Vacation Budget Calculator
Planning your dream vacation requires careful budgeting to ensure you have an amazing trip without financial stress. Our comprehensive vacation budget calculator helps you plan every aspect of your travel expenses, from accommodation and meals to activities and transportation. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, family vacation, or solo adventure, this tool breaks down all costs per person and per day, shows you where your money is going with detailed percentage breakdowns, and includes a recommended buffer for unexpected expenses.
Number of days for your vacation
Total cost per night for all travelers
Flights, car rental, gas, etc.
Tips, fees, emergencies, etc.
How much should I budget for a vacation?
A typical vacation budget is $200-500 per person per day, depending on destination and style. Budget trips (hostels, street food) run $50-100/day, moderate trips (mid-range hotels, casual dining) $150-250/day, and luxury trips $300-1000+/day. Factor in transportation (flights/gas), accommodation, food, activities, shopping, and a 10-15% buffer for unexpected expenses.
What percentage of my vacation budget should go to accommodation?
Accommodation typically represents 30-40% of total vacation costs for moderate travelers. Budget travelers keep it to 20-25% by using hostels or camping, while luxury travelers may spend 40-50% on upscale hotels. Location matters: expensive cities require higher percentages. Consider vacation rentals for groups to reduce per-person accommodation costs significantly.
How much should I budget for food on vacation?
Budget $30-100 per person daily for food. Budget: $30-50 (fast food, street vendors, groceries), Moderate: $50-80 (mix of casual restaurants and self-catering), Upscale: $100-200+ (nice restaurants for most meals). Save by eating breakfast at your hotel, packing snacks, and choosing lunch over dinner at expensive restaurants.
Should I include a buffer in my vacation budget?
Yes, always include a 10-15% buffer for unexpected expenses. This covers price increases, spontaneous activities, emergency situations, forgotten items, tips, ATM fees, and travel delays. Having a buffer prevents budget stress and allows flexibility to take advantage of unexpected opportunities during your trip.
How do I calculate the number of nights for accommodation?
The number of nights is typically one less than the number of days. For example, a 7-day trip requires 6 nights of accommodation. However, if your last day includes a late departure or you need a day-use room, you may need to budget for the full number of days. Always confirm your check-in and check-out times when planning.