Which place is cheaper, Cancun or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Athens or Cancun?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Cancun. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Athens
Athens is a ancient, vibrant, and energetic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.
Cancun
Cancun is a wild, party-hard, and tropical city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.
Athens and Cancun: Pros and Cons
Athens
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Big city activities
- Home to the Acropolis
- Less popular with couples
Cancun
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Nice resorts
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for food
Is there more to do in Athens or Cancun?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens than Cancun, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Athens is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and big city activities, while Cancun is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Cancun is more touristy than Athens and is known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. Athens is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis.
The Acropolis
How is Athens different from Cancun?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cancun and Athens. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Athens or Cancun?
Athens
Cancun
Athens is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.
The museums and tourist attractions in Athens are world-renowned. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cancun can be an interesting and educational experience. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.
Is the Food Better in Athens or Cancun? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Athens
Cancun
Athens is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Athens has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.
There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cancun area. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.
Is Athens or Cancun Better for Nightlife?
Athens
Cancun
The vibe at night is first-rate in both Athens and Cancun.
The nightlife in Athens is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.
Cancun is a world class party destination. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.
Is Athens or Cancun Better for Resorts?
Athens
Cancun
Cancun is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Athens is not a resort destination.
Vacationers flock to Cancun for its luxury resorts. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.
Athens is not a resort destination.
Is Athens or Cancun Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Athens
Cancun
Cancun is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Cancun. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.
Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Athens or Cancun Better for Beaches?
Athens
Cancun
Cancun is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.
Cancun offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.
Athens is not a beach destination.
Is Athens or Cancun Better for its Old Town?
Athens
Cancun
Athens is renowned for its old town. However, Cancun does not have a historic old town.
The old town of Athens is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.
Cancun does not have a historic old town.
Is Athens or Cancun Better for Hiking?
Athens
Cancun
Cancun is a good destination for hiking. However, Athens is not a hiking destination.
Cancun offers some nice hiking trails. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.
Athens is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Cancun?
Athens
Cancun
If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Cancun both offer plenty of good spots.
Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.
Cancun is a great destination for shopping. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.
Is Athens or Cancun Better for Families?
Athens
Cancun
Cancun is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.
With a huge array of activities for kids, Cancun is very family-friendly. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.
Athens is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.
Is Athens or Cancun Better for Couples?
Athens
Cancun
Cancun is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.
Cancun is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.
Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.
Is Athens or Cancun Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Athens
Cancun
Athens is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.
With so many budget-friendly offerings, Athens is extremely popular for backpackers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.
Cancun is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.
Is Athens or Cancun Better for Students?
Athens
Cancun
Athens is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cancun is not popular with students.
Athens is very popular with students. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.
Cancun is not popular with students.
Is Athens or Cancun Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Athens
Cancun
Athens is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.
The public transit in Athens can get you around easily. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.
You'll find some public transit in Cancun, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.
Is Athens or Cancun a more walkable city?
Athens
Cancun
Athens and Cancun are high quality when it comes to walkability.
Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.
Cancun is very walkable. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.
For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Cancun Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Cancun or Athens?
How long in Athens or Cancun?
Both Athens and Cancun have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 4-7 days is enough time in Cancun.
Families should spend more time in Cancun than Athens. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cancun, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Cancun than Athens. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cancun that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Cancun if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Athens.
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How many days in Athens or Cancun? Ideal Length of StayAthens 3-7Cancun 4-7
One day in Athens or Cancun?
Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Cancun. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Athens or Cancun?
Athens is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Cancun is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Five days in Athens or Cancun?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cancun. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A week in Athens or Cancun?
Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the wild destination of Cancun. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €127Cancun €135
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Cancun is €135. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Athens and Cancun in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Cancun €89
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Cancun €178
Compare Hotels in Athens and Cancun
Looking for a hotel in Athens or Cancun? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Athens Hotel Prices and Cancun Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Cancun €16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
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Airport Bus for Two€6.40
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Metro€1.50
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Metro€2.00
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Metro from Airport to City Center€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vip Transfer From/To Piraeus Port - Athens Airport: $274
- VIP Ferry Ticket From Piraeus Port To Santorini & Private Transfer Included: $251
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Athens HTL-APT (ATH): $63
- Transfers and Guided Tours in all over Greece, sightseeing and Private hire!!: $93
- Transfer from/to Piraeus Port and Athens city centre hotel: $41
- Transfer from/to Athens International Airport to city centre: $126
- Transfer from and to Athens International Airport : $42
- Transfer from RAFINA PORT to ALL ATHENS & PIRAEUS HOTELS, up to 4 customers: $97
- Transfer from Piraeus port to Athens Airport and Vice Versa 22:30PM - 06:29AM: $124
- Transfer from PIRAEUS PORT to PIRAEUS HOTELS, up to 4 customers: $45
- Transfer from PIRAEUS PORT to EPIDAVROS, up to 4 customers: $245
- Transfer from PIRAEUS PORT to ATHENS COASTAL ZONE HOTELS, up to 4 customers: $54
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cancun:
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Taxi Around Town€1.53
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Airport Shuttle (for 2)€13
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Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)€15
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Local Bus (for 2)€1.86
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cancun
Also for Cancun, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private RoundTrip Transfer to Xplor Adventure Park from Cancun: $297
- Limo Transfer Airport Cancun - Puerto Morelos Hotel Zone: $279
- Transfers in Lincoln Strecth Limousine with Wi Fi on board: $261
- Round trip private transfer VAN-Airport-Hotel-Airport-Playa del Carmen: $260
- Round trip private transfer VAN-Airport-Hotel-Airport-Puerto Morelos: $260
- Round trip Private airport transfer to Playa del Carmen Flat Rate per vehicle: $240
- Full-Day Tour to Xcaret Plus with Transfer from Playa del Carmen and Lunch: $238
- Airport Transfers to Costa Mujeres - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $231
- Holbox Private Transfer from Cancun Hotels or Airport: $229
- Private Transfer from Cancún Airport (CUN) to Tulum : $224
- Private One Way Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $220
- Private round airport transfer from Cancun - Puerto Aventuras - airport.: $210
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Cancun?
Prices for flights to both Cancun and Athens change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAthens €37Cancun €26
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
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Ice cream€3.00
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Souvlaki€2.20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $24
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $26
- Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
- Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $46
- Greek Street Food Tour: $52
- Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $57
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $60
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $64
- Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $64
- Street Food Tour with 7 Tastings: $65
- Eat like an Athenian food tour of Athens: $65
- Street Food Tour - Sample the Food the Locals Love: $65
Typical Food Prices in Cancun
For Cancun, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two€19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cancun
For Cancun, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Captain Hook: Pirate Show and Dinner Cruise in Cancun: $46
- Mayan Chichen Itza And Pirate Dinner Two Day Experience: $57
- The Ultimate Cancun Taco & Street Mexican Food Tour: $59
- Dinner Show with Pirates! (2x1 Price): $62
- (2x1 price) Dinner Show and Pirates Experience : $63
- (2x1 price) Pirate Night! Dinner, Fun and Show: $63
- (2x1 price)Pirate Adventure! Open Bar, Dinner and Show : $63
- Pirate Show and Dinner (2x1 price)! Best Promo : $64
- Cancun Street Food Tour with Food Stalls, Local Market and Murals: $64
- Private Ultimate Cancun Taco and Street Mexican Food Tour: $69
- Guided Cancun Local Mexican Food Tour: $77
- Cancun Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $78
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Cancun €32
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Ancient Corinth Canal Epidavrous Nafplio Private Tour 8Hours: $206
- Apostle Paul's Footsteps in Athens Christian Private Tour 4Hours: $142
- Athens Gems & Charms for the First Time Cruiser: $76
- Athens Private Day Tour Best place to visit: $274
- Best Food Tasting Tour of Athens, taste 18+ iconic Greek foods! : $87
- DISCOVER ATHENS IN 6HRS Private Tour BEST INTRODUCTION-FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS : $219
- Delphi full day V.R audio guided tour with entry ticket: $48
- EPIDAURUS & NAFPLIO : Private Full Day Tour From Athens 6 Hours : $174
- Essential Athens Highlights Half-Day Private Tour with Flexible Options: $261
- Food Experience in Athens including Unlimited Lunch : $64
- Highlights Athens History Tour: $36
- Layover Private Tour in Athens: $246
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Seasick Pills€0.55
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Whale Shark Tour (for 2)€93
Tours and Activities in Cancun
For Cancun, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- ATV Jungle Adventure with Ziplines, Cenote Transportation Included: $8.00
- Bacalar tour + Lunch + Boat, from Cancun and Riviera Maya: $139
- Catamaran Cruise in Riviera Maya With Snorkeling & Beach Club: $85
- Full Day All Inclusive Catamaran Tour to Isla Mujeres : $99
- Full Day Chichen-Itza, Cenote and Valladolid Complete Tour: $37
- Holbox Island Magic Tour from Cancun : $144
- LDS Tour to Chichen Itza + Cenote : $165
- Party Adventure at Isla Mujeres from Cancun & Playa del Carmen: $93
- Private Tour to Tulum Ruins and Cenotes : $257
- Reef and Sunken Ship Snorkeling Experience in Cancun: $85
- Riviera Maya Luxury Snorkeling Cruise with Lunch and Drinks: $139
- (4x1) Full day tour to Tulum, Coba, Cenote and Playa del Carmen : $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Cancun €12
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- Polykala Distillery showroom. A125 years of history along with liqueur tasting.: $15
- Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $18
- The NightCrawlers | Athens Pub Crawl: $26
- Premium Wine Tastings: $36
- Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
- Athens Wine Tasting: $44
- 1 Hour Private Four Greek Wine Tasting and Food Pairing in Athens: $44
- Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $53
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $54
- Greek food and wine tasting: $54
- 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $54
- Rare Greek Wine Tasting w/Sommelier by the Acropolis: $59
Sample the Local Flavors in Cancun
Also in Cancun, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Social Pub Crawl in Cancun: $37
- Small Group EkBalam Pink Lakes Cenote and Tequila Distillery Tour: $287
When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Cancun, we can see that Cancun is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Athens is in Europe and Cancun is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Cancun Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Cancun?
Athens has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Cancun. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Cancun, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.