The Travel Budget Breakdown You've Always Needed

Posted by: CALPAK
02/26/2020

Currency, Cards, Passport, Pass to put into your Travel Wallet

A finely-crafted budget is designed to maximize your total travel experience.

You’ve saved your hard earned money for your next vacation and have already purchased your luggage and bags — now what? It’s time to build your budget, and build it wisely.

MONEY TALKS

Know the exchange rate of your travel destination ahead of time. This way, you can pull out cash prior to going abroad because many exchange centers/ATMS around the world don’t have the best exchange rates and you won’t get the best bang for your buck. Also, try to be as strict as possible about the budget (see below) you've created for yourself, organized by food, shopping, experiences, etc. This is definitely how our infamous Travel Wallet was born: to keep your currency, cards, and passes organized in one place while you're on-the-go.

Here's our lovely travel budget example you can use for your next trip:

A BUDGET BREAKDOWN:

AN EXAMPLE:

Your version of budget breakdown may include other categories. For example visas, travel insurance, additional pocket money, etc.

Whether you’re ballin’ on a budget or not, we want to save you some money WHILE you're on vacation. From pre-gaming, to walking, to purchasing more thoughtful souvenirs, we have some ideas on how you can alleviate overspending on your trip.

Snacks with lean protein and fiber-rich carbs provide lasting energy for your adventures.

BRUNCH MORE

Unless your hotel offers free breakfast in the morning, plan on having a really great “Treat Yo Self” meal for brunch, that way you’re not paying for three full meals. Brunch and some pre-packed snacks before dinnertime will get you through the day and will save your pockets from all of the foodie splurging.

Snacks with lean protein and fiber-rich carbs provide lasting energy for your adventures.

Walking is a great way to save money and have a cardio workout.

WALK IT OFF

1. Walking is FREE! 2. While you’re walking, you’ll get to experience more by people-watching, talking with locals and observing your surroundings much closer. Look for areas where you can plan out a walking map so you can save some of your transportation money. 3. Walking is FREE!

Walking is a great way to save money and have a cardio workout.

Be a rational shopper. Do not hurry to spend your money. While you’re waiting, consider how and when you’ll use the new product.

PURCHASE THOUGHTFULLY

Honestly, the best souvenirs to take back home with you are the ones that have real stories behind them. Instead of buying the typical overpriced t-shirt with the name of the city on it (that you'll only wear to sleep), look for weekend markets and outlets and shop where the locals shop. Souvenirs should remind you of the feeling you had while you were there, not the money you had to set aside to pay for it.

Be a rational shopper. Do not hurry to spend your money. While you’re waiting, consider how and when you’ll use the new product.

Good to know that Sept. 21 is Museum Day in the USA, which means free admission to many museums that would typically cost you money.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF "FREE"

Check out free local street fairs, cultural events, and even beautiful parks that only require you to enjoy yourself and soak it all in. Also, museums and tourist sites DO have discounted days and FREE days as well, so be sure to check their websites ahead of time!

Good to know that Sept. 21 is Museum Day in the USA, which means free admission to many museums that would typically cost you money.

Check out the pre-party deals for local bars on coupon sites or official guides sites to your destination.

MAKE PRE-GAMING A THING

If you're trying to go out and enjoy a little night life, look for places that offer happy hour OR pre-game back at your hotel/Airbnb to save yourself from buying rounds and rounds of shots. Your credit card will thank you later.

Check out the pre-party deals for local bars on coupon sites or official guides sites to your destination.

Buying a travel pass for several trips can be a great option to save your money.

GAIN A NEW PERSPECTIVE

Take an Uber, Lyft, rental car and split the cost with your travel buddies! OR do as the locals do and use public transportation — whether it's the subway, the bus, or even a tricycle ride, you’ll most likely see more of the city this way!

Buying a travel pass for several trips can be a great option to save your money.

You can meet locals through Meetup application for free group activities or through other social media.

BEFRIEND A LOCAL

Have a friendly chat with locals during your trip and they’ll most likely be so proud of their hometown, that they’ll give you a guide to the best eats, free activities and secret spots like a non-crowded beautiful hidden beach. This way, you’ll also be able to have more of a personal connection with the culture and community, while adding some spontaneity to your trip!

You can meet locals through Meetup application for free group activities or through other social media.

Planning your budget is helpful but be careful, don't overplan. Overplanning increases stress. Uncertainty is where things happen.

DON'T OVERPLAN

We know being in a new place is so exciting that you want to jam pack your itinerary but we’re here to tell you that it’s not always worth it. Stay present and spend more time in fewer places to really soak in what you came there for — a new and refreshing experience; that’s a feeling you can’t always get when you’re rushing to get from one place to another. If you’re going to be there, BE there, and we promise you won't overspend.

Planning your budget is helpful but be careful, don't overplan. Overplanning increases stress. Uncertainty is where things happen.