Vacation Funds

Travel writers break down all their purchases on a recent trip. These stories provide readers with itineraries and feed curiosities about how others spend their money on vacation.

Vacation Funds: How Much to Spend on Vacation According to Travel Writers

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Like any good college students (we attended the University of Miami), my friends and I had long talked about going on a trip to party together when we turned 21.

Our Vegas Girls Trip Made It Out of the Group Chat. Here’s How Much It Cost

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I’ve never had any interest in going to Oktoberfest.

I Spent 4 Days at Oktoberfest in Munich and This Is What It Cost

Design by Maitane Romagosa

The biggest irony of freelancing is that while you’re “free” to make your own schedule, it can be nearly impossible to take time off.

I Spent 7 Days in Costa Rica and This Is What It Cost

My brother is getting married in Buenos Aires next year, and when he and his boyfriend decided to go check out wedding venues, three friends and I decided we should tag along—for quality assurance purposes, of course.

I Spent 8 Days in Buenos Aires and This Is What It Cost

I’m a different person when I’m at Disney World.

I Spent 6 Days at Disney World and This Is What It Cost

My husband and I have been traveling with our four kids since before they could walk, and it’s clear they’ve caught our case of wanderlust.

I Spent 8 Days with 4 Kids in Daytona Beach, Florida and This Is What It Cost

My partner and I have dreamed about going to Paris since the early days of our relationship.

I Spent a Romantic Week in Montreal and This Is What It Cost

Every summer, I pile two of my kids into my minivan with a cooler full of snacks, a giant duffle bag, and a suitcase.

I Spent Four Days at Dollywood With My Kids and This Is What it Cost

It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to visit Machu Picchu.

I Spent 4 Days at Machu Picchu and This Is What It Cost

With historic cities like Samarkand and Bukhara, Uzbekistan has emerged as a top destination for tourists wanting to explore Central Asia—including me during a recent trip.

I Spent an Entire Week in Uzbekistan and This Is What It Cost

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Earlier this year, my family and I planned a trip to Nashville to see Auburn University play a postseason football game against the University of Maryland in the TransPerfect Music City Bowl.

I Went to My Alma Mater’s Postseason Football Game and This Is What It Cost

This summer, my family and I planned a summer trip to the OG of national parks: Yellowstone.

Our Vegas Girls Trip Made It Out of the Group Chat. Here’s How Much It Cost

Find dazzling hotels along the Strip, luxe brunches with skyline views, and splashy pool parties with celebrity musical performances in Las Vegas.

I Spent 4 Days at Oktoberfest in Munich and This Is What It Cost

Bavarian beer and traditional eats add up during one of Germany’s best-known festivals.

I Spent 7 Days in Costa Rica and This Is What It Cost

I rarely take vacations, but I decided to see if I could pull off a trip to Costa Rica on a $1,000 budget. Here’s how I did.

I Spent 8 Days in Buenos Aires and This Is What It Cost

Asado dinners, red wine, and yerba mate can certainly add up!

I Spent 6 Days at Disney World and This Is What It Cost

In my regular life, I’m careful with my spending. At Disney World, not so much. Here's how I did on a $1,795 budget.

I Spent 8 Days with 4 Kids in Daytona Beach, Florida and This Is What It Cost

With young kids, it’s easiest to be beachfront—but it takes some creative planning to be able to afford it.

I Spent a Romantic Week in Montreal and This Is What It Cost

My visit to Canada's cultural capital was filled with incredible food, art, and history, but could I stay on budget while packing it all in?

I Spent Four Days at Dollywood With My Kids and This Is What it Cost

The Pigeon Forge theme park is popular for a reason—but you can still maximize your visit without going into debt.

I Spent 4 Days at Machu Picchu and This Is What It Cost

Visiting this bucket list spot takes a chunk of time, but costs less than you might think.

I Spent an Entire Week in Uzbekistan and This Is What It Cost

I spent millions of Uzbeki som—but the conversion rate played out in my favor.

I Went to My Alma Mater’s Postseason Football Game and This Is What It Cost

The chance to spend another football game in the stands with fellow alumni was worth every penny.

I Spent 6 Days in Yellowstone National Park and This Is What It Cost

America’s first national park is popular for a reason—but is it really worth the money?