Which place is cheaper, Chiang Rai or Krabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Krabi or Chiang Rai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Krabi and Chiang Rai can help you decide which place is right for you.
Krabi
Krabi is a vibrant, colorful, and stunning town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is a charming, cultural, and beautiful city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Krabi and Chiang Rai: Pros and Cons
Krabi
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Nice resorts
- Popular beach
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less popular for food
Chiang Rai
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Is there more to do in Krabi or Chiang Rai?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Chiang Rai. Although Krabi and Chiang Rai are popular destinations, Chiang Rai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chiang Rai is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Krabi attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Krabi is famous for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market. Chiang Rai is famous for its intricate temples, unique cuisine, and being the gateway to the Golden Triangle. It is also well known for Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple).
How is Krabi different from Chiang Rai?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chiang Rai and Krabi. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Krabi or Chiang Rai?
Krabi
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.
Travelers visit Chiang Rai from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The Old City is filled with breathtaking temples and cultural sites. Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) is an iconic sight, but you should also visit the Black House, and Wat Rong Seua Ten (the Blue Temple). Wat Tham Pla is the Monkey Temple and has a dramatic effect with its steep staircase. It's a short drive from Chiang Rai, but worth the trip as it's overrun with monkeys.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Krabi can be an interesting and educational experience. In the area you'll find mountain top temples such as Wat Tham Suea and natural spots such as Khao Khanap Nam Cave. In town there's the stunning Wat Kaew Korawaram temple as well.
Is the Food Better in Krabi or Chiang Rai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Krabi
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Chiang Rai has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The regional cuisine is famous for its unique dishes and flavors. It's slightly less spicy than the southern Thai cuisine and the dishes are rich in flavor. Northern Thai sausage is a must-try dish, as is Khao Soi Curry, and Khao Soi Gai Nong (coconut curry and chicken soup).
Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Krabi. It's not particularly known for its culinary scene, but Krabi Town does have great street food and a lively night market. For some of the best restaurants, head to Chao Fah Road.
Is Krabi or Chiang Rai Better for Nightlife?
Krabi
Chiang Rai
The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Krabi and Chiang Rai.
With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Krabi. There's a decent live music scene, but in general the town is quiet at night. There's also a good night market.
Chiang Rai has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The small city has a laid back nightlife scene with a number of bars and cafes along Jetyod Road. You'll find a mix of expats and locals, without the usual backpacker crowds that are common in some cities.
Is Krabi or Chiang Rai Better for Resorts?
Krabi
Chiang Rai
Krabi is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Chiang Rai is not a resort destination.
Not known for its high-end resorts, Krabi offers a few options. There's no real beach in town, so the better resorts are found at nearby beach towns.
Chiang Rai is not a resort destination.
Is Krabi or Chiang Rai Better for Beaches?
Krabi
Chiang Rai
Krabi is a decent place to visit for the beache. However, Chiang Rai is not a beach destination.
You can check out the beach in Krabi. The town itself has no beach, so you'll need to take a day trip to nearby Railay Beach or Ao Nang.
Chiang Rai is not a beach destination.
Is Krabi or Chiang Rai Better for its Old Town?
Krabi
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Krabi does not have a historic old town.
There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Chiang Rai. The Old City is filled with intricate temples and impressive beauty. The area is very walkable and you can easily visit the famed Wat Ming Muang, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Phra Singh.
Krabi does not have a historic old town.
Is Krabi or Chiang Rai Better for Hiking?
Krabi
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is very good for its hiking trails. However, Krabi is not a hiking destination.
Many people include a hike when visiting Chiang Rai. Head out of town to Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall if you want to enjoy some hiking. It makes an easy half day trip.
Krabi is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Chiang Rai?
Krabi
Chiang Rai
Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Krabi and Chiang Rai.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Krabi. The town's night market is fun to explore. There's also the popular Krabi Town Walking Street (where you'll find the night market) as well as some larger stores and small malls near town.
Chiang Rai is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Local markets, night markets, and souvenir shops with handcrafted goods all make shopping a fun experience. Head to the Night Bazaar or the Walking Street for some of the best experiences.
Is Krabi or Chiang Rai Better for Families?
Krabi
Chiang Rai
You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Krabi or Chiang Rai.
Krabi is a very family-friendly destination. The town makes a great base for island hopping and exploring the province of Krabi. Nearby you'll find Krabi Fun Park, which includes a ropes course. There are also caves nearby to explore and plenty of stunning natural beauty.
Chiang Rai is a very kid-friendly town. There are parks and outdoor spaces to explore such as Singha Park and the Garden of Reeds. For a little bit of silly fun, check out Nava Land Water Park and if you want to get out of town a bit, you'll find some great hiking nearby at Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall.
Is Krabi or Chiang Rai Better for Couples?
Krabi
Chiang Rai
Both Krabi and Chiang Rai are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.
Krabi makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's easy access to many beautiful areas with caves, viewpoints, and beaches. Krabi Walking Street also has great restaurants and a lively night market.
Couples visit Chiang Rai frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beautiful temples, impressive gardens, and an authentic Thai experience all make this a romantic and fun destination for couples.
Is Krabi or Chiang Rai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Krabi
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.
Chiang Rai is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There is no shortage of affordable hostels around town. There are also enough backpackers around to keep things fun but not so many that the local vibe is lost.
It's common for backpackers to visit Krabi. The town has a more local vibe, as many backpackers head on to Ao Nang or Railay Beach. You'll find affordable accommodation here though, as well as easy access to some great excursions.
Is Krabi or Chiang Rai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Krabi
Chiang Rai
Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Krabi and Chiang Rai.
Public transit is mostly limited in Krabi. There's no real public transit so you'll need to get around by rental car, motorbike, or songthaew truck (pickup trucks with seats in back).
Public transit is generally limited in Chiang Rai. Tuk tuks and taxis are your best bet for getting around town in a vehicle.
Is Krabi or Chiang Rai a more walkable city?
Krabi
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.
Chiang Rai is very walkable. The old city is easy to explore on foot.
Krabi is a somewhat walkable place. There's a walking street and a few parts of town that are relatively walkable.
For even more information, also check out Is Krabi Worth Visiting? and Is Chiang Rai Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Chiang Rai or Krabi?
How long in Krabi or Chiang Rai?
It's fun to spend time in either Krabi or Chiang Rai. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Chiang Rai due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Krabi, and 2-4 days is enough time in Chiang Rai.
Families should spend more time in Chiang Rai than Krabi. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Chiang Rai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Chiang Rai than Krabi. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chiang Rai that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chiang Rai than Krabi 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 Chiang Rai.
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How many days in Krabi or Chiang Rai? Ideal Length of StayKrabi 2-3Chiang Rai 2-4
One day in Krabi or Chiang Rai?
With museums and nightlife around the vibrant town of Krabi, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
In Chiang Rai, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
A weekend in Krabi or Chiang Rai?
With nightlife and food around the destination of Krabi, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Rai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Five days in Krabi or Chiang Rai?
Krabi, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Chiang Rai is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Chiang Rai. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
A week in Krabi or Chiang Rai?
Krabi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Chiang Rai. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKrabi $55Chiang Rai $39
The average daily cost (per person) in Krabi is $55, while the average daily cost in Chiang Rai is $39. 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 Krabi and Chiang Rai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKrabi $36Chiang Rai $17
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKrabi $72Chiang Rai $34
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Chiang Rai
Looking for a hotel in Krabi or Chiang Rai? 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: Krabi Hotel Prices and Chiang Rai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Krabi $3.80Chiang Rai $3.18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Krabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Krabi are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$8.18
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Short Tuk-Tuk Ride$2.73
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2 Bottles of Gasoline$2.18
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Longboat Taxi from Town$5.46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krabi
Also for Krabi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Van Phuket Airport Transfer to Patong Beach Area (SHA Plus): $37
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to TRI TRANG BEACH: $33
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to SURIN BEACH: $28
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to SIRAY BAY: $39
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to ROYAL YACHT HAVEN: $28
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to ROYAL PHUKET MARINA: $28
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to RAWAI BEACH: $42
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to PHUKET TOWN: $30
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to NATAI BEACH: $39
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to NAITHON BEACH: $26
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to NAIHARN BEACH: $39
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to LAYAN BEACH: $24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Rai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Chiang Rai:
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Bus to White Temple$1.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Rai
Also for Chiang Rai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- SUV Private car Chiang Mai transfer to/from Chiang Rai: $149
- Private Transfer from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai: $83
- Private Transfer Chiang Rai Airport to and from Mueang Chiang Rai: $41
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chiang Rai International Airport to Hotel: $20
- Private Airport Transfer in Chiang Rai: $22
- Private Transfer From Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai: $122
- Private Airport (CEI) Transfer to Hotel: $22
- Chiang Rai Airport: Transfer To Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai: $77
- Chiang Rai Airport (CEI): Private Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer: $32
- Chiang Mai Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Saen Border: $141
- Chiang Mai Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Rai: $119
- Chiang Khong Border Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Mai: $159
Is it cheaper to fly into Krabi or Chiang Rai?
Prices for flights to both Chiang Rai and Krabi 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 dayKrabi $13Chiang Rai $12
Typical Food Prices in Krabi
For Krabi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.82
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Drinks on the Beach$6.55
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$17
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Nice Dinner (for Two)$30
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Mango Shake$1.36
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Pad Thai$2.73
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Fruit from the Market$1.64
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Pancakes$2.73
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Coffee & Cake$2.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krabi
For Krabi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Smart Cook: $36
- Snorkeling and Sunset Dinner Trip From Krabi: $37
- 7 Islands Sunset Tour with BBQ Dinner and Snorkeling: $37
- 7 Islands Sunset Tour with BBQ Dinner & Plankton: $37
- Evening Thai Cooking Class at Ya's Cookery: $39
- 4 Islands Sunset Longtail Boat Tour with BBQ Dinner: $41
- Seven Islands Snorkel Cruise with Dinner: $41
- Authentic Thai cooking class with market tour: $42
- Krabi Thai Cooking Class: $43
- Krabi 4 Islands Sunset Premium Service Trip by Speedboat + BBQ Dinner: $43
- 4 Island Sunset Tour by Luxury Longtail Boat with BBQ Dinner: $44
- Thai Charm Cooking School Krabi: $44
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Rai
For Chiang Rai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Private Thai Cooking Class in Chiang Rai: $33
- 1 Day Trekking Group Tour With Bamboo Cooking / Chiang Rai: $47
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class with organic ingredients: $50
- Chiang Rai Private Cooking Class - Cooking With Ann: $57
- Jungle Adventure-Group Trekking & Bamboo Cooking: $68
- Chiang Rai by Night with Show, Dinner and Trishaw Ride: $82
- Chiang Rai City Tour with Dinner and Show: $86
- Chiang Rai by Night: Incredible Temples, Market and Northern Dinner: $128
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Krabi $10Chiang Rai $7.38
Typical Entertainment Prices in Krabi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Krabi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Thai-English Book$9.00
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Thai Massages (for Two)$22
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Bikini & Sarong$16
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Yoga Class (1 Hour)$12
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Backgammon Set (travel size)$6.82
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Kayak Trip (for Two)$52
Tours and Activities in Krabi
For Krabi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Full Day Guided Tour in Bor Thor Caves and Mangroves : $146
- Phi Phi Islands Tour with Bioluminescent Planktons from krabi: $78
- 1 Hour Horse Riding Tour On The Beach Krabi: $43
- 2 Hour Horse Riding Tour On The Beach Krabi: $60
- 2-Hour Clear Kayak Illuminated Night Tour in Krabi: $61
- 4 Island Joint Tour by Speed Boat from Krabi: $46
- 4 Island Speed Boat Adventure by Sea Eagle Tour from Krabi: $34
- 4 Island Sunset Snorkeling Cruise + bioluminescent Night Snorkel: $103
- 4 Islands Day Tour from Krabi with Tub, Chicken, Poda Island & Phra Nang Cave: $51
- 4 Islands Full-day Tour from Krabi with Tub, Chicken, Poda Island & Phra Nang: $54
- 4 Islands One Day Tour From Krabi: $28
- 4 Islands Snorkeling Tour by Longtail Boat from Krabi with Walk on Tombolo: $28
Tours and Activities in Chiang Rai
For Chiang Rai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Sightseeing Join Tour Chiang Rai / PICK UP ONLY IN CHIANG RAI: $30
- 4 Days Mae Hong Son Loop Motorcycle Tour from Chiang Mai: $1,406
- Ancient City Tour from Chiang Rai including Golden Triangle and Royal Villa: $152
- Ancient City Tour from Chiang Rai with Golden Triangle Royal Vila: $132
- Ancient City Tour from Chiang Rai with Golden Triangle and Royal Villa: $89
- Ancient City Tour from Chiang Rai with Golden Triangle and Royal Villa: $125
- Chiang Rai - Temple Tour: $154
- Chiang Rai City and Temples Tour: $66
- Chiang Rai Food & Night Market Walking Tour with Local Host: $71
- Chiang Rai Food & Night Market Walking Tour with Local Host: $57
- Chiang Rai Food & Night Market Walking Tour with Local Host: $57
- Chiang Rai Night Tour by TUK TUK: $57
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKrabi $4.34Chiang Rai $8.32
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krabi
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Krabi are as follows:
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Beer$2.45
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Cocktails (for Two)$8.18
Sample the Local Flavors in Krabi
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Krabi:
- Railay Pub Crawl: $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Krabi and Chiang Rai, we can see that Krabi is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Rai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chiang Rai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Rai 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 Krabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Krabi than you might in Chiang Rai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Krabi Expensive? and Is Chiang Rai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Krabi or Chiang Rai?
Chiang Rai has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Chiang Rai, 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.