Question

I’m trying to avoid doing research so I’m asking, anyone here go to Austin for vacation and has about a family of 5? I need to save but I have no clue how to research for a vacation budget. If I could just have a number like $5, 000 then I can save up to that. But there are so many, many variables! It’s so overwhelming. We never travel so I can’t even start researching. It’s also extremely time consuming. Any tips?  

Answer 1

We are currently planning our trip to San Antonio/Austin for April! This will be my third time budgeting for a trip . and this is my third trip where I will only be using cash ! what I’ve learned: Budget for the following: -Airfare (try leaving and coming back on a Tuesday ! Southwest is Good ! Frontier is also a good pick! But i would def research prices here ! Don’t just settle on a plane ticket . look! Look! Look! -Car Rental (don’t forget to budget in taxes and holding fee! ) -Gas - if you choose to use a rental car don’t forget to budget gas ! -Hotel ( try Booking. com or Hotel. com or even AirBnB) *sometimes trying to stay in a place that has a kitchen where you can prep food there and bring it with you. OR finding a spot that has Bfast included can help -Uber (if you’re thinking about it) go on the app or site and try to estimate costs of Uber fees by putting in your starting and finishing destination -Eating out- sometimes I’ve even gone as far as looking up menus and getting price info but plan wisely here ! **This and miscellaneous stuff is where it can add up ! ** Misc(souvenirs, attractions etc)- Go on line and try to get prices of different things to do in the area and if you’re a souvenir person try to save 50-100. 00 if you want souvenirs . i try to stay limited here since in the past I’ve gone hard core with souvenirs . now I’m good with a magnet and maybe a shirt lol BEST TIP: Save all receipts! At the end of the day if you’re not too tired keep a running list of how much you spent in a notebook. This may sound time consuming but it HELPs! I’ve traveled a lot and i wish i did this during my countless list of trips ! And this will also help you on future trips   Hope this helps !  

Answer 2

**also i try to do a budget amount and at the end of the trip I’ll do an “actual spent” amount **

Answer 3

I live in Austin and there are so many free activities! When people come visit us we don’t spend any money on activities. -walk Congress -zilker park -Mount Bonnell -green belt -the Capitol building -endless hikes I would budget 10$ per person for breakfast, $15 for lunch and $20 for dinner though because we are all about food here.  

Answer 4

I live in Austin too and it depends on if you plan on renting a car or if you want to rely on public transit. There is one bus line (20) that starts/ends at the airport and takes you into the downtown area. I don’t recommend it late at night but daytime is perfectly fine and only $1. 25/person one way.