The Great Summer 2009 Trip to Iowa, Boston, NYC, and DC: A Travel Budgeting Guide

Mom’s Travel Planner Budget Guide

Anticipating a trip? Let this be a guide to expenses you may anticipate.
•Pay for as much in advance as possible, even months ahead.
•On-line hotel booking: find at a travel website, but book through the hotel itself.

TRANSPORTATION
Airfare
Luggage charges [can cost less if booked when you print your boarding pass]
Tips/skycaps
Car rental/insurance costs [if using debit cards = holds on funds until
after stay;Must prove return flight for rental cars]
Gas
Mass transit/metros/subways
Cabs
Tips
Train, buses
Ferries
Toll roads
Parking at hotels/big cities/events [inquire prior to visit—pricey in large
cities]

LODGING
Relatives/friends in area [aim for 3 nights or less [unless pre-invited for
longer or staying with parents]…if staying longer, leave money for
groceries/food, utilities usage]
Hotels, motels [if using debit cards = beware of holds on funds until after
stay]
B and B's, vacation rentals [deposits may be req. in advance for these]
(try prepaid online packages/Costco, airline sites)
Tips for bellmen, hailing cabs, valet
Deposits/holds on credit cards, debit cards
Pet accommodations
Parking at hotel

FOOD
Breakfasts [#days x daily amount and tips]
Lunches [#days x daily amount and tips]
Dinners [#days x daily amount and tips]
Snacks, refreshments [#days x daily amount]
Water to carry
Host[ess] reimbursement/take to dinner

ACTIVITIES/TOURING
Maps/guidebooks/tour guides
Transportation/gasoline to location
Admission/booking fees/service charges
Treats

MISCELLANEOUS
Replacement costs –yes, the curling iron might break!
Grooming items replenishment
Laundromat/laundry and detergent/dryer sheets [pack quarters, supplies]
Souvenirs
Shopping
Host[ess] gifts, mail-keeper gift, pet care-giver gift, chauffeur to airport
gift, other thank you’s
SURPRISES: unexpected extra charges—always occur!!!!
[allow at least $50 - $100 per week]

COST CUTTERS
AIRFARE: use companion certificates,
vouchers
Use skymiles/mileage plus reward miles
Internet sites : airlines/travel zoo/cheapoair/tripticker/sidestep, etc.

LODGING:
Vacation club week/points, if we are in the annual
allotment schedule
Package deals on airlines/car/hotel
Costco
Internet sites: Sidestep/travelocity/expedia/orbitz/kayak/hotels.com
/vrbo/lastminutedeals . . .but book through the hotel!!!
Hotel points/awards [Marriott/Hilton, etc.]

RENTAL CAR:
Vacation club points, if available
Mileage plus/Skymiles points [???]
Costco
Internet Costco,enterprise/Alamo/national/budget/advantage/etc.

FOOD:
Eat heaviest meal midday = less costly than at night
Pack healthy, filling snacks
Take a portable, folding cooler if traveling by car
Bring/buy breakfast items to eat in the room; refrigerator
“Doggie bags” of restaurant take-home food for later
No sodas or beverages with meals, just water

SOUVENIRS:
Household items/practical needs mom’s favorite = shoes!
Flat items [ornaments, mouse pads, etc.]