Planning a 3-week vacation is an exciting prospect that promises adventure, relaxation, and cherished memories. However, before setting sail into the sunset or exploring uncharted lands, it is essential to craft a well-thought-out plan, specifically focusing on the financial aspect.
A thorough budget helps in ensuring that the vacation is not just enjoyable but also doesn’t strain your finances. The average cost of a 3-week vacation can vary dramatically depending on various factors such as destination, travel style, time of year, and personal preferences.
From the choice of accommodations and transportation to the daily expenses on meals and attractions, each element plays a pivotal role in the overall cost. Understanding that the “average” cost can mean different things to different people, it’s crucial to align your desires and expectations with a realistic budget tailored to your unique vacation aspirations.
This article will give you some ideas on the average cost of a 3-week vacation with information on things to consider. I will also give you an actual budget list depending on the number of people and destinations where you plan to go.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUDGETING FOR A HOLIDAY
There are a few things you have to keep in mind when calculating or planning a budget for your upcoming holiday. The following information will affect your spending:
Number of people
The number of people going on a trip will definitely is the main driver of the cost. Simple, the more people, the higher the cost. However, this depends on the age of the other participants. For example, if you have a baby, you don’t normally have to pay for a flight ticket or an extra room.
But for 12 years old and up, you are required to get your children their own room. And at the age of 2 years old and up, you need to purchase a ticket for your kid on a flight.
On the other hand, if renting a cabin or car, usually these things can accommodation 4 people and more. In a sense, renting a car or a cabin is more expensive if there are fewer people.
Destination and season to go
Next on the list is the destination. Places such as North America, Scandinavia, Western Europe, East Asia, and Oceania are not the most affordable destinations. Especially USA, Canada, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, the UK, France, Japan, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand.
If you plan to go during summer in Europe, the prices get even higher in places such as France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Florida, and the UK. For a skiing trip, the Alps, Northern US and Canada, and Switzerland get busy and the travel cost can be higher.
Affordable destination depends on where you’re from. The income difference between first-world countries and developing ones is massive. A $1,000 trip is a lot of money for a person from Southeast Asia, but an affordable one for a European traveller.
But you also have to consider the distance to travel. Flying from Canada to Thailand is a long trip. That means the flight ticket cost will be high. But for someone who lives in Portugal, going to Greece won’t be too expensive.
Accommodation
Accommodation is often one of the most significant expenses when planning a trip and can greatly impact your budget. The options and costs vary depending on the destination. For instance, in some countries, hotel rooms typically have a single bed, while others may not offer this option.
For solo travellers, staying in dorm rooms can be a cost-effective choice. Not only do dorms usually have lower rates, but they also offer the chance to meet fellow travellers. Just be prepared for the noise that a shared room brings such as snoring and people coming in and out of the room at various times of the day.
However, if privacy and comfort are priorities, one should be prepared to allocate a larger portion of their budget to secure a private room. Additionally, travelling with a companion can be economically advantageous as sharing a room allows for the splitting of accommodation costs.
Ultimately, choosing the right accommodation hinges on striking a balance between your comfort preferences and budget constraints. If you’re a person who enjoys big breakfasts or plans to go on a big day, it’s best to stay in hotels with a breakfast buffet included.
This will save you time and make the most out of your day. For no-breakfast people, best to not book this kind of hotel. There’s no need to pay for a feature that you won’t be needing.
Tours
The average cost of a 3-weel vacation is also affected by the tour or activities you wan ot do. Tours can have a notable impact on a traveller’s budget. Generally, joining a group tour that is open to different participants tends to be more affordable compared to private or solo tours, which offer a more personalized experience but at a higher cost.
For budget-conscious travellers, free walking tours available in many cities are an excellent option. These tours are usually tip-based, allowing you to decide how much you wish to contribute. Another cost-effective and comfortable option is bus tours, which often include audio or live commentary.
These tours not only provide insightful information about the attractions but also save on transportation costs and physical exertion, as they allow you to see the sights without having to walk extensively. Balancing between these options, keeping in mind your budget and interests, can greatly enhance the overall experience of your trip.
When booking a full-day tour, check the itinerary. If there are places covered that you’re not interested in, look for another tour. There’s no reason to pay for something you’re not getting much out of. You can compare renting a car vs booking a tour and see which one is more affordable, just remember that with you driving, there won’t be a tour guide to give you information.
Transportation
Transportation is a crucial factor in determining the overall cost of a trip. Buses often represent the most affordable mode of transport, especially for short to medium distances. Renting a car can be a practical option when exploring less accessible areas or when time flexibility is paramount, though it comes with added costs such as fuel and parking.
For journeys that would take longer than six hours by land or sea, booking a flight can be more time-efficient and, in some cases, cost-effective. If you enjoy a scenic way to get from point A to B, look at trains. They can sometimes be slower and more expensive than a bus, but if you book a ticket for late night or super early in the morning, the tickets are more affordable.
Additionally, investing in a city pass where available can be economical. These passes typically allow unlimited use of local public transportation for a set period and often include discounted or free entrance to top attractions.
For regions such as Southeast Asia, renting a car is not a common practice, but renting a motorbike is a popular choice. It’s more affordable and can be faster. But look at the driving license law and make sure you are an experienced motorbiker.
Strategically planning transportation, considering the trade-offs between cost, time, and convenience, can optimize your budget and travel experience.
Food
Managing food costs effectively is an integral part of budgeting for a vacation. Opting for meals from grocery or convenience stores is often more affordable than dining out. Booking accommodation with a small kitchen can be a strategic move, as it allows for cooking meals, giving you not only cost savings but also the flexibility to prepare dishes according to your preference.
A practical tip for saving on lunch expenses is to purchase essentials like bread, ham, and cheese from a grocery store and make sandwiches. This cuts down on costs and allows for a convenient and quick meal solution, especially when you have a day packed with activities.
You can also save money by booking a food tour. In this way, you can fill your stomach, get a tour, and learn about the country’s cuisine and history. If doing a full-day tour, book one with lunch included. It’s safe to assume that you’re going to touristy places, meaning the cafes and restaurants might be more expensive.
By being resourceful and planning meals ahead, you can allocate more of your budget to unique culinary experiences or other aspects of your trip. You don’t need to eat out every day or choose the most expensive restaurant. Mix it up by eating at a local place for lunch, then treat yourself to something nice for dinner.
Insurance
Securing travel and medical insurance is an indispensable consideration, especially when journeying to destinations like the United States, where healthcare can be exorbitantly expensive. In the US, it can easily cost you thousands of dollars just to visit the emergency room.
While obtaining insurance can seem like an additional expense upfront, it is an investment in safeguarding against unforeseen circumstances. Insurance benefits include saving a significant amount of money and time in case of medical emergencies or travel disruptions.
Furthermore, it provides peace of mind, enabling you to fully immerse yourself in the travel experience without worrying about financial repercussions in case something goes awry.
Some people might consider skipping on insurance when it comes to bringing down the average cost of a 3-week vacation to save some money. That’s really not recommended unless you’re going domestic, where your insurance will still cover you.
Insurance coverage is even more important if you plan to do an extreme sport such as skiing, kite surfing, motorbike riding, renting a car, trekking above 5,000 m (Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal), doing paragliding, to name a few.
Whether it’s medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost baggage, travel and medical insurance offer a safety net that can be invaluable in navigating the unpredictabilities of travel.
Travel equipment
This is only suitable if 1) this is your first time to travel, 2) if you’re travelling during a season such as skiing vacation or hiking, and 3) you’re travelling in a specific style such as camping, van, or backpacking.
You need luggage, hiking poles, camping gear, or a durable backpack for these situations. But if you’re going on a regular trip, you most likely don’t have to spend money on travel equipment.
TRAVEL COST CALCULATOR
Your Budget:Number of Days:
How Many are Travelling:
Flight Cost (per person):
Travel Insurance (per person):
Daily Transport Budget (per person):
Daily Activity Budget (per person):
Daily Hotel Budget (two people):
Daily Food and Drinks Budget (per person):
Others/Miscellaneous Budget (per person):
NOTE: The daily hotel cost usually allows up to 2 adults and 2 children below 13. If you need more hotel rooms, multiply the number of rooms to the daily hotel budget on your input.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF A 3-WEEK VACATION
The word average is hard to define in this situation because a big part of the budget depends on the destination. A 3-week trip in Thailand will cost half what you must spend for a 3-week trip to France. But I will give you some ideas to help you have a starting point when it comes to cost.
For a single person
- Budget: Approximately $1,500 – $2,500. You will be staying in hostels, using public transportation, eating at inexpensive eateries or preparing your own meals, and opting for free or low-cost attractions. A budget traveller typically seeks the most cost-effective options.
- Mid-range: Approximately $3,500 – $5,000. It involves staying in 3 to 4-star hotels or Airbnb, dining at a mix of budget and mid-range restaurants, participating in paid attractions, and using a combination of public and private transport. This category is for travellers looking for comfort and some luxuries without breaking the bank.
- Luxury: Approximately $7,000 – $10,000 or more. This includes staying in 5-star hotels or resorts, dining at high-end restaurants, taking private or luxury tours, and using premium transportation options. Luxury travellers prioritize comfort, exclusivity, and personalized experiences.
For two people
Obviously, more people means more cost. The part that you can mostly save money from is the accommodation. Let’s say you’re already planning to stay in a hotel room. Most private rooms have double or twin beds that accommodate two people.
Now, you can split the cost of the hotel room between two people instead of shouldering the entire price. Another one is car rental. A basic sedan car can seat 4-5 people; this means you can split the vehicle rental cost into 3 or 4 ways.
Bottom line, if you have the budget figured out for one person for a 20-day trip, you can double that and probably less, around 15-20%, which comes from accommodation or car rental.
- Budget: $2,500-$3,500 is a backpacker’s budget where both of you will stay in a dorm or share a private room.
- Mid-range: $5,500-$7,000 is the average cost; you can book a private room and join mid-range comfort when it comes to tours
- Luxury: $10,000-$20,000 or more, where you can enjoy sleeping in high-end resorts, dine at high-rated restaurants, and book premium tours
For a family of 4
Budgeting for a family vacation can be trickier. The average cost of a 3-week vacation for family unit will surely be higher. While the same applies to saving some money on accommodation since you can all share the room, it depends on the age of the children.
Children below 18 years old can generally share a room with their parents without an extra fee. However, that can be uncomfortable for the parents and the children. Around 13 years old, you can book your child their own room. But since they’re still minor, you should request or book two rooms with connecting doors between the rooms.
Bottom line, you don’t need to book an extra room if you’re a family of 4 and the children are still under 13. This will save you some money together with a car rental where you can all share one.
The most expensive will double or triple when it comes to booking plane tickets since as young as 2 years old requires to have their own tickets.
- Budget: Approximately $3,000-$6,000. This involves staying in budget accommodations such as motels, cooking your own meals or eating at inexpensive restaurants, using public transportation, and focusing on free or low-cost attractions.
- Mid-Range: Approximately $7,000-$12,000. This includes staying in 3-star hotels or vacation rentals, eating at a mixture of budget and mid-range restaurants, renting a car or using a combination of transport options.
- Luxury: Approximately $15,000-$30,000 or more
AVERAGE COST FOR A 3-WEEK TRIP PER DESTINATION
It’s not easy to give someone a definitely answer when it comes to holiday budget. But I understand how helpful it can be to have some numbers to start on. Please keep in mind that these budgets are for a single or individual person.
The budget also doesn’t include your flights to the destination and back home, plus your travel medical insurance.
Africa
The costs can fluctuate depending on the destination. For example, travelling in Morocco or Egypt can be less expensive than a safari in Botswana or Tanzania. South Africa and some parts of Tanzania can be the most expensive destinations in Africa.
We have travel itineraries for 20 days in South Africa and 20 days in Tanzania that you can take a look at if you plan to spend your trip in this continent.
- Budget: Approximately $1,500 – $2,500. This includes staying in hostels or budget guesthouses, using public transport, eating local cuisine at inexpensive eateries, and partaking in a limited number of paid activities like national park visits or guided tours.
- Mid-range: Approximately $3,000 – $4,000. This involves staying in mid-range hotels or lodges, occasionally dining at nice restaurants, joining group safaris or tours, and using a mix of public and private transportation.
- Luxury: Approximately $5,000 – $10,000. This category includes staying at luxury safari lodges or resorts, partaking in private guided safaris or exclusive experiences, dining at high-end restaurants, and using private or chartered transportation.
East Asia
The most popular destinations in East Asia are Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. The most expensive would be Japan, followed by South Korea. But for China, it varies a lot since it’s a huge country. In Hong Kong and Macau, accommodation can be the most costly part of holidaying.
Have a look at our travel itinerary for Japan and 3 weeks in South Korea and Japan plan.
- Budget: Backpackers can plan to spend $1,500-$2,500 with plans to spend in a hostel and guesthouse. Use public transportation and book free or budget tours, then a mix of eating at night markets or buying food off vending machines or grocery stores.
- Mid-range: $3,000-$4,500 is a good average plan that allows you to book a 3-star hotel or a private room in a hostel. You can also book a guided tour and eat out at local restaurants.
- Luxury: $6,000-$10,000 if you want to book 5-star hotels, rent a car with a driver, join premium/private tours, and eat at Michelin-star-rated restaurants.
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is one of the most affordable destinations in the world. The travel cost for most countries in Southeast Asia will be similar to those close to one another. However, that’s not true for Singapore, where the cost is closer to Japan or even European-standard.
So, if you’re on a budget, you should skip Singapore and choose a destination where you can stretch your money even further and probably stay in better hotels for less money. Check out our 3 weeks in Southeast Asia itinerary or our list of itineraries for countries in Southeast Asia.
- Budget: $800-$1,000 is a great shoestring backpacker’s budget. Sleep on bunkbeds or book a basic private room in a hostel. You can still eat out on this budget, mostly street food. But you can definitely book tours for as low as $20 for a half-day to full-day trip.
- Mid-range: $1,500-$2,000 will go a long way in Southeast Asia. Your private room will be in the 3-star hotel, which sometimes includes breakfast. Use taxis or private transfers to get around and have lunch or dinner at a decent restaurant.
- Luxury: $2,500-$3,500 will be a luxurious budget. A 5-star hotel here costs around $100 to $130 a night, including a buffet breakfast and spacious rooms. You can book a private tour and do more activities such as diving, boat tours, etc.
South Asia
One thing that stands out for me between Southeast Asia and South Asia is the cost in a specific category. Generally, the accommodation cost is about the same, but the transportation can vary greatly. Plane ticket costs between cities and countries in South Asia can be a bit higher, while land travel is cheaper and takes a lot longer.
But other than that, the food, tours, and other travel cost are about the same. We have 3 weeks in India itinerary and also 3 weeks in Nepal, where you can trek the famous Everest Base Camp trail.
- Budget: around $700-$900, including hostels, local street food, and public transportation.
- Mid-range: around $1,000-$1,700, including 3-star hotels, varied dining options, and participating in tours and activities.
- Luxury: around $2,500 -$6,000, for luxury accommodation, fine dining, and exclusive experiences.
South and East Europe
What I love about South Europe is that it’s only expensive during peak season, which is the summer (May to September). The hotels must be booked in advance, restaurants have to be reserved, and flights are pricier.
But in winter, spring, and autumn, the hotels are half the price, and the flights are back to normal cost. So, if you’re not there during peak time, you can save some time. On the other hand, if your goal is summer season, remember to book your accommodations and flights at least 4 months in advance to have plenty of choices.
We have lots of 3-week itinerary for South Europe and East Europe that you can use for your travel planning.
- Budget: $1,500 -$3,000, including hostels, local eateries, and public transportation.
- Mid-range: $4,000-$6,500, including 3-star hotels, varied dining, and engaging in tours and activities.
- Luxury: $7,000-$10,000 or more, for luxury accommodation, fine dining, and exclusive experiences.
Note that costs can differ significantly between countries; for instance, Greece and Croatia in Southern Europe might be more expensive than Bulgaria or Romania in Eastern Europe.
At the same time, Eastern Europe can also be busy during summer, but the price are still decent. You have to arrange your hotels in advance, but not more than 2-3 months before you arrival. The cost of doing holidya in East Europe is probably around 20% cheaper than South Europe.
North, West and Central Europe
North of Europe or Scandinavia/Nordics are a bit more expensive than Central or West Europe. But I’m putting them in the same category since some costs overlap with one another anyway.
For example, transportation costs in London versus Copenhagen are quite close to each other. But the price of other things, such as accommodations and alcohol (beer and spirits), is noticeably higher.
Renting a car to drive on your own is also recommended for these destinations. You can definitely use the bus or train since the railway and roads in these countries are reliable as they can be. As a whole, Nordics or Scandinavia are one of the most expensive places in the world to spend a holiday in.
- Budget: About $2,500 – $5,000. This includes staying in hostels or budget accommodations, using public transportation, eating at inexpensive eateries or cooking your own meals, and focusing on free or low-cost attractions.
- Mid-range: About $6,000 – $8,000. This involves staying in 3-star hotels or guesthouses, renting a car for more flexibility, dining at a mixture of budget and mid-range restaurants, and participating in paid activities such as guided tours or museum visits.
- Luxury: About $7,000 – $15,000 or more. This includes staying in luxury hotels or lodges, dining at high-end restaurants, taking private tours, and indulging in exclusive experiences like spa treatments or helicopter rides.
North America
I would say that in my experience, it can be a little cheaper in North America (US and Canada), than Scandinavia, but not by much. The food serving was massive, you pretty much need to eat just twice.
Land transportation such as bus, train, and car rental are reasonably priced, but flying domestically is costly. Accommodation is about the same as in Europe, but the quality can be slightly less than the price. There are many free walking tours (tip-based) for those on a budget.
- Budget: $1,500-$3,000. This includes staying in hostels or budget motels, using public transportation or rideshares, eating at fast-food joints or cooking your own meals or doing take-out rather dine dining in due to tip culture, and focusing on free or low-cost attractions.
- Mid-range: $4,000-$7,000. This entails staying in 3-star hotels or Airbnb, renting a car for travel flexibility, dining at a mix of budget and mid-range restaurants, and engaging in paid activities like city tours or visiting national parks.
- Luxury: $7,000 – $15,000 or more. This involves staying in luxury hotels, dining at upscale restaurants, using private transportation or flying between destinations, and indulging in high-end experiences like spa treatments or exclusive tours.
Keep in mind that costs can differ significantly depending on the cities or regions you visit; for example, New York City and San Francisco are generally more expensive than smaller towns or rural areas.
Central America/Caribbean
The Caribbean can be tricky, and most people are already convinced it’s expensive due to cruises. While that’s true, it’s not always the case. It can be costly if you sign up for a cruise, but if you plan your own DIY trip, the price can be brought down 3x less. Here’s our compilation of Central America itineraries.
- Budget: $1,800-$3,500, which includes budget accommodations, eating at local eateries, and using public transport.
- Mid-range: $4,500-$6,000, including mid-range hotels, dining at various restaurants, and participating in multiple activities.
- Luxury: $7,000-$9,000 or more for staying in luxury resorts, private boat tours, fine dining, and indulging in exclusive experiences.
South America
South America is the most affordable region in the Americas. But still, that depends on the destination. Chile and Argentina are known to be not-so-budget-friendly. However, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador are great for backpackers or people who want to maximise their budget.
- Budget: $1,20 -$2,500, including staying in hostels, eating local food, and using public transportation.
- Mid-range: $3,000 – $5,000, including 3-star hotels, dining in various restaurants, and engaging in tours and activities.
- Luxury: $8,000-$10,000 or more, entailing luxury accommodations, fine dining, and high-end experiences.
Oceania
A vacation budget for Oceania (Australia and New Zealand) is similar to North and West Europe and North America. A budget of $150 to $200 a night per person is reasonable. It’s also recommended to rent a car to save some money and time during your trip.
- Budget: Around $2,000-$3,500 will be a tight budget, but it’s doable. You can save money by renting an RV or van where you can also sleep.
- Mid-range: $2,500-$3,500 for a mid-range plan allows you to sleep in mid-range hotels, but you can splurge a little on food and tours.
- Luxury: $6,000-$12,000, which is a super comfortable budget. A luxury hotel, comfortable transportation, and top-notch restaurants to enjoy.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE AVERAGE COST FOR A 3-WEEK VACATION
In conclusion, crafting a well-thought-out budget for your 3-week holiday is essential in ensuring a satisfying and stress-free experience. You can balance indulgence and thrift by allocating funds wisely across various categories such as accommodation, transportation, food, activities, and contingencies.
It’s important to remember that the value of a trip is not solely in the luxuriousness of your accommodations or the exclusivity of your activities but in the richness of the experiences and the memories you create. Consider unexpected expenses, and always have a buffer in your budget.
Whether you’re a backpacker on a shoestring budget, a mid-range traveller looking for comfort, or someone seeking luxury, a well-planned budget is your roadmap to a holiday that meets your expectations without breaking the bank. I hope I was able to give you an idea of the average cost of a 3-week vacation trip.
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