Travel Budget Planner
Plan detailed travel budgets with flight, hotel, and per diem breakdowns. Enter values for instant results with step-by-step formulas.
Formula
Total = Flights + (Hotel × Nights) + (Per Diem × Days × People) + Activities + Transport + Contingency
The total budget is the sum of fixed costs (Flights, Pre-booked Transport) and variable costs (Accommodation, Food, Daily Transport) multiplied by the duration and number of travelers. A percentage contingency is added to the subtotal to account for unforeseen expenses and currency fluctuations.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Couple's Week in Paris
Problem:2 people, 7 days. Flights $800 total. Hotel $200/night. Food $100/day/person. Transport $150 total.
Solution:Flights: $800. Hotel: $1,400. Food: $1,400. Transport: $150. Subtotal: $3,750. +10% Contingency ($375). Total: $4,125.
Result:$4,125 ($2,062 per person)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much contingency should I add to a travel budget?
A standard rule of thumb is 10-15%. For international or adventurous trips, 20% is safer to cover currency fluctuations, emergencies, or spontaneous opportunities.
Does this include travel insurance?
Travel insurance is not explicitly broken out but should be included either in 'Activities/Other' or as a separate line item. It typically costs 4-10% of the total trip cost.
Should I budget for local transport separately?
Yes. Airport transfers, subway passes, Ubers, or rental cars add up. Even 'walkable' cities often require some transit spend.
How can I reduce my travel budget?
biggest levers are: travel in shoulder season, be flexible with dates (flights), choose accommodation with kitchen (save on food), and use public transit instead of taxis.