Which place is cheaper, San Francisco or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Francisco?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Francisco 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.
Where Should I go: Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Francisco?
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.
San Francisco
San Francisco is a beautiful city that is famous for it's picturesque neighborhoods, liberal character, and stunning location on the bay. Some people describe San Francisco as the United State's most "European City." This title most likely comes from its compact development and its easy walkability. It also has no shortage of parks and public spaces where you can pass some time. The city sits on the end of a peninsula and offers stunning views of the blue bay, rolling green hills, and the striking Golden Gate Bridge.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $10San Francisco $222
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10, while the average daily cost in San Francisco is $222. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Francisco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $4.07San Francisco $130
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $8.14San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Francisco
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Francisco? 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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices and San Francisco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.55San Francisco $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Taxi from Airport$0.13
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Local Bus$0.00
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Metro Ride$0.00
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Taxi to airport$0.03
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Taxi$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Transfer from Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires City - ROUND TRIP: $263
- Rojo Tango Show with private transfers in Buenos Aires: $259
- Shore Excursion: Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $250
- Private City Tour & Transfer to the International Airport: $250
- Rojo Tango Show: Skip the Line Ticket including Private Transfer: $250
- Ministro Pistarini Airport to Gualeguaychú Round Trip Transfer: $241
- Rojo Tango Show Ticket with Private Transfers From Port & Hotels in Buenos Aires: $229
- Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $222
- Transfer from EZEIZA or AEP Airport + Private City Tour: $210
- Querandi Tango show Vip with private transfer: $210
- LOCAL AIRPORT TRANSFER (AEP) ROUND TRIP with english speaking driver: $200
- Private Transfer Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) In Buenos Aires: $185
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Francisco
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in San Francisco:
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Taxi to SFO$45
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Golden Gate Bridge Toll$6.00
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Alcatraz Tour$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Francisco
Also for San Francisco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Luxury Transfer in San Francisco: $130
- Airport Transfer: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to San Francisco: $107
- Arrival Private Transfer SFO Airport to San Francisco City by SUV: $245
- Arrival Private Transfer: Airport SFO to San Francisco in Business Car: $108
- Arrival Private Transfer: Airport SFO to San Francisco in Luxury Car: $169
- Arrival Private Transfer: Airport SFO to San Francisco in Luxury SUV: $141
- Arrival Private Transfer: Airport SFO to San Francisco in Luxury Van: $125
- Arrival Transfer San Francisco Pier to San Francisco City by SUV: $177
- Carmel 1-Way Transfer to/from San Francisco Airport: $535
- Cruise Terminal to San Francisco Airport (SFO) - Departure Private Transfer: $183
- Departure Private Transfer San Francisco to SFO Airport by Sedan: $152
- Departure Private Transfer San Francisco to SFO Airport in a SUV: $203
Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Francisco?
Prices for flights to both San Francisco and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $3.19San Francisco $46
Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Lunch$0.03
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Cup of Coffee$0.01
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Empandas$0.02
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Espresso$0.01
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Dinner (Pizza)$0.01
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Ice Cream$0.01
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Breakfast at Airport$0.04
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Dinner (Sandwiches)$0.01
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Sweets$0.01
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Hot Dog$0.01
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Breakfast (Take-Away)$0.01
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Lunch for 2$0.16
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Cake and Coffee$0.52
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Dinner$1.85
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Powerade$0.11
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Lunch$0.82
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Dinner$1.19
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Chocolate$3.07
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $35
- 3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Guided Cooking Class: $35
- Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
- Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
- Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $39
- Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $40
- Catulo Tango: Tango Show & Folklore with Optional Dinner: $40
- Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
- Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
- Small Group Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Blending: $49
- La Ventana Tango Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $49
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Francisco
For San Francisco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- San Francisco Virtual Food Tour with Local Guide: $19
- North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour: $79
- Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay: $82
- Secret Food Tours San Francisco: $84
- Mission District Food Tour with Tastings: $85
- Farmers' Market & Ferry Building Food Tour: $87
- San Francisco North Beach and Chinatown - Secret Food Tours: $89
- San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour: $89
- San Francisco Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $89
- San Francisco North Beach Food Tour: $89
- Mission District Walking Food Tour: $89
- Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $89
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.28San Francisco $46
Typical Entertainment Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few typical costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)$0.04
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Movie Ticket$0.02
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Tango Class$0.03
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Bar entrance$0.57
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2x1: Día de Campo + Tour Nocturno en Buenos Aires: $220
- Experience the Night of Buenos Aires with electric bikes: $59
- Premium Buenos Aires by Night Small-Group City Tour: $59
- Small Group Walking Tour: Urban Art Palermo: $50
- Small group Yerba Mate Experience with snacks: $35
- 1-hour Paramotor Experience in Buenos Aires Argentina: $100
- 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $127
- 3-Hour Private Street Art Tour in La Boca and Barraca: $45
- 3-Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisian: $45
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour of the Most Exclusive Places: $70
- 5hs Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires (optional street food): $35
- @argentinahighlights Private City Tour in Buenos Aires: $120
Tours and Activities in San Francisco
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Francisco.
- Golden Gate Bridge: Self-guided Tour App - Audio + Written: $5.00
- Self-Guided Golden Gate Bridge Bike or Walking App Tour: $5.00
- Embarcadero Self-Guided Audio Smartphone Tour: $5.99
- Self Guided Chinatown Tour: Food, History and Culture: $5.99
- Leave your heart at the Wharf: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- San Francisco’s Chinatown on foot: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- San Francisco's Barbary Past: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- San Francisco self-guided tour App - multilingual AudioGuide: $6.46
- Food, History, and Resistance: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of Japantown & Stories: $6.99
- The Ghosts of San Francisco Haunted Audio App Walking Tour: $6.99
- Ghosts & Hauntings Audio App Walking Tour: $6.99
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Museums in San Francisco, The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco, and Things to Do In San Francisco on a Rainy Day.
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $1.78San Francisco $22
Typical Alcohol Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Buenos Aires, Argentina from other travelers:
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Beer$0.01
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Beer (0.66L)$0.02
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Cocktail$0.03
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Alcohol$0.65
Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Argentine Wine Tasting in Caminito with Appetizers Included: $30
- Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
- Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $42
- Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
- Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $53
- Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
- Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
- Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $62
- Upscale Asado & Wine Tasting (BBQ): $70
- Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $76
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
Sample the Local Flavors in San Francisco
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in San Francisco:
- Chinatown San Francisco’s Bar Crawl: An Audio Tour: $4.99
- SF Pub Crawl and Clubbing Experience: $27
- Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $35
- Walk with Spirits: A Haunted Pub Crawl in San Francisco: $45
- 2 to 3 Hour Bar Crawl in Castro San Francisco: $49
- Wine Tasting on the Bay: $85
- Private Wine Tour Napa or Sonoma from $99 per person up to 7 & Concierge Service: $99
- Small Group: Ultimate Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour- San Francisco: $109
- Small Group: The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour: $109
- Big Bus Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Tour: $125
- Half-Day Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings: $126
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Buenos Aires, Argentina is in South America and San Francisco 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 San Francisco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Francisco than you might in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive? and Is San Francisco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Francisco?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of San Francisco. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Francisco, 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.
When is the best time to visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Francisco?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but San Francisco has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Francisco in the Summer?
Both San Francisco and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina is a little warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in January average around 25°C (77°F), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C)in July.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in January than San Franciscoin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyBuenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Francisco in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Francisco. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.
In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally around the same temperature as San Franciscoin October. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (65°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than San Franciscoin October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Francisco in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as San Francisco. Also, many travelers come to San Francisco for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is a little warmer than San Francisco in the winter. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C)in January.
Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in July than San Franciscoin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBuenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)San Francisco 50°F (10°C)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Francisco in the Spring?
Both San Francisco and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina is a little warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October average around 18°C (64°F), and San Francisco averages at about 58°F (14°C)in April.
It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than San Franciscoin April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)San Francisco 58°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for San Francisco and Buenos Aires, Argentina
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | San Francisco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (1 mm) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
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.