Travel

Vacation Cost Calculator

Estimate your total vacation cost. Select a destination, set duration and travelers, and see a complete budget breakdown.

Quick Answer

A 7-day trip for 2 people costs roughly $2,500-$4,000 domestic, $4,000-$7,000 for Europe, and $2,500-$4,000 for Southeast Asia. Flights and hotel are the two biggest line items.

$

Total Cost

$2,420

Per Person

$1,210

Per Day

$346

Budget Breakdown

Flights
$400
17%
Hotel
$700
29%
Food
$700
29%
Activities
$420
17%
Extras
$200
8%
Total
$2,420

About This Tool

The Vacation Cost Calculator helps you build a realistic travel budget before booking. Select a destination template or enter custom costs to see your total trip cost broken down by flights, hotel, food, activities, and extras.

Budgeting Tips

Start with the big-ticket items (flights and hotel), which typically account for 60-70% of the total budget. Then layer in daily costs for food and activities. Add a 10-15% buffer for unexpected expenses and impulse purchases.

When to Book

The sweet spot for domestic flights is 1-3 months before departure. International flights: 2-6 months. Hotels: 1-2 months for the best rates. Peak season pricing can be 30-50% higher than shoulder season for the same destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an average vacation cost?
The average American vacation costs $1,200-$2,000 per person for a domestic trip (5-7 days). International trips average $2,000-$4,000 per person. A couple's week-long trip to Europe costs $5,000-$8,000 total at a mid-range budget.
What percentage of the budget goes to flights?
Flights typically account for 20-40% of a vacation budget for domestic trips and 30-50% for international trips. Booking 2-3 months in advance, using fare alerts, and being flexible with dates can save 20-40% on airfare.
How much should I budget for food while traveling?
Budget $30-$50 per person per day for budget dining, $60-$100 for mid-range, and $120-$200+ for fine dining. Save by eating breakfast at the hotel, buying lunch from grocery stores, and splurging on one nice dinner per day.
How can I save money on vacation?
Travel in shoulder season (just before or after peak). Use credit card points for flights or hotels. Stay in apartments with kitchens. Eat where locals eat. Book activities in advance for discounts. Set a daily spending limit and track expenses.
Should I budget for travel insurance?
Budget 4-8% of your total trip cost for travel insurance. A $5,000 trip would cost $200-$400 to insure. It's worth it for international trips, expensive bookings, or if you have health concerns. Compare policies at InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth.