Which place is cheaper, Calgary or Bangkok?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Bangkok or Calgary?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Calgary can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Bangkok
Bangkok is a cultural, alluring, and spirited capital city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Bangkok is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Bangkok travel costs.
Calgary
Calgary is a western, local, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Calgary travel costs.
Bangkok and Calgary: Pros and Cons
Bangkok
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Fun shopping
- Known for its beauty
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw
Calgary
Pros- Family-friendly
- Less museums and historical sights
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular for shopping
- Less popular with couples
- Less popular with backpackers
Is there more to do in Bangkok or Calgary?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Bangkok than Calgary. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bangkok is famous for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. It is also well known for The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw. Calgary is famous for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.
How is Bangkok different from Calgary?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Calgary and Bangkok. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bangkok or Calgary?
Bangkok
Calgary
Bangkok is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Bangkok are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with golden temples and beautiful statues of Buddha. Famous landmarks include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Temple of the Golden Buddha.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calgary. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.
Is the Food Better in Bangkok or Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Bangkok
Calgary
Bangkok is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.
Many restaurants in Bangkok have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has many colorful markets, street food vendors, and a range of restaurants from casual to high end. The aroma and beautiful flavors of local dishes are a big part of the experience in this city. Dishes that you must try include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (shrimp soup), and Gaeng Daeng (red curry). Many foods are very spicy so make sure you order with "no spice" if that is your preference.
Calgary may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.
Is Bangkok or Calgary Better for Nightlife?
Bangkok
Calgary
Bangkok is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.
The nightlife in Bangkok is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Cheap drinks, late nights, and crazy parties make this city a favorite for backpackers and young party-goers. Head to Khao San Road for the biggest crowds and crazy parties. Nana Plaza is another option with a three story building that is filled with bars and clubs.
If you're looking for night time activities Calgary has a few options to choose from. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.
Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Calgary?
Bangkok
Calgary
Bangkok is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.
The abundance of shops in Bangkok make it a world-class shopping destination. Shopping options range from modern malls to more traditional markets. The malls offer bargain prices for technology and gadgets while the markets offer fabric, food, local goods, and a unique experience. The city also has nearby floating markets as well as night markets, which let you experience a different side to the culture.
Calgary has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.
Is Bangkok or Calgary More Beautiful?
Bangkok
Calgary
Bangkok is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.
The beauty of Bangkok is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The temples and energy are what give this impressive city it's own form of beauty.
Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.
Is Bangkok or Calgary Better for Families?
Bangkok
Calgary
Bangkok is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Bangkok is a very kid-friendly capital city. This city is full of energy and kids will love the vibrant atmosphere. There are colorful temples, spirited markets, and kid-friendly museums. It's good to choose a hotel with a pool, as temperatures can get hot during the day. Kids will also enjoy having new experiences like riding in a tuk tuk or taking a boat ride. There are also a number of amusement parks and entertainment centers around town.
Calgary offers lots of family activities. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.
Is Bangkok or Calgary Better for Couples?
Bangkok
Calgary
Bangkok is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.
Bangkok is a great capital city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This is a great city for couples who enjoy culture, food, partying, and soaking up life. Wandering the grounds of the stunning temples, sampling food at the markets, or taking a boat cruise will all make memorable experiences.
Calgary is a good capital city for couples to visit. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.
Is Bangkok or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Bangkok
Calgary
Bangkok is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Bangkok. This part of the world is a mecca for backpackers, and many arrive or depart from this city. It's filled with hostels and budget accommodation, as well as entertainment, bars, tours (and even scams so stay alert). The most famous backpacker area is around Khao San Road, where you'll find parties, bars, street food, and large crowds. If you're looking for a slightly more mellow vibe, you should consider a different area like Phaya Thai.
Plenty of backpackers visit Calgary. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.
Is Bangkok or Calgary Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Bangkok
Calgary
Bangkok is well known for its public transit. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.
Public transit in Bangkok can get you to some places easily. The Skytrain and Metro are the most efficient way to get around. The city's crazy traffic can make buses and taxis a bit frustrating, but tuk tuks are also a fun option.
While Calgary offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.
Is Bangkok or Calgary a more walkable city?
Bangkok
Calgary
Bangkok and Calgary both are reasonable when exploring on foot.
Bangkok is generally not very walkable. The crowds and size make walking a bit challenging, so it's best to plan your day in advance.
Calgary is generally not a very walkable capital city. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.
For even more information, also check out Is Bangkok Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Calgary or Bangkok?
How long in Bangkok or Calgary?
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bangkok or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bangkok than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Bangkok, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.
Families should spend more time in Bangkok than Calgary. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Bangkok, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Bangkok than Calgary. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bangkok that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bangkok than Calgary 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 Bangkok.
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How many days in Bangkok or Calgary? Ideal Length of StayBangkok 2-7Calgary 1-2
One day in Bangkok or Calgary?
Because Bangkok is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This capital city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
In Calgary, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.
A weekend in Bangkok or Calgary?
Because Bangkok is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bangkok has to offer.
In Calgary, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Calgary has to offer.
Five days in Bangkok or Calgary?
Bangkok is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bangkok has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
Calgary is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
A week in Bangkok or Calgary?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bangkok. Because Bangkok is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calgary. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Calgary. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.
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Bangkok Prices
Thailand PricesCalgary Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBangkok $97Calgary $172
The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $97, while the average daily cost in Calgary is $172. 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 Bangkok and Calgary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBangkok $46Calgary $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBangkok $92Calgary $142
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and Calgary
Looking for a hotel in Bangkok or Calgary? 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: Bangkok Hotel Prices and Calgary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bangkok $5.99Calgary $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.32
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Skytrain Ticket$4.64
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Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$0.93
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Ferry Ride$0.75
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Taxi From Airport$7.25
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Short Taxi Ride$2.61
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Boat Taxi$1.45
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Trains to airport$4.64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- BKK Airport to Pattaya hotel 100% Electric Private Transfer: $89
- Affordable Bangkok Airport Transfer: $22
- Airport Transfer Camry/Fortuner or Similar : $45
- Airport Transfer Luxury Sedan Mercedes E Class BMW 5 Series: $78
- Airport Transfer to or from Hotel in Bangkok (Private Transport): $55
- Airport Transfer: Don Mueang/Suvarnabhumi ⇄ Bangkok City: $72
- Ancient City (Mueang Boran) Entrance Tickets With Hotel Transfer: $47
- Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Trat/ Koh Chang: $129
- Arrival Private Transfers from Bangkok Airport BKK to Bangkok in Business Car: $76
- Ayutthaya Cultural Triangle City Tour with Transfer: $64
- Ayutthaya: Private transfer from/to Don Muang Airport (DMK): $84
- BKK Airport - Hua Hin/Cha-am 100% Electric Private Transfer : $108
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:
- Arrival Private Transfer: Calgary Airport YYC to Calgary in Business Car: $115
- Arrival Private Transfer: Calgary Airport YYC to Calgary in Luxury Van: $137
- Banff (Canmore) to Calgary Airport | Private Transfer: $216
- Banff/Canmore to Calgary or YYC Airport Private Transfer: $213
- Banff: Private Transfer to Calgary Airport or Calgary: $143
- Calgary Airport Transfer to/from Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise: $43
- Calgary Airport to Banff (Canmore) | Private Transfer: $216
- Calgary Airport to Banff Thermal Resorts Private Arrival Transfer: $259
- Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Drumheller: $217
- Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Edmonton: $506
- Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Fernie, BC: $520
- Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Golden BC: $506
Is it cheaper to fly into Bangkok or Calgary?
Prices for flights to both Calgary and Bangkok 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 dayBangkok $34Calgary $52
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
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Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$26
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Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$5.80
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2 Rotis (Bread)$1.30
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Mango & Sticky Rice$0.87
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Lunch at KFC (for Two)$5.80
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Pad Thai$2.03
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Airport Lunch for 2$16
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Lunch for 2$22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- White Orchid Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $21
- Baiyoke Observation Deck with Lunch/Dinner Buffet: $23
- Michelin Guide Street Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: $24
- River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $25
- Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise Ticket: $25
- Meridian Sunset Dinner Cruise - Floating Paradise From ICONSIAM Bangkok: $26
- Smile Riverside Dinner Cruise: $27
- Unicorn Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise: $27
- Smile Riverside Cruise Luxury Buffet Dinner from Bangkok: $27
- Calypso Cabaret Show with Thai Set Dinner: $28
- Chao Phraya River Cruise with Indian Buffet Dinner: $28
- Sunset Royal Galaxy Dinner Cruise with Bangkok Landmarks : $29
Typical Food Prices in Calgary
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:
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Bread, Chips, Cheese$7.84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Calgary
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Calgary.
- Sushi Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Calgary: $63
- Pasta Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Calgary: $63
- Light Brunch & Food Tour at Calgary Farmers' Market WEST: $80
- Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $128
- Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bangkok $17Calgary $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Movie Ticket$4.64
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Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$10
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Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.45
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Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$5.80
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Club Cover Charge$11
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Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$70
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Fish Pedicure$4.35
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Wat Pho entrance ticket$2.90
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Siriraj Museum (2)$12
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bangkok Hidden Treasures: A Self-Guided Urban Adventure: $2.60
- Bangkok Chinatown Eats: A Self-guided Audio Tour: $5.13
- Mad Monkey Bangkok City Session - Walking Tour: $5.40
- Chinatown by Night Walking Tour in Bangkok: $6.42
- Bangkok's Wireless Road: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Pororo Aqua Park Entry Ticket: $8.76
- Bangkok Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Ancient City Bangkok and Erawan Museum Tickets: $9.84
- Wat Pho Reclining Buddha Self-Guided Audio Tour (entry not incl.): $10
- Skip the Line: Patpong Museum Guided Tour : $11
- Bangkok Express Tour: Temple of Sun and Reclining Buddha: $11
- Ancient City and Erawan Museum Ticket from Bangkok: $11
Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary
Here are a few typical costs in Calgary for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Stampede Admission (for 2)$21
Tours and Activities in Calgary
Here are a few actual costs in Calgary for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tips-Based City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour: $2.53
- Downtown Calgary a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.64
- Calgary's Beltline District: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.64
- Explore the Stampede City with Walking Tours in Calgary: $6.64
- Sam Centre Calgary Stampede Museum Ticket: $7.22
- Discover Calgary with 3 Unique Smartphone Audio Walking Tours: $15
- Fun Selfie Experience in Calgary: $18
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Calgary with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
- Calgary Downtown: 2-Hour Introductory Walking Tour: $21
- Classic Mural Tour of Calgary: $37
- The Connaught Mural Tour of Calgary: $37
- Victoria Park Mural Tour of Calgary: $37
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBangkok $5.21Calgary $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
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Beer$1.16
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- Pub Crawl: $17
- Mad Monkey Bangkok Pub Crawl: $18
- Bangkok Pub Crawl: $18
- Bangkok Pub Crawl and Clubbing Experience: $25
Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary
Also in Calgary, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Calgary Brewery and Wine Tours at Award Winning Venues: $82
- Brewery Tour: $87
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Calgary, we can see that Calgary is more expensive. And not only is Bangkok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bangkok is in Asia and Calgary is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Bangkok would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bangkok and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Calgary would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Calgary than you might in Bangkok.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bangkok Expensive? and Is Calgary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Calgary?
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Calgary. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Calgary, 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.