How to Budget for a Trip: From Flights to Hidden Fees

Travel is one of life’s greatest joys — until you realize how quickly “just a weekend away” adds up. Flights, accommodation, meals, and the sneaky extras no one warns you about can double your costs if you’re not prepared. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to building a realistic travel budget that keeps your trip fun and financially stress-free.

1. Start With Your Total Budget

Decide how much you can comfortably spend in total — not what you hope to spend. From there, work backward by dividing your budget into categories:

• Flights and transport – 30–40%

• Accommodation – 25–35%

• Food and drinks – 15–20%

• Activities and attractions – 10–15%

• Emergency fund – 5–10%

Having these percentages in mind helps you instantly spot when one category (like hotels) is eating up too much of your funds.

2. Research the Big Three: Flights, Stays, and Daily Costs

Use sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak to get a price range for flights. For accommodation, check Booking.com, Airbnb, or even hostelworld.com to compare options.

Then, search “cost of living in [destination]” to estimate how much meals, coffee, and public transport will set you back daily. Websites like Numbeo or BudgetYourTrip give realistic averages by city.

3. Don’t Forget the Hidden Fees

These are the silent budget killers that travelers forget to plan for:

• Airport transfers (taxis, buses, or parking)

• Tourist taxes or city fees (common in Europe)

• Visa costs or entry fees

• Tipping expectations

• SIM cards, Wi-Fi, or roaming charges

• Travel insurance and medical coverage

Add at least 10% extra to your total budget for unexpected expenses — because they will happen.

4. Save Before You Go

Instead of dipping into savings last-minute, create a “trip fund” a few months ahead. Set up an automatic weekly transfer into a separate travel account — even £20–£30 adds up.

If you travel often, consider a cashback or travel rewards card to earn miles or points on everyday purchases.

5. Budget While You Travel

Apps like Trail Wallet, TravelSpend, or Mint make it easy to track expenses in real-time and visualize where your money is going. Use daily spending goals — e.g., £80 per day — to stay on track without feeling restricted.