Number One Travel Cost Factor: Destination

The biggest factor that will affect how much you spend on  you trip is where you are going. This may seem like common sense, but there is a lot that goes into the cost of destination when you are considering traveling to a specific city. Many people think that Europe is always expensive and Mexico is always cheap, but this is only when the two places are evaluated on a limited range of factors. When you determine where you are going, think of all the criteria going into the decision.

Public Transportation

Public transit is the way of the world for budget-conscious travelers. European cities are notorious for well-developed public transit systems that even run between cities and between countries. This means a person can get from Paris to Milan with relatively low cost. It may require several stops and transit changes along the way, but it is doable, and it is cheap. The same goes for traveling the northeastern seaboard of the US. Getting from New York to Boston to Philadelphia to D.C. is relatively inexpensive. Hopping from San Francisco to LA to San Diego will cost you.

Free Activities

The number of free activities in a large, developed cities may compensate for higher travel and room rates. New York, for example, has expansive public parks and sight-seeing opportunities for those who are interested. Boston, similarly, is rich with historical sites viewable at no cost whatsoever. Traveling to Mexico, however, typically means a charge to even use a restroom at most public locations. Even if the charge is small, it can often add up.

In-Room Kitchens

Dining in will save hundreds of dollars over the course of a vacation week. Even having a kitchenette where you can serve breakfast and lunch is key to keeping expenses down. In-room dining options increase when  you stay at family-friendly hotels as opposed to more luxury rooms. These hotels understand the high cost of feeding a large group and offer well-stocked kitchens on most occasions. Hotels in extended-stay locations may also be a better option than resorts. Try looking for a time share rental to get the most options out of your immediate room.

Dietary Restrictions

When you travel to a third world location in particular, it is important to understand that dietary restrictions may force you into high-end restaurants. These restaurants cater to tourists who cannot stomach the local food. Tourist-specific locations are always more expensive because vacationers are more apt to spend money on the whole. Staying away from tourism centers will save you. However, if you are unable to be in the mix with street food or local restaurants, you may not have a choice.

Exchange Rate

Exchange rate is often overlooked but is a major contributing factor to the cost of a trip. Choosing to go to locations where you can get a favorable exchange will allow you to spend more lavishly. You will be able to afford higher-end dinners than if you go to a place where the exchange rate is one-sided in the opposite direction.