Budgeting for Vacation

Budgeting for Cruise and Vacation Holiday Travel

Whether you are budget conscious or not, whenever I consider a destination for a vacation, the first thing I do is make a chart of what the travel budget might cost. This is helpful in many scenarios. For example, weigh the option between spending 7-nights on a cruise ship to your dream destination versus flying and staying in a luxurious resort. Or if you only have a specific amount of money, compare a travel budget for destinations for the best value, or see if you can possibly book two vacations instead of just one. 
I typically use a spreadsheet for our family vacation budget (Excel is perfect for this.) and the categories always stay the same. I suggest budgeting generously to give yourself some cushion. Enjoy your vacation, don't pinch every penny! Save my Vacation Budget Checklist and read my tips-and-tricks for each item to budget for vacation.  
  • Airfare - Use points! We've taken advantage of credit card offers with our favorite airlines in order to gain a substantial amount of points to purchase airfare or get extra perks. But even if you use points, you may still be required to pay taxes, fees, and other government or airport-imposed charges, so don't forget to include those in your budget (each way, per person.)
  • Daily parking at airport - Often I compare the cost of parking per day versus taking car service. If you want to park in a cushy spot underground, it might be more cost-effective to be dropped off and picked-up at the door.
  • Trip Insurance - Need I say more? We always purchase it for the full-length of our vacation, including pre and post-cruise stay. (Think COVID-19 pandemic.)
  • Hotel for pre-cruise stay - It's extremely important to arrive early if you are cruising, especially if during snowy winter months. 
  • Food for pre-cruise stay - Include snacks purchased at the airport on the days you are flying, as well as breakfast, lunch and dinners. 
  • Transportation to hotel or port - Compare the price of Uber/Lyft to renting a car. Think about all of the scenarios you might face your entire vacation: airport to hotel, hotel to cruise port, activities and excursions along the way. Don't forget transportation to get back again, too. 
  • Resort activities & cruise excursions - It's the little things that add up. When staying at a tropical resort, don't forget you may have higher resort fees, on-property activity fees (for example, bike rentals, wave runners, etc.), poolside drinks and snacks, and more. Whenever we stay at a resort, I include 5 meals a day (we are foodies!) which are breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner, late night snack/dessert. 
  • Tips for staff - Bring small bills and note cards with envelopes for a nice touch.
  • Always add a small amount daily for incidentals!