We compiled the costs related to 5 enriching summer vacations for this year in the thrifty sense:
Camping in a National Park, US:
time-lapse photography of river
Photo by Hendrik Cornelissen on Unsplash
- Transportation: Round-trip gas if driving, approximately $100-$200 depending on distance and vehicle efficiency.
- Accommodation: Campsite fees, approximately $15-$30 per night. For a week, that's about $105-$210.
- Food: Groceries for cooking on a camp stove or fire, approximately $50-$100 for the week.
- Activities: National Park admission, approximately $35 for a 7-day pass.
- Total Estimated Cost: $290-$545
Backpacking trip in Europe (one week in two cities, let's say Berlin and Prague)
- Transportation: Round-trip flight to Berlin, about $600-$1000. Train from Berlin to Prague, about $20-$50.
- Accommodation: Budget hostels, approximately $20-$30 per night. For a week, that's $140-$210.
- Food: Budget meals, approximately $10-$20 per day. For a week, that's $70-$140.
- Activities: Museums, historic sites, etc. can range from free to $20 per visit. A week's worth of activities could be $50-$100.
- Total Estimated Cost: $880-$1500
Road trip along the California coast:
body of water during daytime
Photo by Luise and Nic on Unsplash
- Transportation: Round-trip gas if driving, approximately $150-$300 depending on distance and vehicle efficiency.
- Accommodation: Budget motels or campgrounds, approximately $60-$120 per night. For a week, that's about $420-$840.
- Food: Eating out and groceries, approximately $20-$40 per day. For a week, that's $140-$280.
- Activities: Beaches are free; parks, tours, and attractions may cost $10-$20 each. For a week, this could be $50-$100.
- Total Estimated Cost: $760-$1520
Exploring New York City:
Empire State building
Photo by Emiliano Bar on Unsplash
- Transportation: Round-trip flight, approximately $200-$400 depending on location and when you book.
- Accommodation: Budget hostels, approximately $50-$70 per night. For a week, that's $350-$490.
- Food: Eating out, approximately $20-$40 per day. For a week, that's $140-$280.
- Activities: Many free sites; museums, Broadway shows, tours may cost $20-$100 each. For a week, this could be $100-$200.
- Total Estimated Cost: $790-$1370
Volunteer abroad with a program like Workaway or WWOOF (e.g. in Costa Rica):
- Transportation: Round-trip flight, approximately $300-$600 depending on when you book.
- Accommodation: Often included with volunteer program, $0.
- Food: Often included with volunteer program, but budget $50-$100 for eating out.
- Activities: Depends on free time; nature activities are often low-cost or free, but budget $50-$100 for tours, etc.
- Total Estimated Cost: $400-$800
water falls in the middle of green trees
Photo by sterlinglanier Lanier on Unsplash
