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Planning your next trip on a budget is very important for a stress-free traveling. Here are some essential tips to help you create a comprehensive travel budget, including what expenses to consider and practical strategies to stay on track throughout your journey.
Tips number 1 : Establish a budget trip
Determine how much you can afford to spend on your trip. Consider your income, savings, and expenses to set a realistic budget that covers accommodation, transportation, food, activities, and any other anticipated costs.
Research your destination: Research the cost of living, exchange rates, and typical prices for accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities at your destination. This will help you estimate your expenses more accurately.
Tips number 2 : Take every cost into account
During your trip you will have incompressible cost that you need to take into consideration.
Flights
Flights can take big chunk of your budget, depending on where you go and how many countries you are planning to do.
To plan your flight budget for our road trip budget plan, here are what to think :
Determine your destination: Have a clear idea of where you want to go for your big trip. This will help you estimate the potential cost of your flights.
Research flight prices: Begin by researching flight prices to your destination. Use online travel agencies, flight search engines, and official airline websites to compare prices. Be flexible with your travel dates, as flight prices can vary significantly depending on the time of year. On my side I usually like to use Google Flight.
Look for deals and discounts: Keep an eye out for flight deals and discounts. Sign up for airline newsletters, follow them on social media, and set up price alerts on flight search engines. These platforms often provide updates on special offers, sales, or promo codes that can help you find cheaper flights.
Consider alternative airports: Check if there are alternative airports near your departure or destination cities. Some airports may offer lower fares or have more affordable airlines operating there. Compare prices between different airports to see if it significantly affects your budget.
Be flexible with your routes: Explore different flight routes to your destination. Sometimes, adding a layover or changing airlines can result in cheaper fares. Play around with different routing options to find the most cost-effective route.
Book in advance: Generally, booking flights in advance can help you secure lower fares. Aim to book your flights at least a few months before your trip. Last-minute bookings are usually more expensive.
Be mindful of additional costs: When comparing flight prices, take into account additional costs such as baggage fees, seat selection fees, or in-flight meal charges. Some airlines might have lower fares but higher additional costs, so factor those in when assessing your budget.
Remember that flight prices can vary, so it's essential to be diligent in your research and stay flexible. Compare prices, set a budget, and book your flights as early as possible to secure the best deals.
Here are a few website to compare you flight :
Ground transportation
Determine the primary mode of transportation you plan to use, such as renting a car, using trains or buses, or relying on ride-share services. Research the costs associated with each option and consider which is most practical and cost-effective for your trip.
Trains, buses
Destination and distance: Consider the distance you'll be traveling by bus and the cost associated with it. Some routes may be more expensive than others, so researching different bus companies and comparing prices can help you find the most affordable option.
My experience : I link to compare and I often use Busbud and Rome2Rio. They both help me compare and find cheap bus tickets.
Booking in advance: Booking your bus tickets in advance can often help you secure better deals and lower fares. Look for online booking platforms or directly check the websites of bus companies for discounted rates. Avoid booking during peak travel seasons, as prices may be higher.
My experience : I don't know if it's a great thing or not but I like to plan in advance. Sometimes it gives me less flexibility but it's the way I like to travel.
Flexibility in travel dates and times: Remaining flexible with your travel dates and times can potentially help you find cheaper bus fares. Some companies offer lower rates for off-peak hours or mid-week travel, so adjusting your schedule accordingly can save you money.
Seek out budget bus companies: Look for budget bus companies or regional operators that offer more affordable rates. These may not provide the same level of comfort or amenities as luxury buses but can often be a cost-effective option, especially for shorter journeys.
Consider overnight buses: Overnight buses can save you money by combining transportation and accommodation costs. While it may not be as comfortable as sleeping in a hotel, it can be an economical choice for budget travelers.
Pack your own snacks and drinks: Save money by bringing your own snacks and drinks for the journey. Bus fares often do not include food or beverages, and purchasing them on board can be more expensive.
Plan for extra transportation costs: If your bus only takes you to your destination city, factor in additional transportation costs to reach your final destination. Consider options like local buses, shared rides, or walking if viable.
Stay organized and know your itinerary: Keep track of your bus times, stops, and any transfers to avoid missing connections or getting lost. Being organized can prevent unnecessary expenses or delays.
Car Rental and Gaz
Book in advance your mean of transportation and try to find the cheapest on booking.com
If you're renting a car, estimate the fuel costs based on the distance and the vehicle's average fuel efficiency. Estimate the distance you'll be traveling and the average fuel efficiency of your vehicle to calculate the approximate amount of gas you'll need. Research current gas prices along your route to determine the total cost.
Parking fees: If you're driving, consider the costs of parking at your accommodations or at destinations along your route. Research parking options and rates in advance to avoid any
Accommodation
Plan your overnight stays and research various accommodation options such as hotels, motels, campgrounds, or vacation rentals. Consider their costs and include them in your budget.
Plenty of websites such as :
will help you find the best stay at various costs.
My experience : All these platforms above are great. I am personally not bound to any of these platforms, as I work intelligently through them to find the best value for money.
Meals
Allocate a budget for food and drinks during your road trip. Plan for meals at restaurants, roadside cafes, or grocery store purchases for picnics or cooking in accommodations with kitchen facilities.
Excursions and activities
An excursion for a trip can incur costs. They can include entrance fees to attractions, tickets for tours or shows, transportation expenses to reach certain destinations, hiring a guide, equipment rentals, or even permits for activities in specific locations (e.g., national parks).
For exemple, For the Tayrona Park in Colombia, the entrance feed is around 15€ (73.500 COP) to enter.
These expenditures can vary greatly depending on the type of excursion and the destination. For instance, a guided tour of a historical site might have a fixed cost, while a diving session may have varying prices based on where you are, what diving school you go to and on other factors such as duration, location, and equipment rental.
To avoid any surprises, it is very important to research and estimate the costs of potential excursions in advance because it will represent a huge chunk of your trip, depending on how keen you are willing to do activities.
Souvenirs
Think of all the souvenirs, shopping, or other personal purchases you will want to make during the trip.I also add in this bucket all the cost related to postcard as I love sending postcard to my family, everywhere I go!
Tip number 3 : Be mindful of additional costs
Being mindful of additional costs during a trip is crucial to stay within your budget. Here are some additional cost you might have and that you might not have though through :
Travel insurance
Charges for hotel amenities
Wi-Fi access
Baggage fees
Currency conversion charges
Any traveling planner app
Any cost regarding the gear you will need to have with you for your excusions. I mainly think of the backpack (here is how to find the perfect one), hiking boots, hiking socks, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, woollen hat, trekking poles, water bottle, snacks, first aid kit, map and compass, rain gear, sleeping bag, mattress, tent, Insect repellent, headlamp
Tip number 4 : Prioritize what is important for you
If trying as much restaurant and local food as possible is your goal, GREAT! We have that in common!
Or if diving as much as you can (like me as well!) is your thing, I would strongly well make sure you will have a budget aside for it. Make a list of the activities, attractions, and experiences you want to participate in during your trip. Research their costs and prioritize them based on your interests and budget. This will allow you to allocate funds accordingly.
Tips number 5 : Set a daily spending limit
Before setting a daily spending limit, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of your overall trip budget. Consider all essential expenses such as transportation, accommodation, meals, excursions and any pre-booked activities or attractions.
With all that in mind, you will be able to identify any fixed expenses that need to be paid in advance or have a predetermined cost, such as flights, accommodation, and pre-booked tours or activities. Deduct these expenses from your total trip budget and subtract the amount allocated for fixed expenses from your total trip budget. This will leave you with the amount available for daily spending.
Even with that, you might still not exactly be sure on how much money you will spend. If you are on a very tight budget, set yourself a goal per day, and use the remaining budget at the end of your trip if you haven't used it all. You can then indulge yourself at the end of your trip when you know you can afford it.
Tips number 6 : Track your expenses
Keep a record of your expenses during the trip. Use budget-tracking apps or simply maintain a Google Spreadsheet or Excel to monitor your spending and ensure you stay within your budget.
Here is my Travel Google Spreadsheet Budget Planner is you want to take a look !
You can also use apps, there are plenty on the market:
TravelSpend: Travel Budget App. The one I use personally, in addition to my Google Spreadsheet
Tricount if you are traveling with friends
Splitwise, same uses as Tricount
Tripcoin. Can use it without an internet connection
Trabee Pocket. The free version also only allows you to track one currency per trip
Tips number 7 : Plan in advance
Look for deals and discounts
Take advantage of deals, discounts, and promotions for flights, accommodations, and activities. Sign up for travel newsletters, follow travel deal websites, and use comparison sites to find the best prices.
Choose affordable accommodations
Consider budget-friendly options like hostels, guesthouses, vacation rentals, or staying with locals through platforms like Couchsurfing.com. These options can save you money on accommodation expenses.
Plan your meals
Eating out for every meal can be expensive. Consider cooking some meals yourself, buying groceries, or opting for street food. This way, you can experience local cuisine without breaking the bank.
My experience : I often swap my accommodation for an appart'hotel or an Airbnb to have a kitchen where I indulge myself with healthier food than restaurants. It's a great way to save money and give a rest to your stomach if you are in a place where most of the food is deep fat fried.
Tip number 8 : Have an emergency fund
Allocate a portion of your budget as an emergency fund for unexpected expenses. This will provide a financial cushion to cover any unforeseen situations or emergencies.
I don't want to talk about what worse could happen but we never know, and it's better to have the money in case of any situation, like going to hospital for exemple.
From my point of view, the key to traveling and keep track on your budget it to prioritize your spending, be flexible and make your trip budget work thorough research and planning. With careful budgeting and smart choices, you can have a memorable travel experience without breaking your piggy bank.