Budgeting: The Traveler's 'B-Word'



So, you say you want to travel...

Well, that's all fine and dandy until you're out globe-trotting and run out of money!

Do you have any idea how embarrassing it is to be declined in another language?

Me either, because I use this handy budget:

This worksheet will help you build an estimated cost for your trip before you start fully planning and booking everything.

Now before you skip over this boring-but-necessary post to read about taking a tropical cruise, let me walk you through this worksheet.
From the top: 
Line 1 is pretty self explanatory. Are you traveling alone? Are you going with a spouse? Fill it in.

Line 2 is also a gimmie. If you haven't planned that yet, then you aren't ready to create a budget. 

Line 3 will require you to do a little 'research' (read: type into google and estimate). Depending on where you're going and what you're eating, this will vary. I always lean toward the safe side and round up whatever I think it will cost. This helps account for gratuities and random sweet tooth cravings. Typically, an average breakfast will cost around $7 per person, lunch about $10, and dinner around $15. 

You kind of have to cheat to fill out Line 4. At this point in your planning process, accommodations have not been booked. So, give it your best guess. An AirBnb reservation might be $100, a hotel might be $200. Again, google is your friend. Check out the average costs in your destination and go from there. 

In order to accurately estimate Line 5, you'll want to search for flights around the same time that you want to take your trip. If you have exact dates already, all the better!

I realize that many of you may just book a round trip flight. In which case, Line 6 is null. If by chance you are traveling around multiple cities or countries and find that it's easier to book two separate flights... well, carry on. 

Line 7 is to be avoided at all costs! Seriously, if I can travel through 4 countries with one carry on, so can you. If you insist on checking bags, that can put a significant dent in your budget, so you should account for it. 

Line 8 is the fun part! Think of all the cool things you want to do and see on your trip! Ok, fun part over - now look up all the entrance fees and ticket costs for those things. 

Oh, you don't have travel insurance? I'll write a blog about that soon enough. In the meantime, get some! 

Finally, Line 10. If you are an impulse shopper, round up! If you are pretty frugal, round up! You're going to be on vacation after all. This is your fun/free spending money while you're there. It's no fun if you run out. 

Now you do the math. How much is your trip going to run you? 
Hang on to this printout and compare your expenses as you make reservations. That will help you stay on track with your budget. 

*Disclaimer - if your total comes out to $3,567.42, please bring along more than that! It's always a good idea to have an extra fund or credit card for emergencies. 

So, what do you think? Did this budget worksheet help you? I'd love to know! Tell me about your trip in the comment section below.



Don't miss these great articles by the Adorned Travelers:

Just Cruisin' : What to Expect on Your Cruise Vacation   

The Big Ten: Our Top Ten Dream Travel Destinations



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