Vacation Budget Calculator

A dream trip can sour fast when the spending you didn't plan for outpaces the spending you did. The goal here is to map every line of a getaway in advance, from flights and lodging down to meals and activities, so the final tab holds no surprises. It matters more in 2026 than usual: international airfare is running about 8% higher year over year, and hotel rates have climbed roughly 5%, which means last year's rough estimate will likely come in short.

The estimate works by adding up the figures you supply: airfare, accommodation, a daily food allowance multiplied by the number of days you'll be away, and whatever you set aside for activities. On top of that running total, the tool layers a contingency buffer, set by default at 10% of the estimated cost, to absorb the things no itinerary fully predicts.

Food and activities are where travelers most often guess low, because small charges pile up day after day. Local prices vary enough to be worth checking before you lock in a number: a meal in Tokyo in 2026 might average $40 per person, while a comparable one in Lisbon runs closer to $25. Build in the line items that hide outside the headline price too, including baggage fees, travel insurance, and getting around once you arrive.