Travel Budget Calculator

Mid-range travel typically means: 3-star hotel or guesthouse ($60–150/night), restaurant meals ($15–40/meal), public transport + occasional taxi, paid attractions and tours. Budget travel replaces this with hostels, street food, and free/cheap activities. Luxury adds 5-star hotels, business class flights, private tours, and fine dining.

This calculator covers in-destination costs — accommodation, food, local transport, and activities. Flights are separate and vary enormously based on origin, booking time, and season. As a rough guide: a round-trip economy ticket to Europe from the US costs $400–900; Southeast Asia $600–1,200; South America $400–800. Add 20–30% to your total budget to cover flights and travel insurance.

Key strategies: (1) Travel shoulder season (spring/fall) — 30–50% cheaper than peak. (2) Book accommodation with kitchen access to self-cater. (3) Use local markets and street food. (4) Use city transit cards over taxis. (5) Get city tourist passes for multiple attraction discounts. (6) Stay longer in fewer places — frequent moves increase transport costs.

Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, Cambodia) is affordable: Budget: $30–50/day (hostel, street food, local transport). Mid-range: $70–120/day (guesthouse, restaurants, occasional tours). Luxury: $200–400+/day (resort, private tours, fine dining). Cities like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur are 30–50% more expensive than other Southeast Asian destinations.