplace Squaremouth.com -- you might be thinking that taking a vacation is simply not in the cards for you.

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With the summer travel season approaching, it's not too late to head out on a memorable trip this year -- and if you choose your destination right, you don't have to spend all your money to go. 

Here are 10 affordable destinations based on insured trip costs, as identified by Squaremouth.

• Average trip cost: $3,344

"With its rich coffee culture and cuisine, vibrant cities, and scenic landscapes, Colombia offers plenty of once-in-a-lifetime experiences at a fraction of the cost," said Mercedes Zach, travel expert at Asaptickets .

You can find cheap flights from America to Carteana or Bogota and explore the country, as safety has improved vastly over the last few decades. 

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Puerto Rico

• Average trip cost: $3,907

"A tropical Caribbean vacation can be a lot cheaper than you would expect if you aim for less expensive islands such as Puerto Rico," Zach said. 

You can arrive in Puerto Rico in less than three hours from Miami and enjoy the island's beautiful scenery. You can visit the capital city of San Juan or check out one of the beach towns like Flamenco Beach.

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• Average trip cost: $3,987

Bermuda may be closer than you think. This island in the Atlantic Ocean is ideal for beach lovers and sports enthusiasts. Bermuda is also known for world-class sailing if this is something that you want to try out on your next vacation. 

• Average trip cost: $4,667

"Mexico is also an amazing tropical destination for an affordable vacation with an amazing climate and rich culture," Zach said. 

Known for gorgeous beach towns and affordable travel options, Americans have relied on Mexico as a budget travel destination for years. 

Are you not sure what to do in Mexico? Here are some suggestions from Zach:

"The first Mexican town that comes to my mind when looking for a budget-friendly beach getaway is the surf town of Puerto Escondido in the state of Oaxaca. It's famous for its untouched beaches, bohemian vibe and plenty of things to see and do around. Puerto Escondido offers you everything from snorkeling, swimming among the marine life, seeing dolphins in their natural habitat, trying out sport fishing, releasing newborn turtles and taking surf lessons to exploring the nearby beaches, such as Huatulco and the Bay of Carrizalillo."

Dominican Republic

• Average trip cost: $4,726

The Dominican Republic is known for its beautiful resorts across the island. While this may seem like a more expensive travel option, you can save a bit since the resorts offer plenty of amenities. Staying at a resort is more stress-free and you have access to the beach, pool area, hot tubs, saunas and a gym at no extra cost.

Where should you stay when visiting the Dominican Republic? Here are suggestions from Zach:

"Whether you're looking for a romantic couple's trip or just some quality time away with the family, Caribbean resorts such as Iberostar Dominicana in Punta Cana, BlueBay Villas Doradas in Puerto Plata or Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo in Las Terrenas deliver great service, fun sports activities and breathtaking views for as little as $200 per night for two people. "

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• Average trip cost: $4,747

The island, known for its sunny climate and luxurious resorts, could be the perfect family getaway if you find a deal for a resort that fits your budget. You could enjoy the lively culture, the natural beauty, and the water sports offered. 

• Average trip cost: $5,121

If you're looking for a tropical destination, look no further than Aruba, where you can still find affordable options for the family. With some of the best white sand beaches and excellent diving options, this could be a memorable family vacation on a budget. 

• Average trip cost: $5,181

"Vietnam is a diverse country with breathtaking landscapes, amazing food scene and welcoming locals," Zach said. "Stretching from its border with China in the north to the Gulf of Thailand in the southwest, Vietnam has over 2,000 miles of majestic coastline with magnificent golden beaches, fishing villages, tropical islands, national parks, spectacular inland waterways, majestic mountains, lush rice terraces, 1,000-year-old temples, dynamic cities and historic villages, all worth exploring and falling in love with."

While the flight could add to your cost, you'll likely save money on accommodations and food when you land in Vietnam. 

"Budget accommodation ranges from $15 to $50 per night, with meals costing around $2 to $5 per dish at local eateries," said Christy Woodrow, a travel writer behind the blog Ordinary Traveler . "Transportation within the country is affordable, with domestic flights starting from $30 and local buses and trains being even cheaper."

Find Out: 5 Vacation Destinations That Middle-Class Families Can't Afford Anymore

The Bahamas

• Average trip cost: $5,325

You won't have to travel far to get to The Bahamas as you're not too far from the Florida coast, and you can swim with the pigs in The Exumas before you know it. You can find a budget resort or look up deals on hotels to have an affordable stay.

Philippines

• Average trip cost: $5,330

Traveling in the Philippines is ideal for budget-conscious travelers as you can find cheap accommodations and options once you arrive. 

"You can comfortably manage expenses at $30 to $50 per day, covering accommodation, meals, and transportation," Woodrow said. "For a more mid-range experience, budget around $70 to $100 per day."

To maximize your savings, focus on a single region of the Philippines because traveling to multiple islands can be pricey.

Gabrielle Olya contributed to the reporting for this article.

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24 Totally Epic 30th Birthday Trip Ideas

Local laws may restrict service availability to all. See the Equality Index for more information.

When it comes to one-of-a-kind 30th birthday trip ideas, the options for epic celebrations are endless. A blowout beach vacation? The Maldives' overwater bungalows have your name all over them. A low-key cottage in the countryside? Why not make it a culinary excursion at Blackberry Farm in Tennessee? For bottle service and all the fanfare, look no further than Miami or Las Vegas.

We've scoured the latest travel trends and bucket list trips to narrow down 24 of the top birthday vacation destinations that will make the start of your 30s truly eventful. From budget-friendly spots to far-flung trips abroad, get ready to start planning this milestone moment.

• Best 30th Birthday Trip Destinations in the US

For a birthday celebration that's sure to be a memorable one, there are plenty of fantastic options right in your own backyard in the US. From luxe farm stays in the Great Smoky Mountains to over-the-top après-ski in Aspen, here's where to toast to 30 in style.

In this article:

Best 30th Birthday Vacation Ideas Abroad

Budget-friendly 30th birthday trip ideas, all-inclusive resorts for a 30th birthday vacation, 30th birthday weekend getaways near you, miami, florida.

Forget the days of Spring Break—Miami has matured and South Beach is now lined with rooftop bars that have sister spots in Tulum, Michelin restaurants that have become dining destinations, glamorous pools and beach clubs, and shopping that could rival Fifth Avenue or Rodeo Drive. In a city where the standard birthday celebration is a yacht day, you know you're in for a treat.

Things to Do: Dine and listen to jazz at Delilah ; peruse the latest modern and contemporary collections at Pérez Art Museum Miami ; dine at Uchi before dancing the evening away at Dante's HiFi .

Places to Stay: The Setai, Miami Beach ; Life House South of Fifth ; The Standard, Miami Beach ; Arlo Wynwood Miami ; Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club

Napa Valley, California

Perhaps this year you want to slip away from the city and relax in the countryside with your other half—and we couldn't think of a better spot than Napa Valley. Let a private driver whisk you around to wine tastings in between spa sessions and lavish Michelin menus. You'll come back feeling a whole decade younger after this trip to California's wine country.

Things to Do: Cycle down First Street downtown, pausing to visit shops along the way; soar over the vines on a hot air balloon ride that ends with a glass of bubbly; score a reservation at lauded The French Laundry ; kayak along the Napa River; or take a small-group tour to a selection of wineries in Napa Valley and Sonoma.

Places to Stay: Auberge du Soleil ; Carneros Resort ; Bardessono Hotel and Spa ; Meadowood Napa Valley

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is a year-round party with live music, festivals and events, and a food scene that just keeps getting better. Turn your birthday into a music tour visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and historic RCA Studio B (where Elvis recorded more than 200 songs) before sitting (or standing) and enjoying a show at the Grand Ole Opry or The Bluebird Cafe .

Things to Do: Brush up on your line dancing with a private lesson ; bar hop along Honky Tonk Highway; take a helicopter tour over the city's skyline; or sample the best of the city's cuisine on a walking food and drink tour of Downtown .

Places to Stay: Kimpton Aertson Hotel ; Graduate Nashville ; Four Seasons Hotel Nashville ; Noelle

Aspen, Colorado

Après-ski is the ultimate party, and nowhere does it quite light Aspen, where Champagne is literally sprayed on the slopes (add Cloud Nine to your list). With ski resorts catering to all ski levels (even beginners won't be intimidated by the gentle terrain at Buttermilk Mountain), you can spend the morning hitting the black diamonds or embracing the bunny slopes—followed by a wine-fueled lunch in one of the buzzy bistros like Ajax Tavern .

Things to Do: Aspen's dining scene has become one of the best in the country, so be sure to make the rounds to a few favorites, including Element 47 , Casa Tua Aspen , Clark's Oyster Bar , White House Tavern and Acquolina . Decorate a hat at Aspen landmark Kemo Sabe (a great birthday gift to yourself!) and visit downtown's Aspen Art Museum . Don't miss Montauk favorite The Surf Club's winter supper club and lounge, The Snow Lodge , at The St. Regis Aspen Resort .

Places to Stay: Hotel Jerome ; The Little Nell ; W Aspen ; The St. Regis Aspen Resort ; Limelight Hotel Aspen

Las Vegas, Nevada

No need to wait for a bachelorette party to make a trip to Sin City, where you can go all-out with DJ-driven pool parties, fabulous shopping, over-the-top dining and shows by stars like Christina Aguilera. Who knows, you may even have a bit of extra birthday luck at the slots.

Things to Do: Sit back and watch the show at The Mayfair Supper Club , where singers and dancers serenade diners; book seats in the speakeasy-style omakase room at WAKUDA ; float down the Grand Canal on a gondola ; or take a day trip on a red rock canyon tour through the desert.

Places to Stay: Wynn Las Vegas ; The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas ; The Venetian Resort Las Vegas ; Bellagio Las Vegas ; NoMad Hotel Las Vegas

Blackberry Farm, Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Blackberry Farm deserves a section all of its own since the 4,200-acre mountain haven is a destination in itself—and champions farm-to-table dining in the most luxurious of ways. Sleep in one of the secluded cottages, where you can sit back with a glass of wine and admire the surrounding scenery from a wooden swing on the glass-enclosed living porch. Wine and food here is the work of a team of artisans who have blended the best of haute cuisine and Indigenous Smoky Mountain fare, and you can learn how to master some of these standout dishes during the daily cooking demos.

1471 West Millers Cove Road Walland, Tennessee 37886

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Maybe you've been looking for the right time to finally book that trip to Europe, or you've had Japan on your bucket list and finally saved up enough for the big birthday. Whether you want something exotic and far-flung or prefer sticking closer to home, we have the perfect spots to celebrate the big 3-0.

Tokyo, Japan

Japan has had a major moment since reopening, so jump on the bandwagon and head to the bustling capital city of Tokyo. Get lost in translation strolling past neon-lit high-rises, ancient temples, quirky theme cafes and vibrant nightlife in the form of bars and izakaya.

Things to Do: Cross the city's most famous temple, Sensoji, off your list; cruise or stroll along the Sumida River ; head to the well-heeled Nakameguro during cherry blossom season in spring; ferry to the nearby Tokyo Islands where you can swim with dolphins off Miyake or experience Japan's version of the Galapagos in the Ogasawara Islands.

Places to Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi ; Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo ; The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo ; Hoshinoya Tokyo

Paris, France

Thanks to a mix of budget-savvy airlines like French Bee and the entirely business-class La Compagnie, flying to the French capital has never been easier. As the city gears up for a celebration this summer when it hosts the Olympics, plan a birthday blow-out of your own complete with rooftop restaurants overlooking the Eiffel Tower, dreamy boat rides along the Seine, shopping at grande dame department store Le Bon Marché, and an evening of dancing at Silencio or Le Carmen .

Things to Do: After checking off landmarks like the Louvre and Eiffel Tower, picnic in parks like the Tuileries or Luxembourg Garden; go antiquing at the weekend flea market in Saint-Ouen; splurge on a memorable meal at La Tour d'Argent ; or spend a spa day at Dior Spa Cheval Blanc Paris .

Places to Stay: Le Grand Mazarin ; Hotel Hana ; Hôtel Dame des Arts ; J.K. Place Paris ; Madame Rêve

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town might not be the easiest spot to reach, but once you arrive and see Table Mountain on one side, the turquoise ocean on the other, you'll wish you had a few extra weeks to soak up the scenery. The entry point for safari is worth spending more than a few days, especially as the arts scene continues expanding with museums like contemporary Zeitz MOCAA and galleries like Goodman . Plus, there's fantastic shopping everywhere from The Old Biscuit Mill to The Watershed on the V&A Waterfront.

Things to Do: Hike Lion's Head, ride a cable car up Table Mountain , visit the penguins on Boulder's Beach or enjoy a wine tasting and tour of nearby Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

Places to Stay: Ellerman House ; Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel ; Gorgeous George ; Dorp ; Cape Grace ; The Silo Hotel ; The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa

Istanbul, Turkey

A bustling city that's a feast for the senses, Istanbul is both Old World and cosmopolitan, with its maze-like Spice Market and Grand Bazaar, gorgeous architecture and chic bars and restaurants. And with direct flights from New York clocking in at just a little over nine hours, you don't have to spend a full day traveling to reach an exotic locale that'll have you feeling like you've truly stepped back in time.

Things to Do: Day trip to Sakara along the Black Sea; visit the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and Blue Mosque ; sample street food in the neighborhood of Kadikoy; or indulge in a scrub at a Turkish bath like Kiliç Ali Pasa .

Places to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul ; Four Seasons Hotel Bosphorus ; Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul ; Ciragan Palace Kempinski ; The Peninsula Istanbul

Palm Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

You don't have to be a jetsetter to vacation on a private island. A hopper flight from Barbados followed by a quick boat ride from Union Island and you'll reach adults-only Palm Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines—which has remained something of a secret in the Caribbean. The toes-in-the-sand-style spot is a low-key way to celebrate the milestone birthday with your other half. Picture days spent snorkeling at the beach or reading in a hammock, couple's massages with the waves in the background, and catamaran cruises to barbecues on neighboring islands.

4.5 Star Rating [insert TripAdvisor rating] | Read Reviews

The Caves Hotel, Negril, Jamaica

For a birthday trip that has Instagram written all over it, The Caves' scenic locale—perched on limestone cliffs in Negril's stunning West End—is one you'll instantly swoon over. The more intimate property features just 12 custom-designed cliffside cottages with outdoor showers or stargazing gazebos. Add luxe extras to your stay like a private five-course cave dinner or book a package that includes cliff diving, non-motorized water sports, a complimentary Caribbean sugar scrub treatment and welcome cocktails.

144 One Love Drive, Negril, Jamaica

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

From road trips to national parks to charming Southern cities and beachside cottages, these more affordable trip options won't break the bank—meaning you can splurge on a bigger gift this year.

Joshua Tree, California

Toast to the new decade with a scenic road trip to one of the country's most photogenic national parks, Joshua Tree. This is a spot where you'll find glamping options of all sorts, from luxe Airstreams to yurts and geodomes. While you'll feel like you're in the middle of nowhere (the beauty of an early-morning desert hike or evening spent stargazing!) you won't be too far from more cosmopolitan spots like Palm Springs.

Things to Do: Hike the park by moonlight with a guide; set off on an open-air Hummer adventure ; go professional stargazing ; try a beginner rock climbing class ; or relax with a sound bath and cacao ceremony .

Places to Stay: AutoCamp Joshua Tree ; Mojave Sands ; Bubbling Wells Historic Hot Springs Ranch ; 28 Palms Ranch

Asheville, North Carolina

An arts haven that draws bohemians and those seeking something more spiritual, the hippie town of Asheville is full of locally-owned shops, galleries and restaurants. Couples can embrace the city's two sides: the romantic, Old World charm of its Art Deco, Beaux Arts and Neoclassical architecture and the surrounding nature that make it a true outdoor playground. Sip local craft beer, dine at one of the many award-winning restaurants and embrace the mountain locale with a drive or hike through some of the highest peaks east of the Mississippi River on the Blue Ridge Parkway, nicknamed "America's Favorite Scenic Drive."

Things to Do: Spend the day at Biltmore Estate touring Biltmore House and the gardens; sip craft beer at one of the breweries downtown; visit the open-air market at Grove Arcade; hike one of the many mountain trails; shop handmade crafts at the Folk Art Center .

Places to Stay: The Windsor Boutique Hotel ; The Foundry Hotel ; Sweet Biscuit Inn ; The Omni Grove Park Inn ; The Restoration Asheville ; The Inn on Biltmore Estate

St. Augustine, Florida

The oldest city in America packs plenty of small town Southern charm into a walkable historic downtown. Sure, some things may be a bit cheesy like the Fountain of Youth , but it can't hurt to give it a shot and embrace the quirky culture in the beachside town where you'll come across re-enactors in period dress, living history events and horse-drawn carriages. In the spring, the town hosts tons of festivals and live music events—plus, white-sand beaches are just a few miles away from the historic quarter.

Things to Do: Admire views of medieval castle Castillo de San Marcos on a sunset cruise ; take an airboat ride along St. Johns River past manatees and alligators; kayak past dolphins and sea turtles; explore St. Augustine's spookiest sites on a haunted ghost walk .

Places to Stay: Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection ; The Collector Inn ; Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown Hotel ; The Saint Augustine Beach House

Providence, Rhode Island

Newport's mansion-lined coast tends to get the majority of Rhode Island's love, but artsy Providence deserves a weekend trip of its own. Time your stay when the award-winning WaterFire—a series of nearly a hundred bonfires blazing on three rivers in downtown Providence—takes place. History buffs will find plenty of landmarks to add to their list, which they can explore on a self-guided downtown historic walking tour or Early Black History Tour . A true foodie town, you'll find fantastic fare everywhere from bakeshops and pizzerias to tasting-menu favorite Gracie's .

Things to Do: Hit six different spots on a Downcity Arts District walking food tour ; soak up the city's landmarks on a guided boat tour ; join a city-wide scavenger hunt ; or catch a show at the Providence Performing Arts Center .

Places to Stay: The Dean Hotel ; Graduate Providence ; The Beatrice ; Hotel Providence

Savannah, Georgia

Cobblestone streets, pastel-colored homes, Spanish moss—there's a reason Savannah's Southern charm has earned it a reputation as one of the most romantic cities in the country. Maybe you're looking for a driving destination from somewhere in the Southeast, or perhaps you're coming from the northern part of the US and want to discover a historic town without worrying too much about crowds (or bachelorette parties). Savannah offers a nice mix of culture, architecture, dining and wildlife. Plus, it's a walkable town that you can also tour by horse-drawn carriage.

Things to Do: Visit the beaches and lighthouse on nearby Tybee Island; explore Savannah Wildlife Refuge's 30,000 acres of creeks, freshwater marshes, gators and birds on a boat tour ; dine at one of the standout, celeb chef-helmed restaurants like The Grey .

Places to Stay:

Florida Keys, Florida

Get your playlist ready for the 113-mile drive to Key West along the Overseas Highway, where water runs parallel on either side of the scenic stretch. Your destination may be the southernmost point of Key West, with its walkable old town lined with galleries, restaurants and bars that were once writer hangouts (hello, Hemingway!). But don't discount the rest of the Florida Keys—each has its own small-town beach charm, from spectacular snorkeling in Key Largo to the sport fishing capital of the world, Islamorada, which is also a scuba diving haven.

Things to Do: Spend the day kayaking and basking on the beach at Bahia Honda State Park; snorkel in Dry Tortugas National Park , a boat ride away from Key West; sip your way along the bars on Duval Street; post up for the nightly sunset celebration on Key West's Mallory Square.

Places to Stay: Cheeca Lodge & Spa ; Ocean Key Resort & Spa ; Parrot Key Hotel & Villas ; Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo ; Isla Bella Beach Resort

Skip the stress of planning restaurants and daily activities and let the resort do the work for you. The fantastic part about an all-inclusive resort is that once you've paid, you don't have to open your wallet for the rest of your stay. For couples, this means endless poolside margaritas, multiple dining options, beachside service, and extra perks (especially on your birthday!) like early check-in or a bottle of bubbly to celebrate the milestone occasion.

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Maldives

You don't have to wait for a honeymoon or major anniversary to plan a bucket list trip to the Maldives—a 30th birthday is excuse enough. A 30-minute seaplane from the getaway airport in Malé, Coco Palm Resort offers couples a few options for dreamy spots to stay, from Deluxe Pool Villas with pools curving alongside the private beach to Sunset Lagoon Villas with plunge pools and ladders leading down to the sea, so you can snorkel any time of day you like. Among the more affordable options in the Maldives, you'll wine and dine in five-star style—especially if you're planning a combo birthday and honeymoon .

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu Resort, Baa Atoll, Maldives

Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort, Mexico

Perched on a secluded bay, this all-inclusive in trendy Tulum is home to 735 rooms and suites—all with private balconies—spread across two-story, villa-style buildings. Get ready to indulge at 13 different restaurants and bars, with everything from fresh ceviche at Chiringuito Seasalt to Italian at La Luce. If you want to step the experience up a notch, book an Enclave room that includes VIP perks like private check-in and checkout and private pool areas.

Carretera Cancun Tulum 307 Tulkal Chemuyil, Tulum 77774 Mexico

4.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Iberostar Selection Playa de Muro Village, Mallorca

If you've already checked Madrid and Barcelona off your list, now is the time to explore Mallorca, the stunning Spanish island that's perhaps one of the best-kept secrets in the Mediterranean. Located on one of Spain's top three beaches, Iberostar Selection Playa de Muro Village also ranks top in terms of gastronomy and service. Take a dip in one of four pools, relax beachfront with a cocktail or indulge in a massage and Turkish bath session at the sumptuous SPA Sensations.

Avenida de s'Albufera, 6, 07458 Playa de Muro, Majorca Spain

Bawah Reserve, Anamba Islands, Indonesia

Bawah Reserve , a cluster of six islands in Indonesia's Anambas Archipelago off the southern shore of the Malaysian peninsula, is the perfect add-on to a trip to Singapore. The largest of the islands, Bawah, measures a little over a square mile and is dotted by dirt trails that crisscross through foliage of ferns and orchards up to viewpoints that are prime for sundowner cocktails. If you're looking for privacy, you've got 13 beaches to choose from. Safari-style tented suites line the sandy shores, while overwater bungalows as beautiful as you'd find in the Maldives balance on stilts over the sparkling turquoise South China Sea. Even better, everything from daily spa treatments to castaway picnics on secluded shorelines are included.

Anambas Kiabu, Pulau Bawah, Kec. Siantan Sel, Anambas Islands 29791 Indonesia

Bungalows Key Largo, Florida Keys

No need to jet across the world—or even leave the US—for an adults-only, all-inclusive experience. At Bungalows Key Largo , a stay in one of the waterfront or garden bungalows includes a romantic outdoor soaking tub, plus access to five restaurants, poolside and beachside dining, two pools and jacuzzis, poolside and beachside cabanas, snorkel gear and non-motorized water sports. Oh, and did we mention the spa's waterfront treatment tiki?

99010 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037

Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, Dominican Republic

Located within the gated community of Capa Cana on the picture-perfect shores of Juanillo Beach in the Dominican Republic, Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana checks off two boxes: it's adults-only and all-inclusive. No children splashing in the expansive infinity pools with swim-up bars or at the 25 different restaurants and bars. A quick drive from the airport, this is an easier-to-reach destination if you're planning a long weekend getaway (it's less than two hours nonstop from Miami and about three-and-a-half from New York), and once you arrive, you're right next door to a championship golf course, marina and adventure excursions.

Blvd. Zona Hotelera, Playa Juanillo, Cap Cana, Dominican Republic, 23302

For a 30th Birthday trip for couples within a few hours drive, check out these romantic getaway guides by state for more ideas.

• California Weekend Getaways
• Colorado Weekend Getaways
• Florida Weekend Getaways
• Georgia Weekend Getaways
• Illinois Weekend Getaways
• Indiana Weekend Getaways
• Michigan Weekend Getaways
• New England Weekend Getaways
• Ohio Weekend Getaways
• Texas Weekend Getaways
• Wisconsin Weekend Getaways

Budget 2024: The Government needs a good Budget; why it might not deliver one

Thomas Coughlan

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Finance Minister Nicola Willis at the release of the Budget Policy Statement. Photo / Mark Mitchell

After this week’s dreadful poll , which saw the three governing parties down by a collective five points, the Beehive’s panoptic gaze fixed itself on May 30, Budget Day , hopeful it might break the cycle of bad news and negative sentiment towards everything, including the Government itself.

It’s not unprecedented for a government to fall behind early in its term, but the precedents that do exist are not ones the Government would wish to emulate. Dame Jacinda Ardern fought off National poll leads in the first and last years of her first term. There was a good chance she might have been a one-termer, but for the pandemic response.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will be hoping for an easier road back to the ninth floor, starting with a “Budget bump” in the first polls after May 30.

He might be waiting a while. The post-Budget poll pump is a bit of a myth.

A survey of polls taken by the same company before and after Budgets shows the last Labour Government only enjoyed one post-Budget poll bump (in 2020 - when the bump probably had little to do with the Budget and more to do with the pandemic).

The last National Government had only slightly better luck. Across nine Budgets, it enjoyed just three post-Budget poll bumps, in 2014, 2015, and 2017.

There is further reason to be sceptical, and that is the content of the forthcoming Budget itself.

The tax cut promise - and why workers deserve one

National went into the election with a specific fiscal promise that can be broken down into three clear constituent parts: to lower the tax burden on workers, particularly those with families; to fund that tax relief through a mixture of “back-room” spending cuts and levy increases; and to ensure that the tax promise was not paid for by borrowing more than Labour planned to. In fact, National’s promise was to lower spending increases over the course of the Parliament to borrow less than Labour’s plan, meaning smaller deficits, less borrowing (but not no borrowing) and likely less inflation.

The promise was an enticing one.

Salary and wage earners are seeing an increasing share of their pay packets gobbled up by bracket creep. Employers have been offering large pay increases during the post-Covid inflation spike, but for these workers, 30 cents of every dollar of that tax increase is taken in tax (for the median Aucklander or Wellingtonian it will be 33 cents).

It’s little wonder economic sentiment is so negative - not even a relatively large, well-earned pay increase will get you ahead.

Wind the clock back to the last time brackets were reset, in 2010, and a median income earner getting a pay rise would have seen just 17.5 per cents in every dollar taken in inflation.

Workers’ total tax burden was low too. Including tax credits, a median income earner after those changes (earning $41,000), would have paid about 14 per cent of their income in tax (including a key tax credit). In 2023, a median earner ($66,000) paid 19 per cent of their income in tax.

For families with young children, the promise is greater, with the addition of up to $75 a week in tax credits for Early Childhood Education (although this comes at the expense of Labour’s extension of 20 hours’ free ECE, which the Government has axed).

Depending on what you make of public spending cuts , the tax cuts on their own have merit, returning money to households at a time when they’re stretched - though they are incredibly modest compared to historical tax cut pledges. Labour and National both offered more in 2008, in nominal and real terms.

Where the Government has a problem is in the other two legs of the promise: that it would be funded mainly by levy increases and backroom cuts, and that overall, it would contribute less to inflation than Labour’s plan - not more. Those two legs are looking increasingly shaky.

The cuts that will pay for it

There are plenty of good reasons to cut public spending, but some of the arguments rolled out in favour of these cuts don’t always match what the government is doing.

A government could be spending so much it simply cannot afford to continue, or the spending might not be delivering much value to the public and should be stopped and returned in the form of a tax cut.

Almost everyone seems to have got their wires crossed about these cuts. Some think that cutting public spending will help fight inflation.

Throughout 2022 and 2023, National warned that public spending levels were leading to inflation. They had a point. A recent Treasury paper said about a third of the inflation spike could be attributed to a difficult-to-pin-down basket of issues, which included Government spending.

The Government’s spending cuts, however, will not reduce inflation in the form they currently take.

Cutting government spending would contribute to bringing inflation down, but only if those savings were banked by the Government to reduce overall spending levels and new borrowing, and this commitment looks like it is wavering.

The $1.5 billion annual savings of these cuts will go straight back out the door to pay for the roughly $3.6b cost of National’s tax plan.

So at very best, the Government’s spending cuts will have no net effect on inflation. A dollar is saved on one side of the ledger so that it will be spent on the other. The only thing that’s changed is who is doing the spending.

There’s nothing particularly wrong with that if the Government can prove that the cuts are justified and won’t hit public services; however, recent cuts have suggested the cuts are inching closer to the front line, if they are not already there.

Cuts National campaigned on (not part of the $1.5b in cuts), like removing public transport subsidies for under-25s, reinstating some prescription charges , and scrapping free 20 hours ECE for 2-year-olds will also hit some households - and for at least some, it will mean the net benefit of the Government’s tax cuts will be slim to negative. In a tight race, this is a serious problem, and that is before you get to National’s U-turn on a Working for Families tax change that will see some families lose out on $38 a week by the end of the Parliament.

A wavering pledge for no extra borrowing

Things get worse when we unpick the final leg of National’s pre-election fiscal plan, which was to have no additional borrowing. The reason this promise is so important to the plan is that it amounts to a pledge to take inflation more seriously than Labour, ensuring the already modest tax cuts are not eaten up by a wave of inflation.

The current debate over whether the Government is or is not borrowing for tax cuts is a bit cute.

The deficit is so large and intractable that every party went to the election promising to borrow for something. Even Act’s highly contractionary plan included continued deficits throughout the Parliament.

Labour, the only opposition party to release a fiscal plan, would have “borrowed” for its GST cut policy, and its fiscal plan forecast borrowing $3.4b more than National over the four-year forecast period.

The question that was asked during the campaign is whether or not parties could put up fiscal plans that promised to borrow less than the status quo - not whether they would stop borrowing completely. On that score, National’s plan had slightly more merit than Labour’s - it still promised borrowing, just less than Labour.

It’s worth remembering why this leg of the promise is important. It’s the borrowing part of a Government’s promises that is inflationary. If National wanted to promise tax cuts without having them fuel more inflation than Labour’s plan would have done, the party had to fund them in a way that resulted in no additional borrowing.

The party managed to do this by having an internally consistent tax plan that funded itself through cuts and levy increases - and then outside that tax plan, the party’s fiscal plan promised a slightly more contractionary fiscal plan, meaning overall the party’s plan promised lower taxes and less inflation than the status quo.

That promise is now under severe threat for three reasons.

The first is that National and its partners are now the status quo. No one cares whether its plan promises less inflation than Labour, they only care that the Government brings down inflation as much as it can.

The second threat is that the economic status quo has now changed. This isn’t the fault of any one political party, but it is a problem for whichever party is unlucky enough to be in Government to deal with it. Preliminary forecasts released with the Budget Policy Statement show a worsening economy, which bank economists think could see $10b-15b more debt issued just to stand still.

It means even if National delivered on every policy pledge in its fiscal plan, it would still borrow more than planned before the election, essentially breaking the promise to fund a more contractionary fiscal policy than Labour outlined before the election. Of course, had Labour won the election, it too would have faced the same problem and probably have borrowed more to avoid cutting spending. Nevertheless, that’s not Labour’s problem right now - it’s the Government’s.

The third challenge is all the Government’s own making. Almost all of the “more contractionary than Labour” promises made before the election came from reducing operating allowances this year and each year of the Parliament. The operating allowance is the new money added to the Budget each year to fund cost increases and new initiatives.

This year’s allowance would be reduced from a proposed $3.5b to $3.2b, saving $300m. Sharper cuts next year and in subsequent years would reduce allowances by a cumulative $3.3b over the forecast period.

This promise appears to be under threat. Instead of confirming her campaigned-on operating allowance at the Budget Policy Statement in March, Willis promised only to set the allowance at “less than $3.5b” with no comment on future allowances. The comment made no mention of her own pre-election allowance, and hinted the Government will basically take the parameters of Labour’s fiscal plan as its own.

Allowances are cumulative, so setting an allowance closer to $3.5b than $3.2b allowance will mean a $1.2b drop to those promised $3.3b of savings - more than a third. If future allowances are increased (this is doubtful - governments love trimming forecast spending only to increase it when the spending actually falls) it would mean the new Government’s fiscal track looks basically identical to Labour’s.

That leaves only one of the three legs of National’s pre-election promise still standing.

It will lower the tax burden on households, particularly those with families, but the second two legs of the pledge are looking shaky. The spending cuts are getting very close to the front line, and the borrowing pledge is close to collapse - and that is bad news for getting on top of the inflation problem that looks like the root cause of the unpopularity plaguing both this Government and the last.

From what we know so far, there’s the fiscal equivalent of a cigarette paper separating Labour’s pre-election fiscal track and what the current Government is looking at.

It’s little wonder the Government is struggling to out-poll the Opposition. The fiscal fundamentals have barely moved from when the Opposition was itself in government.

Thomas Coughlan is Deputy Political Editor and covers politics from Parliament. He has worked for the Herald since 2021 and has worked in the press gallery since 2018.

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